Lily stood trembling, her mind echoing with the voice of the egregore. She tried—levitation, telekinesis, anything—but nothing came. Her body remained heavy, her hands powerless.
The voice whispered, almost amused:
"Well, you are a beginner. For now, you can only command tree stigs. That's it."
Then silence.
"That's it?" Lily muttered, frustration boiling. "How can I save anyone if I can't even reach them?"
At the castle, Egry faced Mrs. Hodgins. The air was thick with tension, the walls trembling as if they feared the outcome.
Egry moved with strength she had never known before. Freed from Hodgins' contract, she fought with her own will, her own roots. Mrs. Hodgins, stripped of borrowed power, sneered and taunted.
"Well, don't think you're some big shot just because that contract vanished. You're still worthless."
Egry faltered. A flicker of fear crossed her face. Hodgins saw it—smelled it—and lunged.
With speed like lightning, she snatched Egry's balance, her hand clamping around Egry's neck. She lifted her into the air, her grip merciless.
"You are useless now," Hodgins hissed. "Just in the way."
Egry screamed, her voice breaking. Her neck twisted under the force. Tears streamed down her face as she cried, "I couldn't save anyone… not even myself."
And then—she was gone.
Lily felt it. The voice weakened, fading like smoke. Her heart clenched.
"No," she whispered. "I won't let you vanish."
She closed her eyes, concentrating. The contract had to become permanent. She opened herself, gave permission, and called out:
"Egry… get inside."
A surge of warmth flooded her chest. Roots pulsed beneath her skin. The bond was sealed.
Meanwhile, Brittany hung in agony. The Chancellor's beasts tore at her arms, pulling, stretching, ready to divide her in half.
The Chancellor smirked, his voice dripping with cruelty.
"Oh, not smiling now, are you?"
Brittany's scream echoed through the forest. Her body was breaking.
And then—
A surge of light. Roots burst from the ground, wrapping around the beasts. A figure stepped forward, eyes glowing faintly, hair shimmering with borrowed strength.
It was Lily.
Her ally. Her sister.
To be continued…