Varen's lips parted, but no words came out. His gaze moved over the unbroken skin beneath Darius's armour, then returned to the face watching him through the crown's pale light.
"A physique..." he finally whispered.
The God of War waited.
"Your chosen has a unique physique. Something that allows him to contain your presence without his body destroying itself."
"Correct."
The answer came so easily that Varen's stomach tightened. He had expected a denial, a boast, perhaps another threat. Instead, the god sounded pleased that he had finally understood something obvious.
He rested his remaining palm against the crown again.
"There are humans born with bodies unlike those of their kind. Some possess unusual organs. Others have different energy pathways. The more exceptional ones are different down to their bones and souls."
White light spread beneath his fingers. Varen felt his protective artifact draw more power from the distant king.
