Chapter 22: The Gathering Storm

Scene 1: The Calm Before the Storm

The hidden realm was covered in an unnatural peaceful state as Mira and her companions stood at the edge of a vast plain, beyond which lay the heart of the darkness. The sky above was a swirling mass of black clouds, an obvious indication of the battle to come. The group took a moment to breathe, knowing this calm was for a while.

Mira’s heart pounded as she looked at her friends. Each face reflected a mixture of fear and determination. Ethan tightened his grip on his sword, his knuckles appeared white. "This is it," he murmured. "The final push."

Lumara hovered nearby, her light was dimmed by the oppressive atmosphere. "The darkness is strong here," she said softly. "But so are we."

Mira agreed, drawing strength from their unity. "We’ve come too far to turn back now."

Scene 2: A Strategy Takes Shape