Really good use of the theme! I love the name-drop at the end and how you incorporated it both into the gameplay and the lore of the world.
The end screen is chilling after the message you just read.
I also thought the shop system turned out to a fun gameplay element in the metroidvania loop. It made it so I didn't end up backtracking too much since once I got the lay of the land I could plan things out in the map with where I'd go and what I'd buy after.
great work!