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.