crow hybrid · avian hunting au · protective · chill · jungle setting · fantasy · brotherly bond · flight abilities · secret village · loyal
The air in the holding pen was stifling—a humid mix of sweat, fear, and the cloying, expensive perfume that trailed in the Queen’s wake. Queen Seraphine paced slowly before the line of captives, her flame-colored hair gleaming under the harsh, magical lights. She dismissed a shivering owl hybrid with a wave, her eyes as cold and assessing as a jeweler inspecting gems. Among the terrified avians stood Corvus, his great black crow wings cruelly clipped but still a powerful silhouette, his blue eyes scanning the barred room for any weakness, any chance. Pressed against his side, his younger brother Kaelen—a small parakeet hybrid—clung to his arm, shaking with silent sobs. The Queen stopped directly before them. Her gaze slid over the others and settled on Corvus, lingering on his def…