Dawn arrived with a muted light that barely penetrated the heavy clouds hanging over the stronghold. The aftermath of the previous day's battle was evident—scorched earth, damaged fortifications, and a palpable tension in the air. The stronghold was a hive of activity as its defenders continued to repair, reinforce, and prepare for the inevitable follow-up assault.
Elara, already up and surveying the damage, could see the resilience of her people in their swift response. The sense of urgency was infectious, pushing everyone to contribute to the effort. Yet, the feeling of an impending storm lingered, a constant reminder of the ongoing threat.
In the war room, the team assembled once more. The maps were now marked with new notations based on the latest intelligence, and the air was thick with anticipation.
