Chapter 213 1/6 AURORA A wave of energy that strikes like a physical force , throwing us backward in the grove , shaking it violently .


    My body hits the ground hard , the air is knocked from my lungs .


    The pendant on my chest shakes weakly , its light dimming like a dying candle .


    I force myself upright , my vision swimming .


    The merged entity stands at the center of the clearing , It forms a swirling mass of light and shadow .The energy radiating from it is suffocating , a mix of rage and sorrow , unrelenting power .


    Danes already on his feet , his eyes fixed on the entity .


    We have to stop this , he says , his voice urgent but steady .


    Lirien shakes up beside me .


    If that absorbs the groves heart , the bnce will be gone , it says .


    All will fall .


    It moves towards the glowing heart and the shifting , enormous form surges a step with it , moving like living metal , and even the roots move round , helpless as moths around bright light .


    I scramble to my feet , my legs trembling beneath me .


    What do we do ? I ask , my voice breaking .


    Chapter 213 cannot fall into its hands .


    But how ? I shout .


    I dont even know what to choose ! 2/6 Dane steps closer , his jaw tight .


    We dont have time for doubt , Aurora .


    Ill keep it busy , you focus on the heart .


    Before I can protest , Dane charges toward the entity .


    His movements are swift and deliberate , his de glinting faintly in the groves flickering light .


    The entity turns , its voice a guttural growl .


    You dare challenge me , mortal ? Dane doesnt respond .


    He dodges under one of its huge arms , changing into its dark form with quick precision .


    The blows dont seem to inflict any serious damage , but they keep the entity busy , its attention torn .


    I turn to the heart , its light pulsating in an erratic rhythm .


    The pendant at my neck responds , its glow strengthening marginally as I draw closer .


    You have to link with it , Lirien says as he floats beside me .


    The heart will only respond to the intent that is firm in its purpose .


    But I dont know what to do , I whisper , shaking .


    Then choose , Lirien says , the firmness of his voice tight .


    Because hesitation will tear everything apart .


    Chapter 213 like fire .


    The instant I touch it , my mind is flooded by visions , vivid , overpowering .


    I see the pack thriving without the grove , their bonds strong , theirughter echoing through a sunlit forest .


    They are vulnerable , unprotected from the threats that lurk beyond their borders .


    The vision changes .


    I see the grove renewed , its roots pulsing and its energy intact .


    3/6 The pack stays together , its strength multiplied by the power of the grove .


    Yet I see me , too , my spirit dissolving into the tree , my life given in exchange for the bnce of its heartbeat .


    The pendant on my chest throbs once , a flicker of light dancing on my skin with each pulse of the heart .


    Both paths carry risks , Lirien says , its voice distant in the chaos of my thoughts .


    But the heart will only respond to one .


    A sharp cry pulls me from the visions .


    My eyes snap open to see Dane thrown backward , his body hitting the ground hard .


    He struggles to rise , his movements slow and pained .


    Dane ! I shout , starting toward him .


    The entity roars , its attention turning to me .


    Its eyes , aze with Chapter 213 green fire , lock onto mine .


    You cannot escape your destiny , Luna , it growls , the voice rumbling through the grove .


    I freeze , the weight of its presence pinning me in ce .


    The shadows around it moved , growingrger and more menacing .


    Dane heaves himself to his feet , his breathing ragged .


    Aurora , he says , his voice strained .


    You have to finish this .


    Dont let it win .


    I nce at him , my chest tightening .


    4/6 Every instinct screams at me to run to his side , to protect him .


    But I know hes right .


    The heart pulses again , its light brighter now , as if urging me for The entity takes a step closer , its enormous body leaning over me .


    You think you can defy me ? it snarls .


    You are nothing but a pawn , a vessel for the groves will .


    Its words light something inside of me , a spark of defiance that sears through my fear .


    Im more than that , I say , my voice firming .


    Im the one that gets to choose how this ends .


    I p both palms against the heart , covering it with their warmth .


    Chapter 213 sharper and clearer .


    The pack groves , the limitless possibilities , they swirl around me , each fighting for my attention .


    5/6 The clearing seems to shudder , roots whipping through the air like ils as the grove responds to my touch .


    It roars , its shape stuttering as if it were caught in some sort of personal gale .


    You cannot master what you do notprehend ! he bellows , his voice cracking through like thunder .


    Liriens voice cuts through the din , steady but insistent .


    Focus , Aurora .


    The heart will follow your will , but only if it is clear .


    I close my eyes , and the mayhem around me fades into insignificance as I concentrate on the pulsating rhythm of the heart .


    The light from the pendant stabilizes , its warmth a beacon in the darkness .


    I know what I have to do , I whisper .


    The heart pulses beneath my hands , its rhythm faltering , its light going out .


    The roots of the grove twist andsh about , wild and mad .


    Behind me , Danes body lies still , his breaths shallow .


    My gaze lingers on him ; the sight sends a pang through my chest .


    Chapter 213 6/6 Liriens voice then filled my mind , calm , yetmanding .


    This is your moment , Aurora .


    Choose now .