Chapter 44 The Gathering Storm

• The aftermath of the battle left a heavy stillness over the sacred grounds. Smoke curled from scorched earth, mingling with the coppery scent of blood and the faint, soothing glow of the Heartstone’s sanctified light.
• Yet, amidst the wreckage, a fragile hope flickered.
• Meher sat beneath the ancient sentinel tree at the edge of the temple grounds, her fingers brushing the carved runes that had once been lifeless. Now, they pulsed with soft, rhythmic light—responding to her touch, to her heartbeat.