The war room felt smaller with so many people crowded around the table. Maps of Creamont covered every surface, marked with territories, patrol routes, and known monster areas. Light flickered across the faces of those gathered, revealing expressions etched with worry and tension.
Reidar stood at the head of the table, flanked by Seraphine and Kara on one side while Helga and Aldric occupied the other. As John held his position near the door, Matthias leaned against the wall, paying close attention despite the exhaustion written on his face. Beside him sat Lena, whose color had returned following Matthias's treatment, though her expression remained grave.
Reidar stopped talking, and the room went quiet. His throat felt dry. He kept picturing the cold stone of the ritual chamber and the specific mechanics of the Mana Siphoning circle. Explaining Silas's plan made his stomach churn. Then there was the deadline.
