The riverbase was peaceful for the first time in the past 3 days.
Everyone was still on guard, but morale was higher than ever before.
Elara moved through the camp.
The students shared smiles, laughter, and nods of satisfaction with her.
But there was still a slight tension that clung to the air. Victory had been claimed – that much everyone knew – but no one could shake off the feeling that there was impending conflict coming.
Elara's presence was felt across the base, not through her forcing it, but through her growing steadiness in leadership.
Her words held more weight now, after she had led the class towards their latest victory.
She navigated command with increased confidence, though Ronan, ever watchful from his corner of the camp, saw the telltale signs of strain hidden beneath the surface of her confident leadership.
There was still unease and indecision in her movements, and while it didn't show as clearly, it was still there.
