Chapter 76

• The days following Halric’s betrayal were fraught with tension, distrust, and mounting pressure. Amara sat at the edge of Xander’s war table, her gaze fixed on the map spread out before her. The artifact pulsed faintly at her side, a constant reminder of the burden she carried. She rubbed her temples, the beginnings of another headache creeping in, but there was no time to rest. Not now.
• “Rita’s forces are massing near the southern border,” Xander said, his finger tracing the edge of their territory. “If she’s planning an attack, it’ll come from here. The terrain gives her rogues cover and access to our supply routes.”
• Amara nodded, her focus narrowing on the marked points. “We need to strengthen our defenses there. Reinforce the outposts, fortify the supply lines, and increase patrols. If she wants to make a move, she’ll have to fight for every inch.”