Chapter 221 TRAJAN The forest closed in around us , the mist curling like living tendrils through the ancient trees .
The air was thick , heavy with the scent of damp earth and something sharper , darker .
It clung to my skin , making each breath feel like a struggle .
Aurora walked ahead of me , her shoulders squared , her pendant pulsing faintly against her chest .
The groves faint glow shone in the distance , its light barely cutting through the suffocating fog .
Are you sure about this ? I asked , my voice low but steady .
She nced back , her eyes hard .
We dont have a choice , Trajan .
If we dont stop Idris now , everything weve fought for will mean nothing .
I nodded , gripping the hilt of my de tightly .
The weight of her words sat heavily on my shoulders .
When we reached the clearing , Idris was already waiting .
He stood at the center , his tall frame silhouetted by the eerie green light that pulsed through the mist .
The Forgotten formed a loose circle around him , their eyes Chapter 221 2/8 glowing faintly , their presence an oppressive force that seemed to press against my chest .
You cannot stop us , Idris sneered , his voice cutting through .
the stillness .
The grove belongs to us .
It always has .
Aurora stepped forward , her voice steady despite the tension in the air .
The grove belongs to no one , she said firmly .
Its time for this to end .
Idris chuckled , a low , cold sound that sent a shiver down my spine .
You think you can stand against us ? Youre just a shadow .
of Kaels bloodline , clinging to a legacy you dont understand .
Aurora didnt flinch .
Instead , she reached for her pendant , her fingers wrapping around it tightly .
The faint glow intensified , spilling light into the clearing .
The air seemed to shift , the mist recoiling slightly as if afraid of the energy emanating from her .
With a deep breath , she raised her hand , and the pendants light expanded , forming a shielding barrier between us and the Forgotten .
The barrier pulsed with a rhythmic energy , like a heartbeat , its light pushing back the oppressive darkness .
The Forgotten hissed , their forms flickering as they stepped away from its edge .
Idriss smile faltered , but his eyes burned brighter .
You think this will save you ? he snarled , stepping closer to the barrier .
Auroras voice remained steady .
Its not about saving us .
Its about saving the grove .
Chapter 221 While Aurora held the barrier , I stepped forward , my heart pounding .
My grip on the de tightened as I faced Idris directly .
Youve already lost , I said , my voice louder than I expected .
Look around you .
This … this cycle of vengeance ends here .
3/8 Idriss eyes narrowed , his expression twisting into a snarl .
You know nothing of what weve suffered , he spat .
Youre right , I said , my tone softer .
I dont .
But I know that clinging to pain and anger wont bring you peace .
It wont undo whats been done .
For a moment , something shifted in his gaze .
The anger didnt disappear , but it wavered , like a me caught in a sudden gust .
of wind .
Behind me , the grove began to glow brighter , its light cutting through the mist .
The energy rippling from the barrier seemed to resonate with the grove , the two forcesbining into a single , radiant pulse .
The light grew so intense that I had to shield my eyes .
When I lowered my arm , the mist was dissolving , retreating like darkness before dawn .
The Forgotten staggered , their forms flickering as if struggling to stay solid .
Idris turned to the grove , his expression a mix of fury and desperation .
Chapter 221 4/8 Aurora rushed toward the grove and ced her hand on the heart , she moved her lips as she closed her eyes , her other hand on her pendant , and it started to glow .
The groves light became so bright , I had to squint .
It was affecting the forgotten , as they broke their hand chain and fell on their knees .
They held their chest , groaning in pain .
What is Aurora doing ? I asked out loud .
Stop that !! Idris growled as he staggered back , he gritted his teeth and his nostril red as he tried to hide his pain but I could sense it .
I dont know what Aurora was doing , but it was working .
Aurora ? Dane called and I looked at her to see her on her knees .
She is giving her energy to the Grove , to help it fight against the forgotten … and that could … Kill her , I shouted and I rushed to Aurora , Luna , please … A loud growl cut me off , and I turned to see the mist had disappeared and so was the Forgottens and Idris .
Aurora slumped to the ground , and before I could get to her , Dane already reached her , he shielded her head as he sat on the ground next to her .
My gaze darted toward the grove .
The faint glow remained , but it was different now , calmer , more subdued .
Chapter 221 Aurora stirred in his arms , her breathing shallow but steady .
The grove … she murmured .
Its safe , I said , though the unease in my chest told me this wasnt the end .
5/8 We stayed there for a moment , the silence of the forest settling around us .
But even as the light of the grove brought a sense of peace , I couldnt shake the feeling that Idriss words were more than just a threat .
Danes eyes stayed on mine , searching for something reassurance , maybe , or an exnation I didnt have .
The faint glow of the grove cast long , soft darkness across the ground , its once vibrant energy now subdued , almost shy .
Aurora stirred again as I touched her hand to check her pulse , her fingers weakly curling against my arm .
Its … quiet , she whispered , her voice a thread of sound .
It is , I replied , though the stillness didnt feel like peace .
It felt like a heavy pause before a storm .
Danes brow furrowed .
We need to get her back to the packhouse , he said .
She needs rest .
I will carry her .
Dane was about to protest then I continued , You should be on guard .
Chapter 221 He nodded and I took her into my arms , shifting her weight .
carefully .
She felt lighter than she should have , like the event had taken a lot from her .
6/8 As I stood , I caught movement out of the corner of my eye .
My head snapped toward the grove , but there was nothing there .
Did you see that ? I asked , my voice low .
Dane followed my gaze , his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his de .
See what ? I hesitated , scanning the groves edge .
The darkness seemed .
deeper now , darker in a way that didnt make sense with the soft light around us .
I thought … never mind , I said , though the unease in my chest grew heavier .
We started back toward the packhouse , the forest unnervingly silent .
Even the usual nighttime sounds , crickets , rustling leaves were absent .
The only sound was Auroras soft breathing and the crunch of our footsteps against the damp earth .
Dane walked ahead , his shoulders tense , his hand never leaving his de .
We need answers , he muttered , more to himself than to me .
I nced back at the grove onest time , its faint glow barely Chapter 221 visible through the trees .
The wind shifted , carrying with it a whisper so faint I almost missed it .
This isnt over , it said , the words curling in the back of my mind like smoke .
7/8 When we reached the packhouse , the tension inside was palpable , werewolf clustered in groups, their eyes darting toward the windows as though expecting the fog to return at any moment .
Warrick was the first to approach , his usual grin reced with a worried scowl .
What happened ? he asked , his gaze flicking to Aurora .
She pushed too hard , Dane said , his tone clipped .
But the groves safe .
For now .
Warrick nodded , though the unease in his expression didnt fade .
And Idris ? Gone I said , lowering Aurora onto a nearby couch .
But he made it clear this isnt the end .
The room fell silent , the weight of my words settling over everyone .
Auroras breathing grew steadier , her face rxing as if the groves energy was finally letting her rest .
But as I looked at her , I couldnt shake the image of Idriss zing eyes , his voice still echoing in my mind .
8/8 Chapter 221 The faint whisper returned once more : Only the beginning …