The Sanctuary’s Shadows

The sanctuary lay nestled deep within the Laotian mountains, an oasis hidden from the prying eyes of the world. Surrounded by dense bamboo groves and the constant sound of cascading waterfalls, it seemed an untouched haven—a stark contrast to the turmoil that simmered within its sacred walls.

Inside, the Coalition had found temporary respite after the Battle for the Sacred Land. The flickering fire cast long shadows across their haggard faces. Exhaustion was evident in every line of their bodies, and the weight of Siti’s sacrifice hung heavily in the air. The echoes of their victory now felt hollow, tainted by grief and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.