The battlefield had descended into a state of suspended animation. The cacophony of clashing steel, the agonizing shrieks of the dying shadow-hounds, and the roaring tempest of toxic winds all seemed to mute as Elara took her first step forward. The golden light radiating from the Sun-Stone against her collarbone wasn't just a defensive barrier anymore; it had become a living, breathing entity.
With every step she took, the petrified, blood-soaked ash beneath her boots instantly transformed. The necrotic grey earth hissed, melting away to reveal the rich, dark soil of a world long forgotten, and tiny, ethereal blades of glowing green grass sprouted in her footprints.
"Form a guard of honor!" Valen roared, his deep voice carrying a reverence that the Iron Ridge Alpha had never shown to an
