The Grand Assembly Hall loomed in front of them, the towering stone walls silhouetted in the darkened sky. Valen's gaze swept over the hall, taking in the flickering shadows and ominous energy pulsing through the air. His core team—Aylara, Lian, and Kael—flanked him, each silently awaiting his command.
"Everyone in position?" he asked, voice low but steady.
Aylara nodded, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "The wards are set. They should be strong enough to weaken the Black Vow's magic and give us an advantage."
Lian and Kael exchanged glances, each gripping their weapons with quiet determination. Kael's knuckles whitened around the hilt of his blade as he surveyed the darkened hall, his usual levity replaced with uncharacteristic tension.