Chapter 257: Chapter 257: Ghosts of the Dark Below

The fortress was a hive of activity, its once silent halls now bustling with the organized chaos of preparation. The arrival of Lord Eamon and his troops had reinvigorated the defenders, bringing not only additional soldiers but also crucial supplies and strategic insight. Elara's spirits were high as she walked through the fortress, taking in the flurry of activity with a sense of purpose.

In the war room, Kael and Arian were finalizing their defensive strategies, while Morgana was absorbed in her research, her brow furrowed in concentration. The crystal lay on a table surrounded by old tomes and scattered notes, its dark energy subtly shifting under the dim light.

Elara approached Morgana, her expression serious. "How is the research going?"