The journey back to the camp from the ruins of the western outpost was subdued. Though they had secured an alliance with the Crimson Vow, the tension lingered. Aiden rode at the front of their group, his gaze fixed on the horizon, where dark clouds were forming like a bruise in the sky.
"We've won a battle, not the war," Morgana said softly, riding beside him. She was pale, the strain of the recent rituals evident in her face, but her voice held firm conviction.
"It's more than we had yesterday," Aiden replied. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, a reflex he couldn't seem to shake.
Elara brought her horse up beside them, her expression pensive. "Kael isn't someone to take lightly. She'll test us at every turn. If she senses weakness, she won't hesitate to take control."
"I know," Aiden said, his voice grim. "That's why we can't afford to falter. Not in front of her, not in front of anyone."
