Chapter 47: The Sacrifice Revealed

"We can't let them get to the heart of Silverwood!" I shouted over the growing chaos around us. The dense canopy of trees above shook as if the forest itself were trembling with fear.

My heart raced, beating in sync with the distant drum of enemy footsteps approaching.

"How much time do we have?" Rowan’s voice cut through the tension, sharp and focused.

"Minutes. Maybe less," Gideon replied, his expression grim. "The wards are failing. Alaric’s forces are stronger than we anticipated."

I glanced at Gideon, who was still recovering from the artifact’s toll. His normally steady hands were trembling, his face pale.

The thought of what he had endured sent a shiver down my spine. The sacrifice he made… the cost was more than physical. Silverwood’s defenses were weakening, and it was all because of me.

I knew what I had to do.

"Rowan, gather the remaining forces at the entrance. Hold them off as long as you can," I ordered, trying to steady my voice.

"Gideon, you stay with me. We need to