Chapter 104 The Gathering Storm

• The journey back to Serenthia was quiet, each member of the group lost in their thoughts. The Harbinger’s retreat was a temporary victory, but his parting words lingered like a shadow over their triumph. The weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on all of them.
• Ariella walked in silence, her staff tapping softly against the dirt path. The Heart’s energy still pulsed faintly within her, a reminder of the immense power she had wielded. She couldn’t ignore the fear it had awakened in her—that one day, she might lose control.
• Kael noticed her distant expression and slowed his pace to walk beside her. “You did well, Ariella. Better than any of us could have hoped.”