Cole attempts to dodge the flames, arms up to protect his face, and almost manages to evade them. The heat singes the exposed skin of his fingers and wrists, little red spots that will turn shiny and raw later on. For now, it barely hurts. He keeps moving. The daggers know where they need to be.

Vengeance's words are given no heed, but Merrill's are. Cole has hesitated to attack the demon directly, reluctant to turn the blades toward one he had been so recently trying to save... but she's right. The sooner Vengeance is sent back to the Fade, the sooner he can start to find a way to become something other than this. At this point, it is the only kind thing to do.

A small puff of smoke, like a cloud of dust, and Cole has vanished from all but the keenest sight, now running in an arc to attack Vengeance from behind. As Kain is descending from above, Cole strikes: twin daggers biting at the demon's back.

"You won't take them!" Not as long as he can still fight.