Smoke drifted across the battlefield like a living specter, weaving between the bodies, weapons, and shattered banners that littered the blood-soaked ground. The sun, once dim behind layers of stormclouds, had vanished entirely now—choked out by the dense veil of chaos rising from the war. The light of day had abandoned them, and only fire and ash remained to guide their path.
Kara stood at the edge of the war council chamber, now hastily converted into a triage and command station. Maps had been shoved aside to make space for wounded soldiers, some moaning in pain, others already pale and silent beneath bloodied sheets. Healers moved rapidly, their robes soaked in sweat and magic residue, casting restoration spells with trembling hands.
The war had only begun, and already the kingdom wa
