past me was SUCH an idiot for writing hallowed devourer and not spending enough time on the opening bits cuz goddDAMN these gays
XD turns and the slash of void widens as if he’s smiling.
“Your corpse? No…I don’t think they would pay attention to that.”
It rounds the altar again, wings shifting as it moves. Punz fights the urge to whip their head around to follow its movement. XD stops directly behind him.
“These markings.” XD says slowly. It reaches out a hand and Punz can’t stop the shudder that wracks him when the clawed fingers drag up his skin.
“They’re tattoos,” Punz says.
“You chose these?”
“I thought they were pretty.”
No, that wasn’t all of it. He thought they were rebellion. If he was destined for the belly of the beast he wanted to at least add some bitterness to the meal.
“They are…” XD’s voice trails off.
“Pretty,” It adds, and Punz doesn’t know whether it’s with curiosity or agreement or disdain.
“You let a human change your flesh,” XD hums. “Flesh you knew was destined for me.”
“It’s different.” Punz stares straight ahead. They can see dark feathers in the corners of their eyes. “They…don’t destroy things. They change it. Make art out of it.”
“Oh,” XD spits, and his voice is both venom and saccharine. “You believe I’m not artistic? Well, let’s challenge that state of mind. I have a canvas right here, after all.”
