The preparations for battle were underway. Lena and her allies had spent hours strategizing, but every plan seemed more futile than the last. The Rhytil were too calculated, too patient. Lena could feel the eyes of every faction leader on her as she addressed them."You all know what's at stake. The Rhytil are no longer just a military force; they're a faction of deceit. They've been waiting for us to make a misstep, to reveal weakness. We can't let them have that satisfaction."Jorvik stepped forward, his eyes locked on Lena. "What about your... decisions? Your use of the core? We need to be certain it's the right choice. It's not just a weapon. It's a part of you now."Lena's gaze hardened. "It's the only choice we have left. The core may be dangerous, but the Rhytil are far more dangerous. I'm ready to use it again if it means saving everything we've fought for."A murmur of uncertainty spread through the room. Several of the alliance leaders exchanged worried glances, their trust in Lena wavering with every word she spoke. It was no longer just a matter of defeating the enemy. They were questioning the very foundation of their cause—whether Lena's reliance on the core was worth the risk.Elias stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "Lena knows what she's doing. We've fought beside her through worse. And right now, we don't have the luxury of hesitation."Lena's eyes met Elias's, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. She wasn't alone in this battle. No matter how much the core tugged at her, she had people who believed in her—people who would fight beside her."We'll face the Rhytil together," Lena said firmly, pushing the uncertainty aside. "We'll hold the line. And we will win."