As dawn broke, the fortress was alive with the sounds of preparation. Soldiers practiced their drills with intense focus, blacksmiths worked tirelessly to repair and forge weapons, and mages prepared protective wards. The atmosphere was a mix of tension and determination, the calm before the storm now an active battlefield of its own.
Elara moved through the bustling courtyard, her mind focused on the tasks ahead. Morgana had sent word that the search for the Luminous Stone was underway, and Elara knew that finding it could be their key to turning the tide against the Shadow Shard. Her thoughts were interrupted by Cedric, who approached with a worried look.
"Commander," Cedric said, "I've received more reports from our scouts. The Shadow Shard's forces are advancing faster than we anticipated. They're setting up a perimeter around our fortress."
