Chapter 211 AURORA But know this : the grove will not forgive hesitation .

Kael steps closer , the silver , blue luminosity of his being like an aura .

His ghostly form shines a little , as if he were stuck between realms .

The weight of so much sorrow and power hums the air around him , weighing upon my chest .

You wear the clothes of my failure , he says in a voice low and full of repentance .

Perhaps I can make amends .

His presence is overwhelming , commanding , yet filled with sadness .

I feel Dane shift beside me ; the tension in him is palpable .

What do you mean , atone ? I ask , the steadiness of my voice showing the whirlwind in my stomach .

Kaels golden eyes lock onto mine .

Let me explain .

I wrap my arms around myself , to steady myself , and to shield from the signs of emotions his words stir .

Chapter 211 Kael winces ; his form shakes , ever so slightly .

2/6 When I first tried to restore the grove , I acted out of fear and pride .

My intent was poisoned , and my sacrifice was partial .

The grove punished me for failing and bound my spirit here to witness the suffering I had inflicted .

He steps closer to him , and his eyes soften ; the towering form almost in the middle of the tree .

I have tried for centuries , have watched the pack pay for my arrogance .

I failed them .

I failed you .

The pulse , like a glow out of the heartbeat , accelerates its pulsations inside the heart as if the clinching roots of trees in this place get tighter and their actions suddenly wild .

So , now what ? I say , my tone rising in frustration .

You think showing up now changes anything ? That Ill just trust you to make it right ? Kaels face doesnt waver .

I know I dont deserve your trust , he says .

But the grove does .

It chose you because you can succeed where I failed .

And if I do this ? I press .

What happens to me ? Kaels gold eyes cloud for a moment , and his voice carries Chapter 211 3/6 You would meet the same destiny I so far have faced which is an eternity enslaved to the grove , your life and essence being one with it to keep its balance .

He takes one step forward , pushing himself between Kael and me .

And were supposed to take your word for that ? he growls .

Centuries to repair the damage and now you want to play hero ? Kaels head cants a little to the side ; the words fall out measured to restrain his nature .

Your distrust is due .

My presence is as much a test as it is offer .

The grove is a reservoir , answering intent to faith , He continued .

Aurora needs to come to one of two determinations , for rejection .

or acceptance .

The earth around us heaves violently , this clearing becoming less stable by the second .

The glow coming from the heart brightens , casting long fluid .

shadows that seem to twist and turn like living things .

I turn to Dane , his jaw clenched in anger and concern , before .

looking to Kael , his ghostly form radiating sorrow and hope in equal measure .

The weight of the groves fate , and my own threatens to buckle my shoulders .

I cant just … leave this , I say , my voice breaking .

Chapter 211 If I walk away , the grove dies .

The pack suffers .

All of this … I gesture at the chaos around us , it means nothing .

Dane reaches for my hand , his grip firm .

Youre not walking away .

But you dont have to do this alone .

There has to be another way .

Kaels eyes soften .

If there were another way , child , I would have found it long ago .

4/6 The roots moved tighter , their dark branches inched further in toward the glowing heart .

The building energy inside the grove makes the air thick ..

Kael extends his hand toward me , golden eyes pleading with me .

Let me finish this .

Spare yourself the burden Ive carried for so long .

I hesitate , my hand wavering in the air between his outstretched palm and the pulsating heart of the grove .

The pendant at my chest dances weakly , its light dimming as if it too were indecisive .

The whispers return now , louder , insistent , and the voices blend into a cacophony that drowns my thoughts .

Just as my hand reaches the heart , the ground beneath my feet gives way to a gaping crack .

Chapter 211 5/6 The movement of shadows at its bottom seems to claw upwards , hungry and alive .

Dane yanks me back , his clutch on my arm tightens while he stumbles backward , pulling me from the edge .

A surge of dark energy pulsed through the shadows in it , sending a shiver down my spine .

The voice is ancient , deep , and guttural , from the abyss .

Choose wisely , child , it growls ; each word rumbles through the air .

It is not in the balance , just that of the groves fate .

The voice weighs differently against my chest onto what feels like pain , crushing it and finding breathing hard .

Shadows turned and twist , taking forms that could almost be wolves with eyes glowing malevolently .

Kael steps like forward , his ghostly form aglow as he faces the chasm .

The corruption , he says .

His voice is level .

It knows whats at stake .

It will do everything to try and stop you .

The shadows lash out , their branches reaching for us .

Dane instinctively draws his blade , stance protective .

Chapter 211 I nod , my legs trembling as I step closer to the heart .

6/6 The pendant at my chest flares weakly , its light pushing back the shadows just enough for me to reach the glowing core .

The whispers grow louder , their voices mingling with the guttural rumble of the corruption .

Kael turns to me , his expression desperate .

Aurora , he repeats , almost immediately .

This is your moment .

Your choice .

But know this , whatever you decide will shape the future of the pack and beyond .

My hand moving over the heart , its warmth trickles inside me .

The voice finally reaching me belongs to Dane , clear , resolute , even through tumult .noveldrama

Im with you , Aurora , he says .

Whatever happens .