Chapter 208 1/2 AURORA I stumbled backward , the weight of the groves truths heavy upon my chest .
The glowing green eyes of the figure seem to pierce through me , its words echoing in my mind like a haunting darkness .
The grove does not give answers , only truths .
Before I could utter a word , the ground beside me shook wildly .
Branches shot out from the roots , slimy and cold , wrapping around my ankles .
I screamed , trying to tear myself free but their grip tightened , hauling me closer to the corrupted roots .
The pendant at my chest surges abruptly , its light zing like a star .
The branches recoil their hiss like a thousand whispers , long enough for me to break free .
I stumbled to my feet , my breathing fast .
You must go , now ! Liriens voice thundered , the calm reced with urgent intensity .
I dont need to be told twice .
I ran .
The grove that was so serene and beautiful now twists around me like a living nightmare : Chapter 208 2/2 Surges of relief course through me as I lurch toward it in uneven steps .
I reach the edge and copse to my knees , the pendants light winking out as I cross the boundary of the grove .
The air feels lighter , the suffocating energy of the grove lifting a little .
But before I can catch my breath , a voice cuts through the silence .
Aurora .
I froze , my heart pounding as I turned toward the sound .
Dane stands just inside the mist , his expression conflicted .
His shoulders are tense , and his eyes flicker with emotions I cant quite read .
Youre not leaving without me , he says softly , stepping closer .
Relief at seeing him floods through me , but its short lived .
The grove reacts almost instantly .
The mist thickens around him , curling like wed fingers .
The ground trembles beneath his feet , the vibrations spreading through the air like a low growl .
You shouldnt havee , I said , my voice rising in worry .
The grove doesnt want you here .
Dane looks at me , his face set with determination .
I couldnt let you do this alone .