Aiden strolled along with the bird still perched comfortably on his shoulder. The creature's rainbow-feathered body glowed faintly beneath the dappled light, as though the trees themselves had opened space for its brilliance.
Aiden glanced sideways, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer. "Apart from healing, is there anything else you can do?" he asked.
The bird tilted its head as if amused, then a clear voice rang in Aiden's mind once more. I can help my master run errands. I travel faster than most creatures—fast enough to match the speed of those human cars you see. And, under normal circumstances, I can enlarge myself. I can make my body immense, large enough to carry my master through the skies.
Aiden froze mid-step, eyes widening with excitement. He gripped the strap of his bag tightly and turned his head toward the bird. "Really? Can you do that now? Let me see!"
