The Gateways of Light and Shadow

Chapter 94: Shadows Over the Horizon

The city of Eldoria lay silent and tense after the fierce battle. Streets, once boisterous, now bore the ominous silence of death and became a canvas on which the signs of the recent siege were painted. Buildings, bruised by dark magic and conflict in equal measure, now watched over the setting sun as it filled the sky with long shadows, whispering that told tales of the uncertain times.

Ariadne, Seraphina, and Captain Leander reconvened in the war room, walls covered with maps and intelligence reports. Determination set grim lines into their faces as the three companions prepared themselves for the next phase in the campaign against the dark forces. The cost for the recent victory had been far too high, while the true extent of their enemies' plans was yet to completely unfold.

"We've managed to push back," Ariadne said, her voice steady, no matter the fatigue that bled from her eyes. "But this isn't over. We need to know what they're going to do next."

Seraphina sat frowning over a