Starglow Basin the snake pit

for @Soto

castel wakes before the sun sits high in the sky, slipping away from leto’s den without a sound. the night gave him time to think, but the bitterness still lingers, coiled under his skin like a bruise that won’t fade. he hates that he had to submit, hates the memory of soto towering over him.

he takes a few moments to breathe in the warm air of the basin, letting it fill his lungs. better spirits, maybe, but not by much. he steels himself, sets his jaw, and begins his search. it doesn’t take long to pick up soto’s trail—he follows it.

when soto comes into view, castel pauses. he offers a curt dip of his head, barely. his voice is calm, a fraction more respectful than yesterday, but the edge in his tone hasn’t vanished.

soto. querías verme.