Hours passed, and the battle grew more intense. The Alliance fleet was holding their ground, but the Rhytil were relentless. The losses were mounting on both sides, and Lena's thoughts were becoming clouded with doubt.
In the midst of the chaos, Lena finally made the decision. She couldn't wait any longer. The core's power could end this war—once and for all.
She turned to the console in front of her, her fingers hovering over the interface.
But before she could act, Tavon's hand grabbed hers, pulling her back. "Lena, no."
His eyes were filled with desperation. "Please. This isn't you. Don't do this."
Lena stared at him, torn. The battle raged on outside, and her people were dying. She could end it all, stop the Rhytil in an instant. But the cost... Could she live with herself afterward?
The moment stretched on, silent and heavy, before Lena pulled her hand away from the console.
"Not today," she said softly, her voice full of resolve. "We'll do this the right way."