Chapter 26 The Heart Of Darkness

• The light radiating from the Eldertree pulsed brighter, growing stronger as Lyra’s resolve hardened. Every fiber of her being was focused on Ryan’s fragile form, but the oppressive presence of Serin’s dark magic loomed over her like a storm cloud, threatening to extinguish the faint hope she clung to.
• Serin’s laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. “You still don’t understand, do you, Lyra?” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. “The Heartwood’s magic belongs to me. You’re nothing but a weak little girl playing at power.”
• Lyra’s heart pounded in her chest, but the Eldertree’s magic continued to surge beneath her fingertips. She could feel the life-force of the ancient forest gathering, pushing back against Serin’s darkness. For the first time, she didn’t feel afraid.