The defenders of Ardent Hold stood in the aftermath of the battle, catching their breath amid the scattered remnants of the shadow creatures. The victory felt hollow to Morgana as the dust settled, and a heavy silence began to envelop the courtyard. She could feel the lingering shadows still lurking at the edges of her consciousness, whispering doubts and fears that clawed at her mind.
"Elara!" Kirin called, his voice breaking through the haze. "We need to assess the damage. Gather the wounded and check for any signs of further incursions."
Elara nodded, her expression a mixture of relief and concern. "And we must ensure the Heart of Oaths is secure," she added, glancing at Morgana. "It held strong, but I fear the darkness may still seek to reclaim it."