The Hunter drew a massive sword, its blade crackling with dark energy. He moved with blinding speed, striking at Kael before he had a chance to react.
Kael barely managed to block the attack, the force of the blow sending him staggering backward.
"Stay back!" he shouted to the others.
The Hunter smirked. "You think you can face me alone? Foolish."
Kael tightened his grip on his sword, the Heart's power surging within him. He struck back, their blades clashing in a shower of sparks.
Varyn and Seris moved to flank the Hunter, their weapons aimed for his blind spots. But the Hunter was faster than they anticipated, countering their attacks with ease.
Marlen hurled a dagger, the blade striking the Hunter's shoulder. The attack distracted him just long enough for Kael to land a decisive blow, his sword cutting through the Hunter's armor.
The Hunter staggered, his gaze fixed on Kael. "You may have won this battle, but the war is far from over."
With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving the group alone with the Shard.
Kael approached the pedestal, his hand trembling as he reached for the fragment. As his fingers closed around it, a surge of energy coursed through him, and the whispers of the Heart grew deafening.
The Shard of Dominion was his—but at what cost?