With the support of the mages of Lyra, Lysander returned to Atheria, eager to share the good news. He presented the necklace of shimmering crystals to the assembled leaders, explaining its power and the support of the hidden city.
A wave of relief washed over the gathering. The arrival of new allies bolstered their spirits, renewing their hope in the face of the growing darkness.
However, the sense of relief was short-lived. A messenger arrived, bearing grim tidings. The Serpent's Coil had launched a surprise attack on a nearby village, slaughtering the inhabitants and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The attack was a brutal reminder of the enemy's strength and their unwavering determination. It also served as a rallying cry, igniting a renewed sense of urgency within the alliance.
Lysander, fueled by a mixture of anger and grief, volunteered to lead a strike force to the ravaged village, vowing to bring justice to the fallen and deliver a swift and decisive blow to the Serpent's Coil.