The final elemental let out a roar, the ground trembling beneath its feet. Jets of flame erupted around it, forcing the group to scatter.
"Watch the flames!" Varyn shouted, narrowly avoiding a fiery explosion.
Marlen darted between the jets, his movements quick and precise. "This thing's not going down easy!"
Kael clenched his jaw, focusing on the elemental's core. The Heart's power surged within him, filling him with strength—and something darker.
"Kael!" Seris's voice cut through the chaos. "Don't let it take over!"
Kael ignored her, charging at the elemental with everything he had. His blade struck its molten body, the force of the blow sending a shockwave through the air. The elemental staggered, its core flickering.
Varyn and Marlen joined the assault, their strikes coordinated and relentless. Seris circled behind the creature, her knives flashing as she aimed for its core.
The elemental let out one final roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into ash.
As the dust settled, Kael fell to his knees, his chest heaving. The Heart's whispers were louder now, a constant murmur at the edge of his consciousness.
"Kael," Seris said, kneeling beside him. "You need to control it. If you don't..."
"I know," he said, cutting her off. "I'm fine."
But as he stood, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Heart was slowly taking over.