Swiftcurrent Creek redefine what was at stake from the hindsight of a god

Helios expects to find nothing; for him to slip through Zephyr as if the silver pup were but an illusion, a phantom out of his reach. It is painful, in a way that he has never experienced prior, but it is his first encounter with loss. For he misses his sibling’s shadowing steps, he misses pressing against Zephyr’s side to soothe or seek comfort from, and he misses their quiet moments spent together.

Underneath his touch is instead a very still form, frozen where Zephyr stands. Perfectly still, crafted to fit the landscape that surrounds them. Helios inhales; recognizing the familiarity in the smells, and the touch. It is enough to overwhelm him, and it has only been days of cold shoulders and avoidance. The whine echoes near endless in his mind—repeating over and over. Until Helios’ dam breaks.

The raven boy tucks close to the silver sibling, begging for anything, for Zephyr to no longer ignore his existence. Before the youngest, the eldest cries openly.