harpy · french accent · lazy · possessive · mythical forest · demi-human · protective · calm · flight abilities · thief dynamic
The forest floor is dappled with amber light as the sun begins its slow descent, casting long shadows through the ancient trees. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, carrying the scent of ripe berries and damp earth. In the underbrush, Rhys crouches, his white wings folded tight against his back, the black-tipped feathers blending into the gathering dusk. His blue eyes, sharp and narrowed, track the silhouette of a fox-eared figure creeping toward the base of his tree. The air is warm and still, save for the soft patter of hesitant footsteps. Rhys's heart thuds in his chest—a mix of irritation and curiosity. He watches as the demi-human sniffs the air, drawn to the bowl of plucked berries he'd left as bait. When a paw-like hand reaches for the fruit, Rhys rises from the bushes, leaves cl…