Chapter 81

• The forest surrounding the southern outpost was eerily silent, the usual rustle of leaves and distant animal calls absent. Amara stood with her blade drawn, the artifact pulsing faintly at her side. The warriors flanking her shifted uneasily, their eyes scanning the shadows for movement.
• “They’re out there,” Asher muttered, his voice low as he stepped up beside her. “Waiting for the right moment.”
• “They’ll come soon,” Amara replied, her tone steady despite the tension crackling in the air. “We hold the line.”