Liam met his father's gaze.

Liam: "It's the only way."

Elder Magnus and Seraphine began to chant, guiding the energy flow. Amelia and Xander joined hands with Liam, channeling their combined strength into the Great Tree.

For a moment, a serene glow enveloped them, and the tree seemed to revive slightly.

But then, a shadow fell over them as the Umbral Wraith Leader materialized nearby.

Umbral Wraith Leader: "Your efforts are in vain. The cycle cannot be undone."

Amelia faced the wraith, determination etched on her face.

Amelia: "We won't give up."

The wraith extended a shadowy limb toward Liam.

Umbral Wraith Leader: "The child carries the spark. He will return what was taken."

Before anyone could react, tendrils of darkness wrapped around Liam, pulling him toward the wraith.

Amelia screamed.

Amelia: "No!"

Xander lunged forward, but a barrier of shadow blocked him.

Liam struggled, his aura flickering.

Liam: "Mom! Dad!"

The wraith began to merge with him, their forms intertwining.

Seraphine shouted an incantation, but it was deflected effortlessly.

Elder Magnus's voice was filled with urgency.

Elder Magnus: "We must sever the connection!"

Amelia's eyes filled with tears as she reached out desperately.

Amelia: "Liam, fight it!"

Liam's voice echoed faintly.

Liam: "I can feel them—all the lost souls. They need peace."

The ground shook violently as the Great Tree's roots began to crack the earth. The sky darkened further, and a vortex of energy formed above them.

Amelia realized with dawning horror that Liam was sacrificing himself to save them all.

Amelia: "There has to be another way!"

Xander's face was stricken.

Xander: "We can't lose him!"

But as they watched, powerless, Liam and the wraith vanished into the vortex, which then collapsed in on itself, leaving a deafening silence.