Chapter 144 - Under Threat

Vines coiled around Sonder's arms, winding tighter across her torso, their grip beginning to press sharply into her skin.

Her breathing grew strained as the pressure around her ribs made each breath a struggle.

Fear surged through her as the tendrils crept higher, wrapping around her neck, the garden seeming to close in on her with every passing second.

In her desperation, a surge of energy pulsed within her, like a single spark igniting in the dark. Instinctively, she reached for the one element she knew could set her free: fire.

She hesitated, knowing the danger fire posed in a place so intertwined with nature. But with the vines pressing tighter, leaving her no choice, she shot out the mana in her, calling fire forth with all the strength she had left.

A flicker of flame sparked to life in her palm, weak at first, then growing as she fueled it with her remaining energy. She thrust her hand forward, the flame licking at the vines around her wrist.

The tendrils recoiled and hissed as they blackened and shriveled under the heat. Emboldened, Sonder sent another pulse of fire down her arm, the flames snaking along her wrists and legs, burning through the vines that held her captive.

The garden erupted into furious motion around her. The flowers seemed to shriek silently, their petals curling and withering as the flames grew. Vines lashed out wildly, trying to smother the fire, but she managed to keep the flames alive, pushing them outward in waves. She could feel the heat rising, and the vines loosened their grip, giving her just enough room to stumble free.

Panting, Sonder looked around as the garden continued to seethe. She released the fire, and it faded from her hands, not wanting to harm the garden any further, but the damage was done. Charred vines lay in heaps around her, their blackened remains smoldering as the last traces of flame died away.

The air was thick with the scent of scorched leaves, and the garden, once vibrant and alive, was now eerily silent. The bees and fireflies that had danced through the flowers were gone, and the plants around her seemed to recoil, as if wounded by her presence.

Sonder's heart pounded as she took in the aftermath—the grove that had been so vibrant now marred by ash and scorched vines.

For a long moment, there was only silence, until a soft, disappointed voice filled the clearing with a chilling calm.

"You brought fire to Celadon," the Queen said, her voice laced with sorrow as she stepped into the clearing. She looked around at the singed remains of the plants, her expression unreadable. "In my heart of hearts, I hoped you would not."

Sonder's throat tightened, and she stammered, "I... I didn't mean to. The vines were hurting me and wouldn't release me."

The queen's gaze remained steady, unwavering. "The garden was merely defending itself, child. It sensed your disregard when you took its blossom, and it sought to show you its power." Her voice softened, though disappointment lingered. "But your choice to use fire... it cuts deep."

The Queen exhaled slowly, her hand reaching down to touch the charred remains. Under her fingers, the blackened vines seemed to pulse faintly, responding to her touch.

"To use it here, in my sanctuary." Her gaze hardened as she looked up. "Celadon does not forgive easily."

"She acted as she thought was necessary," Vell interjected, appearing beside them.

"She is very much like you, Black Wizard," she said. "Now I see now why you chose her."