Chapter 525: Chapter 525: The Weight of Command

The morning sun filtered through the narrow windows of the fortress, casting long beams of light across the stone floors. Elara awoke with a start, her mind immediately racing with the tasks that lay ahead. The battle had been won, but the war was far from over.

She dressed quickly, donning her armor once more. The cool metal felt like a familiar weight on her shoulders, a reminder of the responsibility she bore. As she stepped out of her quarters, the sounds of activity greeted her—soldiers preparing for the day, the clatter of weapons being sharpened, the murmur of voices discussing strategy. The fortress was coming to life again, despite the heavy toll the previous day had taken.

Elara made her way to the central courtyard, where Morgana, Cedric, and Lyra were already gathered. They looked up as she approached, their expressions a mix of determination and fatigue.