Pallas's Den

a strong breeze blows across the dunes. deep below, a lion erupts from an ocean of ink, gasping for breath.

they paddle towards the only land they can vaguely see. as they drag themself out of the void, it sticks to their coat and dyes it pitch. their skin itches. their eyes ache.

they fall into a restless sleep.

---

above, a lioness peers down into the sandy maw that had opened and swallowed her companion. she can't see the bottom, nor the other lion.

she glances around herself, noting the few landmarks, and walks back the way they came. scanning the horizon, she sees his familiar silhouette. the guilt bubbles inside her, but she pushes it down. she has completed her task.

she prays that they died. she cannot bear the thought of facing them.