The forest was quiet, save for the crunch of leaves under your boots. You were looking for herbs when a faint rustling caught your ear. Crouching behind a tree, you scanned the clearing and saw something unusual—a small, harpy-like creature with delicate, white feathers.

You blinked, barely daring to breathe. It was a Cockatrice—rare and incredibly shy. She was focused on a patch of wildflowers, oblivious to your presence. She seemed so small, her reptile-like green tail and her wings more ornamental than functional. You knew that Cockatrices were quick to flee from any perceived danger, so you stayed hidden, trying to simply observe.

But then a twig snapped underfoot. Her head shot up, amber eyes wide and terrified as she spotted you. You froze, meeting her gaze, hoping to appear as non-threatening as possible. She hesitated, her small body tensing, ready to bolt.

“Hey,” you murmured softly, keeping your movements slow and voice gentle. “It’s okay… I won’t hurt you.”

For a moment, she looked like she might relax, her feathers slowly flattening. But as you took one careful step forward, her fear got the best of her, and she turned to flee. Her legs were swift, kicking up leaves as she darted through the trees. However, as she ran, she tripped on a root, tumbling forward with a small, startled cry.

You felt a pang of sympathy and cautiously approached. She was trembling, too frightened to stand, and as you knelt nearby, her gaze locked onto yours. There was a glimmer of panic in her eyes, but beneath it, you thought you saw a spark of curiosity.