The Second Step: Addressing the Council

The following week, Lena addressed the Alliance Council in a tense, high-stakes meeting. The room was filled with the cold silence of distrust, but Lena refused to let that intimidate her. She had to confront them all, face-to-face, and give them a reason to follow her again.

"Members of the Council," she began, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart. "I've heard your concerns. I know that my actions with the core have caused a rift, one that I can't ignore. But I'm here today to tell you that I no longer rely on it. I am here to lead this Alliance not as a weapon of the core, but as your leader."

There was a ripple of surprise, some commanders exchanging uncertain glances. Lena's words were met with silence, but she pressed on, knowing that this was the moment of reckoning.

"We can argue over tactics, we can debate who's in charge, but the Rhytil will not wait for us to decide who is the strongest. They are preparing for the next phase of the war, and if we do not act now, we will fall."

Her words rang out in the quiet room, leaving an impact that was impossible to ignore. Lena could see the smallest flickers of recognition in their eyes. Some were still skeptical, others wary, but she knew she had planted a seed.

"I am asking you, as your leader, to unite behind me. Not because of the core, but because of the values we've fought for from the beginning. Our freedom. Our future. We are stronger together than we ever were apart. It's time we show the Rhytil that."