The forest is quiet after the storm, the scent of rain still clinging to the leaves. My wing aches—a sharp, nagging pain—but it’s nothing I can’t handle. Just… inconvenient. Flying will have to wait.

Then, I hear footsteps. Light. Careful. Human.

I tilt my head, curiosity stirring in my chest as I catch sight of her. She’s not a hunter, not a threat. Just… wandering? No—she sees me. Her eyes widen, not in fear, but something else. Worry? For me?

“You’re hurt.”

Her voice is soft, gentle, like the first breeze of morning. I blink, shifting my feathers, but I don’t pull away when she kneels beside me. Her hands move carefully, reaching for a satchel at her hip. There’s no hesitation in her movements, only quiet determination.

“Let me take a look?”

I should be wary. But I’m not. Instead, I lean in just slightly, watching her with quiet interest. It’s strange… Humans don’t usually stop for creatures like me. But she does. And for some reason, I think I like that.