A Fragile Hope

Later that evening, the Alliance leaders convened in the war room to discuss the next phase of the war. The victory on Serai had dealt a blow to the Rhytil, but the war was far from over. Lena sat among them, her mind elsewhere. The room was filled with discussions of strategy, of alliances, of the next battle.

Elias sat beside her, his presence a small comfort in the midst of the cold, calculating environment. He leaned toward her, his voice a low murmur. "You're still here. You're still fighting for us. For the future."

Lena turned to him, her gaze haunted. "I don't know if I am anymore. Every choice I make feels like I'm walking further into the darkness. The core—it's changing me. I can't stop it."

Elias squeezed her hand, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "Then we'll find a way together. You don't have to face this alone."

Lena didn't answer immediately. She was torn between the person she once was and the alien power that now coursed through her veins. The core had given her the strength to win, to lead, to protect. But it was also threatening to consume her, piece by piece.

For the first time in a long while, Lena allowed herself to hope. She didn't know how, but with Elias by her side, perhaps she could find a way to resist the core's pull. Perhaps, together, they could save not just the galaxy—but her as well.