Elara stepped forward first, the Windrider's cloak billowing behind her like a banner of her commitment. Her grip was firm as she clasped my hand, the warrior's bond unspoken yet fiercely tangible. "Your leadership has forged paths where there were none, Luna Queen," she said, her voice steady as the earth itself. "May the winds carry your strength to all corners of our world."

Paul followed, his features softened by the camaraderie that hardship breeds. He bowed his head respectfully, the ...