A Rift in the Alliance

As Lena processed the weight of this revelation, the mood within the Alliance began to shift. The appearance of the Tathrians was an unknown variable—one that could either be an asset or an even greater threat.

But there was more. Lena could feel the core's influence growing stronger, its whispers becoming harder to ignore. And worse, she could sense a shift within the Alliance leadership. There were whispers of distrust beginning to circle. Some wondered if Lena's growing reliance on the core might be the very thing that would make her an unreliable ally.

As the Tathrians made their demands clear, the internal fracture within the Alliance deepened. Some leaders were already considering their next steps—would they ally with this new faction, or could Lena be pushed aside for someone else who could lead without the interference of the core's power?

The Rhytil, on the other hand, realized they were no longer facing just humans, but a dangerous new foe. The stakes had just escalated, and the galaxy's fate was more uncertain than ever.