Draeven sighed and shook his head.
"Why do I even bring you two?"
He reached into the pouch at his waist and pulled out a small object.
The moment he opened his palm, a wave of searing heat exploded outward.
Vek'tal and Tzarek both stepped back on instinct.
The boat lurched from the sudden burst of energy.
The octopus-like creature pulling them hissed and tightened its tentacles on the boat's edges.
The heat only lasted a moment.
Draeven quickly closed his hand and pushed the molten core back into the pouch.
He did not let it linger.
If the heat lasted too long, the beast would panic, and an accident in the middle of the magma river would be fatal.
Even that brief glimpse was enough.
Vek'tal's voice came out rough and strained.
"Isn't that… just our heart???"
Draeven chuckled.
"This is exactly why it is forbidden to show it to others.
It is part of the secret behind the Ashborn's strength, and it keeps everyone motivated to become one."
