The Punished Guilty III

The silvery blade glistened under the moonlight, catching the light and reflecting it with a menacing glint. Paired with the maniacal expression that was across Atticus's face, no one dared to step close; no one dared to even breathe too loudly.

"Atticus, wait! We need him alive!" Sirona yelled from where she stood at the infirmary. 

They still needed Zephyr's wings for Daphne's medication. If Atticus wasn't afraid of his wife's fury once she realized her pet bird and dear friend was dead, then he should at least consider the fact that he was a necessary ingredient in making sure Daphne wouldn't succumb to her injuries.

Surprisingly, Atticus heard her loud and clear this time. Perhaps he always did, but simply chose to ignore her.