The ruins were still.

The Elders were gone, their empire reduced to ash and memory.

But Lyla knew that victory came with a cost.

And that cost had yet to be paid.

Eli stood beside her, his blade still in hand. “This isn’t over.”

Jorah surveyed the battlefield, golden eyes sharp. “The Elders ruled through fear. But fear doesn’t die with them.”

Dani exhaled, rolling her shoulders. “No, but we sure as hell gave it something to be afraid of.”

Caelum remained silent, ...