The distant rumble began as a whisper, a tremor that vibrated through the very foundations of the Moonlight Kingdom. Queen Elena stood atop the eastern tower, her hands resting on the cool silver parapets as she gazed toward the horizon. The sound grew steadily—thousands of hooves thundering across the plains, the earth itself seeming to respond to their approach.
Commander Maria stood to her right, spine straight as a blade, her weathered face betraying nothing as she watched the approaching forces. Queen Elysia occupied Elena's left, with Commander Lyra and Naia completing their silent vigil from the adjoining tower.
"The Thornvale warriors," Naia breathed, her eyes widening as the army came into view. "There are more than I imagined."
