Far from the emotional storm within Lena, the Rhytil were quietly maneuvering behind the scenes. Tal'Karr sat in the shadows, watching the data streaming in from the alliance's transmissions. He knew that Lena was growing more and more reliant on the core, and it pleased him.But it wasn't enough to simply wait for her to fall into despair. They had to push her—just enough.Rhi'Taal's voice broke his focus. "Lena is weakening. The power of the core is changing her. Soon, she'll be ours."Tal'Karr smiled, a cold, calculating grin. "Yes. The more she uses it, the more she loses herself. The core is a tool, yes, but it is also a chain. And when she's finally shackled to it, we'll be able to control everything.""But what if she resists?" Rhi'Taal asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.Tal'Karr's smile widened. "She won't. She thinks she's using the core for good, but it's already taking her. She just doesn't know it yet."