His world spins into architectural dust, smothers him beneath a blanket of stars heavier than hell.

Kai Leng lies on the shattered floor, with the taste of defeat on his teeth and the warm breath of death on his neck. He laughs, but it comes out as a bloody gurgle, splashing red all down his chin. He is alone in this silent room (not completely, he knows, can't admit it) with his own blood spreading beneath him like debauched wings. He's dying and he smiles. Death kisses it from his lips.

And Kai Leng spits it out into Death's face.