A Winged Rescue

An Shadow emerged from the darkness, I was stunned by the sight that greeted me. The rustling in the bushes wasn't from some otherworldly monster, but a small fox. Or rather, it had been a fox. Shadow's sharp teeth were clamped around its body, and she dragged it out with a fierce snarl. With a final, savage shake of her head, Shadow threw the injured fox onto the ground.

The fox yelped in pain, its tiny body writhing as it tried to move away. Its wing was torn and bloody, and its breath came in rapid, ragged gasps. It looked like it might collapse at any moment. Shadow growled at the fox, her blue eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. Her expression was more enraged than triumphant, as if the fox's pitiful whispers were an affront to her.

Kairan's calm demeanor didn't waver as he observed the scene. His eyes, however, betrayed a hint of concern. "Shadow," he said, his voice firm, "let it be."