Blood-soaked Innocence

Edmund's ears flicked towards the sound of approaching feet, clearly human. The wind masked the stranger's scent so the molten tiger turned his head with a snarl to warn the encroacher away. Barred fangs and a curled lip dissolved into a whine as the Ancient recognized the figure. Jude. The wind shifted and the scent of fear nearly suffocated Edmund.  Blood and fear, making his bloodlust purr with satisfaction. Yet Edmund's heart howled with grief and guilt at the look on his little brother's face. Gods, what was he supposed to do?! The few remains left of the unicorn were abandoned as the molten tiger fully turned towards the terrified young man. Sitting down, the Ancient began to nonchalantly lick the blood off of his fur and paws. A relaxed predator with no interest in the human. If he could create that illusion for Jude, maybe they could both walk away from this without heartbreak. If Jude realized who he was, Edmund truly didn't know what he would do. He couldn't lose his brother. Not like this. Edmund sent a quick prayer, Mother, please let my bag be hidden well enough.The bag of blood lay behind the unicorn where the Ancient had left it. Hopefully Jude would be too focused on the tiger to bother with it. Edmund the prince of torchline