Sol stared down at his wife, Luna, lifeless on the bed. Her skin was more ashen than it was supposed to be; no blood pumped through her veins. He sat down wearily on the side of the bed and reached a hand towards her face. It felt cold beneath his hands. He had not seen her beautiful black eyes in years, nor had he heard her sweet voice.

Polaris, his most trusted advisor, walked up behind him. “Sol, it’s almost time.”

Sol nodded. “Isn’t she beautiful, Polaris?” He moved his hand down and grabbed hers. “My queen.”

“The most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on, sir.” Another set of footprints sounded. Luna’s handmaiden, Pleiades, walked up next to Polaris. Together, they turned and looked out the window towards the horizon. The sun was almost below it. “Sir, we need to act now.”

Sol responded by laying down next to his wife. He clasped her hand in his and whispered, “Breath again, my love.”

Sol closed his eyes and the sun disappeared.

* * * * * *

Luna’s first breath was cold against her throat. Her eyes opened to a world of night. Turning her head to the side, she gazed at her husband, the color fading from his olive skin. She felt his hand clasping hers, but the warmth was fading from it. “Ma’am,” she heard Pleiades whisper, drawing her attention from Sol. Her handmaiden stood over her, reaching down to help her up.

Luna’s feet touched the cold stone of the floor and she pushed herself into a standing position. She wavered, but Polaris was there on her other side, supporting her. “Thank you,” she whispered. She looked one more time at her husband. Leaning down, she gave him a kiss on the forehead, wishing with all her heart to see his golden eyes once more.

******

Tell me the story of the sun who loved the moon so much, he died every night to let her breath.