The journey east took nearly a week.
The air there had a different kind of feel… drier, sharper, humming faintly with the taste of magic.
As Braxton and his team crested the final ridge overlooking the valley, the sight that greeted them made everyone go still.
Below lay what was once one of the grandest strongholds in the realm – the Sanctum of Althera, a sprawling city built of crystal and obsidian, where elves, mages, and dragon shifters had once coexisted. But now, it was fractured.
Smoke curled up from shattered towers. The faint shimmer of magic still lingered in the air, pulsing in angry bursts where spells had collided.
Lukas gave a low whistle. “Well… if anyone still doubts Jaxon’s handiwork, they should take a tour here.”
Lucien didn’t answer. His eyes swept over the vall
