The spear stopped an inch from Vell's chest. Not because Cain hesitated, but because Vell was laughing.
It started as a quiet chuckle, then grew into full, manic laughter that echoed through the chamber. Blood trickled from his mouth, but he couldn't stop.
"What's so funny?" Cain pressed harder with his foot, cracking more ribs.
"You really think..." he coughed up more blood, but his eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "...that I didn't notice?"
His hand shot up, grabbing the shadow spear. The weapon sizzled and hissed as it started dissolving, being absorbed into Vell's palm.
[Master, what are you—]
"Shut up for a second," he grinned, his teeth stained red. "I'm trying to eat here."
Cain's perfect features twisted in surprise as he tried to pull the spear back, but it was too late. The shadow weapon completely dissolved, and Vell's body pulsed with new energy.
