The roots around Liora exploded to life, lashing out like whips. The chamber erupted into chaos roots against fire, betrayal against hope.
And in the center of it all, Liora screamed not in pain, but in defiance.
The world slowed.
Elder Varyn's silver flames roared toward them, searing the air with the scent of burning sap. Kael threw himself over Liora, shielding her with his body but Tari knew it wouldn't be enough. The Order's fire consumed everything.
And then
The forest howled inside her.
A surge of raw power tore through Tari's veins, green light erupting from her fingertips. She didn't think. She didn't hesitate. She moved.
"NO!"
Her hands slammed into the earth.
Vines thicker than tree trunks burst from the ground, twisting into a living wall between the Order and their prey. The silver flames crashed against it and for the first time, they did not burn.
The barrier held.
Liora's mismatched eyes widened. You… you're her.The one the woods have been waiting for.
Kael stared at Tari like he was seeing her for the first time. Tari, what did you just—?
She didn't answer. The power was singing in her blood now, intoxicating, terrifying. The roots obeyed her unspoken commands, lashing out at the Order's warriors, disarming them, hurting them.
Elder Varyn stumbled back, his face a mask of fury and disbelief. You side with the corruption?!
I side with the truth! Tari snarled. You've been killing people who could still be saved!
Behind her, Liora gasped. The roots binding her shuddered, their grip loosening. The Heartwood… she whispered. It's the only way to cleanse the Hollows to free them. But the Order burned it years ago.
Kael's breath caught. Then it's gone?
Liora's Hollow eye flickered. No. The forest remembered. A piece of it remains… buried where they couldn't reach.
Tari understood instantly. That's why the woods chose me. To find it.
Varyn's laughter was sharp as a blade. Child, you are nothing. The Heartwood is ash.
But Tari wasn't listening.
The choice was clear now.
She could flee with Kael and Liora, hide from the Order forever.
Or she could do what the forest had always meant for her to do.
She met Kael's eyes. Get Liora out of here.
His grip tightened on his sister. Tari...
"GO!"
With a final, desperate look, Kael hauled Liora into the twisting tunnels.
Tari turned back to the Order and let the forest's power burn.