As the first light of dawn began to break over the Sanctuary, its soft rays illuminated the figures gathered at the center of the village. The villagers had already begun to prepare for what lay ahead, their faces a mixture of resolve and concern. The promise of peace, though hard-won, was fragile, and Kael could feel the weight of the uncertainty pressing against them like the quiet before a storm.
The days that followed their return had been filled with planning, training, and an overwhelming sense of urgency. Morgana had led groups of warriors and apprentices, sharpening their skills with both weapons and magic, while Elarion spent long hours with the council, explaining the intricacies of the Forsaken realm and the dark forces that still stirred within it. Rowan had organized patrols, and the borders were now more heavily guarded than ever before.