The large, giant-like bird twitched its head from left to right in sharp, almost mechanical movements. It had no face—no eyes, no beak—yet its grotesque form carried the unmistakable body of a bird. A long, bony neck curved like that of a vulture, and its talons ended in claws so massive they looked capable of ripping through steel.
It stood unnaturally still for a moment, then let out a strange, gurgling noise that rumbled deep from its throat. It turned suddenly, just as Kaela charged from behind, her steps light but lethal in intent.
The bird reacted.
It opened its enormous wings with a gust of wind and flapped once—an act that looked harmless at first. But from its feathers, sharp dagger-like quills shot outward, slicing through the air toward Kaela with blistering speed.
She was faster.
