Honor's massive frame shuddered. The deathly aura surrounding him flickered, black and grey waves dissipating like smoke in the wind. His amber eyes behind the wyvern helm dulled from blazing intensity to normal glow.
The berserker state that had consumed him retreated as his Beast Spirit, Thanatos, pulled back from full manifestation.
His consciousness returned fully, and the burning of souls ceased, not by choice but by force. His body had reached its limit, refusing to continue the self-immolation despite his will demanding otherwise.
Both swords remained embedded in his chest. Zenuken and Hjorleifa pierced through spiritual armor, through flesh, through the heart muscle itself. Crimson-black blood welled around the blades, dripping down his torso in steady streams.
"You..." The word emerged strained, forced through lungs that struggled around punctured organs. His gaze was fixed on Reinhard's face inches away. "Knew that I was still connected."
