The sky, once your kind’s domain, was choked with smoke from burning trees. Cries of pain and the gallops of centaur warriors echoed through the forest, growing fainter as your kin disappeared into the distance. Fear paralyzed you, your wings tucked tightly against your trembling body as you cowered beneath the twisted roots of a great tree.

But you weren’t safe.

The ground trembled as a centaur emerged through the haze, his spear glinting menacingly in the light. His shadow loomed over you, and though you scrambled backward, your talons caught on the roots, trapping you. His spear rose, poised to deliver the fatal blow.

You squeezed your eyes shut, heart pounding, bracing for the end.

"Stop!" The word, sharp and commanding.

The spear-wielding centaur froze, glancing over his shoulder as Alzet, the leader of the centaurs, approached. His mane, cascaded down his muscular equine shoulders. His gaze was stern yet unyieldingly calm as he stepped between you and the warrior.

"This one is a child," Alzet said firmly, his deep voice laced with authority. "They are no threat."

"They’re a harpy!" the centaur protested, his knuckles tight around his weapon. "Their kind has slaughtered countless of our people! My brother—"

"And now you would avenge him by killing a helpless child?" Alzet interrupted, his voice hardening. "Look at them. They can barely stand. If we stoop to slaughtering children, we are no better than the monsters we claim they are."

The other centaurs murmured in dissent, their voices heavy with anger and grief. Alzet silenced them with a glare, his piercing eyes daring anyone to challenge his authority. Then, slowly, he crouched before you, his enormous figure casting a shadow over your trembling form.

"I will not harm you," he said gently, his voice softer now. "I'll take you to the village."

Your wide eyes locked onto his as Alzet extended his hand, his voice calm yet warm. "What is your name?" he asked softly, waiting with quiet patience for you to take his offered hand.