The morning sun rose over Portside, casting long golden shadows across the cobblestone streets. Ethan stood on the wall, his eyes fixed on the horizon, his heart filled with a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in years. The vision from the Temple of Whispers had shaken him to his core, but it had also given him clarity. He knew what he had to do.
"The message has been sent to every settlement in the Network," Ava said, appearing beside him. "The leaders are gathering in the capital. They're ready to listen."
Ethan nodded, his voice steady. "Then we go to them. We share the vision. We give them hope."
Ava took his hand. "You really believe this will work? That hope can defeat the shadow?"
Ethan was silent for a long moment. Then he said: "I have to believe it. Because if I don't, we've al
