The stronghold's preparations continued in full swing as the days wore on. Elara and her team worked tirelessly, ensuring that every detail was attended to and every possible contingency was planned for. The encroaching darkness loomed over them like a storm cloud, but they remained resolute, driven by the need to protect their realm.
Kirin and his reconnaissance team had been away for nearly a week. Elara's anxiety grew with each passing day, as every moment without news from them felt like an eternity. She spent her days reviewing intelligence reports, meeting with the council, and overseeing the fortification of the stronghold's defenses. The nights were the hardest, filled with restless thoughts and uneasy dreams.
One evening, as Elara was working late into the night, a knock on her door pulled her from her work. It was a soldier with urgent news.
