The village lay silent under the cover of night, its defenses in place and the Heart of Shadows securely contained. Elara and her team had managed to create a brief respite in the ongoing conflict, but the looming threat remained ever-present. The calm of the night was deceptive, hiding the storms that brewed both within and beyond the swamp.
Elara sat by the flickering campfire, its warm glow casting dancing shadows on her face. Morgana and Aric were engaged in a quiet discussion near the Heart of Shadows, their concern evident as they analyzed the containment runes and checked the barrier's integrity. Cedric and Elias were resting, though sleep did not come easily for them. The previous battle had left its mark, and the tension in the air was palpable.
