Calm Before The Storm

~Azaria~

The study had become our command center, a place of both strategy and solace as we prepared for the battle ahead. I sat perched comfortably on Alaric's lap, his steady presence grounding me as we navigated the chaos. The soft crackle of the fire was a sharp contrast to the flurry of movement in the packhouse as people came and went with reports and updates.

Alaric's arms were wrapped around me, providing a sense of comfort, but the weight of what was coming never left my mind. The attack on the facility loomed, and with each passing hour, the tension thickened. Despite the bustle of preparations outside, the study was a momentary refuge. We were surrounded by plans, maps, and reports, but for now, we sat in silence, knowing that soon, we would face our greatest challenge yet.