Orion gently scooted the children off his lap, his expression firm but filled with hidden worry. "I'll be back," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible as he stood up.
He walked steadily towards the manor's door, a determined look in his eyes. Once outside, he made his way to the center of the forest where the ominous tree stood. Each step was deliberate, his mind racing with memories of that fateful night and the dark forces he had hoped were long gone.
Orion approached the tree, feeling the weight of the moment pressing on him. He murmured incantations under his breath, his wand moving in practiced motions as he cast protective spells around the manor. The air crackled with magic, forming a barrier that would shield the manor from any fire that might escape.
Standing before the tree, he took a deep breath, letting the familiar surge of rage and determination flow through him. Just like that first night, the flames of his anger ignited. He whispered a spell, and flames erupted from his wand, roaring towards the tree. The fire spread quickly, consuming the tree in a blaze of fiery intensity.
As the tree caught fire, it began to groan and writhe in pain, its vines thrashing as if trying to escape the inferno. The sight was haunting, reminiscent of the darkness that had plagued them before. Orion stood his ground, watching the flames dance and devour the tree. The fire illuminated his face, casting flickering shadows across his determined features.
With every crackle and pop of the burning wood, Orion's resolve hardened. He breathed deeply, steadying himself as he observed the tree's agonizing demise. His eyes remained fixed on the fire, waiting for any sign that the darkness might still be lurking.
The flames roared and surged, the heat intense as the tree was reduced to glowing embers. Orion watched until the tree was nothing more than a smoldering ruin. He knew that this was only a temporary solution and that they would need to stay vigilant.
Turning around, he started walking back towards the manor, the sense of urgency still clinging to him. As he approached the door, he glanced back one last time, making sure the fire was under control. The smoke billowed up, dissipating into the night air.
Orion entered the manor, his face lined with fatigue but also with a glimmer of satisfaction. The immediate threat was dealt with, but the war against the darkness was far from over. He knew that as long as the shadows remained, they would need to remain vigilant.
Rejoining his family, he was met with worried eyes and expressions of relief. Orion's presence brought a sense of calm as he assured them that the immediate danger had been managed. Yet, in the back of his mind, the battle was far from won.