Chapter 147: The Duel of Eclipses

Melissa’s POV

The sky darkened.

It seemed languid and creeping, as though the moon itself delayed before obscuring the sun, rather than abrupt. The shadows grew longer. The light dimmed. As if holding its breath, the air became heavy.

It was this.

The holy eclipse.

The combat of the gods.

Thousands stood still throughout the valley. Spirits, fae, shifters, witches, and vampires. Everyone is observing.

Everyone is waiting.

For me.

As well as for her.

The gods themselves had carved the sacred stone circle, and I stood in the middle of it. Underfoot, the ground shone. My skin was buzzing with power like ice and fire.

Then I caught sight of her.

Selene.

My identical twin. My mirror. My shadow.

She was dressed in dark robes with silver thread embroidery that glistened in the moonlight. She had a strong violet shine in her eyes. Her long hair seemed to be caught in a silent wind and drifted around her.

"You arrived," I murmured.

"You didn't think I would?" Even though her voice was icy, I could hear the shudder beneath it. "Isn't that fate?"

"No," I replied. "It's a decision."

I lost sight of the crowd. Only she was present.

As well as myself.

The sky turned pitch-black as the last of the sunlight disappeared.

The duel was underway.

Like stars erupting, our powers collided.

Beams of silver blasted from her hands. With the goddess power pulsing through my blood, I deflected with golden waves. The wind howled. The ground trembled. The ground shook under our feet.

It was more than simply power, though.

Memories struck me like lightning as we battled.

Her face when she was a child, cuddled up next to me in a cradle. Before we parted, she laughed in the woods. Her eyes were filled with horror as they removed her.

"You were selected!" she said as she slashed her blade across the air. "They didn't tell me anything!"

"I had no idea!" Our swords clanged like thunder as I yelled, deflecting the blow. "They didn't tell me!"

"They filled you in on everything. You were cherished. I was overlooked!

I felt a surge of energy from her. I ducked, but it burned through my skin and scraped my arm. I let out a painful gasp, but I continued.

I held her look while whispering, "I would have told you everything." "I would, even immediately."

For a heartbeat, she froze.

Then her face contorted.

"You are not allowed to pardon me."

I flew backwards as she shouted and released a wave of evil force.

My body jolted with pain as I landed hard.

I pushed myself up even though my vision was blurry.

Now, Selene was floating above the stones, silver fire illuminating her whole body. The globe was trapped in darkness as the eclipse peaked overhead.

She was crying.

I could see her crying despite the power radiating from her.

"Stop, Selene." I stepped up and pleaded.

"What keeps you standing?" She said. "Why didn't you terminate me?"

I said, "Because I still see you." "Not the shadows. It wasn't the goddess's fault. You.

She shuddered.

Her abilities wavered.

I saw her, the sister I never had the opportunity to adore, for a single minute.

She said, "I don't want to fight anymore."

The silver light dimmed.

However, then—

Her eyes widened abruptly.

An explosion of divine rage erupted from her breast. Like a hurricane, power whirled around her.

She cried out, "No!" "I will never lose again!"

Once more, the blackness engulfed her.

Then she ran.

I struck my blade on hers.

My bones were shaken by the force.

Our weapons sprayed sparks. Shadow and light collided. I was unable to contain myself any longer.

We battled like ferocious storms. Blood, flames, and cries.

Then—a gap.

She let her defences down.

Time slowed.

I saw her face: exhausted, scared, and desperate.

I instinctively moved my blade.

Her chest was punctured by it.

"No!" I went to my knees and shouted, catching her as she collapsed.

Selene's eyes softened and expanded.

"Melissa," she murmured.

The eclipse came to an end.

The world was filled with light.

However, I wasn't gazing up at the sky.

I had my eyes on my sister.

I have blood in my arms.

I hugged her tightly while my vision became blurry with tears. "Don't abandon me."

She opened her mouth.

"Thank you."

Then she became still.

I let out a yell.

The kingdoms listened to it.