Chapter 22 The Unexpected Ally

• The Eldertree’s voice still echoed in Lyra’s mind as the group made their way through the dense forest. She hadn’t said a word since they left the heart of the ancient tree, her thoughts consumed by the impossible decision laid before her. Sacrifice herself to save the Heartwood? The very idea made her stomach turn. The magic of the orb thrummed within her pack, a reminder of the power at stake, but also of the terrible price that power demanded.
• But there had to be another way.
• “We need to talk about this,” Kylan finally said, breaking the silence. “We can’t just walk away from what the tree said.”