Chapter 256: Chapter 256: The Light in the Darkness

The fortress, though scarred from the fierce battle, stood resolute against the morning sky. Its stone walls, now etched with the marks of combat, seemed to pulse with the remnants of the defenders' strength. The sun cast a soft, golden light over the stronghold, bathing the scene in a warm glow that felt like a promise of hope and renewal.

Elara stood atop the fortress walls, her gaze sweeping over the battlefield below. The remnants of the Abyss's forces had retreated into the distance, their dark shapes vanishing against the horizon. The once-ominous mountain range now appeared less threatening, though the shadows of the previous night still lingered in her mind.

Beside her, Kael and Arian surveyed the damage, their faces marked with fatigue but also a sense of hard-earned victory. Morgana, who had been meticulously checking the protective wards, joined them, her eyes reflecting both relief and the weight of the ongoing struggle.