The Gateways of Light and Shadow

Chapter 65: Echoes of Betrayal

The dawn that followed the day of hard fighting was one of cautious hope. In the east, the sun rose, its light facing a ravaged palace ground. After all its victories, the post-mortem picture of conflict was very sobering, recalling the dangers still lurking around. Now that dust had begun to settle, Ariadne, Thalia, Seraphina, and Captain Leander reconvened in the war room, their faces strained from the latest battle.

The air had become thick with tension, especially unspoken concerns. Though the finding of the hidden amulet increased their defenses, it did little to illuminate exactly what this dark mage had in mind. Ariadne's eyes remained on the map that was splayed across the table; she knew full well that they could not afford complacency. They had to unravel the strategy of the dark mage before it was too late.

"We held the line," Ariadne said, her low voice quite steady but edged with a wealth of fatigue. "But we have only bought ourselves time. The dark will regroup and next