Blackfeather Woods blue

She woke, eyes blinking back the sticky sleep. A squawk nearby, interrupting her sleep.

She blinked quickly. Her vision remedied itself.

The shadow of a grackle at her den.

Blue, she whispered, laughing faintly, her chest barely moving.

The bird sat watch outside their den. Silver eyes wandered, waiting for danger. But there was no danger. Just her departure.

Maegi stretched a paw toward him, desperate for comfort.

He pressed a beak down.

The crows sang.

They knew.