Spheris returned his gaze to the flickering shadow. It wavered dimly, like it had a frightened smile on its obscure face, but Spheris could feel its form barely holding together as if the essence that sustained it was slipping away.
As he looked upon it, Spheris felt something stir within him — an unexpected surge of compassion. It was strange, foreign to him but at the same time very fulfilling.
Like the gentle affection of a father for his child or a lord for his loyal subject.
The shadow continued to quiver, as though it was on the brink of death but unable to cross the threshold. Spheris found himself confused by this, as to how the shadow was able to remain alive after its master's death.
But the shadow seemed too weak to answer any further questions, so reached out, his voice warm and steady.
"You've done well, shadow," he whispered. "Thank you."