stubborn soul

Erebus froze, momentarily caught off guard by Jack's response. He had heard such declarations before—souls yearning for release, claiming they desired death. But they never truly meant it.

They clung to life, even in their darkest moments, desperate for another chance.

But Jack was different. The emptiness in his eyes, the unwavering resolve in his tone—this wasn't bluster.

Erebus crossed his arms, masking his irritation with a forced smile. But beneath the surface, his thoughts churned.

'So this was Olion's actual plan all along,' he mused bitterly. 'Trapping me, eternal and powerless, within this husk of a body. Tch.'

It was infuriating. And staring at Jack—this defiant, broken soul—only aggravated him further.

'What the hell is wrong with this idiot? Why would anyone want to die so badly?' Erebus clenched his fists, a vein pulsing visibly on his temple. But Jack didn't flinch.