Kael and Lira reached the top of the Heartspire, the city sprawled below them like a war-torn painting. Shadows clung to every corner, writhing like living smoke.
The shadowed figure appeared again, stepping from the darkness as if he had been waiting for them. His power radiated, a suffocating weight pressing on their hearts.
"You think your love… your fragile bond… can stop me?" he sneered.
Kael took a deep breath, glancing at Lira. "We're stronger together. And I've got a reason to survive."
For the first time, Lira felt it—her heart reacting not just to the danger, but to him. A warmth, fierce and unyielding, grew inside her. Without thinking, she stepped closer. Their powers merged again, swirling around them like fire and ice—destruction and healing dancing in harmony.
The shadow lunged. Kael's sword clashed against his blade, sparks flying, while Lira's hands glowed, striking at the darkness feeding his magic. Together, they pushed him back.
When the dust settled, Kael looked at Lira, sweat and blood mixing on his face. "We make a pretty good team," he said, half-smiling.
Lira rolled her eyes but didn't step away. "Don't get used to it," she muttered, though her heart betrayed her words.