Chapter 28
The group stood at the edge of Whispering Hollow, the cursed tree rising ominously ahead of them. Its blackened bark pulsed faintly, as though alive, and gnarled branches twisted toward the sky. The whispers were louder now, echoing with fragmented words of pain and warning. Ari stepped forward, her voice low. “The ash we need is from the heartwood of the tree. We’ll have to cut into it, but the spirits won’t like that. Be prepared for resistance.” Before anyone could respond, Stella darted ahead, her daggers gleaming in her hands. “No time to waste!” she shouted over her shoulder. “Stella, wait!” Raphael called, but it was too late. As Stella slashed at the bark, the air around the tree grew colder, and translucent, wailing figures began to rise from the ground. The spirits surged tow
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