Elara reached out, her fingers trembling as she touched the dark, pulsing veins on Kaelen's arm. The sapphire light from her second crystal reacted instantly, sending a wave of ice-cold energy through her hand. It felt like needles piercing her skin, but she didn't pull away. She knew that if she didn't act now, the shadow in his heart would consume him entirely.
"Don't," Kaelen groaned, his eyes flicking between their natural color and a terrifying violet. "The more you help me, the more the Council can track your energy. Save yourself, Elara."
"I am not leaving you behind," she replied, her voice filled with a new, steel-like determination. She closed her eyes and visualized the two crystals as one. Instead of fire or ice, she channeled a soft, silver radiance—the light of restoration. Slowly, the dark veins began to retreat, withering away under the touch of her power. But the effort was draining her; she could feel her own strength fading as she poured it into him.