novelxo Chapter 212
Chapter 212 AURORA Im with you , Aurora , he says .
Whatever happens .
The ground beneath me shakes , the walls of the chamber collapsing as darkness moves upwards , turning into a weird human shape .
1/5 The air freezes , the mad energy of the grove burning around us like a storm .
I stumble backward , my breathing fast and shallow , my heart racing in my chest .
The figure solidifies ; its form is ever changing , a mixture of darkness and faint light .
A voice cuts through the chaos , deep and commanding .
I am the Witness , he says , his lone vibrating through the clearing .
Keeper of balance .
You cannot restore the grove without my consent .
I stare hard at the figure as my mind whirls .
What do you mean ? I demand , attempting to keep my voice steady .
The Witness leans his head , eyes of light seizing mine .
Chapter 212 2/5 Kaels failure doubled it , but the rot started much before him .
Dane steps forward , his sword still in hand .
And what does that mean for Aurora ? he asks , sharp .
Shes trying to fix this .
His eyes hold onto mine without wavering .
Her intentions are irrelevant .
A decision she is going .
to make stands to affect more than this grove but the weight of realms beyond .
But if anyone were , it would be the Witness .
I clench my fists at my sides , my frustration finally breaking out .
Then tell me , what am I supposed to do ? I snap .
How can I make it right ? The Witnesss form ripples , his voice softer but no less powerful .
There is another way .
A third option .
The clearing grows quiet , and even the groves angry whispers are momentarily silenced .
What option ? I ask , my voice barely above a whisper .
Sever the groves tie to the mortal world , the Witness says , and break its bond with your pack , and the curse will be gone .
Your people will never know its shadow again .
The words hang in the air heavy with implications .
Kaels ghostly form steps forward , face twisting in anger .
No , he growls .
You would destroy the grove entirely ? Erase centuries of connection , of history ? Chapter 212 3/5 It is a clean slate , the Witness responds , unphased by Kaels outrage .
The pack will no longer benefit from the groves protection but neither will they suffer its curse .
They will be free .
I glance at Dane .
He is clenching his jaw , thinking , as he listens to the Witnesss words .
And what happens if we restore the grove instead ? The pack holds onto the connection , the Witness replies .
But the curse will linger as it ever is , echoes are never gone .
Theres always a cost , being paid .
Heavy with consequences are both my options ; the weight weighs upon me as I step backward , shaking my head .
If I cut the connection , I say , my voice shaking , the pack loses the protection of the grove .
Itll make them vulnerable to risks we wont see coming .
But theyll have a fresh start , the Witness counters .
Free of this places shadow .
Kaels voice rises , sharp and desperate .
You cannot destroy the legacy of the grove , Aurora .
It is the soul of the pack .
The packs soul is not in the place , Dane objects , stepping next .
to me .
Its in its people .
And Auroras the one who has to live with this decision , not you .
The grove quivers and shakes , the roots twisting to and fro in a Chapter 212 seeming protest against such indecision .
4/5 Lirien appeared at that instant , dark form dancing with an air of urgency .
The grove cannot withstand this tug of war much longer , he says .
Aurora , you must decide .
Now .
The Witness extends its hand , voice unyielding .
Sever the bond , and the pack is free .
Restore it , and they remain bound with the groves fate .
Kael steps closer , his ghostly form aglow brighter .
Dont listen to it , Aurora .
The grove is our foundation .
Without it , the pack will be lost .
My mind reels as the energy of the grove presses in from every direction , thick upon my skin .
The pendant at my chest shakes weakly , its light little more than a struggle against chaos .
What if I dont choose ? I ask , my voice small .
The Witnesss form darkens , his voice low and menacing .
Then the grove will fall .
The corruption will spread to all things : your pack , your world , and beyond .
His fingers clasp around mine in his hand ; it is a firm but grounding grasp .
Aurora , look at me , he says .
Whatever you choose , we face it together .
But you need to choose .
I breathe deeply , my eyes darting between the glowing heart of Chapter 212 5/5 grove , the towering Witness , and Kaels pleading form .
My legs feel like lead as I take a step toward the heart .
The soft glow of the pendant seems to pump in time with my racing heartbeat .
I … I begin , my voice faltering .
Before I can even finish , the earth shakes once more beneath my feet , and the cracks widen more , Shadows came well up from its darkness .
The Witness launches himself at Kael , his form intermingling with Kaels in a brilliant burst of light and darkness .
The being that results from their merger towers over us , its voice a rumble of fury .
If you cannot decide , it growls , then I will decide for you !