Book Two – Chapter 13
The Hollow
The shadows rushed across the forest floor like a living tide.
Where they passed, flowers withered into gray dust.
Ancient ferns curled inward.
Even the towering trees of the Emerald Kingdom groaned as dark veins climbed their trunks.
The Forest Queen stepped forward.
Her emerald crown blazed with brilliant light.
"Stand behind me!"
Her command rang through the forest.
Vines burst from the earth, weaving together into a glowing wall between us and the spreading darkness.
The Hollow slammed against it.
The impact shook the Heart Tree.
For a moment, the barrier held.
Then cracks of black energy spread across the vines.
"It has grown stronger," the Forest Queen whispered.
"Far stronger than before."
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Cassiel moved to her side.
Silver moon
