Chapter 212 AURORA Im with you , Aurora , he says .


    Whatever happens .


    The ground beneath me shakes , the walls of the chamber copsing as darkness moves upwards , turning into a weird human shape .


    1/5 The air freezes , the mad energy of the grove burning around us like a storm .


    I stumble backward , my breathing fast and shallow , my heart racing in my chest .


    The figure solidifies ; its form is ever changing , a mixture of darkness and faint light .


    A voice cuts through the chaos , deep andmanding .


    I am the Witness , he says , his lone vibrating through the clearing .


    Keeper of bnce .


    You cannot restore the grove without my consent .


    I stare hard at the figure as my mind whirls .


    What do you mean ? I demand , attempting to keep my voice steady .


    The Witness leans his head , eyes of light seizing mine .


    Chapter 212 2/5 Kaels failure doubled it , but the rot started much before him .


    Dane steps forward , his sword still in hand .


    And what does that mean for Aurora ? he asks , sharp .


    Shes trying to fix this .


    His eyes hold onto mine without wavering .


    Her intentions are irrelevant .


    A decision she is going .


    to make stands to affect more than this grove but the weight of realms beyond .


    But if anyone were , it would be the Witness .


    I clench my fists at my sides , my frustration finally breaking out .


    Then tell me , what am I supposed to do ? I snap .


    How can I make it right ? The Witnesss form ripples , his voice softer but no less powerful .


    There is another way .


    A third option .


    The clearing grows quiet , and even the groves angry whispers are momentarily silenced .


    What option ? I ask , my voice barely above a whisper .


    Sever the groves tie to the mortal world , the Witness says , and break its bond with your pack , and the curse will be gone .


    Your people will never know its shadow again .


    The words hang in the air heavy with implications .


    Kaels ghostly form steps forward , face twisting in anger .


    No , he growls .


    You would destroy the grove entirely ? Erase centuries of connection , of history ? Chapter 212 3/5 It is a clean te , the Witness responds , unphased by Kaels outrage .


    The pack will no longer benefit from the groves protection but neither will they suffer its curse .


    They will be free .


    I nce at Dane .


    He is clenching his jaw , thinking , as he listens to the Witnesss words .


    And what happens if we restore the grove instead ? The pack holds onto the connection , the Witness replies .


    But the curse will linger as it ever is , echoes are never gone .


    Theres always a cost , being paid .


    Heavy with consequences are both my options ; the weight weighs upon me as I step backward , shaking my head .


    If I cut the connection , I say , my voice shaking , the pack loses the protection of the grove .


    Itll make them vulnerable to risks we wont seeing .


    But theyll have a fresh start , the Witness counters .


    Free of this ces shadow .


    Kaels voice rises , sharp and desperate .


    You cannot destroy the legacy of the grove , Aurora .


    It is the soul of the pack .


    The packs soul is not in the ce , Dane objects , stepping next .


    to me .


    Its in its people .


    And Auroras the one who has to live with this decision , not you .


    The grove quivers and shakes , the roots twisting to and fro in a Chapter 212 seeming protest against such indecision .


    4/5 Lirien appeared at that instant , dark form dancing with an air of urgency .


    The grove cannot withstand this tug of war much longer , he says .


    Aurora , you must decide .


    Now .


    The Witness extends its hand , voice unyielding .


    Sever the bond , and the pack is free .


    Restore it , and they remain bound with the groves fate .


    Kael steps closer , his ghostly form aglow brighter .


    Dont listen to it , Aurora .


    The grove is our foundation .


    Without it , the pack will be lost .


    My mind reels as the energy of the grove presses in from every direction , thick upon my skin .


    The pendant at my chest shakes weakly , its light little more than a struggle against chaos .


    What if I dont choose ? I ask , my voice small .


    The Witnesss form darkens , his voice low and menacing .


    Then the grove will fall .


    The corruption will spread to all things : your pack , your world , and beyond .


    His fingers sp around mine in his hand ; it is a firm but grounding grasp .


    Aurora , look at me , he says .


    Whatever you choose , we face it together .


    But you need to choose .


    I breathe deeply , my eyes darting between the glowing heart of Chapter 212 5/5 grove , the towering Witness , and Kaels pleading form .


    My legs feel like lead as I take a step toward the heart .


    The soft glow of the pendant seems to pump in time with my racing heartbeat .


    I … I begin , my voice faltering .


    Before I can even finish , the earth shakes once more beneath my feet , and the cracks widen more , Shadows came well up from its darkness .


    The Witnessunches himself at Kael , his form intermingling with Kaels in a brilliant burst of light and darkness .


    The being that results from their merger towers over us , its voice a rumble of fury .


    If you cannot decide , it growls , then I will decide for you !