The battlefield still carried the echoes of war. Fires smouldered in the ruins of Gragg’s stronghold, casting flickering shadows across the valley. The scent of blood and smoke clung to the air, a grim reminder of what had been won—and what had been lost.
Elena stood atop the fortress walls, gazing out at the land beyond. Even in the dim light of dawn, she could see the bodies scattered below, both enemy and ally alike. The weight of leadership settled heavily on her shoulders, but there was no time for rest.
Behind her, Kael approached, his armor dented and his face lined with exhaustion. “The prisoners are being secured,” he reported. “Most of Gragg’s men surrendered. A few tried to run, but we dealt with them.”
Elena nodded, though her mind was already turning to what came next. “And
