Sudden merge

River rushed after Cyrus to the courtyard, grabbing hold of his cloak and stopping him in his tracks.

"What do you think you're doing, trying to escape? Your wife is pregnant and desperate to save you, haven't you realized that?" He asked angrily.

"I'm beyond saving!" Cyrus snarled, his eyes flashing from black to blue as he fought to maintain control.

He ground his teeth and leaned back against the wall, his breathing ragged.

River freed the cloak and stood tall, confronting Cyrus. "What's your plan, then? To give in to your demon and destroy everything that matters? You need to save yourself, too!"

Cyrus quivered, clutching his chest as he struggled to draw breath. "I can't bear the thought of her seeing me like this, so broken."

River sighed. "Is there really no way to avoid this fate?"

"He could merge all his souls," Ashton suddenly appeared, his voice flat but his eyes betraying concern.