The storm had passed by the time dawn broke, but the chill remained. As the first light of day filtered through the cracks in the outpost's walls, Elara woke, the weight of their mission settling heavily on her shoulders. Today, they would reach Silverspire.
Kirin was already awake, tending to the fire. His eyes met Elara's, and for a moment, no words were needed. Both knew what lay ahead wasn't just a simple quest for knowledge—it was a confrontation with powers older and darker than any they had yet faced.
Seraphina stretched her arms, her movements slow and deliberate, the exhaustion of their recent battles still clinging to her. Jarek, for once, was silent, strapping on his armor with the kind of quiet resolve Elara had come to expect when things were truly dire. Morgana sat cross-legged by the window, her eyes closed in meditation, though Elara knew she was preparing herself for what awaited in the ancient city.
