The Seedkeepers tracked Rylan's faction to a K'tharr artifact site, a crashed ship glowing faintly in the distance. The ship emitted a low hum, the vibrations twisting through the air with an unnerving resonance. Rylan's group had hoarded the tech, using its power to dominate the surrounding region. As Emma, Gray, and the team approached, the tension between the two groups was palpable.
"We're protecting our people," Rylan said coldly, standing amidst a cluster of glowing artifacts. His wiry frame was taut, his arms crossed defensively. "You Seedkeepers don't get to tell us how to survive."
"You're causing more harm than good," Emma replied, stepping forward with quiet authority. Her tone was steady, measured. "That tech—it's driving the Touched mad, destabilizing what's left of society. Share it, and we'll work together to neutralize its dangers."
Rylan's lips curled into a skeptical smirk, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Why should I trust you? You left us to the K'tharr when they came. And now you show up acting like heroes?"
Emma met his gaze without flinching. "I know we failed you," she said, her voice low but earnest. "We thought stopping the K'tharr at their source would save Earth. We were wrong. But we're here now. Let us help. For everyone's sake."
Gray shifted uncomfortably beside her, then stepped forward, his voice carrying an edge of conflict. "She's right, Rylan," he said, his expression strained. "I thought you were doing more than us… but we can do better together. This doesn't have to end in chaos."
Rylan's brows furrowed. "You're vouching for her?" he asked, his tone laden with skepticism. "After all your talk about us being the real protectors of this world?"
Gray hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. "I was wrong," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "We need to work together, not against each other. You know this isn't sustainable."
Rylan stared at Gray for a moment longer before letting out a reluctant sigh. "Fine," he said grudgingly. "But if this goes south, it's on you, Gray. You brought this deal to my doorstep."
The confrontation ended without violence, but the underlying tension remained unresolved. As the Seedkeepers departed the artifact site, the rift between Gray and Emma hung in the air like an unspoken weight.
Later that night, sitting by the flickering campfire, Gray approached Emma. The firelight cast shadows across his face, his dark eyes troubled. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice quiet. "I thought Rylan's way was better. I didn't trust you. I was wrong."
Emma looked up from the flames, her expression softened by the weariness of the day. "I understand why you did it," she said gently. "But we need to stick together, Gray. Division weakens us—and we can't afford that."
Gray nodded solemnly, meeting her gaze. "I won't let you down again," he said.
Lucas joined them a moment later, his expression thoughtful. He sat beside Emma, the campfire's glow illuminating the tension fading from his features. "You handled that well," he said to her. "Rylan's not exactly an easy man to deal with."
Emma allowed a faint smile to touch her lips. "He's not the first," she replied lightly. "But thanks. That means a lot, coming from you."
Lucas leaned back slightly, his tone warm but serious. "You're a leader, Emma. But you can't carry everything by yourself. Let us help."
Emma hesitated, her shoulders tightening instinctively. "I'm trying," she said softly. "It's… hard to let go."
"I know," Lucas said, his hand brushing against hers for a moment before retreating. "But you don't have to do it alone."
The WoodDust's pulse quickened suddenly, vibrating through Emma's consciousness like a distant echo of an approaching storm. Overhead, the horizon darkened further, the violet lightning carving jagged warnings across the sky—a foreboding promise of what was still to come.