Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

Melissa's POV

In the dim darkness, the trees in front of us seemed dark and unwelcoming. As I guided the party farther into the forest, my heart raced. The weight of what we were undertaking overshadowed Damon's normally confident demeanour as he strolled beside me. The others trailed closely after, walking carefully.

Damon indicated thin tracks in the soil and stated, "We're getting close." "They're new."

I nodded while firmly holding my dagger's hilt. My chest constricted with anxiety, and each stride felt heavier.

Dennis. He couldn't have deceived us, could he?

One of the scouts cried out, "Melissa." "This way."

I rushed over to kneel next to him. He had discovered a tiny, well-kept path that led to a cabin that had been abandoned.

"This was not previously present," the scout stated.

Damon scowled. "It appears that someone has been using it as a gathering place."

I inhaled deeply. "Let's go. Remain silent and near.

The cabin appeared a dilapidated, dark building that seemed to have been forgotten by the passage of time. We kept our distance, crouching behind a bushy clump. Faint but definite voices came from inside.

"Rogues," said Damon in a whisper.

My stomach rumbled. Dennis might be with the rogues if they were present. We slithered closer, and I gestured for everyone to be silent.

I saw multiple persons seated around a poorly lit table through a gap in the wooden walls. Raven's voice was harsh and powerful, and his presence was obvious as he towered over the others.

Raven stated in a sarcastic tone, "The time is near." "The pack is not strong. We'll attack at daybreak when their focus is split. The others will disperse like scared puppies as their Luna falls.

I felt a chill go through me. Dawn. It wasn't that far away.

Then I caught sight of him. Dennis' face was unreadable as he stood at the edge of the crowd. My heart tightened.

"No," I said, hardly believing what I was seeing.

Damon's face darkened as he drew in closer. He's with them. I warned you that he was untrustworthy.

"Wait," I murmured in a shaky voice. "We have no idea why he is there."

Damon's displeasure was evident as he shook his head. How much more evidence do you require, Melissa? He and Raven are standing together. He is now one of them.

However, I was unable to accept it. Not quite yet.

We listened while the rogues carried on with their discussion, assembling their strategies. They discussed their ultimate objective of overthrowing our pack, as well as their secret weapons and clandestine allies.

Dennis remained silent, but he also didn't go. More than anything, that silence was painful.

I made my choice when the gathering eventually separated.

I stood up and said, "I'm going to talk to him."

Damon took hold of my arm. "Are you insane? You cannot simply enter their camp!

"I must," I demanded. "I need to hear from Dennis if he is really against us."

Damon paused, then let out a sigh. "All right. However, I will accompany you.

"No," I firmly answered. "He'll flee if he spots you. Let me handle things by myself.

Damon nodded reluctantly, but it was obvious that he was worried. "Take caution," he said.

With my pulse pounding, I entered the clearing. Dennis stood close to the camp's perimeter, gazing out into the woods.

I called softly, "Dennis."

His eyes widened in surprise as he turned. Melissa? Why are you here?

I tried to speak steadily as I said, "I should be asking you that." Dennis, what's going on? You're with them, but why?

After looking around, Dennis gestured for me to follow him away from the other people. We came to a stop close to a group of trees, far enough away that nobody could hear us.

His voice was heavy as he said, "Melissa." "You ought not to have arrived here."

I yelled, "Don't do that," as my annoyance boiled over. "Avoid acting as though this is about me. It was you who departed. Raven and you are the ones standing together.

He looked torn as he ran a hand through his hair. "That's not what you believe."

"Then tell me about it!" I insisted. Because it appears that you have betrayed us at this moment. Betrayed me.

Dennis' shoulders slumped as he winced at what I said. Melissa, I'm doing this for you. For the group.

"For the pack?" Incredulous, I repeated. By cooperating with the outlaws? By assisting Raven?

His voice broke as he continued, "It's not that simple." "The true threat is not raven. The prophecy is connected to something larger and more sinister. He would have pursued you had I not joined him.

I gazed at him, finding it difficult to comprehend what he had said. "What are you discussing?"

Dennis stepped forward; his eyes beseeching. The pack is not the only thing mentioned in the prophecy. Melissa, it's about you. Your lineage. Raven thinks you have the key to releasing an ancient force that has the potential to wipe out everything. I had to decide what to do.

My voice was shaking as I added, "And you chose them."

He retorted, "I decided to keep you safe." "Even if it means supporting Raven." I can't do it alone, but I'm attempting to prevent something worse from occurring.

His remarks were heavy and ambiguous as they hovered in the air.

A rustling sound sounded from behind us before I could reply. Dennis tensed up, reaching for his weapon.

"Time is running out," he declared hurriedly. Melissa, you have to go. Should they spot you here.

"Elissa!" Damon's words broke the tension with a loud boom. His face was enraged as he stepped out of the darkness.

"What are you doing?" Glaring at Dennis, Damon demanded. "Are you paying attention to him?"

"Damon, please stop," I murmured, moving to the side.

Damon yelled, "No, Melissa." "He is telling lies. He's attempting to control you.

"I'm not," Dennis stated firmly. "But there's one thing you're right about—time is running out."

His face was solemn as he turned to face me. "You must make a decision, Melissa. Do you think I'm trustworthy?

The weight of the question was bearing down on me, hovering in the air like a storm cloud.

A wolf's loud, desperate howl rang out across the darkness in the distance. The outlaws were moving.

Furthermore, I was unsure of whom to trust.