"I've noticed something," Nix said, narrowing his eyes with exaggerated suspicion as he leaned closer. "Ever since you met Lola Brandon yesterday, you've been acting strange."
He lifted the small black bird perched on his palm and squinted at him like a stern interrogator examining a prime suspect.
"Don't tell me," he continued slowly, "that you've fallen for her just because she's a bird too."
"Chirp!"
Burnt Dumpling responded immediately—by snapping his beak down hard on Nix's finger.
"Ow—!" Nix hissed, yanking his hand back. "See? I hit a nerve. You do like her!"
He shook his head in slow, dramatic disappointment, as though deeply let down by the revelation.
"Burnt Dumpling, be realistic," he lectured. "You're just a regular bird. Lola Brandon is a full-fledged therian." He gestured emphatically. "You're not even remotely the same species. She's completely out of your league."
Burnt Dumpling puffed up, feathers bristling, and let out an indignant chirp.
