The night had settled, and the world seemed at peace, but that was merely an illusion. Elara sat on a large rock, the glowing relic at her side, still faintly pulsing with energy. Her mind raced with thoughts of the coming storm, the battle she knew was inevitable. She couldn't help but wonder if they were truly ready for what lay ahead. Every victory, no matter how significant, had only delayed the inevitable—the Heart's return. She gripped the relic tighter, its smooth surface cool against her palm, as if trying to draw strength from it.
Kade had wandered off earlier, disappearing into the dense forest under the guise of scouting. Morgana had been absorbed in her thoughts as well, sitting cross-legged near the fire, her fingers tracing patterns in the dirt. The crackle of the flames was soothing, but Elara couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that something was watching them. She looked up, but the forest was silent, save for the soft rustling of the leaves.