Noctisardor Bypass No Expectation. No Drama.

Goldfinch brightened some when her boy agreed so easily, though she shot a nasty look at her familiar when it tried to follow. The last thing she needed was a flattened, flightless bird. So her familiar stayed behind while she followed Rowyn into what soon felt like danger.

She flattened herself to the ground when she caught sight of the deer, eyes big. For several long moments she focused only on breathing, taking them in, reminding herself that they were far and she was safe. But the creatures were massive for prey, she thought. Prey was rodents and weasels and birds. Prey was something that fit easily into her jaws.

Looks dangerous, Goldfinch whispered finally, daring a glance at Rowyn.