Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

Melissa's POV

With its small halls carved into the stone, the temple appeared darker the further we went within. Our route was illuminated only by the dim glow of the engravings on the walls. Dennis led the way with a torch, while Damon strolled quietly next to me.

"This location feels... Dennis whispered, "Alive," his voice echoing off the old walls.

I held the journal in my palm and nodded. "It seems to be observing us."

A crystal hovered over a pedestal in the middle of the larger room we entered. A gentle, golden light surged through it, sending shivers down my spine.

"Is that it? With a quiet voice, Damon inquired.

"It must be," I murmured, taking a step forward.

The air became heavy, practically humming with power as I got closer to the crystal. The crystal's brightness appeared to brighten in response to my presence.

Damon cautioned Melissa to exercise caution.

Dennis gave a nod. "Yeah, we could blow this place up if we touch that thing."

I turned to look at them again. "I must. If this reveals more about my abilities and the prophecy... I must know.

Even as Damon's jaw tensed, I persisted.

I put my hand out and touched the gem. The world around me abruptly turned into light as a feeling of warmth swept through my body.

My heart raced as a deep, rich voice filled the room around me.

The voice was calm but authoritative as it said, "Melissa." "You are a hybrid of two different universes. The strength of the ancient wolves and the purity of the angelic creatures are carried in your blood.

"What is meant by that? With a quivering voice, I inquired.

I had visions of wolves rushing under a starry sky, their howls mingling with the hum of the cosmos. I noticed a golden-light-emitting entity directing them while standing between them.

The speaker went on, "You are the bridge. "The one destined to bring peace and bring the broken packs together."

"Or destroy them," I muttered, recalling the earlier vision.

The voice said, "Yes." "Your decisions will shape the future. Either embrace your strength or let fear rule you. You have the freedom to select the course.

I returned to the chamber as the crystal's warmth subsided. Both Dennis and Damon had their eyes fixed on me with worry.

"What took place? Dennis inquired. "You stood there for a full minute like a statue."

With trepidation, I inhaled. It resonated with me. The crystal provided me with information about my ancestry.

Damon scowled. "What was said?"

"That I'm a bridge," I muttered. Between the celestial beings and the old wolves. However, it also stated that I must choose... One that might bring the wolves together or drive them apart.

The prophecy weighed hard on my shoulders, but I didn't have time to think about it.

The crystal pulsed once more as I spoke, its light getting brighter and brighter. The voice then came back into the room.

"Watch out, Melissa," it said. "Your immense power does not come without consequences. Be cautious of betrayal, yet have faith in those who support you. The road ahead is paved with hazards.

"Danger? Dennis repeated, taking a step toward the crystal. That is beneficial. Would you mind being more detailed?"

The voice became weaker as the crystal pulsed one last time.

"Remember, you have a choice. The destiny of your people can only be determined by you.

The crystal became quiet as the light faded.

What does "trust but be wary" mean? Damon's tone was stern as he asked. Is it referring to us?"

My chest constricted as I said, "I don't know." However, we cannot disregard this caution. It stated that everything will depend on my decisions.

Dennis folded his arms. "No pressure at all."

Dust and tiny rocks began to fall from the ceiling as a deep rumble rocked the room.

"What was that? Dennis's eyes darted around as he asked.

Damon grabbed my arm and said, "The temple." It's falling apart. We must leave this place immediately!"

The ground shook under our boots as we turned and raced. As we went by, the once-majestic carvings on the walls began to disintegrate and fracture.

"In this manner! Dennis yelled and ushered us to the door.

However, a sizable portion of the ceiling collapsed as we approached the main hall, obstructing our passage and sending it tumbling to the floor.

"We're confined! Panic rising in my voice, I said.

Damon calmly stated, "No, we're not," despite the confusion. "There is an alternative. Come with me.

As the vibrations intensified, we turned down a narrow path, the walls pressing in.

"More quickly! Dennis looked over his shoulder and urged.

But then it took place. A sharp fragment of stone sliced into Damon's leg as he staggered.

"Damon! I ran to his side and sobbed.

Despite having a pale complexion, he clenched his teeth and responded, "I'm fine."

With my heart racing, I responded, "You're not fine." "We can't abandon you in this manner."

"There's no time," he stated firmly. "You must not give up."

"I won't abandon you! I said, my eyes hurting from the tears.

Dennis paused and glanced between us. "We must relocate, Melissa. None of us will leave if we remain here.

I felt conflicted. Damon was seriously hurt, but the temple would bury us alive if we didn't depart right away.

The earth beneath us trembled violently once more, and I decided what to do. "Help me carry him, Dennis!"

However, as we raised Damon, the ceiling above us started to crumble and a loud crack reverberated throughout the temple. When I realized we might not make it out in time, my breath caught.

The visceral flash of despair ignited inside me as the ceiling broke apart. Deep within me, my powers hummed as they awoke in response to my feelings. I looked at Dennis, whose resolute eyes never faltered, and Damon, whose face was white but defiant.

I closed my eyes and reached deep, whispering furiously, "I'm not giving up."

I released a surge of energy that extended outward in the form of a golden barrier. The falling stones struck the barrier and came to a halt in mid-air, appearing to be held in place by an unseen force.

"Hey, Melissa! Dennis yelled, gazing in wonder. "What are you doing?"

"I'm not sure! I sobbed as my strength was being depleted by the struggle to maintain the barrier. However, I can't continue like this indefinitely. Now get moving!"

We moved ahead, Dennis at Damon's side, my barrier shielding us from the cascading rubble. Every step felt like a struggle against gravity and time.

We got close to the exit when the golden light began to flicker. I gritted my teeth even as my eyesight clouded and fatigue pulled me down. Right now, I couldn't allow us to fail.

"We're almost there, Melissa! Dennis pleaded.

With a thunderous roar signalling the temple's ultimate fall, the barrier crumbled and we emerged into the open air. We were out of breath and fell to the ground.

But relief gave way to dread as I raised my head. Raven stood silhouetted against the moonlight on a nearby hill.

His icy smile sent shivers down my spine as he clapped gently. "Good job, young harbinger. However, the party is only getting started.