Chapter 211 AURORA But know this : the grove will not forgive hesitation .
Kael steps closer , the silver , blue luminosity of his being like an aura .
His ghostly form shines a little , as if he were stuck between realms .
The weight of so much sorrow and power hums the air around him , weighing upon my chest .
You wear the clothes of my failure , he says in a voice low and full of repentance .
Perhaps I can make amends .
His presence is overwhelming ,manding , yet filled with sadness .
I feel Dane shift beside me ; the tension in him is palpable .
What do you mean , atone ? I ask , the steadiness of my voice showing the whirlwind in my stomach .
Kaels golden eyes lock onto mine .
Let me exin .
I wrap my arms around myself , to steady myself , and to shield from the signs of emotions his words stir .
Chapter 211 Kael winces ; his form shakes , ever so slightly .
2/6 When I first tried to restore the grove , I acted out of fear and pride .
My intent was poisoned , and my sacrifice was partial .
The grove punished me for failing and bound my spirit here to witness the suffering I had inflicted .
He steps closer to him , and his eyes soften ; the towering form almost in the middle of the tree .
I have tried for centuries , have watched the pack pay for my arrogance .
I failed them .
I failed you .
The pulse , like a glow out of the heartbeat , elerates its pulsations inside the heart as if the clinching roots of trees in this ce get tighter and their actions suddenly wild .
So , now what ? I say , my tone rising in frustration .
You think showing up now changes anything ? That Ill just trust you to make it right ? Kaels face doesnt waver .
I know I dont deserve your trust , he says .
But the grove does .
It chose you because you can seed where I failed .
And if I do this ? I press .
What happens to me ? Kaels gold eyes cloud for a moment , and his voice carries Chapter 211 3/6 You would meet the same destiny I so far have faced which is an eternity enved to the grove , your life and essence being one with it to keep its bnce .
He takes one step forward , pushing himself between Kael and me .
And were supposed to take your word for that ? he growls .
Centuries to repair the damage and now you want to y hero ? Kaels head cants a little to the side ; the words fall out measured to restrain his nature .
Your distrust is due .
My presence is as much a test as it is offer .
The grove is a reservoir , answering intent to faith , He continued .
Aurora needs toe to one of two determinations , for rejection .
or eptance .
The earth around us heaves violently , this clearing bing less stable by the second .
The glowing from the heart brightens , casting long fluid .
shadows that seem to twist and turn like living things .
I turn to Dane , his jaw clenched in anger and concern , before .
looking to Kael , his ghostly form radiating sorrow and hope in equal measure .
The weight of the groves fate , and my own threatens to buckle my shoulders .
I cant just … leave this , I say , my voice breaking .
Chapter 211 If I walk away , the grove dies .
The pack suffers .
All of this … I gesture at the chaos around us , it means nothing .
Dane reaches for my hand , his grip firm .
Youre not walking away .
But you dont have to do this alone .
There has to be another way .
Kaels eyes soften .
If there were another way , child , I would have found it long ago .
4/6 The roots moved tighter , their dark branches inched further in toward the glowing heart .
The building energy inside the grove makes the air thick ..
Kael extends his hand toward me , golden eyes pleading with me .
Let me finish this .
Spare yourself the burden Ive carried for so long .
I hesitate , my hand wavering in the air between his outstretched palm and the pulsating heart of the grove .
The pendant at my chest dances weakly , its light dimming as if it too were indecisive .
The whispers return now , louder , insistent , and the voices blend into a cacophony that drowns my thoughts .
Just as my hand reaches the heart , the ground beneath my feet gives way to a gaping crack .
Chapter 211 5/6 The movement of shadows at its bottom seems to w upwards , hungry and alive .
Dane yanks me back , his clutch on my arm tightens while he stumbles backward , pulling me from the edge .
A surge of dark energy pulsed through the shadows in it , sending a shiver down my spine .
The voice is ancient , deep , and guttural , from the abyss .
Choose wisely , child , it growls ; each word rumbles through the air .
It is not in the bnce , just that of the groves fate .
The voice weighs differently against my chest onto what feels like pain , crushing it and finding breathing hard .
Shadows turned and twist , taking forms that could almost be wolves with eyes glowing malevolently .
Kael steps like forward , his ghostly form aglow as he faces the chasm .
The corruption , he says .
His voice is level .
It knows whats at stake .
It will do everything to try and stop you .
The shadowssh out , their branches reaching for us .
Dane instinctively draws his de , stance protective .
Chapter 211 I nod , my legs trembling as I step closer to the heart .
6/6 The pendant at my chest res weakly , its light pushing back the shadows just enough for me to reach the glowing core .
The whispers grow louder , their voices mingling with the guttural rumble of the corruption .
Kael turns to me , his expression desperate .
Aurora , he repeats , almost immediately .
This is your moment .
Your choice .
But know this , whatever you decide will shape the future of the pack and beyond .
My hand moving over the heart , its warmth trickles inside me .
The voice finally reaching me belongs to Dane , clear , resolute , even through tumult .
Im with you , Aurora , he says .
Whatever happens .