The quiet after the storm was almost worse than the battle itself. In the immediate aftermath of Lena's decision to push the core to its limits, the war room had turned into a hive of frantic activity. The corridors outside were filled with hurried footsteps, but inside, it felt as if the world was holding its breath.Lena sat at the head of the table, her fingers trembling slightly as they drummed against the surface. Elias stood nearby, his presence like an anchor in the chaos. His gaze never wavered from her, his eyes full of concern, but also understanding."You did what you had to," Elias said softly, his voice low but firm, as if reassuring himself as much as her. "We had no choice."Lena looked up at him, her eyes heavy with a mixture of resolve and doubt. "But at what cost, Elias? What if the core's power is too much for me? What if I lose myself in it?" She clenched her fists, fighting the fear gnawing at her. "What if I become something worse than the Rhytil?"Elias stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. His touch was a comfort, though she could feel the weight of his own burden. "The core doesn't define you. You define how it's used. But I won't lie to you—it's not going to be easy. There's a price for everything, Lena."Her heart twisted with guilt. She could already feel the tremors of the core's influence pulling at her, pushing her to become something she had never been. More powerful, yes, but more dangerous too. Every use of it drained her, took her further down a path she wasn't sure she could return from.The doors to the war room slid open with a hiss, and General Jorvik entered, his face a mask of determination. "Commander, we're ready to launch the counteroffensive. The Rhytil are already gathering forces. It's only a matter of time before they strike."Lena nodded but didn't speak immediately. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the words of the Rhytil in the transmission: The core in exchange for peace."I'll join you in the briefing," Lena said finally, pushing herself up from the table. She needed to focus. This war wasn't over—not by a long shot. And she wasn't going to lose herself to the core before it was finished.