As the waves finally settled, the defenders began to cheer. The tension that had gripped the city walls broke into laughter, shouts, and the clatter of weapons being sheathed.
Guards rushed to check the wounded while healers moved among them, casting recovery spells. The air smelled of salt and burned mana, but there was relief — real, solid relief.
Aria stretched, groaning. "Ugh… my arms are going to hate me tomorrow."
Sophia smirked. "That's what you get for charging into the thick of it."
Caria brushed the dust off her cloak. "You both act like you didn't enjoy it."
Aria grinned. "Of course I did! But I still want that dinner I promised — assuming the city still has food left."
Rhys looked back toward the ocean, making sure no movement stirred beneath the waves. "It's quiet now," he said. "Too quiet, maybe… but I'll take it."
Lyra stepped closer, watching the sea beside him. "The mana currents are calming," she said softly. "Whatever guided those creatures — it's gone."
