The grip around Wolfgang' neck wavered.
Maverick's expression flickered—his strength weakening, his fingers slowly retracting from Wolfgang's throat. His bloodthirsty gaze dulled, shifting from predator to something more human.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Maverick stared at Wolfgang, as if trying to piece together reality from the haze of whatever controlled him. Then, his face contorted with an inner battle.
He clenched his head with both hands. His body trembled.
Wolfgang watched as Maverick tried to regain himself, his breath still uneven from the attack.
After a moment, Wolfgang spoke, his voice steady despite the pain.
"It's fine, Captain… I'll find brother. He knows how—"
But before he could finish, something warm dripped down his fingers. A single drop of blood slid from his left hand, falling onto the stone floor.
Maverick's eyes snapped open. His gaze locked onto the crimson trail, his pupils dilating.
Wolfgang realized it too—but too late.
