No More Hiding [???]

Though the hours had passed by rather quickly - as per the courtesy of the moon moving in its perfect arc in the sky - the sounds and sights of the night would forever be etched into Consus’ mind. The images of contorting flesh and echoes of bones snapping in places unthinkable to the normal mind only reared their ugly heads once more when Consus caught sight of the inkwell grounds once more… but things had died down. Whether quite literally or figuratively, the painted satyr exited the forest first with caution, then a mission: what had become of Vatos and Boingo? Consus hoped and pleaded that the two were at least alive - the other fate that could have befallen them seemed much worse. To his utter relief, the familiar and normal figures of his two friends stood next to the sputtering inkwell with hands on their heads. Whatever they were feeling was likely a result of their previous escapade.
By the time he’d recognized them, Consus was able to wrap his arms around Boingo and Vatos’ waists, only allowing himself to ignore what mysteries lay within the inkwell for a few moments. With their clawed hands either wrapped around Consus in a return hug or on his shoulder for reassurance or comfort, the two browbirds turned to look at the inkwell; whatever force had been keeping it open was growing weaker.

Vatos sighed and shifted a little in place, only to grab Consus’ hand and give it a little squeeze. Boingo offered a smile and pet the satyr’s head, only to have his own hand grabbed instead. With both Boingo and Vatos at his side, Consus mustered up the courage to look into the inkwell for any sort of explanation it could have offered for the terror caused overnight.
The mass inside swirled and pulsed like that of a moving muscle. At the center opened an eye, staring directly at Consus and through to his very soul. Whatever it was - good or bad… there was no more hiding.