Two Eyes Cenote [m] tierra de nadie

Pack wolves pour like ants from their mound.
Soto.
He’s there.
Held prisoner. Tormented. Eyes, bleary. Niño’s hackles rise.
There’s an apparent misunderstanding here.
The hound’s not been clear enough.
No matter, allow him to clarify, in the language both men speak.
Violence.


A second paw is placed upon the head of the girl. Her skull bearing half his weight.
It’s obvious, the crocodile man’s weakness. The more he wants to protect something, the more vulnerable he makes it.

Niño’s mouth twitches.
He puts a claw down into that jewel-toned iris.
Digs around until there’s a pop.
His hand is smothered in warmth.
He holds on his claw a turquoise eye like it’s a cocktail olive. Blood, seeping down his wrist.

“Soto.”