Chapter 210 AURORA A monster steps out from behind the trees , green fire ablaze in his eyes .
Your choice , it said , Comes at a greater cost than you know .
It then vanished , the trees heartbeat is synchronized with my own and the light which spills out of it pours across the clearing , casting long , wavy shadows against the twisting roots that moved like snake around its base .
The pulse of its life is weirdly soothing , and yet the air is stretched tight over the threat of a storm .
I take one step closer and the pendant around my chest stirs weakly .
The nearer I am , the heavier my limbs ; its as if the grove weighed me down .
Everything here was so scary , my heart kept beating fast .
Behind me , Dane shifts noiselessly .
The sound is soothing , reassuring .
His hand brushes closely enough past mine the slightest flash of comfort .
Then what I saw was a sight to behold .
Chapter 210 Beautiful .
2/7 The light of the heart is hypnotic , an ethereal glow seeming to carry with it the weight of eternity .
Yet while looking at it , I feel something deeper , a pull , a connection .
Its energy calls to me , not just offering answers but something more .
Power .
The pendant on my chest hums gently , its cracked surface reflecting the glow of the heart .
For one instant , the two lights have combined , and a vision sweeps over me .
I see the grove restored : its roots vital , its silver trees humming with life as their glowing fruit is untainted by corruption .
The pack is thriving , with laughter and unity , their voices carrying across the forest .
Then the vision darkens .
I see myself , or what remains of me , tied with the roots of the tree .
My essence is absorbed , feeding the groves renewal .
Im gone , a shadow in its legacy , my name whispered only in passing .
The vision fades , leaving me trembling .
Chapter 210 317 Aurora ? Danes voice pulls me back .
Hes standing close now , his brow furrowed with concern .
Whats wrong ? What did you see ? I hesitated , unable to meet his gaze .
What happens if I restore the grove , I whisper .
What it will cost .
And what will it cost ? he asks , his tone sharp with urgency .
Me , I say simply .
Danes jaw tightens , his expression shifting from concern to something fiercer .
He steps in front of me , his body a barrier between me and the heart .
Then youre not doing it , he says firmly .
Dane .
If someone has to make a sacrifice , he interrupts , his voice unyielding , itll be me .
I grab his arm , shaking my head .
You cant .
The grove will only accept someone of Kaels bloodline .
I dont care what it wants , he snarls .
Youve done enough , Aurora .
More than enough .
Before I can say a word , Lirien appears , its dark form dancing Chapter 210 4/7 flame in the wind .
The grove is bound to Kael , it says , the sound of its voice even , but weighted .
Only his heir may heal it .noveldrama
The choice is hers and hers alone .
The glare Dane shoots Lirien is palpable .
Shes more than a bloodline , he growls .
And yet , it is her blood which binds her to this place , Lirien returns unruffled .
This is her burden to bear .
I take another step forward and lay my hand on Danes shoulder .
Its okay , I say , softly , but the words ring a little false .
No , its not , he says , his voice cracking .
This isnt fair , Aurora .
Youve given so much already .
I hold his gaze , the sting of unshed tears in my eyes .
It is not about fair , I reply .
It is about right .
The heartbeat pulsates once more , a little stronger now .
The whispers rise , hushed and urgent , calling me nearer to it .
Ancient voices , ancestors speaking words to guide and warn me .
Restore what is lost .
Behold , little one .
Chapter 210 and then engulfs me in a cocoon of pure brilliance .
Its surface bucks hard in a weird motion as my fingers make contact .
5/7 When my sight clears , the mist hides no longer a figure standing at the edge of the glade .
I catch my breath .
The figure draws closer , features now well defined .
A large werewolf , completely black as the midnight sky , his golden eyes afire with a very familiar fire .
Kael .
His ghostly form radiates power , so commanding , yet so sorrowful .
His eyes meet mine , and for that one moment in time , it ceases to move within the glade .
You dont have to do this , child , he says in that deep , masculine voice .
Let me finish what I started .
I look at Kael , and my mind spins .
His presence overwhelms me , both strong and sad , filled , it seems .
The light from the heart reflects off his ghostly form , making him more real than any memory should be .
Chapter 210 He nods , his eyes , like disks of gold , cut into mine .
6/7 I am what remains of him , he says , and the regret drips from the tone of his voice .
Bound to the grove by my failures .
Dane takes a step closer , all his tension conveyed in his body language .
If you could , why didnt you ? Why wait until now ? Kael turns to him , his face expressionless .
I tried , he says simply .
But my sacrifice was incomplete .
My ambition poisoned this place and I could not undo the damage .
His gaze returns to me , softer now .
But you , Aurora , carry what I could not .
You have the strength to finish what I began .
My hands clench at my sides , the war inside me raging .
And what happens if I do ? I ask , my voice shaking .
You will become one with the grove , Kael answers , his tone even .
Your essence will restore its balance , but your mortal life will end .
Chapter 210 together .
Kael shakes his head , his gold eyes shining with sadness .
7/7 There is no other way .
The grove has waited too long .
It must be restored now , or it will fall .
The roots around the heart begin to pulse more wildly , in jerky motions .
The darkness within the clearing deepens further , and the weight of energy from the grove presses heavier against us .
Kael steps closer , his towering form casting a long shadow over me .
The choice is yours , child , he says , and his voice , though soft, is commanding .
But know this , the grove will not forgive hesitation .