The streets of Aetheris hummed with a tense anticipation, a low murmur of concern and hope intermingling as the city braced for the storm on the horizon. The skies above seemed to echo the city's unease, with heavy clouds rolling in and casting long shadows over the stone buildings and bustling marketplaces.
Inside the palace, the war room was a hive of activity. Maps were spread across the large table in the center, and notes detailing enemy movements and strategies were pinned around the room. Alaric, Adrian, Thalia, and Damien were deep in discussion, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of lanterns.
"We've been monitoring their movements through the scrying mirror," Damien said, pointing to a detailed map of the surrounding regions. "They're gathering forces at various strongholds, preparing for a large-scale assault."
