I'll let it burn the way the sunlight burns my skin
Maea.
The Sentinel’s chest was stabbed by piercing grief that felt like it might split him in two. His talons curled uselessly against the air as he bellowed her name across the bond, desperation sharpening his cry. How could it be her? Noah’s breath caught in his chest as she plunged.
He dove without hesitation. The griffin tucked his wings and became a missile, feathers and fury slicing through wind. The ocean yawned wide beneath them, waves rising like dark jaws. Maea hit first, the crash of her body against the surface sending up a geyser of white. Then, Noah slammed into the water moments later, the shock of the cold closing over him like iron bands. His body shimmered as feathers folded into flesh, talons into hands, wings into shoulders. The Sentinel broke through into human form beneath the waves, lungs burning.
The ancient was sinking, her dress dragging her down into the dark. He was determined to reach her, to get to the fragile thread of his friend, tossed around in the waves. Kicking hard, arms straining against the drag of the sea, he reached for her. His hands scraped across darkened fabric, then clung fast.
With every ounce of strength he had left, Noah fought the current and the crushing weight of her form, dragging Maea back toward the light above. Until his other hand found his compass, and he thumbed it.
Then they were gone, frigid salt water empty of the prey whatever beasts Maea’s blood had lured up.
FIN
The way I feel inside, the way the day begins
infinite inspiration and endless thanks to odd and sky
