Chapter 214 1/6 AURORA This is your moment , Aurora .
Choose now .
Its huge above us , its body indicating evil intentions .
Growling , it makes a sound that rattles everything in the air .
You cannot win , Luna .
Your hesitation will mean your end .
I press my hand against the heart , the pendant at my neck ring weakly in response .
The warmth of the heart spreads throughout my body , settling my resolve .
Youre wrong , I say , lifting my head to meet the entitys glowing eyes .
I cant outrun my destiny , but I can shape it .
The entity lets out a roar , its form flickering as the grove reacts to my intent .
The pendant grows brighter , its light pushing back the shadows inch by inch .
I stand up , quivering , as if every muscle in my body is shaking .
The energy of the heart courses through me and the space brightens with an intense light .
It attacks , dark branches reaching for me , but I stand firm and direct the pendants energy into the heart .
Im healing the grove , I say , with unmistakable rity in my tone .
This is the end .
Chapter 214 clearing .
The entity recoils its roar now a pained cry .
From within the entity , Kaels voice echoes , softer than before .
2/6 Thank you , child , he says , his voiceced with sorrow and gratitude .
I see now what I could not .
May the grove guide you well .
The entity begins to unravel , the dark form disintegrating as it reverses back into the grove .
The turmoil about us begins to fade away , the moving roots stilling their frantic movements .
Now , the glow of the heart reaches for me , its pull irresistible , now stronger than it ever has been .
I feel weightless , no longer tied to this body of mine ..
This is the sacrifice , I breathe , it suddenly clear .
This is what Lirien meant .
The energy of the heart pulls me in , and I feel my feet lift off the ground , being pulled toward its center .
My body begins to fade ; I am bing one with the power of the grove .
No , a weak voice stammers from behind .
Dane .
I twist my head , my sight blurry , as I watch him struggle to his feet .
Pale , faced , slow movements , but fire danced within his eyes .
Chapter 214 firm .
3/6 Dane , I start , my voice breaking .
I have to .
This is my choice .
And this is mine , he says , stepping closer .
His hand reaches for mine , and the moment his fingers brush my skin , a surge of energy runs through me .
The pendant responds immediately , its light stabilizing and then growing brighter .
The tugging on the heart ckens a bit , its energy steadying as Dane focuses his strength on me .
Together , we anchor the groves power , evening out the hearts rhythm .
The grove itself begins to respond .
Energy shifts from chaos to calm .
The roots stop their thrashing around us , slowing to a stop as their silver glow seeps back in .
Peace settles over the clearing , the bnce of the grove slowly bncing out .
I turned to Dane , his hand still sped in mine .
He is the strength to steady me , a grounding presence in so many ways I never thought possible .
Youre stubborn , I say , a weak smile breaking through the exhaustion .
Chapter 214 now ? 4/6 The heart pulses onest time , its light washing over the grove .
The trees regain their silver glow , their branches humming with renewed life .
The corrupted roots fade , their dark energy dissolving into the ground .
The grove is healing .
As the light recedes , I feel the bindings of the hearts power loosen their hold upon me .
My feet strike the earth once more , my body firm and whole .
But then , something catches my gaze , a soft , faint glowing on Danes chest .
Dane , I say , my voice razor sharp with concern .
What is that ? He looks down , and a flicker crosses his face .
A mark starts to emerge , its lines intricate , glowing softly .
The runes are ufortably familiar , the same that appeared on Eira when she confronted the grove .
Liriens voicees again , soft and yet not without portent .
The bnce is restored , but at what cost ? My eyes stay fixed on the mark as a feeling of dread settles heavily in my chest .
What does it mean ? I whispered .
The grove has chosen him , Lirien says .
The bond now runs through him , as once with Kael .
Chapter 214 Dane looks first to me ; his expression unreadable .
5/6 Is that a good thing or a bad thing ? I dont know , I say , the moments weight hard to bear .
He steps backward , his hand brushing instinctively over the mark which still glows within his chest .
The light stutters there like some piece of the grove was in him now and refusing to wane .
This does not feel like a choice , he mutters low and difitingly .
I move closer , my hand reaching for his again .
Well figure it out , I say , though even to me , the words sound empty because I feel uncertain .
Liriens shadowy form shakes beside us , its presence more subdued now .
The bond is a gift and a burden , it says .
Danes connection to the grove will protect your pack , but it will also demand much of him .
The grove is alive , and its needs will be his to bear .
Dane frowns , his jaw tightening .
So , Im some kind of guardian now ? Lirien leans its head to one side , its voice deliberative .
A bnce keeper .
The grove chose you to maintain the stability restored today .
Chapter 214 roles are never without sacrifice .
6/6 The words felt like a kick in the guts .
After all we had been through , Dane had assumed an unseen weight that might well rival my own .
What kind of sacrifice ? I asked , my voice barely more than a whisper .
Liriens luminous eyes catch mine .
That remains to be seen .
A light shines from the grove , across the horizon , in a silver color .
The trees , no longer twisted and corrupted , hum with life now , their glowing fruit swayingzily in the breeze .
Dane stood beside Aurora , her hand clutched tightly in mine .
Shes exhausted , breathing shallowly , but the relief on her face mirrors my own .
We did it , she whispers , her voice shaking with happiness .