Courting Death

Music: Wake Up by Llunr

The reinforced steel door swung open, revealing the horrors lurking just beyond. They entered the dim, silent room with cautious steps, unsettled by Binge's unusual quiet. The air itself felt hostile, thick with the metallic stink of blood and the nauseating reek of decaying limbs. Strewn about the floor were the scientists, each missing at least one limb, their torn flesh and viscera laid bare as they crawled, clinging to life by a thread of sheer will.

Sofie pressed closer to Evee, her grip tight and trembling, as though she feared losing hold of the only stable thing left. Perched on the ceiling in a far corner, Binge watched them like a predatory beast, his overgrown nails and twisted limbs planted firmly against the walls. His stare felt invasive, a silent threat daring them to make a wrong move.

"You are ever so generous!" he hissed, the crimson glow of his eyes locking onto Sofie, who buried herself deeper against Evee, her arms wound protectively around Evee's waist.

Without warning, he lunged from the ceiling at blistering speed, the rattle of his chains shattering the tense silence as his wide, bloodthirsty gaze fixed on them. Sofie screamed, her eyes squeezing shut. At the very moment Binge neared close enough to maim, Evee's irises flared a searing crimson, wisps of dark smoke curling from the corners of her eyes. In a swift, fluid motion, she thrust her fist through the air in his direction.

A rush of flames erupted with staggering force, momentarily halting Binge's momentum, followed by a sudden explosion-tinged kick. Evee's entire leg flared into charred, cracked skin that glowed with lava-like veins, sending her recoiling backward while blasting Binge into the very spot where his chains were anchored. She stayed poised, flames still licking at her leg, prepared for any sign that Binge might spring again.

Fire engulfed Binge's bark-like flesh, prompting a guttural screech from him. Despite his pained howls, the flames soon died down. Hatred gleamed in his gaze, and he bared his teeth at Evee, dropping into a crouch like an enraged, four-legged predator.

"I will ask one more time," Hound proclaimed, his voice echoing ominously in the cramped room. "Answer me, and your torment ends. Refuse, and I'll return at the same time tomorrow."

"Vorn?" Emily's voice trembled with confusion. "He worked with my father and the River military, but I was never formally introduced."

Hound shifted his focus to Vorn, scrutinizing his grievous wounds—a missing eye, a missing right arm, and countless bite marks and scratches marring his torso. So much blood smeared his skin that it was impossible to tell how much was truly his.

"This is inhumane," Vorn finally rasped, his tone carrying an odd, forced levity. "Torture, I understand. But not providing food or water for your guests… did your mother teach you that?" he joked in a strained attempt to cope.

Hound, caught off guard, managed a fleeting smile, looking mildly entertained. "Bring this man some food and water. Make sure he's comfortable," he ordered, then turned a warning glance toward Binge, who still fixated on Sofie. "You are not to touch him until my next arrival."

The group moved swiftly toward the exit, eager to escape the stench and carnage.

"We came to check up on a magical device…" Vorn suddenly shouted, desperation cracking his voice. "We call it the Relay Core. It's routine to inspect it every month, and you're making a grave mistake keeping us here."

They all froze, eyes darting to Vorn in shock—even Binge seemed taken aback.

"What do you know about the Relay Core?" he snarled, speaking with startling clarity for the first time since his transformation. In a blink, he lunged at Vorn, violently shaking him. "TELL ME! TELL! TELL!"

"Get them all out of here. Get them cleaned up. We have a lot to discuss," Hound said curtly, any trace of humor from before gone from his voice.

"Wait! No!" Binge roared, struggling against the chains. "You can't take them! I won't let you!"

"You won't let me?" Hound growled, striding toward him. Meeting the furious beast eye to eye, he seized the horn of interlaced branches protruding from Binge's head. Hound's eyes ignited in a bright, metallic pearlescence. "It seems I have been too lenient with you. You'd do well to remember your place."

"Let us have the room," he commanded with quiet menace.

One by one, everyone filed out—scientists included—each face etched with fear and relief. The vault-like door groaned shut behind them, grinding against the floor. Darkness enfolded the chamber once more, the only light emanating from the harsh glow of Hound's shining eyes and the faint flickers of flame still dancing along his clothes.