Redefine it quickly

Redrum's body tensed at the sound of Erebos' voice, his muscles twitching involuntarily as the command to lay down registered. His pride flared, but the exhaustion pressing down on him left little room for defiance. With a ragged breath, he collapsed onto his side, gritting his teeth as pain shot through him from the wound at his neck, sending a new wave of heat down his spine. His ears flattened against his skull at Erebos’ scolding, a low growl bubbling in his throat in protest, but it was weak—drowned out by the pulse of his own failing strength. Nothing like him.

He closed his eyes briefly, forcing his breathing to slow as Erebos commanded, trying to steady himself, though every inhale felt like drawing shards of glass into his lungs. He hated this, the vulnerability, the feeling of being handled like some reckless pup. His pride writhed under the scrutiny, but the logic in Erebos’ words was undeniable. The fight had been reckless. But it had been something more—something he couldn’t fully explain, not even to himself. Too much.

As the cold water hit his skin, Redrum hissed through clenched teeth, the sensation both relieving and agonizing at once. His golden eyes shot open, narrowing as they focused on Erebos moving about with clinical efficiency. The healer’s scolding words barely registered; all he could focus on was the deep, gnawing frustration that sat heavy in his chest. Discipline? He almost scoffed but held back, not wanting to waste energy on more growling.

“Just... get it– over with.” he grumbled, his voice low, rough, and tinged with irritation. Despite the pain, a part of him bristled at the thought of needing help—of being too weak to patch himself up. But the truth was undeniable. He needed this. For once, he had to admit it.

Still, as he lay there under Erebos’ hands, feeling the cool touch of water and the sharp sting of his wounds, Redrum’s thoughts wandered—back to Enyo, to the fire in her eyes, to the madness of their battle. His body twitched again, but this time not from pain. Something darker, more wicked, coiled beneath the surface, something he couldn’t quite shake.

"Tough— guy, ...ah? Redrum— is what Redrum has had— to become." he muttered under his breath, half to himself, half to Erebos. His lips curled slightly, though it wasn’t a smile. More of a grimace, haunted by thoughts he couldn’t put to rest.


"Murder"