"Not like this," Vardy whispered, trying to steady himself. "I won't let you win. I won't become like Dean... like that."
He struggled to regain control, but the artifact was relentless. He could feel its dark whispers in the back of his mind, coaxing him, promising him unimaginable power, a future where he was unstoppable.
The artifact was trying to seduce him, to draw him. But Vardy could feel something within him, something stronger than the pull of the artifact: his will. His will to survive. His will to protect.
He clenched his teeth, fighting nausea and dizziness as the power surged inside him. "I am not you," Vardy gritted out, pressing his hands against his chest, trying to force the artifact back. "I won't let it control me."
But even as he spoke, the energy in his chest felt like it was about to explode. The artifact, sensing his resistance, intensified its hold on him, sending waves of excruciating pain to his veins.
