Chapter 149: The Departure of the Goddess

Melissa’s POV

Around me, the world was gentle.

Not nearly bright. Not nearly a shadow. Simply remain motionless.

I was no longer in Kane's arms when I opened my eyes. The battlefield was not where I was. I stood at the edge of a luminous staircase that rose into the sky like a route only dreams could travel, fashioned out of stardust and moonlight.

And there was an old, lovely, and well-known temple at the end of the route.

The goddess's temple.

The starting point of it all.

The location where I first came into contact with the power that transformed everything.

I took a barefooted stride ahead, memories reverberating with every step. Like a lover saying goodbye, the wind brushed my skin in a gentle whisper through the silver grass. Above, moonlight illuminated the world, giving it a vibrant shine.

I stopped when I got to the open archway of the temple. The doors automatically opened.

The air inside was warm and buzzing with energy. The floor was glowing with runes. The stone walls glistened with sacred emblems. There was a pool of water in the middle, so clear that I could see the stars reflected in it.

And next to it, she showed up.

The goddess.

Tall. Bright. Commanding, yet not scary. When she spoke, her voice reverberated throughout my chest, and her eyes shone like twin moons.

"Child, you've come so far."

I said, "I wasn't sure I would."

"There's a reason you were picked," she continued. "Not because of your strength. Not for your suffering. However, for your heart.

I suppressed my tears. "So why am I feeling so damaged?"

"Before it can shine again, even light must break."

The whole temple glistened with gentle starlight as she raised her hand.

Melissa, the moment has come. You must make one last decision.

I shook a little as I stood across from her.

The pool in the middle of the temple trembled as the goddess moved forward and made a motion with her fingers. On the surface, two images appeared: one of me towering tall above stars, luminous with divine light, and the other of me strolling barefoot in a field next to Kane, mortal but alive.

She whispered, "You have travelled the way of wolves and queens." "You have taken on the world's burden. I now present you with an option.

She pointed to the representation of the heavenly me. "Stay put. Turn into a goddess. Keep the realms safe. Direct the equilibrium.

Her fingers then went to the second picture. Or... go back. Lead a mortal life. Love. Age. Be at liberty.

My throat constricted.

"Am I going to forget everything?" I inquired.

"No," she said quietly. However, you will have your power. And the world will awaken if it ever needs you again.

Gazing into the mirror, I saw Kane and I strolling hand in hand. I was heartbroken by the way he smiled at me in that image.

"And if I remain?" I inquired.

She declared, "You will never experience pain again." However, you will observe those you care about from a distance. You'll go down in mythology.

I closed my eyes and looked away from the pool.

The decision was not simple.

However, I was already aware of what my heart desired.

And I was more afraid of that than of any conflict I had ever encountered.

I remained silent.

The temple throbbed all around me, demanding that I make a decision. Peace and holy light shimmered down one road. The other blazed with pain, love, and uncertainty.

Then—

"Melissa!"

His tone.

With a start, I turned abruptly.

Like he had torn through time itself to find me, Kane dashed through the entrance of the temple. His breathing was laboured. There was desperation in his eyes, those stormy eyes I had learned to know better than my own.

He stopped in front of me after crossing the lit floor.

With shaky hands reaching for me, he said, "You're here." "I considered... I believed I had lost you once more.

"You didn't," I murmured. "But you might still."

"No," he snapped angrily. "Avoid saying that. Don't say goodbye.

From the edge of the pool, the goddess looked in silence, her presence calm and motionless, but Kane's was blazing, a flame that would not extinguish, not even in the face of eternity.

He took hold of my hand and said, "I don't want you to be a goddess." "I don't care whether we have to reconstruct the planet ourselves or if the sky falls. I desire you. The obstinate, courageous, untidy, attractive you.

My voice broke. "But the realms—"

He answered, "Let them figure it out." Melissa, you've given it your all. Give yourself this one item.

I longed to fall into his arms, to be drawn home by his warmth. However, the divine choice-laden power within me continued to pulse.

I looked upon the goddess. "Will I still be worthy if I leave?"

With a gentle and pleased tone, she remarked, "You were always worthy."

Nevertheless, I was still unsure of my decision.

Slowly, time passed.

The temple fell silent.

I stood between the goddess's unwavering serenity and Kane's shaking palms. In between mythology and love.

Kane said, "You don't need to be a hero anymore." "Just be with me, please."

I nodded, my vision obscured by tears.

I was aware of my option.

I moved in the direction of the goddess. Kane's breath caught, but I turned to face him and smiled at him, a tiny, heartfelt, loving grin.

"Thanks," I replied. "For reminding me of my identity."

"Wait, Melissa—"

I reached up and lightly caressed his face. "When I felt like drowning, you were my mooring."

When the goddess held up her hand, a ray of moonlight fell from the heavens.

She questioned, "You choose a mortal life?"

I said, "I choose love." "And it's okay if that makes me mortal once more."

The light enveloped me like a cocoon of silk. Divine, warm, and blinding.

The light pushed Kane back softly as he sought me.

"Melissa!" he exclaimed.

I took one final glance over my shoulder. Even though my voice was hardly audible, I knew he heard me.

"Remember me."

Then I was gone.

I was completely engulfed by light.

And hush reverberated throughout the temple.