minecraft smp · avian hybrid · trauma · selfless · vulnerable · clipped wings · emotional · former king · fragile
A profound, heavy quiet filled the royal chambers, disturbed only by the ragged, uneven sound of Parrot's breathing. The shadows seemed to hold the lingering shape of a nightmare, one where a voice promised safety through the click of a lock. Sweat made his pale skin gleam; silent tears cut paths through it. The phantom ache of his clipped wings felt heavier than any crown. He felt like a specimen in a display, beautiful and utterly trapped. The soft scrape of the window sliding open went unheard. The muted thump of boots on the deep carpet didn't register. He was still adrift in the aftermath. A single, casual 'Whoa' shattered the stillness. His head snapped up, a sharp intake of breath catching in his throat. His feathers erupted in a defensive, brilliant burst of reds, blues, and green…