Chapter 573: Chapter 573: Ghosts of the Fallen

The dawn broke with a somber light, casting long shadows across the battlefield. The fortress, once a proud bastion of defiance, now bore the scars of the brutal conflict. Cracked walls and smoldering debris told the story of a battle hard-won, but at a steep cost. Elara stood atop the western battlements, her gaze sweeping over the field of bodies below. Victory had been theirs, but it felt hollow as she saw the faces of fallen comrades, their lives sacrificed to protect what remained.

Cedric approached, his armor dented and bloodied, yet his eyes held a quiet resolve. "We've started gathering the wounded and the dead," he said, his voice weary. "There are too many. Our healers are doing what they can, but..." His voice trailed off, the weight of their losses hanging in the air.

Elara nodded, her expression grim. "We'll mourn them properly when this is over, but for now, we must rebuild. The Shadow Shard will regroup and return, and we need to be ready."