Chapter 109: An essence sacrifice

Melissa’s POV

We felt as though an unseen weight was pushing down on us from the terrible darkness of the Void. I was having trouble keeping my breathing regular, and my heart was racing. Damon was there, offering consolation, but even he was powerless to protect me from the smothering might of the Void.

"Melissa," murmured Damon quietly, his voice piercing the quiet like a lifeline. "You're not feeling well."

Despite my shaky hands betraying me, I immediately replied, "I'll be fine. We have to keep going."

Damon took hold of my arm and turned me to face him. "No, we need to talk." Normally so calm, his blue eyes were filled with dread and something more. Feeling guilty?

"Damon, what is it? I asked, sounding sharper than I meant to.

He paused, then let out a long sigh. "I've been hiding something, Melissa. I've been losing strength ever since we went into the Void.

"What? I tightened my chest as I gazed at him. "What weaker do you mean? How come you didn't tell me?"

He ran a hand through his hair and said, "I didn't want to worry you." However, I can sense that I'm getting exhausted here. I'm not sure how much longer I can endure this.

"No! Panic swelling in my chest, I shook my head. "Damon, you're not going anywhere. Together, we'll figure out a solution. You can't just—

"There's more," he said gently, interrupting. "I've been considering how I could assist you in combating the Void."

"What are you discussing? With a quivering voice, I demanded.

He added, his tone steady despite the weight of his words, "I can transfer part of my essence to you." "It will strengthen your light and give you the strength to resist the Void."

"No," I responded right away, taking a step back. "Not. That might kill you, Damon!"

He looked directly into my eyes and replied calmly, "I know the risks." But Melissa, this is about more than just me. This is more significant than either of us. The Void can only be stopped by you, and I cannot watch you battle by yourself.

I frantically shook my head, tears burning in my eyes. "I won't let you do this, Damon. There must be an alternative. Together, we'll figure things out, but not in this manner. I can't let you go!"

He stepped closer and put a hand on my cheek, whispering, "You won't lose me." But you might lose everything else if I don't do this. Melissa, you're strong, but you need more strength to face the future.

"Please, Damon," I muttered, my voice cracking. "Avoid doing this to me. Stay with me.

The Void's icy, mocking voice slithered through the darkness before he could reply.

"Touching," it mockingly said. But pointless. You can't save one another. Like him, the light you cling to is ephemeral and will soon disappear.

Around us, the shadows changed, creating hideous forms that swayed ominously in the gloomy light. A vision of Damon, motionless and pale, his body disintegrating into ash, made my breath catch.

"No! I yelled, holding onto his arm as though it would protect him on its own.

The laughter of the Void reverberated all around us. "You see? He's doomed. You will also fall when he does.

"I won't let that happen," Damon whispered, tightening his hold on my hand. I have to do this, Melissa. Please have faith in me.

"Don't, Damon! I pleaded, trying to stop him, my voice shaking. "There must be an alternative. Together, we will locate it!"

His expression was calm but determined as he turned to face me. "If there was another option, Melissa, I would take it. There's no time to argue, though. The Void is getting stronger, and we’re running out of options.”

“No,” I repeated, my voice breaking. “You’re not sacrificing yourself for me. I won’t let you.”

He smiled softly, moving a strand of hair from my face. “You’re stubborn, you know that? It’s one of the things I adore about you. But this is my choice, and I need you to let me make it.”

Tears flowed down my face as I clung to his arm. “Damon, please. I can’t lose you. You’re all I have left.”

“You won’t lose me,” he stated firmly, though his voice softened. “Not entirely. If this works, a part of me will always remain with you.”

He closed his eyes and started chanting quietly beneath his breath before I could reply. He was enveloped by a dim golden glow that became stronger with every word.

"Stop, Damon! I sobbed and shook him, but he remained unflinching.

The light intensified, throbbing like a beating heart. Its warmth seeped into me, blending with my brightness to make it shine even brighter.

"Damon! His body started to shake, and I shouted. "Cease this! You're doing yourself harm!"

With a slight smile on his lips, he opened his eyes. It's functioning, Melissa. You've gained strength. You can do this.

"No! I yelled, holding on to him as his legs failed him. His breathing became shallow as he fell into my arms.

My voice trembled as I begged Damon to stay with me. "You dare not abandon me!"

His eyes were tired yet determined as he gazed up at me. "You're... amazing," he whispered. "Go finish this now."

With a sudden surge, the shadows surrounding us reached out like claws for Damon.

"No! I yelled and drew him nearer. However, as the shadows grew thicker and the Void's laughing filled the air, I was unable to hold him.

