CHAPTER 39: ECHOES OF VICTORY

Scene 1: The Return Message

Back at the mountain stronghold, Kael and Ethan pored over reports from their network of allies. News of the monastery victory had spread quickly, giving hope to those who opposed the Order.

"Three more teams are in position," Kael said, marking locations on their master map. "Ready to strike at their assigned targets as soon as we give the word."

Master Thane worked nearby, surrounded by crystals that tracked the flow of dark energy across the realm. The destruction of the monastery's artifact had created noticeable disruption in the Order's ritual network.

"Look at this," the old scholar called, beckoning them over. Above his workbench, a pattern of light showed six remaining nodes of darkness, but they were no longer stable. "The ritual is trying to compensate for the lost power. It's putting more strain on the remaining sites."