Shadows of War

The fortress walls stood tall, but the tension within them was suffocating. Evelyn paced in the war chamber, her mind racing through strategies. The revelation of the traitor had shaken their confidence, but it had also given them clarity—this was no longer just a game of hidden threats. The war had begun.

Kael entered, his presence steady as ever. "Scouts report movements near the eastern ridge. The Council is advancing."

Evelyn clenched her fists. "They're wasting no time."

Lysara, seated by the maps, nodded grimly. "We need to decide now—do we fortify or strike first?"

Kael crossed his arms. "If we wait, they'll surround us. We have to take the fight to them."

Evelyn met his gaze, a fire burning in her eyes. "Then we strike first."

The decision was made. Orders were sent, warriors armed. The fortress that had once been their haven was now their battlefield.

Night fell swiftly, and with it came the first clash. Evelyn led her forces through the hidden tunnels beneath the fortress, emerging behind enemy lines. The Council's soldiers barely had time to react before steel met steel.

Kael fought beside her, his blade a blur of lethal precision. Evelyn's magic surged, flames dancing at her fingertips as she cut through the opposition.

Lysara's signal rang through the air—a horn blast announcing the next phase of attack. The enemy was faltering, but Evelyn knew better than to celebrate early.

A sudden explosion rocked the battlefield, sending debris flying. From the smoke, new figures emerged—cloaked, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

Kael cursed under his breath. "Reinforcements. Dark magic users."

Evelyn's heart pounded. This battle was far from over. And the real fight had just begun.