next move. The information gathered from the manor had confirmed their worst fears: the council's plans were far-reaching a

cy, knowing that time was running out. They needed to act swiftly

ring over the maps and documents they had collected. The room was dimly

oice strained. "The council is planning a major assau

but we need to identify and neutralize the t

ned expression. "Have you made any p

a few individuals, but I don't have concrete proof yet. The betra

s. The walls trembled, and the sound of chaos erupted from outside. Elira and Caelan rush

s voice filled with alarm. "The c

the invaders. Elira and Caelan fought valiantly alongside the guards, their effort

traitor might be trying to sabotage their defenses. She and Caelan made th

ound him in a state of distress. He was grappling with a ho

led out, rushing t

Elira recognized with shock: it was Lady

er voice filled with disbel

at them. "I had no choice. The council's visio

nger. "You were supposed to be one of my

believed was right. Your ideals were too narrow. Th

ned to stop her from causing further harm. The fight was fierce, with Elara

e magical barrier that protected the Heart of Eternis. Isolde's spells created a

de commanded, her vo

entually overwhelming Elara. With a final, desperate cry, Elara

can't cause any more damage," Caelan sa

le outside. The palace guards were holding their own, but the city was still under siege. The f

and the city began to return to a fragile calm. The immediate threat had been dealt with, bu

h. The Heart of Eternis was safe, but the battle had revealed the d

m over," Elira said, her voice resolute. "We n

e whatever challenges lie ahead togeth

red to navigate the uncertain path that lay before them. The struggle for the Heart