The valley below was bathed in an amber glow from the early sun, but the warmth was illusory. Zara and her friends were standing on the mountain ridge, looking out at the expansive stronghold in the distance, when a chilly breeze blew through. They had come to this location—a fortress hewn into the rock, a seat of authority, the origin of the repressive powers that had been chasing them for months.
Zara stated, "We've come too far to falter now," in a steady but tired voice. They had all suffered on the trek, but her will had not wavered.
Kael stood beside her, pulling his armor's straps tighter. Zara, it's not about stumbling. It all comes down to being ready. Our lives will be on the line in this battle.
Elara and Lyra looked at each other behind them. Elara's hands were lightly resting on her daggers as she looked around for any activity on the horizon. Lyra's mind was whirling with calculations and plans as she clutched a little, glowing sphere in her hands.
"If my readings are tr
