Yanxia refused to leave Liam's side. The newborn Three-Legged Golden Crow nestled herself against his shoulder, feathers shimmering faintly with living flame.
Her warmth radiated across his neck and cheek. It was soft like basking beneath a newborn sun that had yet to decide whether to burn or nurture.
Liam smiled faintly as he rubbed her head. The firelight reflecting off her feathers cast golden ripples across his face, flickering like dawn through his calm eyes.
Her tiny claws flexed, gripping gently onto his sleeve as she chirped contentedly and nuzzled closer into the curve of his neck.
He could feel her heartbeat, steady and strong, syncing with his own through their spiritual bond. For all her divine heritage, she was still just a child — one born of the sun, but seeking warmth from him.
Yanxia had already devoured her shell the moment she hatched, swallowing it whole in a swirl of molten light that melted into her aura.
