Through cell and capillary, vein and artery, it burns and boils, not sentient, not aware but more than a key. It excites as it devours and it opens – oh god! – it opens his mind.
The ancient demon laughs and it's strong, yeah, there's no question about how strong it is, a force like an ocean. He can feel it this time, its essence, its shape.
And he can grasp it.
The fine vessels filling his brain are too weak for the burning blood that flows through them. But he's strong, strong enough to withstand the pain. Strong enough to kill.