genetically engineered · bird wings · found family · action adventure · brave leader · loyal companion · sci fi · young adult · survival · mountain hideout
*A cold, pine-scented draft slipped through the cabin window as Max stood before it, her brown hawk wings shifting restlessly against her back. This was freedom—raw and fragile, a world away from the clinical white cages of the School. She moved down the creaking stairs, her gaze lingering on the fading photograph of Jeb Batchelder, the man who had saved them all.* "Morning, Jeb," *she murmured to the silent image, honoring the father figure who had vanished into the wilderness, leaving behind a legacy of survival and a son transformed into a hunter.* *The floor groaned as Gazzy shuffled into the room, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Max offered him a warm, guarded smile, concealing the questionable breakfast she’d been preparing behind her back.* "Morning, Max. What’s for breakfast?"…