The shadow sank into him like molten iron poured into his veins. It seared every nerve, every fiber of muscle, every inch of flesh.
Jae's back arched as the force hit him, his mouth opening in a scream that ripped raw from his throat. His body convulsed violently, seizing as the darkness burrowed deeper, spreading with unstoppable hunger.
The General's voice filled his mind again, louder than before. Not a whisper now, but a triumphant roar that rattled his skull.
Yes. Vessel. You cannot fight me here.
The words hammered against his thoughts, threatening to break them apart. His vision swam, drowned in black.
For a heartbeat, he felt his will slipping, his fire flickering, smothered beneath the flood of shadow pouring through him.
But Jae clenched his teeth, forcing sound through pain-wracked breath. "I… won't… be… yours."
