[ In his right mind, he might have expressed his disgust. Recalling the moment he witnessed that power for himself, though, he feels only dread as he looks down at his hands. ]

I used it.

[ Heat spreads throughout his face from shame. The Empire doesn't need strength like that and he, the fool, had taken it. ]

In my desperation to prevent another loss, I borrowed that power when it was given to me. I didn't realize its nature until then . . .