The journey back to the council was quiet, each member of the team lost in their own thoughts. The forest, now bathed in the full light of day, seemed to offer a momentary reprieve from the darkness they had just faced. Birds chirped in the treetops, and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to their march.
Elara walked alongside Morgana, who had taken the lead in analyzing the remains of the dark magic they had encountered. The mage's expression was thoughtful, her eyes scanning the surrounding trees as if seeking answers from the forest itself.
"Do you think we've seen the last of this dark magic?" Elara asked, her voice breaking the silence.
Morgana shook her head slowly. "No, I doubt it. This ritual was a significant operation, but it was just one part of a larger scheme. The dark forces at play here are ancient and far-reaching. We'll need to remain vigilant and prepared for further threats."
