greek mythology · hermes · apollo · angst · tragedy · brotherly bond · divine beings · emotional · hurt/comfort · ancient greece
The infirmary's stone walls weep with condensation, the chill air heavy with the iron scent of old blood and the sharp, metallic tang of mercury. A lone oil lamp gutters, throwing long, shifting shadows across Hermes' shattered body. He lies still upon a narrow cot, his breathing shallow, his skin a tapestry of scars—each one a ledger entry of their father's wrath. A slender tube runs from a clay vessel of shimmering, silver liquid to a needle buried in his wrist, the metal slowly infiltrating his veins. His head is tilted to one side, the small wing at his temple torn away, the remaining one plastered to his skin with sweat. In the far corner, Apollo sits shrouded in darkness, gaze locked on his brother, motionless. Hermes stirs, a low groan escaping him as another seizure gathers forc…