đż The Corrupted Grove
Under a gray morning sky, Artemis, Elara, Nova, Lyra, and Kael hiked toward a Grove tainted by the Riftâancient oaks twisted into nightmarish forms, their roots black with corruption. Small creatures scuttled away, their eyes milky with infection.
"Elara, is this the Rift vein?" Artemis asked, Beacon and Shard strapped to her wrists.
Elara held her gauntlet close. "Yes. The Shard reacted strongly from the momentumâit's likely the focal point."
Artemis nodded. Nova stepped forward with determination. "Then let's do this."
âïž First Trial: Purification Ritual
They cleared a stone altar ringed with roots. Artemis placed the Shard in the center. Elara activated the Beacon while Nova and Kael held hands on opposite sides.
A soft hum resonated, stepping through three phases:
Pulse â A faint wave of white light washed over the roots. They glowed, then dimmed as corruption resisted.
Echo â Roots convulsed slightly, as if in pain, then released black sap into the clearing.
Bond â The trio closed eyes and spoke in unison:
â Artemis: "By bond and light, may the darkness retreat."
â Elara: "By unity and hope, may life reclaim."
â Nova: "By trust and strength, may balance return."
A surge of pure light exploded from the Shard. Roots unraveled. Sap receded. The Grove breathed anew.
The air softenedâlife returned.
đŸ Healing the Fallen
Nearby, a wounded stag lay trapped under a corrupt root, its breath shallow.
Artemis knelt. "Let me help."
She placed her glowing palm on its side. White light infused the wound; the stag whimpered, blood reknitted, and it rose slow but whole.
Elara and Nova watched in awe. The stag nuzzled Artemis's hand before bounding into the reclaimed grove.
𧩠Emotional Resonance
As the light dimmed, the trio collapsed onto grassâbreathless, solemn.
Nova exhaled. "I never believed we could heal like that."
Elara squeezed her shoulder. "It's your strengthâand ours."
Artemis closed her eyes, Shard tucked to her chest. "We need more of this. For the enclave, for everyone."
A hush fell, heavy with awe and resolve.
đ Aftermath & Plans
Back at the Hollowheart Enclave, the trio shared successes and scars around a map.
Lyra marked the next Rift-infested zones. "Five more veins, at least."
Kael gripped a dagger, solemn. "And they'll be guarded. The Hunters will act."
Artemis's voice rang steady and determined. "Then we fight smarter, heal fasterâand rebuild hope."
The Beacon on her wrist pulsed golden in agreement.