Chapter 77

• The stronghold was quiet that night, the eerie stillness settling over Xander’s territory like an omen. Amara stood at the battlements, staring out into the darkness. Despite the preparations they had made in recent weeks, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming. The artifact hummed faintly at her side, its energy erratic, as if reflecting her unease.
• Xander joined her, his presence grounding. “You’ve been standing here for hours,” he said softly. “Get some rest, Amara. We need you sharp.”
• “I will,” she lied, her eyes scanning the horizon. “But something feels... wrong. Like she’s closer than we think.”