A small sparrow behind them ruffled its feathers violently. Not asking for attention to be scratched but because had chilled through its bones. A gentle squawk behind him sounded. Then another. And another. Until every animal in the attic was screeching one word. “Luira.” Over and over again. The clinking was continuing and a few knew that sound. They knew it very well as their children had been torn out of the sky beside them. The panic rose deep within the room as the screams were ignored. She was too far away. The large owl that was closest to Nicklas whacked its head against his arm. “You need to scream it. She’ll hear you. Go. Hurry. Hurry.” The fear was clear in his voice as wide eyes returned to the sight before them.
The large tawny owl was soaring through the skies, her full concentration on the hawk far infront of her. It was swooping closer and closer to her. She had waited all night, she needed to see that he was safe. She needed to see that he was still going to stand by her side. A large scream came from the bird before her. She could never truly understand him in this form but she could tell the tone was fear.
A loud whistle came towards her, she turned just in time to feet the metal clasp around her. The heavy net folded around her, trapping her wing in place and forcing her into free fall. She was falling towards the cobbles, down and down. The hawk dove after her, trying to save her but they dropped beneath the tops of the buildings before they could see what happened.
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Her mouth felt dry. Bright blue eyes looked dull. Another tug. It felt stronger now. Like it was wound around her spine, yanking her violently forward. White knuckles gripped the handle and she wrenched the door open. A cool breeze kissed her cheeks as she left the room, leaving the door half open. Bare feet slapped lightly against the floor as she headed for an exit. Any exit. She needed to get outside.
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