The Calm Before the Storm (Part 2)

Later that night, as Lena walked alone through the war room, her thoughts were clouded with the weight of the decisions ahead. She couldn't afford to slip. Not now.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

She turned, and there stood Tavon, a quiet determination in his eyes.

"Lena."

"What's wrong?" she asked, sensing the tension in his voice.

"We need to talk," he said. "About the core. About you."

Lena crossed her arms, eyes narrowing slightly. "What about it?"

"You're pushing yourself too hard," Tavon said, his voice softening. "You're taking on too much. You don't have to do it all alone. I'm not asking you to stop fighting, Lena. But there's got to be a better way to deal with all this. Don't let the pressure break you."

Her gaze softened, but her resolve remained firm. "I'm doing what's necessary. The galaxy needs me. The people need me."

Tavon took a step closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And you need us. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."

The sincerity in his eyes made her heart skip a beat, but she quickly pushed it down. There was no room for personal feelings right now. The future of the galaxy depended on her decisions.

"I have to carry this," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm the only one who can."

Tavon didn't respond. Instead, he simply stood beside her, his presence a quiet comfort. The weight of the war was too much to bear alone, but for now, that was the reality she had to face.

The war was far from over. But as the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, Lena knew one thing for sure—there was no turning back.