"Hey, Melissa! Damon yelled, his voice brimming with fear.

"I won't let you leave! I screamed, reaching for him while my light flared.

The voice of the Void echoed, triumphant and frigid. "Now, child of light, he is mine. And you will be shortly as well.

Damon was dragged more into the Void's clutches by the swarming shadows. With a racing heart, I said, "Damon! Wait!"

His light was fading and his body was limp as the darkness encircled him. I felt a wave of panic, but I resisted giving in to the Void. I balled my fists and threw all my energy into the light that burned inside me, the light that Damon had given up so much for.

"Give him up! My voice reverberated through the suffocating blackness as I yelled. My hands shot out a flash of golden light that sliced like a blade into the darkness.

The shadows briefly withdrew as the Void screamed in rage. They regrouped, however, and circled Damon like vultures as soon as they faded.

The Void scoffed, its voice relentless and frigid, "You cannot save him." "He is mine, and you will be mine soon."

"No! I stepped forward and screamed. The tension was tremendous, yet my light flashed brighter. In addition to targeting Damon, the Void was attempting to shatter me.

I couldn't allow that to occur. I wouldn't.

"You cannot take him! I shouted, throwing all of my strength into the light. It pushed back the darkness as it raced ahead. As I struggled to free Damon, I extended my hand and touched his arm.

His eyelids fluttered open and he muttered feebly, "Melissa…."

"Wait a minute! I begged, tears running down my cheeks. "Just wait!"

The shadows' movements became more frantic as they hissed louder. They seemed to be aware that I was winning.

However, the Void was not yet complete.

"You believe you can disobey me? It snarled, its voice echoing in the shadows. "Excellent, kid. Let's see what you can accomplish with your light.

The air became cooler and the ground underneath me shook. The blackness that the Void released was so strong that it seemed as though the air itself was being drawn out.

I staggered, barely able to maintain my equilibrium. I let out a frustrated scream as Damon's body started to elude me.

"No! I won't let you go! My voice broke as I sobbed.

I closed my eyes and summoned the relic around my neck in a desperate moment. I sensed its power stirring as energy surged over its frigid surface.

"Aid me," I muttered, my voice shaking. "Please help me save him, no matter what!"

The energy of the relic surged through me in response. The brilliance of my light was blinding when it burst forth. The shadows flinched back, wailing in agony.

I briefly believed I had won. However, the artefact's energy turned dark and chaotic, and it started to glow menacingly.

"Are you brave enough to reveal my actual strength? A voice murmured in my head.

I froze, caught between the fear of what the artefact's power would unleash and the desperate desire to preserve Damon.

I could still hear the artefact's voice, tempting me with its promise of power. As I gazed at the glowing item, its light both beautiful and scary, my hands shook.

Damon's frail voice pierced my mind, "Melissa." He was living, but not very much.

His pallid face made my heart hurt as I turned to face him. I said, trembling, "Damon, I don't know what to do." "The artefact is requesting that I utilize all of its potential, but I'm not sure if I can trust it."

"You must," he stated in a quiet but forceful voice. Melissa, you underestimate your strength. You are the only one who can manage it.

I paused as the significance of what he had said set in. Could something as strong—and dangerous—as the artefact be under my control?

I had no time to make up my mind because of the Void. Once more, the shadows rose, thicker and more hostile than before.

"You pause, but you still want to beat me? The Void mocked. "Stupid kid. This hesitancy is going to be your downfall.

I made myself stand up straight by clenching my fists. My voice faltered a little when I added, "I'm not afraid of you."

"Then prove it," the Void said, its voice resonating about me as it laughed. If you dare, use your power.

I inhaled deeply, closed my eyes, and concentrated on the relic. In my palms, its energy pulsed, getting stronger every second.

"Show me the way," I muttered, maintaining my composure despite the panic that was rising within me.

In response, the artefact's glow grew brighter. All of a sudden, I saw a map engraved into the air, glowing.

"What is this? I whispered as I looked over the complex symbols and lines.

"It's a path," Damon said feebly, his tone full of wonder. "We are being guided to the centre of the Void by it."

My stomach turned as I gazed at the map. Despite being clear, the path was dotted with caution signs and menacing symbols.

"The heart of the Void…" I said again, my voice hardly audible above a whisper.

Damon looked at me and nodded. That's the end of it, Melissa. However, it won't be simple.

I took a deep breath and fixed my gaze on the map's last caution: "Only one

will leave alive."

When I realized that it would need more than just bravery to reach the Void's heart, my heart fell. The ultimate sacrifice would be required.