The village was a place of tentative peace, but the battle with the Shadow Realm had left its mark. As the sun set over the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, Elara and her team gathered in the central square, where the remnants of the day's battle were still evident.
Elara paced thoughtfully, her mind racing through their next steps. The portal was sealed, but the Shadow Shard was still a looming threat. They needed to regroup and plan their next move carefully. The toll of the battle was visible on their faces—tired eyes, bruised and battered bodies, and the weight of lingering concerns.
Morgana, her staff leaning against her shoulder, was deep in conversation with Aric. "The residual energy is fading, but we need to remain cautious," she said. "The seals might weaken over time, and the remnants of dark magic could attract new threats."