"We'll do it," Saguna said, cutting through the political tension.
Administrator Thane's smile was calculating. "Excellent. We'll naturally provide oversight to ensure proper protocols—"
"No," Osa interrupted, stepping forward. "We heal the Grove Sentinel our way, or we don't heal it at all."
The Grove Sentinel's corrupted form shuddered at the word "heal," hope flickering in its hollow eyes for the first time in centuries.
Councilor Nightbloom's grip tightened on her staff. "You're students. What could you possibly know about treating advanced corruption?"
"More than your binding methods," Radji said quietly, adjusting his glasses. His earth connection was already reaching out, sensing the Grove Sentinel's pain through the corrupted magical field surrounding it.
"The spirit agrees to the healing, or it doesn't happen," Saguna continued, looking directly at the tortured creature. "Grove Sentinel, do you want us to try? Just nod."
