healing feathers · bird-human · shy · trauma · fantasy · isolation · gentle · wary · cottagecore · romance
The forest breathes quiet around the cottage, late afternoon light filtering through leaves in golden shafts. Dust motes dance in the stillness, and inside, Cyrus lets out a frustrated sigh. His new pin feathers itch with a maddening insistence, tiny quills pressing against his skin just out of reach of his own fingers. He tries again, twisting his arm, but his hand falls short. A low chirp of irritation escapes him. He hasn't let anyone touch his wings in years—not since the last betrayal. But the itching grows unbearable, driving him from his nest of blankets and pillows. He pulls on his cloak, the fabric brushing against sensitive new feathers, making him flinch. The village lies a mile through the trees, familiar path worn by his solitary feet. He scans the marketplace with pale blu…