Lion Resting in Shade Before Dawn Djibouti

Pale starlight washes over the golden fur of a lion crouched in deep shade along a Djibouti game trail. The turn of seasons leaves the ground dry and cracked beneath the animal's paws. Heat haze shimmers visibly above the earth, distorting the horizon into a soft, wavering line. The lion's muscles ripple under short, tawny coats as it lies low, ears swiveled forward in alert stillness. Dark shadows pool around the animal, against the faint, cool glow reflecting off the dusty soil. One tuft of dark hair on the tail tip trembles slightly against the blurred, shimmering background.