The storm didn’t stop when the battle ended, it only changed shape.

By nightfall, the wind outside Crescent Keep howled through the towers, carrying the scent of smoke and rain. The war was coming, closer than ever. The rogues had pulled back after hours of fighting, leaving behind a field of bodies and shattered armor, but every warrior knew it was only a pause… a breath before the true storm hit.

Inside the keep, torches flickered low along the stone corridors. Healers moved quietly ...