Blood-soaked Innocence

Edmund heard Jude approach and the fur on the back of his neck raised in alarm. What was Jude doing?! Surely his brother had a better sense of self-preservation? The Ancient's questions were answered by a single timid word. A single heart-wrenching, blood-draining word. Oh Mother, help him. The keychain. The molten tiger froze and turned around. Shifting, Edmund stood before his brother with an agonized expression. Blood was splattered his clothes and in his hair. The hand holding his bag was stained with the red ichor. "Jude..I...little brother..." Words choked as he tried to give something, anything to make Jude understand. To make Jude not hate him. Shaking his head, Edmund took a step towards his brother, "I had to. I'm so sorry but I had to." Swallowing harshly he added quietly, "They were going to kill me." Edmund Reborn In Fire