Elara's breath remained shallow as the echoes of the creature's final roar faded into the oppressive silence. Her entire body ached, as though the battle had drained not just her physical strength but something deeper—something within her very soul. She tried to steady her breathing, her fingers trembling as she let go of her sword, which clattered against the cold stone.
Kirin stayed by her side, his eyes scanning the chamber for any further signs of danger. The air still felt thick, heavy with the residual magic of the door. The glowing orb had gone dark, but the pulse of its ancient energy still reverberated beneath their feet.
Morgana knelt beside Elara, her face pale but calm. "You did it," she repeated, her voice hollow. "For now, the Heart remains sealed, but its power..."
Elara nodded slowly, finishing Morgana's sentence in her mind. Its power wasn't gone; it was simply dormant, waiting.