The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as the single flickering candle struggled against the encroaching darkness. Ava sat at the head of a rough-hewn table, her gaze steady and unyielding. Liam stood beside her, his posture rigid, exuding a quiet intensity. Opposite them, representatives from the rival faction fidgeted nervously, their eyes darting between Ava and Liam.
"Let's get straight to the point," Ava began, her voice low and commanding. "We all know why we're here. The political figure's influence is growing, and it's threatening all of us."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, though it was clear that trust was a scarce commodity.
"We need to form an alliance," Liam added, his tone softer but no less resolute. "Together, we have a chance to counter his power. Divided, we fall."
Ava's eyes narrowed as she studied their potential allies. The leader of the rival faction, a sharp-eyed woman named Marissa, leaned forward.
