The stronghold was quiet that night, a deceptive calm hanging over it like a veil. Elara lay awake, staring at the ceiling as the weight of the day pressed heavily upon her. Her thoughts were a chaotic swirl of worry and resolve. The ritual's potential cost was a dark cloud on the horizon, and every decision seemed fraught with peril.
As she finally drifted into a fitful sleep, she was jolted awake by a soft knock on her door. Blinking away the remnants of dreams, she pushed herself up and called out for the visitor to enter.
Seraphina stepped into the room, her expression serious. "Elara, I've received word from the scouts. Kirin and his team have returned."
Elara's heart raced. "What did they find?"
Seraphina's eyes were grave. "They're gathering in the council chamber now. Kirin says he has critical information."
