The dawn broke with a subdued light, casting long shadows over the city of Aetheris. The recent victory at the cathedral had bought them some time, but the air was thick with an unspoken tension. The group's resolve was unshaken, but they knew that the enemy was far from defeated.
In the days following the cathedral raid, the group worked tirelessly to strengthen the city's defenses. Lady Seraphina, with her diplomatic finesse, coordinated with other clans to ensure that alliances were solidified. Thalia and Damien trained tirelessly, honing their skills for the battles ahead. Adrian and Alaric, however, found themselves drawn into the intricate web of secrets surrounding the dark forces at play.
One morning, as the sun struggled to pierce the heavy clouds, Adrian approached Alaric with a look of grim determination. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low and urgent.