The chamber was tense as representatives of the Veilbound Covenant arrived, their cloaks shimmering with faint glimmers of divine radiation. Their leader, a cold-eyed strategist named Malrik, stepped forward with a calculating smile.
"We come not just to join your fight, but to lead it," Malrik declared. "The Radiant Veil must be controlled with iron will, or it will destroy everything."
Aloysius met his gaze evenly. "Control through fear will only breed more corruption."
Malrik's smile didn't waver. "Power demands sacrifice, Herrold. The question is are you willing to pay the price?"
Kaelis stepped beside Aloysius, whispering, "This could either save us or doom us."
After hours of tense negotiation, a fragile pact was formed. The Veilbound Covenant would lend their strength but at a cost that weighed heavily on every soul present.
As the alliance solidified, Aloysius felt the shadows within the Radiant Veil stir once more, reminding him that every choice carried consequences.
The battle for balance had entered a new and perilous phase.