The early dawn light filtered through the canopy as Elara and her team trudged wearily back to their base. The events of the night weighed heavily on them, their exhaustion evident in their every step. The forest, now cleared of the wraiths' presence, held a strange calmness, as if the land itself was recuperating from the disturbances caused by the Void.
The base, nestled in a secluded part of the forest, appeared as a sanctuary against the chaos of their ongoing battles. The sight of the familiar, sturdy walls and the soft glow of lanterns welcoming them was a small but welcome relief. As they entered, the warmth of the base's hearth contrasted sharply with the chill of the night they had just endured.
Inside, their comrades greeted them with expressions of concern. Word of their struggle had spread quickly, and the faces of the base's defenders reflected the gravity of their mission.