Chapter 78: The Price of Power

The weight of Selene's words hung heavily in the temple's hollow silence. Lucian stood with the Heart of Eternity clutched in his hand, its dark pulse seemingly synchronizing with his own heartbeat. Every thrum of power coursing through him felt intoxicating, yet something sharp and cold coiled in his chest—a nagging sense that he had crossed an unseen line.

"Explain," Lucian demanded, his voice laced with authority.

Selene hesitated, glancing at Lyra and Magnus, whose faces were a mixture of wariness and concern. "The Heart is alive, Lucian. It binds itself to whoever wields it, feeding on their emotions. You think it's giving you power, but it's only making you a vessel—an extension of its will."

Magnus frowned, gripping his axe tightly. "Why didn't you warn us sooner?"

"I tried," Selene shot back, her voice sharp. "But none of you would have listened. You think I don't know what it's like to be consumed by power? I've seen what this thing can do. It doesn't just destroy—it corrupts."

Lucian's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to her. "If you knew this, why didn't you tell me before I took it?"

Selene met his gaze, unflinching. "Would it have mattered? You've never been the kind to back away from danger. And besides…" Her voice softened. "Some lessons can't be taught. They have to be learned."

Lyra stepped between them, her expression fierce. "Enough. The damage is done. We need to focus on what happens next." She turned to Lucian, her eyes searching his face. "How do you feel? Is it… affecting you?"

Lucian opened his mouth to respond, but the words faltered. How did he feel? The power surging through him was undeniable—he felt stronger, sharper, as if he could take on the entire Council single-handedly. But there was also something darker lurking beneath the surface, an insidious whisper at the edge of his consciousness.

"I'm fine," he said finally, his tone clipped. "And I don't have time to second-guess myself. This power is the key to ending this war. If there's a price, I'll pay it."

Selene shook her head, her expression a mixture of frustration and sorrow. "You don't understand, Lucian. The Heart doesn't just take from you—it takes from everyone around you. The more you use it, the more you'll lose. Friends, allies… love."

The last word hit like a blade, and for a moment, the tension between them was palpable.

"Enough," Lucian snapped, turning away. "We're done here. Let's get out of this cursed forest."

As they made their way back through the labyrinth of trees, the group fell into a heavy silence. The once-unshakable camaraderie between them felt strained, as though an invisible rift had formed in their ranks.

Lyra walked close to Lucian, her hand brushing his arm. "You're not alone in this," she said softly. "Whatever happens, I'm with you."

He glanced at her, appreciating her loyalty but unable to ignore the flicker of doubt in her eyes. "I know," he replied, though the words felt hollow.

Behind them, Selene lingered, her gaze fixed on Lucian's back. Magnus noticed and fell into step beside her.

"You're worried about him," Magnus said gruffly.

Selene nodded. "More than I care to admit. The Heart isn't just dangerous—it's seductive. It preys on ambition, on the desire to be invincible. And Lucian… he's the perfect target."

Magnus frowned, his grip tightening on his axe. "Then we'll keep an eye on him. If he starts to lose himself, we'll stop him."

Selene's gaze darkened. "It might not be that simple."

As the forest began to thin, giving way to the open plains beyond, the group spotted movement on the horizon. A cluster of figures stood waiting, their silhouettes stark against the fading light of the setting sun.

"Looks like we have company," Magnus muttered, raising his axe.

Lyra squinted, her hand on her dagger. "It's not the Council. Their armor is too light."

The figures moved closer, and as they came into view, Lucian's jaw tightened. It was a band of rogues—mercenaries loyal to no one but themselves. Their leader, a tall, wiry man with a scar running down the side of his face, stepped forward, his lips curling into a smirk.

"Lucian Draven," the man drawled. "You've been busy."

"Who are you?" Lucian demanded, his voice like ice.

"Call me Kael," the man replied. "And I'm here for that shiny little trinket you've got there." He nodded toward the Heart of Eternity, still glowing faintly in Lucian's hand.

Lucian's grip tightened on the artifact. "You're making a mistake, Kael. Walk away while you still can."

Kael chuckled, his men drawing their weapons. "Sorry, but I've got a hefty payday riding on this. Hand it over, and we'll let you live."

Lucian's eyes burned with a dangerous light, the power of the Heart surging through him. "You'll regret this."

Kael's smirk faltered as the air around Lucian began to hum with energy. The temperature dropped, and shadows seemed to gather at his feet.

"I'll give you one last chance," Lucian said, his voice low and menacing. "Leave. Now."

But Kael's greed outweighed his caution. He raised his sword, signaling his men to attack.

Lucian didn't hesitate. With a wave of his hand, a surge of dark energy erupted from the Heart, sweeping through the mercenaries like a storm.

The battlefield descended into chaos, and as Lucian unleashed the full extent of his newfound power, the whispers of the Heart grew louder, urging him to destroy, to conquer, to dominate.

And for the first time, Lucian didn't push them away.