The Fallen Beast of Babylon

Prompt

The ocean surface ruptures in an explosion of black water and golden light. A colossal lion, its mane soaked and streaming, erupts upward — on its back, vast eagle's wings spread wide, primary feathers edged in bronze and catching the lightning. Sea spray cascades off its body in slow motion. The beast roars skyward, water pouring from its jaws, eyes burning amber. Mid-shot: its wings are suddenly torn away in a burst of feathers and blood-lit mist, as if cleaved by an unseen hand. The lion falls forward onto the turbulent water, and in an unnatural moment its hind legs straighten — it stands upright on two feet like a man, chest heaving, bewildered. A dim human intelligence flickers behind its eyes. Rain hammers down. Babylonian in feel — hints of lapis and gold in the lighting. Low angle, heroic and tragic.