A huge stag, strong and glowing with power, found Aponi’s eyes.

“I know you.” She whispered. He craned his neck and sighed. She slowly walked toward the beast and held out her hand.
“Please don’t run away.” He didn’t flinch.

Her hand ran across his silky coat from his neck down his back.

“I know your eyes.” She said, “Chuchip.”

He hummed quietly. She knew it was him. She kissed his nose and lay her head on his.
“Is there anything I can say to make you stay here?” His antlers led the way for a shake of his head. She nodded and kissed him again.
“I understand.” With a soft squeeze, she let him go. He shook his head and turned to gallop into the darkness of the forest.

“Goodbye, Chuchip. You were never meant to be mine.”
~
Ashkii knelt down in front of the moon, dagger in hand. It swelled, like his heart.
“My heart is becoming too big, Mother Moon. Make it stop growing!”
And with those words, he plunged the silver blade deep into his chest. As the blood spilled out, his heart shrunk to normal size.