The air in the clearing still shimmered with the remnants of their victory over the shadows, but Zia felt a different kind of tension building, a storm of uncertainties brewing on the horizon. The Heartstone pulsed gently at her side, its light a reminder of their shared strength and purpose. She turned to Leon, who stood beside her, a mixture of pride and determination etched on his face.
"We need to regroup and figure out our next steps," Zia said, her voice steady. "The Heartstone is powerful, and we can't let Madame Seraphine get her hands on it."
Leon nodded, his expression grave. "She will come for it, and with the shadows she controls, we'll need allies. I have some contacts who might be able to help, but we'll have to be cautious."
"Then let's not waste time," Zia replied, her mind racing with possibilities. "Where do we start?"