Had he been fast enough?
Did the evil beast's heart still beat?
He held his breath. Blood surged out of the open wound as the Murder God's black heart pushed out one final pulse. He slid down Hex's golden chest, completely lifeless.
"We should have anticipated the poisoned claw," said Vendevorex.
"Did we stop him in time?" Hex asked, his throat tight.
"With at least a second to spare," said Vendevorex. "The genie never sent out a signal."
"So it's over. We've won. The world is finally free of the Murder God."
"Good riddance," said the Vendevorex mosquito as it flitted away. A few feet away it paused, before darting back to Hex's ear.
"Just to be certain," it buzzed, "burn the body."