Chapter 144: The Realm Council

Chapter 144: The Realm Council
Melissa’s POV

I had never seen a chamber like this before.

Golden spheres drifted high above me, softly illuminating the round marble flooring. The stone beneath our feet had ancient marks that pulsed with silent power, symbols from every otherworldly race.

I was in the middle.

By themselves.

They stood around me, watching: shifters, some in human form, some half-shifted, growling low; witches in long robes humming with magic; vampires towering tall with inscrutable, hard features; and leaders of the fae courts with shimmering wings and eyes like stars.

The Realm Council.

Centuries had passed since it had accumulated.

Now, though, it had come back because of me.

I said to myself, "I don't belong here."

At the circle's edge, Kane stood. Even from a distance, I could feel his warmth. Zephyr and Lydia also observed, attentive and tense.

There was a tall fairy queen. She spoke in a cool, silky voice.

She stated, "We don't get together for tradition." "But for a choice."

A vampire king gave a low hiss. "She ought to lose her authority."

A silver-haired witch held up her hand. She is too risky. She caused the skies to shatter.

“She saved us all,” a shifter elder snarled.

Voices rose.

Arguments.

Charges.

Kudos.

I listened while standing motionless, my heart racing.

The fae queen then resumed her speech. Melissa Cade. Go ahead.

I inhaled.

And did as instructed.

The queen declared, "You possess the strength of a goddess." "And you are a threat because of that."

A vampire gave a nod. "Excessive power always results in violence."

"She's more than just strong," a witch countered. She was selected. The prophecy—

"Devastation was another warning in the prophecy."

I took a look around. Everyone on the council was talking over each other. My name is jumping back and forth. Some people are upset. Some people are scared. Some, optimistic.

However, none of them noticed me.

Just the strength I possessed.

Just the harm I could do.

Kane snarled and moved forward. "She is not your adversary."

He was blocked by a guard.

I extended my hand. "Cease."

I spoke steadily. I controlled the energy that raced through me.

"I'll talk," I said.

Everyone fell silent.

People looked at me once more.

With my heart pounding in my chest, I stepped forward once more.

"I am aware of how I appear to you," I started. "I am aware of who I have become."

They remained silent.

I continued.

"I didn't request this authority. I didn't plead to be picked. As a girl, I experienced rejection. Broken. Lost.

A few faces flashed with emotion.

However, I made it through. I got into a fight. And each time I had the opportunity to succumb to the darkness, I chose not to.

A vampire's eyes narrowed. "You almost did."

I gave a nod. Indeed. I almost did. Since I'm not flawless. I've felt afraid. Furious. mourning.

I gave Kane a quick look.

However, I had individuals who helped me remember who I was. I experienced love.

Once more, the room was silent.

I took a stride toward the middle. "I could ruin everything." You're correct. However, I decided not to. Unity is my choice. Redeeming myself is my choice. I pick us all.

A few of them shuffled uneasily.

Others leaned in.

This is not merely a divine ability. It is a human. It contains every bit of suffering and optimism I have ever harboured. And you're not only punishing me if you take it away from me. You're penalising everyone I've stood up for.

A second went by.

Then another.

“She speaks true,” said a fae prince in a whisper.

The vampire king remained silent while crossing his arms.

Then the goddess arrived for the first time during the entire meeting.

A gleam of light over the room.

They all fell to their knees.

Even me.

Her voice reverberated all around us.

"Let truth, not fear, be the deciding factor."

Emotionally, my chest tightened, and I stood tall once more. "I refuse to flee from this. This power will be with me forever. For the sake of peace.

Examining the others, the fae queen peered. "Do we cast ballots?"

Hands started to raise one by one.

Some are slow. Some people are positive.

More yes than no.

I choked back a sob.

But just as I was beginning to hope for tranquillity...

The air echoed with a startling crack.

The ground shook.

At the chamber's edge, magic pulsed.

A fresh figure entered the circle.

Tall. Wrapped in a veil of darkness. Concealed.

Waves of power rolled off them.

There were gasps in the room.

The goddess froze as well.

The voice of the masked figure was deep. Known. But warped.

They gestured toward me.

Then they said—

"There are other heirs besides her."

Chaos broke out in the council.

I could only look at the disguised figure, though.

Because deep down in my heart...

I sensed it.

They were being honest.