Dawn painted the damaged lunar chamber in soft hues of rose and gold, but the beauty felt mocking against the blood-stained stone and exhausted faces of the survivors.
Elara Voss leaned heavily against Kai Thorn, her body drained from hours of healing and shielding during the siege. Silver light still flickered faintly at her fingertips, but it was weaker now, pulsing in time with her slowing heartbeat. Kai kept one arm wrapped securely around her waist, supporting her weight while his free hand gently brushed stray strands of dark hair from her sweat-dampened forehead.
The surviving council members and instructors gathered in a loose circle around the central altar. The mood was somber, heavy with the weight of what they had just endured — and what still lay ahead.
Headmaster Eldric st
