The central hall of the Nexus was filled with a tense silence as Elara, Morgana, Aric, and Elias gathered around the map laid out on the table before them. The flickering light from the torches cast long shadows across their faces, adding to the somber atmosphere.
It had been days since they returned from their respective missions to secure alliances with the surrounding villages. Each of them had done their part, convincing the leaders of Ironwood, Mistwood, and Silverpeak to consider joining their cause against the Shadow Shard. But now, as they awaited word from Lady Seraphina and the others, the weight of uncertainty hung heavily over them.
Elara's gaze was fixed on the map, her fingers tracing the lines that marked the paths they had taken. "We've done all we can," she said quietly, breaking the silence. "Now it's up to them."