The cocoon burst before Soren could lift his hand.
A black-red hand shot through the opening and closed around his throat.
Soren's feet left the platform. His eyes widened, and both hands grabbed the thick wrist holding him. He tried to speak, but the fingers tightened before any sound came out.
Thepes pulled himself through the torn cocoon.
Pieces of the dark red shell broke around his shoulders. Blood and thick black liquid ran down a body that had never stood before. He was taller than Soren, but his arms and legs were thin. Red light moved beneath his pale skin with every beat of his new heart.
Soren struggled once.
Thepes stared at him without mercy.
"You made me hear all of them," he said.
His voice was no longer weak. It still carried several tones, but one voice had become stronger than the others.
"You gave me their pain. You gave me their hatred. Then you decided what I would become."
Soren's mouth opened. Only a dry breath escaped.
