Dawnlark Plains in the blink of an eye

finally, finally, she exhausted herself enough to sleep; her ragged breaths grew calm, her body quiet and still--but not stiff, like her father's had been. no, warm, and springy, and full of life. life. . .and he was incredibly grateful to hold her here against him, still breathing, still living. both of them. they would survive this.

gently, so as not to wake her, he cradled his cheek between her shoulder blades, neck draped over hers. aditya closed his eyes, and he found sleep not too far away for him as well. it had been a long day, the longest day he could remember, but it was finally coming to an end. on the other side of this slumber was a new chapter, a fresh start. grayday was gone, but he lived on--though his pack, through his family.

the sun rose high over the sleeping couple, entwined together, fur gleaming gold and brown, black and silver, a muddle of earth and rock.