As the final battle loomed, Lena sat alone in her private quarters, staring out at the stars. The weight of the decision she had made pressed heavily on her chest. She knew what was coming. The core would demand more of her. But how much more could she give before it was too late?Elias entered quietly, his footsteps soft against the cold floor. He said nothing at first, just watched her as she stood in front of the window."Ready for the fight?" he asked, his voice steady.Lena turned to face him. "Ready as I'll ever be.""Don't let the core consume you," Elias warned gently, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation. "You're more than the power it gives you. Don't forget that."She smiled faintly, though there was no humor in it. "I won't forget, Elias. But I don't think I can stop this now. The Rhytil are already coming. And the only way to fight them... is with everything I have."For a long moment, they stood in silence, the tension between them palpable.Then, Lena turned and walked toward the command center. "Let's end this."The battle was about to begin, and the galaxy's fate rested on the choices they made.