章 45: Chapter 45: Shadows Beyond the Gate

The Forgotten Realms shimmered with fragile beauty, the eerie balance of light and shadow humming in the air around us. Though the Source of Corruption had been vanquished, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that we'd only just scratched the surface of something much larger. 

The Heartseed, resting in my hands, pulsed faintly, as if drained from the battle. Its light was no longer the blazing beacon of hope it had been moments ago but a quiet flicker—a reminder of its own limitations. 

"We did what we came here to do," Ember said, her fiery gaze scanning the new, tranquil landscape. "The Source is gone. Shouldn't we head back now?" 

Silvermane stepped forward, her golden eyes fixed on the horizon where the crystalline expanse stretched endlessly. "This peace feels… fragile," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "As though it's being held together by a thread."