The moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the city of Aetheris. The battle had ended, but the aftermath lingered in the minds of the city's defenders. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant murmur of a late-night patrol.
Alaric stood on the balcony of his quarters, gazing out over the city. His body ached from the day's exertions, but his mind was restless. The victory had been hard-won, and the cost weighed heavily on him. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger conflict.
A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Come in," he called, turning to face the entrance.
Thalia entered, her expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. "You should get some rest, Alaric. You've been through a lot."
Alaric offered a weary smile. "I could say the same to you. How are the others?"
