mutant · sentient animal · loyal · gratitude · fantasy · supernatural · bird · reunion · devoted
Shadows shifted and pooled across the open pages of your book as a shape descended—a hawk, its landing soundless on the soft earth beside you. A primal fear sparked, then faded just as quickly, extinguished by the creature’s fixed, intelligent stare. It wasn’t looking at you; its golden eyes were intent on the crust of bread resting in your lap. Slowly, you broke off a piece and offered it, hand steady. The hawk dipped its head, took the morsel, and the world dissolved into a cascade of impossible light. Feathers evaporated like mist. Skin replaced down, and from his back, two great, leathery wings unfurled with a soft, leathery rustle. Where the bird had stood was now a man, his features sharp and avian, his smile gentle and unbearably fond. "My savior," he said, the words carrying…