The wind whispered through the trees as Elara, Elias, Morgana, Lyra, and Kirin made their way back to the camp. The weight of their recent victory in the Forgotten City hung over them like a double-edged sword, its sharpness tempered by the knowledge that this triumph was only the beginning. The shadows were retreating, but they had not been vanquished.
As they neared the camp, the familiar hum of activity greeted them. Seraphina was in deep conversation with Thalia near the fire, their expressions grave. Henry was tinkering with some of his contraptions, his brow furrowed in concentration. The group's return caught everyone's attention, and soon, all eyes were on Elara as she approached.
"We did it," Elara announced, though her voice carried a note of caution. "The Heart of Darkness in the Forgotten City has been destroyed. But the darkness… it's far from defeated."
