Chapter 1529: The Storm Before the Dawn

The camp was alive with muted activity as the first light of dawn stretched across the horizon, casting pale hues of pink and gold over the scattered tents and exhausted soldiers. The air was heavy with a quiet tension, a feeling that something was about to shift, though no one could say exactly what.

Aiden stood near the edge of the camp, his eyes scanning the vast expanse of wilderness beyond their temporary stronghold. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword, the leather of the scabbard worn from constant use. He could feel it—an impending storm.

"Do you ever sleep?" Morgana's voice broke through his thoughts, her dry humor a welcome distraction.

He turned to face her, noting the dark circles beneath her eyes. Despite the healing potions she had taken the night before, her energy still seemed drained, but there was a fire in her gaze that hadn't faded.

"Not much. There's too much at stake," Aiden replied. "How are you feeling?"