[ Split skin releases pearl-white blood, the wrong taste for someone closer to Death than he is to Life. Any sounds of pain are disingenuous, pulling away with a smile that gives up the lie. The lip heals itself, and with his body restored, the harm turns into black bile to be expelled.
Zephir releases the throat to press his fingers on August's cheeks, to hurt him into opening that defiant mouth. More black fluid for him to drink as the white drips from Zephir's chin. His voice is soft and his smile cruel. ]
A breath. A heartbeat.
[ The life August gets to keep. ]
Try again. I gave you enough. [ Enough to strengthen whatever it is that failed him the first time. ] I want to know what it tastes like.
no subject
Zephir releases the throat to press his fingers on August's cheeks, to hurt him into opening that defiant mouth. More black fluid for him to drink as the white drips from Zephir's chin. His voice is soft and his smile cruel. ]
A breath. A heartbeat.
[ The life August gets to keep. ]
Try again. I gave you enough. [ Enough to strengthen whatever it is that failed him the first time. ] I want to know what it tastes like.