The shadows began to dissipate, leaving Damon standing alone, visibly weakened, the fire in his eyes dimmed. He looked at Aurora, the realization of what she had done dawning upon him. "You... you would destroy me?"

"I'm freeing myself from your chains," she replied, her voice steady, but her heart trembled at the weight of her decision.

Damon's face twisted with rage, but beneath it lay a hint of admiration. "You've grown strong, Aurora. Stronger than I ever imagined."

As the last remnants of darkness faded, Aurora felt an immense surge of energy coursing through her veins. The roses around her began to bloom again, but this time, they were vibrant and pure, devoid of the dark curse that had once bound them.