Chapter 22: The Garden of Thorns, the Beast of Secrets

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Garden of Thorns, the Beast of Secrets ???? Previously: Jemil unlocked the emotional cores of Mira and Nyx by dream-syncing into their memories, traumas, and desires. But each bond he deepens also destabilizes the balance of his harem—and the strength of his own evolving power. Now, Sylfa—the quiet, vine-covered beast girl—awaits her turn. But she’s not like the others. She didn’t ask to be seen. And yet... her dream calls to him. ???? An Invitation of Silence That night, as Jemil approached his tent, he found Sylfa sitting cross-legged in the grass, eyes closed, petals blooming gently from her hair. "You’re not going to ask?" he said. "I already said yes," she murmured. "When?" "When you looked at me like I was more than furniture." Her tone was flat, but something fragile sparkled behind it. [Dream Sync Activated: Sylfa – Beast of Silent Bloom] [Warning: High emotional resistance. Synchronization may fail without vulnerability.] ???? Dream Realm: The Garden of Secrets Jemil opened his eyes to a massive glass conservatory, glowing with moonlight. Endless walls of thorned vines, locked doors, and white petals floating through the air. Everything was beautiful... but nothing felt alive. Sylfa stood in the center. Wrapped in vines. Blindfolded. "You made it," she whispered. "I was hoping you wouldn’t." He took a step forward. "Why blindfolded?" "Because I don’t want to see what I become when people get close." The vines moved. They weren’t holding her. They were growing from her. ???? Inside the Beast’s Mind Jemil followed her through the dream, but every step deeper into the conservatory revealed memories tangled in petals: A summoner who gave her a name, then sold her. A collar around her neck for most of her early life. A command to "smile prettier" every time she wanted to fight back. Each locked room held a version of Sylfa. One was crying. One was gardening alone. One... was planting her own heart in the soil. "This place is a tomb," she said. "I grew it so no one would see me rot." He knelt next to her. "What if I wanted to help you bloom instead?" [Bond Intervention Available: Break the emotional rootlock.] ???? Breaking the Rootlock Jemil touched the soil where her heart had been buried. A massive thorn-wall erupted between them. [Host’s emotional defense has spiked. Dream Sync failing.] [Choose: Withdraw / Confront Root Self] He stepped into the thorns. They cut him. They burned. But he kept walking. Until he found her. The true Sylfa, curled in the fetal position, made of roots, tears, and fear. "You always say the right things," she said. "But if you water me, I’ll drown. If you love me, I’ll wilt. I wasn’t made to be soft." He knelt and whispered, "You were made to be real." And held her. ???? Bloom [Bond Level Increased: Sylfa – Level 4] [New Ability Unlocked: Thorncall – Summon living vines to protect or punish] [Emotional Sync: Vulnerability Accepted] [Physical Trait Evolved: Sylfa’s vines can now respond to her emotions instinctively] As she stood, the vines around her bloomed with glowing flowers. Her blindfold fell away. Her eyes—gold-flecked and damp—met his. "...I don’t know how to thank you." "You don’t have to. Just grow." ☀️ Morning After Sylfa sat by the fire, sipping tea. No one commented on the flowers braided into her hair. But when Ursa brought her a pancake and Nyx threw her an extra cloak, it was clear they noticed. Jemil sat down beside her. She said nothing. But she didn’t move away either. ???? System Update [Dream Sync Progress: 3/6 Harem Bonds Complete] [Sylfa’s Loyalty increased: Now resists all charm/debuff spells cast on Jemil] [System Notice: Dream bonds are stabilizing your Towerborn Core. Emotional evolution is now synced with class path] ✅ CTA – A Garden is Growing... Jemil’s emotional bonds are strengthening, but so are the side effects. His own stats are fluctuating based on his harem’s trust levels. What happens if someone falls out of love? ???? Comment below: Who do you think is the most dangerous beast girl if Jemil ever breaks her heart? ???? Tap Library to stay updated. Power Stone votes make vines grow faster ???? Next: Chapter 23 – "Breakfast with a Bunny and the Nightmare Below"