69: The tree that absorbs magic- Part 3

"It's… not a tree…"

The words sent chills down Auriel's spine.

"What do you mean?" 

Auriel demanded.

Sophia struggled to speak, her body trembling.

"Not… a tree… it's…"

Lady Sophia's breath was shallow, and her body trembled as she clutched Auriel's wrist. Her usually sharp emerald eyes were hazy, barely able to focus.

"It's… not a tree…" 

She rasped out again, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.

The group stood in stunned silence as her words sank in.

Princess Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

"Then what is it?"

Sophia's lips parted as if to answer, but she coughed violently, her body shuddering from the effort. Carol quickly reached out, helping her sit up.

"It's…It's an… organism… something that absorbs magic to survive…" 

Sophia struggled to continue. 

Auriel's expression darkened.

"A being that feeds on magic itself?"