The fortress lay in an uneasy calm, the remnants of the previous night's battle scattered across the landscape. The morning sun illuminated the weathered stone walls, casting long shadows that danced with the breeze. Inside, the defenders were busy with their tasks—repairing the damage, tending to the wounded, and fortifying the walls. Despite their best efforts, an air of tension hung over the stronghold, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges still to come.
Elara sat by the central hearth, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. The fire's warmth was a stark contrast to the cold reality they faced. Morgana was still absorbed in her study of the crystal, her brow furrowed in concentration as she worked to unravel its mysteries. The crystal's dim glow cast eerie patterns across the stone walls, an ever-present reminder of the power they sought to harness.
