Dawn broke over the stronghold, a weary and battered force emerging from the night's relentless battle. The defenders had endured yet another punishing assault, their fortifications strained but unbroken. The air was filled with the scents of battle: smoke, sweat, and the acrid tang of dark magic.
Elara and her team gathered in the war room as the first light of day illuminated their determined faces. The stronghold's defenders were exhausted, their spirits tested, but they were resolute in their commitment to the fight. The day's meeting was crucial for regrouping and strategizing their next moves.
The war room was quieter than usual, the weight of the previous day's combat heavy on everyone's shoulders. Maps and intelligence reports were spread out on the table, a stark reminder of the challenges they faced. Elara's gaze swept over her team, her expression one of focused determination.