Chapter 814: Chapter 814: The Council of Shadows

The cold morning air hung heavy with tension as Elara entered the council chamber. The heart of the Guardian base was a large circular room, its stone walls lined with ancient banners and symbols of past victories. A long, oval table sat in the center, surrounded by the leaders and key strategists of the Guardians. At the head of the table was General Cailen, her expression grave but resolute.

The room was quieter than usual, the weight of the news Elara had brought the night before evident in the stiff postures and focused gazes of those present. The other Guardians—Lyra, Doran, Morgana, and Henry—sat alongside Elara, their faces a mixture of determination and unease.

"Let's begin," General Cailen said, her voice cutting through the silence. "Elara, you've already briefed me on the situation, but for the benefit of the council, explain again what happened at the Weavers' stronghold."