Silax opened his eyes, and the Animus materialized before him.
It flapped its wings that were burning with black flames, casting fleeting shadows across the room. It circled him twice, its movements silent, predatory.
Finally, with grace, it landed on his outstretched arm. It's shape was the same as it had been before Silax bonded with it, but it's feathers were different.
The formerly red chest and underbelly were now a darker shade, and it's wings and tail were no longer dark brown, they were inky black in color.
The bird tilted its head, its dark eyes, devoid of pupils, staring down at the crumpled figure at Silax's feet.
Alzar, unconscious and pale, lay forgotten as the bird examined him with a chilling indifference.
Silax reached down and pulled up Alzar's frail form. His body flopped around like a broken marionette. Silax exposed his fangs and dug into Alzar's jugular, sending a jolt through his weakened body.