The victory over Valerian's followers brought a temporary reprieve to Aetheris, but the city's leaders knew that their work was far from over. Alaric, Adrian, Thalia, and Damien continued their vigilance, aware that the shadows of danger still lurked on the horizon.
Days turned into weeks as Aetheris slowly rebuilt. The citizens, inspired by the defenders' bravery, worked tirelessly to restore their city to its former glory. The streets once again bustled with activity, and a sense of normalcy began to return. Yet, beneath the surface, the memory of the battle lingered, a constant reminder of the threats they had faced and those yet to come.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, Alaric found himself wandering the quiet streets. The day's work had left him exhausted, but his mind was restless. He made his way to a secluded garden on the outskirts of Aetheris, seeking solace in the tranquility of the night.
