I leaned over and vomited—a shiver traveled down my spine. Lioran tucked my hair behind my ears. Cora handed me her flask. I took it to my lips, hoping to settle my rolling stomach. Lioran lowered me onto the ground, propping me against Cora.
He leaned over to Fyn and whispered. I couldn’t hear his words, but the light vanished from Fyn’s gaze. He nodded in reply.
Chapter 36
Gaia carried me further through the Grove, the rhythm of her steps lulled my limp body. The haunting cries echoed until we reached the middle. A massive tree stood in the clearing—its trunk engulfed the only opening in the Grove. Every inch of it was covered in black ash and decay.
Lioran lifted me off Gaia. The ground reverberated under us, rolling and pulsing as if it were trying to pull me in.
“You feel it, too?” I asked.
Lioran didn’t respond. With so little strength left in me, my muscles seized. He still held me in his arms. “Aelira, I love you.” He whispered it like a goodbye. “You are my light. My hope. I’ll carry it with me always.”
“I love you, Lioran.”
He kissed me—deeper than he ever had before. “We will be together again. Until then, promise me you’ll create the future you always dreamed of.”
“No,” I clung to him. “Don’t you dare say goodbye to me.”
Lioran’s eyes glistened in the dim light of the Grove. He bit his lip as Fyn stepped beside him.
“Keep her safe.” He placed me in Fyn’s arms, but his gaze was still locked on mine.
“Lioran, no—whatever you’re planning…whatever you think you should do. It doesn’t have to be like this. Please,” I cried.
Lioran kissed my forehead. “Protect her for me, Fyn.”
Fyn nodded as his grip tightened around me—too tight—too desperate.
“Fyn?” I cried through a ragged breath. “Please. Let me go.” I thrashed against Fyn until I couldn’t anymore. He only held me tighter.
“Lioran! Don’t do this!” I screamed, but Lioran didn’t glance back at me. He only continued walking to the tree.
Cora ran after him.
“I will never forgive you, Fyn.” My body weakened with each word—until I could barely move anymore. “Let me go. Now.”
“I know you won’t.” Fyn’s words trembled. “I made a promise—no matter how hard you fight me, I will not break it.”
“The Grove wants me. It doesn’t want him.” I crashed into Fyn.
My sobs echoed. The Grove roared in response.
Lioran placed his hand on the massive tree. His golden light spread from his fingertips. Cora remained beside him. I couldn’t make out her words, but I watched the color drain from her face.
Lioran would not stop. His mind was made up.
“Fyn…please.” I couldn’t fight him anymore.
There was no sign of his cheerful demeanor. I waited for his smirk to settle, but Fyn only stared back at me.
My magic thrashed within me—wild and unrelenting. The golden glow coursed from my fingertips, racing toward the tree.
The Grove didn’t care where I was—it would take from me. Lioran thought he could take my place, but fate never wanted him to.
It wanted my magic—it wanted me.
I would give it—I didn’t even try to stop it. The onyx’s warmth radiated through me.
