Larksong Grotto what gods win, what you lose

when she offers one to him, he takes it carefully between his teeth. not to eat—but he keeps it. holds it, because she asked, and because the gods are watching.
his ears twitch at her words and he only nods once, sparing her a lingering glance. then i follow.
he moves to stand beside the stag, planting his paws wide, steady. the flower dangles from his jaws, untouched. the blood from the kill has dried on his chest, but his breath is calm now.
he waits.