The stronghold, now in the early light of dawn, looked both battered and resilient. The damage from the siege had been substantial, but the determination of its defenders had managed to restore a semblance of order amidst the chaos. As Elara and her companions prepared to face the challenges ahead, their thoughts turned toward the next steps in their ongoing struggle.
In the command tent, the air was thick with the scent of burning candles and the murmur of strategizing voices. Elara, Thorne, Morgana, and Selene gathered around a large table covered with maps and reports. The flickering light of lanterns cast shifting shadows on their faces as they reviewed the damage and discussed their plans.
Elara tapped a finger on the map, her gaze focused and intense. "We've fortified the stronghold, but we need to understand the full extent of the cult's reach and their plans. Alistair's report mentioned that they've been infiltrating other regions as well."