In the aftermath of the battle, the glade shimmered with newfound life. The vibrant flora flourished, kissed by sunlight that broke through the dissipating clouds. Kael and Morgana surveyed the area, their hearts still racing from the intensity of the confrontation. Warriors tended to their wounded comrades, and the air buzzed with a sense of triumph, but the underlying tension remained palpable.
Kael turned to Morgana, a resolute expression on his face. "We need to regroup and discuss our next steps. The darkness may have retreated for now, but Zarek's warning lingers in my mind. We can't underestimate the shadows."
Morgana nodded, her brow furrowing. "Agreed. We should gather the council and assess the situation. If Zarek was able to breach our defenses so easily, it's clear we need to strengthen our borders and strategize for the future."