Dawn broke with a soft golden light, but Canila felt the weight of an unseen storm looming on the horizon. The air was heavy with an almost imperceptible tension, as though the world was holding its breath, waiting for something to break the newfound peace. The celebration of the previous night had been a well-earned reprieve, yet Canila's instincts told him that their challenges were far from over.
Gathering his team in a secluded part of the Citadel, Canila spoke with quiet resolve. "We can't ignore that the Shadow Ascendant was likely only a piece in a larger scheme. There's a reason his reach extended so far. We've freed these people, yes, but our path isn't done."
Kael nodded thoughtfully, his gaze focused yet distant. "I agree. The magic he wielded, the depth of his influence… it points to something greater. Someone—or something—gave him that power."
