As the chamber emptied, Elara lingered by the grand pillars of the hall, her eyes tracing the intricate designs carved into the stone. Each symbol told stories of past victories, of battles fought and won. Yet now, as she gazed upon them, they felt hollow. The air was thick with the unspoken tension, and a deep unease had settled within her heart. Would the kingdom truly rise to face what was coming, or had they returned only to witness its fall?
Kirin stood beside her, his posture rigid but his eyes betraying the same uncertainty she felt. "Do you think they understand the gravity of this?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Or are they just pretending to listen?"
Elara shook her head, crossing her arms. "They'll listen when the shadow is at their doorstep. But by then, it may be too late."