Chapter 222 DANE Only the beginning … I heard a whisper from no one I could see , I pushed it aside and looked down at Aurora .
The room had grown quiet , the kind of silence that pressed on your ears and made your pulse feel louder .
I stood near the couch where Auroray , her chest rising and falling steadily now .
She looked so small , so fragile .
It didnt suit her , not the Aurora I knew .
Warricks question still hung in the air .
And Idris ? Trajans response came to my head , his words having gone with me through my reflection , Gone .
But he made it clear that isnt all .
The outside beyond the packhouse stretched continuously , night clinging , refusing to go down as it howled silently within , Only the beginning … ck Day arrived to gradually scrape grey over the sky , while th shifted without making much noise .
The sense of fear taut upon their legs and inside each uttered word .
I stirred with the dawn , when the first light seeped through the window .
She opened her eyes , blinking up at me slowly .
Chapter 222 How long ? Her voice was hoarse .
Just a few hours , I said .
You needed it .
2/6 She tried to sit up , wincing as her body protested it .
I reached to steady her , but she waved me off , determination stronger than her exhaustion yet .
The grove ? Safe , I said .
For now .
Her eyes found mine , and in that instant , words werent necessary .
We didnt sleep .
Downstairs , the pack had gathered in the great hall , their faces contorted in anger , fear , and something else .
entirely to determination .
Aurora stood at the front of the room , her voice firmer now .
Idris wont stop .
Helle back , and when he does , we need to be ready .
What do we do ? Piper asked , an edge in her voice .
Aurora looked to Lirien , who stood in shadow at the far side of the room .
The Forgotten derive power from the grove .
We have to destroy that for them .
Liriens glowing eyes slitted .
That is easy said , Luna .
The groves bonding runs deep and ancient .
To break that bondage Chapter 222 will require great power and great sacrifice .
Sacrifice .
3/6 Trajan was the first to break the silence .
We dont have a choice .
We either stop them now , or the grove and the pack goes .
down .
Aurora inclined her head , her gaze sweeping around the room .
We go to the grove .
We take on Idris together .
You mean now ? Warrick hiked an eyebrow , sounding so incredulous .
Now , Aurora repeated with firmness .
If we let it wait , we lose it .
The grove felt farther away than it had ever been .
The mist had returned , curling around our feet , muffling our footsteps .
It wasnt as thick as the night before , but it carried a weight that pressed upon my chest .
As we emerged into the clearing , Idris was waiting .
He stood in the center , his tall frame surrounded by the Forgotten .
Their green eyes shone softly in the dim light , the weight of their presence heavy in the air .
You cannot stop us , Idris sneered , his voice cold and sharp .
The grove belongs to us .
Chapter 222 4/6 Aurora stepped forward , her chin high , her voice steady .
The grove belongs to no one , she said .
Its time for this to end .
She raised her hand , the pendant on her chest glowing faintly .
I watched as the light spread , a shining barrier that pushed back the Forgotten .
The mist recoiled , hissing as if alive , and the clearing grew brighter .
Idriss sneer faltered , his gaze narrowing as he stepped toward the barrier .
You think this will save you ? he growled .
Its not about saving us , Aurora said .
Its about saving the grove .
Trajan stepped forward then , his voice cutting through the tension .
Idris , he called , his tone steady but heavy with emotion .
Look at what youre doing .
Look at what youve be .
Idris turned on him , the green eyes aze .
You dare lecture me ? You have chased vengeance for centuries , Trajan said, voice rising .
But it has not brought you peace .
It has only brought more pain , for you , for your people .
The words hit something deep within Idris .
His face wavered , the anger dulling for just a moment .
Behind us , the grove started to glow and pulse , the light growing Chapter 222 5/6 more intense .
The barrier shined brighter , forcing the Forgotten farther back .
This doesnt have to end like this , Trajan said , taking a step closer .
Let it go .
End the cycle .
You can still choose .
For one instant , Idris wavered .
His shoulders slumped , his eyes fell to the earth .
Then , in that very same instant , his head snapped up and his eyes red brighter than ever .
No , he growled .
You dont understand .
The grove is ours by right .
You will not take it from us ! The energy burst through the grove , filling the clearing with at brilliant light .
I mped my eyes shut against it , the heat from the power caressing my skin .
I looked again ; the mist was dissolving , retreating like darkness chased by the dawn .
The Forgotten staggered , their forms flickering as the light cut them off from the grove .
Idris let out a roar of fury , his form flickering like the others .
He turned to Aurora , his eyes locking onto hers .
He said , his voice a low growl .
You cannot stop whatsing .
With a final surge of light , the Forgotten vanished , leaving the clearing empty and silent .
The groves glow dimmed , its energy settling into a calm , steady pulse .
Aurora swayed to and fro , her pendant shattering into pieces that scattered across the ground Chapter 222 Aurora ! I called , rushing to her side .
She dropped into his words , shallowly breathing , pale faced .
I caught her before her body reached the ground , my heart pounding against my chest .
6/6 Shes okay , Trajan said , kneeling beside me .
She just needs .
rest .
But as we leaned over her , a faint whisper cut through the air , brushing against my cars like some ghostly breeze .
The grove is free … for now .