This story was well-written, and interesting subject matter to write about to say the least. Very short, but packs a punch that pulls the reader in. I liked the word choice and the sense of emotion that you integrated. But there's almost a sense that there is something missing, in the characterization and the reason he's doing what he's doing. I'm almost tempted to say, at the end, that there's no point, no methodology to what the character's thinking or doing, though that may have been your intent. Sometimes people don't need a reason to kill, or hurt themselves, and maybe that's what you're highlighting. But back to the actual plot, I'd be quite interested to know who "they" are and what their wishes are, and what the character didn't want to go back to. I'd just want to know whether you wanted to be ambiguous and a bit vague.

 Hey RLyn,

While your story is full of allure and intrigue thanks to fanciful description, the beginning itself leaves much to be desired with many questions floating in the air.  A few questions, which may be answered later on after the initial paragraphs include who "they" are, and why this man is committing this crime or release against himself.  Where does the "sand" come in to play?  And this "object" what role does it play besides burning a hole in his hand?  Why is it "ominously beautiful"?  Where did he get it?  From whom did he recieve it?  Why this choice of self-mutilation?destruction?redemption? What relevence is there in "cleansing his blemishes of his life" through his hand?  What did he do with his hands?

I hope these questions help you delve in deeper.  There are many good resources in these short paragraphs for continuing your story and I hope that you grab all of the blocks that you've already written for building of the rest of your story.

 Well, I must say the imagry played into the lie the devil makes us think when it comes to things like this.  In a way, I think you are right.  His intentions were no accident.  H e had plans for that piece of metal in his hand.  The flip side of this, I think, is that he didn't have it anywhere to do permanent harm to himself and it may have got off accidentally.  And I bet the way you described his hand in the aftermath made him think twice about trying it again.  I am glad he is still here to tell the tail and thank you for the imagry and making us visualize everything to figure out what the piece of metal was, whatit represented and what he had intended to use it for.