mine all mine

Life had taken an unexpected turn for the twins, Sol and Khonsu. They had moved from a life constrained by religious faith to one bound by a more tangible and threatening force. Though they weren't physically shackled, their new reality was just as confining; led by a wolf who's cruelty was more piercing than any physical chain. She held power over them not through force, but by possession. By keeping what the twins held most dear, she had forced their obedience.

In their culture, reincarnation wasn't just a belief; it was as natural and inevitable as the changing of seasons. But now, their mother's soul was in jeopardy, trapped in her ashes with little hope of rebirth. In this harsh, northern land, the birth of new pups - and thus the chance for their mother's spirit to find a new body - was a rarity. Yarra, acting as judge and jury both, had the power to sentence their beloved mother to eternal limbo.

Sol, naive and too open-hearted, had shared their traditions with this stranger, not foreseeing the consequences. Now, as they walked through the snow, his head hung. Each step felt heavy, burdened with the weight of his mistake, the guilt overwhelming. He had hardly spoken a word since they'd returned to Boreas.

Their journey took them into the stark and icy landscape of the northern polar sound. The environment was as unforgiving as their unfortunate situation, a constant reminder of the grim future that Sol, in his innocence, had unwittingly chosen for them. "Stop." Khonsu whispered to his brother, sensing his twins self-loathing.

The woman's words drew Sol's ears to pin against his skull, his head bowing lower if such a thing was even possible. "If that is what you wish." The bolder male spoke, lifting his head in quiet dignity, seeking to draw her sweeping gaze away from his softer brother.  If there was anything to be greatful for, it was for the thickness of their coat, as it allowed Khonsu to meet the woman's gaze without shrinking from the cold.

Sol & Khonsu