Aelyros felt a pang of sadness as he watched his former friend depart. For a moment, he questioned the path he had chosen. Was Perephon right? Had he gone too far?

“He was a good friend, and his loss is unfortunate. But remember, you are prepared to sacrifice everything for your beloved city.”

Hearing the voice in his mind, Aelyros pushed his doubts aside.

“You must do everything in your power to stop this hero destroying your city. Use every weapon, consider every available option, to ensure she is defeated.”

He was distracted from the voice in his head by a gruff cough. He turned to see a middle-aged woman, her face weathered and stern beneath her short gray hair.

“You and I share similar opinions on this 'hero',” she said bluntly.

“Indeed? Who are you?” Aelyros asked curiously.

“Captain Tora of the Athenian Guard,” the woman replied. “And, no, I was not given the rank because people believed I was a demigod; I earned it through years of dutiful service.”

“I am honored to make your acquaintance. I take it you are no fan of Ava.”

“Quite the opposite,” Tora said, her voice falling to a whisper. “I've had my doubts about the upstart since I met her, during the battle against the monsters. I too believe that she will bring ruin to our city.”

Aelyros paused, then asked quietly, “you... hear a voice in your mind?”

Tora's eyes widened in surprise. “You mean... you hear it too?”

“A voice from beyond, telling me that I must stop this hero at all costs, for she means to become a tyrant.”

“Then we are as one!” Tora said with a grim smile. “I will stand beside you against this enemy of Athens, to my dying breath.”

“What other aid can you give me?”

Tora paused. Her next words were quiet and solemn; Aelyros understood the weight they carried.

“With Valeseus gone, I now command the greatest authority within the Guard. I have the respect of my soldiers and numerous other battalion commanders. Should you require such desperate measures, I will gather all the soldiers that will follow me and win the election by force.”

“I pray to the Gods that it will not come to that. Nevertheless, with your support, the hero cannot hope to win.”

“Don't speak so soon,” Tora said grimly. “Ava is also respected by many among the Guard. If we attempt to seize control, they may respond in kind; we can only hope we have the greater numbers.”

“True,” Aelyros agreed. “We must move quickly and gain the upper hand. But no matter what-”

“We will do anything to save our beloved city,” finished Tora.