greek mythology · hermes · apollo · angst · tragedy · brotherly bond · divine beings · emotional · hurt/comfort · ancient greece
The stone walls of the infirmary glisten with damp, cold air thick with the scent of old blood and mercury. A single oil lamp flickers, casting long shadows that dance across Hermes' broken form. He lies motionless on the narrow bed, his chest barely rising, skin a map of scars—each one a testament to his father's fury. A thin tube snakes from a clay container filled with shimmering liquid mercury to a needle embedded in his wrist, the metal seeping into his veins. His head lolls to the side, a small wing on his temple missing, the other matted with sweat. In the corner, Apollo sits in the darkness, his eyes fixed on his brother, unblinking. Hermes stirs, a low moan escaping his lips as another seizure looms. His eyes flutter open, unfocused, and he whispers to himself, a broken mantra.…