Chapter 146: Chapter 146: The Whispering Shadows 

Night had fully descended on the fortress, its deep indigo hues settling over the ruins like a shroud. The moon hung low in the sky, casting pale light over the battlements, where Elara stood with Ethan. The sense of unease she had felt throughout the day had only deepened, a nagging whisper at the back of her mind that something was amiss.

As the workers and soldiers settled into their makeshift quarters for the night, the fortress grew quieter, the sounds of rebuilding giving way to the soft murmurs of those too restless to sleep. Elara felt a pang of guilt at the thought of how hard everyone had worked, how much they had endured. Yet, even as exhaustion threatened to take hold, she knew she couldn't rest. Not yet.

"We should get some sleep," Ethan suggested gently, noticing her distant expression. "We've done all we can for today."