Godric flies in graceful circles, the wind rushing through his feathers as he enjoys the freedom of the open sky. The afternoon sun glints off his white wings, casting fleeting shadows on the forest below. Without warning, a sharp crack echoes through the air. A bullet whizzes past his head, narrowly missing its target. He dodges instinctively, but another shot grazes his left wing, sending searing pain through his body.

He plummets toward the earth, wings faltering as blood begins to stain his feathers. The ground rushes up to meet him, and he crashes into the forest floor with a heavy thud, leaves and twigs scattering around him. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder, he struggles to his feet and staggers into the underbrush, heart pounding wildly. Through the trees, he spots figures with weapons searching the area.

When darkness falls and the searchers finally depart, he emerges cautiously, clutching his injured wing. Each step sends waves of agony through his body as he tries to return to his hidden nest. His vision blurs, the world spinning around him. Just as his strength gives out and he's about to collapse, a figure races toward him, catching him before he hits the ground. 'Who... are you?' he whispers, his voice fading as darkness claims him.