Chapter 144: The Storm Before the Battle

As dawn broke over Eldoria, the city seemed to shiver under a sky laden with clouds. The streets were eerily quiet, the usual morning bustle replaced by an uneasy stillness. Emily stood by the window of their hideout, her gaze fixed on the distant spires of the council's fortress. The air was heavy with tension, each breath weighed down by the anticipation of the coming storm.

The group gathered around the table in the dimly lit room, their faces drawn and tired. The events of the past days had taken their toll on them all, but there was no time to dwell on exhaustion or fear. Today, they would either expose the council's corruption to the city or be crushed by its might.

"We don't have much time," Emily said, breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed the turmoil within. "We need to finalize our plans and make sure we're ready for anything."

Valen nodded, his expression grim. "We've come this far. We can't afford to falter now."