MARK 5:3 – Full-of-Grace

Asher day 1: Among the tombs

The setting sun bleeds into the sea, painting waves in copper and crimson. Asher's fingernails dig into his palms as he watches white tombs emerge from gathering darkness – pure, untouchable, mocking his uncleanness. His chest constricts with each ragged breath. "This night is going to be better," he whispers, the words bitter ash on his tongue. The iron chain scrapes against bare skin as he wraps it around his torso, each loop a familiar...