Chapter 701: Chapter 701: The Past's Unresolved Conflicts

The dawn broke gently over the sanctuary, casting a soft, golden light across the snow-covered landscape. The brief respite of the previous night had done little to diminish the weight of the challenges that lay ahead, but it had offered a moment of clarity for those who had gathered to discuss their next moves.

Elara stood at the edge of the sanctuary's balcony, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The events of the past weeks weighed heavily on her mind, each decision a step further into a complex web of strategies, alliances, and threats. Yet, in this quiet moment, she allowed herself to reflect on how far they had come—and how much farther they had yet to go.

The sound of footsteps behind her drew Elara from her thoughts. She turned to see Kirin approaching, his expression as focused as ever. "You're up early," he said, coming to stand beside her.