The air in Elanor was tense. The council reconvened after hearing Aelric's report about the cloaked figures and the darkness in the forest. The hall was packed with leaders, soldiers, and villagers who had come to hear what would happen next.
Aldric leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "So you're telling us the Shadow King's magic is still active, spreading like a disease?"
"Yes," Aelric said, his voice steady despite the murmurs in the crowd. "It's feeding on fear, twisting the land and the people. We destroyed the Shadow King, but his power isn't gone."
A woman from the council stood, her tone sharp. "How can we be sure this isn't just the remnants of his influence? Perhaps it will fade in time."
Seraphina, standing beside Aelric, crossed her arms. "And what happens if it doesn't? Are you willing to gamble with the lives of everyone in Eldoria?"
The woman faltered, and the room fell silent.
Lyra spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "We can't wait and hope it fades. We need to act now. The longer we let this darkness grow, the harder it will be to stop."
Aldric nodded slowly. "Then what do you propose?"
"We find its source," Aelric said, stepping forward. "These cloaked figures they're organized. Someone is leading them. If we cut off their leader, we cut off their power."
The council murmured again, but this time it was filled with agreement. Aldric stood, raising a hand for silence. "Very well. Aelric, you've proven yourself before. If you say this is the path forward, we will follow you."
As the meeting ended, Aelric caught Lyra's gaze. "Thank you for backing me up in there."
"You're the leader, Aelric," she said with a small smile. "But even leaders need support."
Seraphina joined them, her brow furrowed. "The question is, where do we start?"
Aelric thought about the cloaked figure's words in the forest. The darkness is everywhere… feeding on fear.
"I think we need to look closer to home," he said, his voice quiet but certain. "What if it's already here in Elanor?"