The forest seemed to conspire against them. Vines writhed like snakes, roots jutted from the ground to trip unwary feet, and the air itself felt thick, as though breathing was a struggle. The further Aurora and her group traveled, the more oppressive the terrain became.
Every step toward the Ecliptic Grove felt like a battle in itself.
Aurora's silver hair shimmered faintly as the Pact's energy surged within her, but the power was unpredictable. It erupted in pulses, sending bursts of light outward that sometimes cleared their path and other times triggered magical traps hidden among the foliage. "Watch out!" Anica shouted as one such pulse activated a glyph, releasing a cascade of shadowy tendrils from the trees. The group dodged and slashed at the onslaught, narrowly avoiding capture.
Cassian rounded on Aurora as soon as they were clear, his golden eyes blazing. "You have to control it! You're going to get us all killed!"
Aurora glared back, her chest heaving. "Do you think I want this? The Pact is doing something to me-I can't just turn it off!"
"This isn't just about you!" Cassian's voice was sharp, his frustration clear. "You're putting yourself and our child in danger every time you let it slip."
The mention of their child struck a nerve. Aurora's expression softened, but her voice remained firm. "Do you think I don't know that? Everything I do is for her for all of us."noveldrama
Anica stepped between them, her gaze darting warily to the surrounding forest. "Save the fight for later. The grove isn't far, and we don't have time for this."
Tensions hung heavy as they continued their trek, the group silent save for the occasional snap of branches underfoot. The forest's hostility grew more intense, forcing them to rely on Anica's knowledge of ancient glyphs to navigate safely. When they finally reached the grove's edge, a collective gasp rippled through the group.
The Ecliptic Grove glowed with an ethereal light, its crystalline trees and shimmering pools radiating the Pact's pure energy. But the sight was marred by the presence of the Lycan King's forces. Shadow beasts prowled the grove's perimeter, and dark figures moved methodically, constructing barriers and laying traps.
Aurora's breath caught as the Pact's energy pulsed within her, both calling her forward and warning her of the danger. "They're already here," she whispered.
Cassian stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. "Then we'll have to fight our way through."