The cave's dome fell into an oppressive silence. In the dimly lit chamber, only a handful of flickering torches and softly glowing stones scattered about provided a meager source of light. The air was heavy with tension, and the echoes of the recent battle still reverberated through the subterranean expanse.
Valentina pushed herself up from the rocky ground, her chest heaving as she tried to regain her composure. Her eyes locked onto Gideon, who sat comfortably on a jutting coral stone. In his grasp, he held the golden staff he had forcibly taken from her.
"This battle is over," Gideon began, his tone measured and confident, "but the war is still ongoing. With each passing moment, more of your people will meet their demise." His gaze pierced Valentina's soul.
