The tension in the air was palpable as Lena and Elias worked together to disable the remnants of the [System]. The hum of the malfunctioning pillar reverberated through the chamber, a constant reminder that the fight was far from over. But despite the urgency of the moment, there was a brief reprieve when they found themselves alone, the others busy setting up equipment to shut down the core.Lena stepped back, wiping the sweat from her brow. The weight of the situation was bearing down on her, but in this moment, there was a fleeting sense of peace. She glanced over at Elias, who was focused on the pillar, his brow furrowed in concentration."You okay?" Elias asked without looking up, his voice soft, but filled with concern.Lena nodded, though the exhaustion in her eyes betrayed her. "Just… trying to process everything. It's been a lot."Elias finally turned to face her, his dark eyes searching hers. "I know. It's been a battle every step of the way. But you've carried so much of it… we all have. I'm just glad I'm here with you."The sincerity in his voice made Lena's heart skip a beat. She opened her mouth to reply, but the words caught in her throat. There was something between them now, a bond that had been forged in the fires of war and survival, and it was undeniable.For a moment, the noise of the world seemed to fade away. Lena looked at Elias, and for the first time in a long while, the weight of everything felt a little bit lighter."I'm glad you're here too," she finally whispered, her voice barely above a breath.Elias took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup her face. His touch was warm, grounding her in the chaos around them. "You've been through so much," he murmured, his voice low, "but you've never stopped fighting. I admire that. I admire you."Lena felt a rush of emotions stir within her. They had fought side by side, trusted each other with their lives, and in this moment, she realized just how much he meant to her.Before she could respond, he leaned in, his forehead resting gently against hers. The closeness sent a shiver through her, and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding."We'll get through this," Elias promised softly, his lips brushing against her skin.Lena nodded, closing her eyes for a moment. There was still a long road ahead, but with Elias by her side, she knew she could face anything.