The air was thick with tension as Elara, Kirin, and the rest of their forces marched toward the northern ritual sites. The sun, now well into its descent, cast long shadows over the rugged landscape. Every step brought them closer to the inevitable confrontation, and every heartbeat seemed to echo with the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Kirin walked at Elara's side, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. The scouts had reported large gatherings of Nyx's forces converging on the ritual sites, but their exact numbers remained unknown. It was clear, however, that this was going to be a battle unlike any they had faced before.
"Are you ready for this?" Kirin asked, his voice low but steady.
Elara nodded, though she felt the weight of the responsibility pressing down on her. "We don't have a choice. If we don't stop them here, Nyx's influence will spread unchecked. The Heart of the Realm will be lost, and with it, any hope of restoring balance."