Kaya stood behind him, arms folded tight across her chest, eyes sharp enough to slice through bone. The darkness itself seemed to thicken around her.
The sparrow's hand trembled, still holding the roasted meat. He swallowed hard. Dead. I'm already dead.
Kaya didn't move at first, just let him squirm under her shadow. Then, with a slow tilt of her head, she spoke in a voice so calm it sent a worse chill than shouting ever could.
"So… bugs for me, and a hidden feast for yourself?"
Her eyes dropped to the roasted meat in his trembling hand, then lifted back to him, sharp as daggers.
The sparrow's throat bobbed as he forced out a nervous laugh. "N-no, you've got it wrong. I was just… taste-testing. To make sure it's safe!"
Kaya arched a brow, lips curling in the faintest, dangerous smile. "Safe, huh? Then eat the bugs. All of them. Right now."
His face turned pale.
The sparrow froze. "W–wait, you're serious? You actually want me to—"
