Hand in paw, Lira and Milo approach the crooked blue door of the goat chef’s cottage. Their fur is matted from the journey through tangled woods, yet their eyes burn with unwavering devotion. The lantern beside the door flickers, casting long shadows as thunder rumbles faintly overhead.
"We’re here, together, no matter what happens," Milo murmurs, squeezing Lira’s paw.
Chef Bastian, a plump, bespectacled goat in a flour-dusted apron, looks at the wolves, brows rising in surprise. The scent of fresh bread drifts from inside, mingling with the perfume of thyme and rosemary. For a moment, silence reigns, broken only by the rain starting to patter against the eaves.
"Chef Bastian, we have come to surrender ourselves," Milo says, voice steady but trembling. Lira nods, her gaze never leaving Milo’s eyes.
Chef Bastian ushers the wolves inside, his expression unreadable. The pair sits side by side on a wooden bench, paws entwined as the chef gently begins to shave their fur, each stroke tender and respectful. Spices are measured and sprinkled, the aroma of sage and pepper swirling in the air.
"Are you certain this is your wish?" Chef Bastian asks softly. "We would rather be together in the fire than apart in life," Lira replies, her voice filled with quiet strength.
Chef Bastian guides Lira and Milo to the oven, positioning them upright, shoulder to shoulder. Their muzzles meet in a final embrace; the chef gently places a polished green apple between their jaws, sealing their lips in an eternal kiss. Tears glisten in Chef Bastian’s eyes as he closes the oven door, the lovers’ gaze locked as flames dance around them.
"I will love you through every fire and lifetime," Milo whispers, his words muffled but clear.
The wolves’ furless forms glisten, seasoned with care, but their eyes remain full of love and longing. The heat envelops them, yet neither looks away, each finding solace in the other’s gaze. The storm outside reaches its crescendo, but inside the oven, there is only peace.
"Together, always," Lira mouths, her spirit entwined with Milo as the world dissolves into golden haze.
Chef Bastian stands before the oven, his heart heavy yet honored by the sacrifice of the star-crossed wolves. He whispers a blessing, opening the door to let the morning light fall upon the entwined forms within, their love immortalized in warmth and memory.
"May your love find peace, where war cannot reach,"
