The days that followed their decision to confront the fractures within the Academy felt like a slow, steady march toward something inevitable. The guardians worked tirelessly, not just to uncover the remaining traitors within their ranks but to rebuild the unity that had once defined them. Every action taken, every word spoken, was an effort to reforge the bonds that had been stretched to their limits.
For Kael, this was a period of introspection. His thoughts often turned inward as he navigated the difficult task of reconciling his role as a leader with his doubts, his guilt, and his fears. He had always prided himself on his ability to inspire confidence in others, to make decisions that served the greater good. Yet now, more than ever, the weight of leadership felt like an unbearable burden. His trust in others had been shaken, but the one thing he could still rely on was his unshakable belief in the strength of their cause.