The protective barrier 1

The morning air was crisp and biting as I gathered the council in the central clearing. The sun rose slowly, casting long shadows across the ground, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us. We had faced the darkness before, but I knew that the Black Faes were cunning, and their silence was a prelude to chaos.

As Jason and Isolde took their places beside me, I surveyed the faces of our fellow leaders. The determination in their eyes mirrored my own, but beneath that determination lay an undercurrent of anxiety. "We need to strategize for the future," I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "The Black Faes will not remain dormant much longer. They will regroup and come back for revenge."

Jason nodded, his expression grave. "I suggest we fortify our borders further and increase our patrols. If we can spot them before they strike, we will have the upper hand."