Bound by faith the rise of a rejected mate

 Melissa's POV

 The woodland was silent, with shadows reaching between the trees and the only sound being my heartbeat pounding in my ears. I took a deep breath and tried to stabilize myself. I was here alone to meet Raven. I wanted answers I needed them but I was afraid of what he might say.

 Then I saw him. Raven emerged from behind a tree, his eyes flashing in the dark light. His smile was piercing and unnerving, sending shivers down my spine.

 "Melissa," he said, his tone low and silky. "I knew you'd come."

 "I came for answers, Raven. Nothing else," I answered, attempting to maintain my tone.

 Raven chuckled and tilted his head. "Oh, I'll give you answers... but you may not like them."

 I gulped, but my gaze remained on his. "Then start talking."

 He took a step closer, staring at me with weird intensity. "You come from a line of powerful wolves, Melissa. Your ancestors weren't ordinary, they could alter the destiny of entire packs. They could bring prosperity... or destroy everything."

 I felt my breath catch. Can we change our fate? It sounded impossible. "But why would I have that level of power? "I'm just me."

 "That's what you think," he said, his tone almost contemptuous. "But this power is in your blood. It's been waiting for someone strong enough to awaken it."

 My hands clenched, and an uneasy feeling twisted through my stomach. "And you think I can... control this power? That I'd want to use it the way you do?"

 Raven's smile grew as if he'd been expecting this question.

 "Melissa, you don't understand," Raven murmured. "I'm offering you something greater than this pack could ever give you. Imagine a life where you're not bound by rules, where no one can hold you back. I can give you that freedom."

 I shook my head, attempting to resist the appeal of his words. "Freedom by hurting others? By controlling packs like pieces on a board? No, Raven. That's not who I am."

 Raven's countenance stiffened, but he persisted, his voice becoming more convincing. "You want control over your power, don't you? You don't want to be afraid of it anymore. I can help you with that. With me, you'd learn to use it fully no more limits, no more fear."

 I hesitated, a smidgeon of doubt sneaking in. I desired and needed control over my authority, but not in this way.

 When he noticed my uncertainty, he leaned in closer. "Don't you want to be free, Melissa? To feel the strength that's rightfully yours?"

 I took a wobbly step back, bracing myself. "No. You're not offering freedom, Raven. You're offering control. And I won't let you manipulate me."

 His smile disappeared, and his eyes became frigid. "You're making a mistake, Melissa."

 "Maybe," I responded, raising my chin. "But it's my choice."

 Raven's face contorted with rage. He rushed instantly, his claws gleaming in the faint light. I hardly had time to react, falling back as his hand slashed through the air where I was standing.

 "Is this how you convince people, Raven? By attacking them?" I spat, avoiding another swipe.

 "You're too foolish to see what's on offer! He growled, his voice full of hate. "If you won't join me willingly, then I'll force you to see your potential."

 I felt more energy within me than ever before, bursting to life. I wasn't sure how to control it yet, but I knew I needed to try. I raised my hands, and golden light flashed around my fingertips. The power surged through me, wild and fierce, as if it had its mind.

 Raven attacked again, and this time I raised my hands, releasing a surge of energy. He staggered back for just a moment. I could feel the strength within me expanding, but it was accompanied by flashes—images of unknown wolves and places.

 I gasped and stumbled as the images flooded over me. I saw wolves with blazing eyes leading packs to combat. I witnessed flames and destruction, but also serenity and prosperity. These were my forebears, the ones who had held this power before me.

 "No..." I said quietly. Each memory and vision strengthened me while also tearing me apart.

 Raven's voice broke through the veil. "This is your heritage, Melissa." The ability to shape the werewolf world. Don't you see? With me, you can learn to control it."

 But I knew his definition of control meant one thing: using me as a weapon.

 I tried to keep him off with all my efforts, but the visions kept coming, making me dizzy. Raven closed in, brushing his claws against my arm as I stumbled backwards.

 "You're too weak to manage this strength alone! "He snarled and advanced. Give in, Melissa. Stop battling who you are supposed to be."

 I gritted my teeth, attempting to ignore the anguish and flashes of memories that were flooding me. I could feel my

 energy dwindling and my barriers eroding. I was losing, and Raven knew it.

 Just when I felt I couldn't take it any longer, a voice cut through the chaos.

 "Get away from her!"

 Damon's voice was harsh, and within seconds, he and Lucas stormed into the clearing, their eyes flaming with rage. Raven hardly had time to turn before Damon tackled him and pushed him back.

 Lucas rushed to my side, assisting me to my feet. "Are you alright?" he inquired, his voice full of concern.

 I nodded, despite feeling anything but great. "I... I think so."

 Damon and Raven fought hard, their movements merging with speed and power. Damon's eyes were filled with rage and determination as he struggled to protect me.

 Raven hissed and managed to push Damon back. He glanced at me one last time, his expression full of dark promise. "This isn't over, Melissa," he hissed, stepping back.

 Before I could answer, he faded into the shadows, leaving just stillness. I shook with the weight of his parting words.

 Lucas gripped my hand, speaking softly. "He is gone. "You're safe now."

 But I couldn't get over Raven's parting comments. "You don't know the real enemy yet," he continued.

 I looked at Damon and Lucas, my thoughts racing. If Raven was not the genuine threat, who was?

 As we stood in the clearing, the darkness around us seemed to thicken, as if hiding more secrets. And deep down, I knew this was only the beginning of a far greater battle.