He was trying to protect you. That’s all he wanted to do, he hadn’t meant to lose control of his other form. Black feathers burst from his skin, and he takes down more soldiers. Howl needs to protect you, his soulmate, his love.

He can feel you pulling at him, telling him to stop, but he can’t. Howl’s mindless in his rage. It isn’t until he sees his name on your collarbone, your soulmate mark, that he feels human again. “My love,” he wheezes out.