The chamber was quiet now, the echoes of the commander's defeat fading into stillness. Mukul stood at the centre, golden aura dimmed but steady, scanning the remnants of battle. The women gathered around him, each catching their breath, but their eyes were alert—something in the air didn't feel right.
Meera's brow furrowed. "The commander is gone… but I can still feel a strange presence. Something else is out there."
Kavya twirled her dagger, a faint smirk on her lips. "You mean, more trouble? I was hoping for a break."
Anaya's gaze was sharp. "We can't be complacent. Darkness doesn't rest, and neither should we. This calm feels too quiet—too deliberate."
Saira's calm tone settled over them. "Energy fluctuations remain in the region. They are subtle, but growing. Someone—or something—has taken notice of the commander's fall."
Liyana leaned casually, spinning her lockpick. "And style points for dramatic entrances, I assume. Whatever it is, it's waiting for a moment to strike."
Mukul's golden threads of energy pulsed lightly, connecting him to the women. "You're right. This calm isn't peace—it's a warning. The commander's defeat may have signalled our presence to a larger force."
Meera stepped closer. "So, we're dealing with an even stronger enemy? One that's been watching us?"
Mukul nodded slowly. "Exactly. But this isn't just about fighting. We need to understand, prepare, and adapt. Shadows are rising elsewhere, and we must be ready before they reach us."
Kavya grinned. "I like a challenge. And the higher the stakes, the more fun it gets, right?"
Anaya's expression remained serious. "Fun aside, we need to plan. Training, coordination, and strategy—our previous victory shows what we can do, but we cannot rely on luck again."
Saira added softly, "Observation is key. Understanding the enemy before they strike allows us to maintain control. We must remain vigilant at all times."
Liyana smirked, spinning her lockpick one last time. "And style… optional, but highly recommended, especially for shocking new enemies."
Mukul looked around at the women, feeling the golden threads stronger than ever. "We've overcome darkness before, together. This next threat may be stronger, but we are stronger too—because we fight as one. We anticipate, we adapt, and we protect each other."
Meera's eyes glimmered with determination. "Then we prepare. Training, scouting, and strategy—whatever it takes."
Kavya twirled her dagger again. "I'm in. Let's see what this mysterious threat has in store for us. I like knowing we're ready for anything."
Anaya nodded firmly. "We can't afford mistakes. Every step must be precise, every action deliberate. Shadows thrive on hesitation."
Saira's calm presence reminded them, "Our unity is our greatest weapon. Stand together, and no darkness—no matter how cunning—can overcome us."
Liyana grinned, leaning back. "And style… well, let's just say it's our secret advantage."
Mukul exhaled, feeling the weight of the moment but also the warmth of their presence. "We've faced death, chaos, and shadows together. Whatever comes next, we'll meet it head-on. Our bond, our strategy, and our courage are stronger than any shadow waiting in the dark."
Outside the chamber, the wind howled through cracks in the stronghold walls. Faint echoes of unknown energy rippled through the air, a whisper of the coming storm. Mukul looked at the women, a confident smile forming. "The shadows are rising, but so are we. And this time, we won't just survive—we'll dominate."
The team nodded in unison, golden threads connecting them in a web of trust, strength, and readiness. Whatever awaited them beyond the stronghold, they would face it together, prepared, united, and unstoppable.