Broken Boulder no, i never sold my soul

as the days tick on with limited feedings, warmth, and comfort from their mother, sleep takes place of most of her activities. instead of bouts of hyperactivity, brilliance is quiet and tired and hungry. she eats until her belly can’t handle anymore only to spit out more than half of it later, pushing herself to the back of the den and curl up alone. a tremble takes over after a while and she tiredly lifts her head, yawning, exposing cool, pale gums. the only familiar shapes she sees are solomon and mali from the faint light filtering in the den. whether queenie is just outside the den or on the borders, she can’t tell.
 
brilliance struggles to cross the short distance to meet them, to bury between their warmth.