Haribon's cries tore through the air, raw and thunderous, its massive body thrashing under pain and confusion. Sid was trapped beneath it, his arms trembling as he struggled to push against the heavy weight pressing on his chest. Every breath burned, and his right knee screamed in agony.
"Evelise— I… can't move!"
The bird flailed harder, its wings crashing against the ground, shaking the plaza. Evelise's eyes darted over its body until she saw it — the left wing, slick with fresh blood. Her heart clenched.
"Hold on, Sid! Just hang in there!"
She shouted, running to the bird's side. She grabbed at its feathers, trying to pull the massive wing aside to ease the pressure off Sid. The creature screeched and flapped again, nearly throwing her off balance, but she didn't stop. With a final desperate tug, she managed to shift the bird's body enough for Sid to roll free.
