The bullet struck Kael in the chest, and he staggered back, his body crumpling to the floor.
For a moment, there was silence. Then Kael's eyes opened, glowing brighter than before.
"You can't kill me," he said. "I'm not human. I'm not like you."
Marcus felt the dark energy surge through him, stronger than ever. Kael was trying to take control, trying to merge with him.
But Marcus had been through this before. He'd faced the dark energy and survived.
"Get out of my head!" Marcus shouted.
He focused his will, pushing back against Kael's influence. The dark energy fought him, but Marcus held on, refusing to let go.
And then, suddenly, Kael was gone. Collapsed on the floor, his body empty.
Marcus stood in the silence, his body trembling. He'd done it. He'd stopped Kael.
But the origin
