Chapter 53: Shadows Beneath the Surface

The camp had settled into a tentative calm, but the scars of Telyss were visible in every corner. Survivors whispered to each other as we returned, their gazes flitting between relief and fear. The defeat of the Voidspawn in the plaza had bought us time, but the silence felt ominous, like the prelude to a storm. 

Captain Dren greeted us with a grim expression. His armor had been hastily repaired, and his sword hung loosely at his side, as though even he wasn't convinced the battle was over. 

"You did it," he said, though his tone was far from celebratory. "The obelisk's destruction has stopped the creatures for now, but the city is falling apart. Supplies are running low, and more refugees arrive by the hour. We can't hold this position much longer." 

"You're not supposed to," Silvermane said bluntly, her wolves prowling around the camp. "Telyss is lost. The people need to move to safer territory."