The hours bled away, and with each passing minute, the tension thickened, stretching across the city like a steel wire ready to snap.
Dawn's dim glow crept toward the horizon, painting the streets and white towers of Nova in a cold light, and every soldier felt its weight.
Along the walls and throughout the rings of the city, dread and courage mingled into a single trembling breath. Even the bravest hearts felt the press of fear, but none stepped back.
Some soldiers clutched small charms or worn photographs, running their thumbs over the faces of loved ones they will never see again. Others knelt with bowed heads, whispering prayers to God.
A few stood frozen, staring blankly at the ground as if questioning every decision that led them here, wondering if they had chosen correctly by staying.
But not everyone surrendered to fear. Laughter broke out in pockets, raw, too loud, brittle at the edges but defiantly human.
