Chapter 42 The Calm Before The Storm

• Dawn broke over Elandor in a soft glow, the first light of morning illuminating the palace and the surrounding city. But inside the war room, the tension was thick, heavy with the weight of what was to come. Ariella stood before the map of the kingdom, tracing her fingers over the routes they had chosen for their attack. Each line represented a path forward, but it also symbolized the dangers that lay ahead. She could almost feel the walls closing in.
• Her mind raced. She had been preparing for this moment for so long, yet she knew nothing could truly prepare her for the bloodshed that would come with it. The Shade had already shown their cruelty, and they wouldn’t hesitate to retaliate. She had no illusions of the battles to come, but she had no choice but to keep moving forward.
• "I’ve sent scouts to all key points," General Aric said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "We’ll have eyes on every entry and exit in the capital. The moment The Shade moves, we’ll know."