i saw lights fading every monument

Redrum watched from the shadows, golden eyes gleaming like molten gold, narrowing as they followed the woman’s every movement. She stumbled, wretched and alone, and he couldn't decide if her plight amused him or sparked something else—a flicker of curiosity, a tug of understanding he couldn't quite name. His muscles twitched involuntarily, a shiver running down his spine as he inched closer.

When she dragged herself into the hollowed tree, he paused just outside, the sleet glistening on his crimson coat. His claws flexed into the dirt as he debated his next move. Finally, he stepped forward, a growl barely audible in his throat. His voice came after, halting and uneven, as he let himself be known:

"Hello?" He cocked his head, a predatory glint in his eyes softening only slightly.

Redrum didn’t wait for her to invite him in—he pushed through the deerskin, ducking his head to peer inside. The firelight danced across his features, and he blinked slowly, taking in the scene. His muscles went taut, and his nose twitched as he inhaled the sharp tang of alcohol and the faint smell of sickness.


"Murder"