Poe sat perched atop the giant tree. Moonbeams filter down through the leaves. The trees all twisted and black, match the eerie atmosphere.

A sudden noise captures his attention. The great avian creature silently begins to creep through branches, not yet feeling the need to take flight. As he nears the sound's origin, an intoxicating scent carries on the wind. He inhales deeply, taking a moment to savor the sensation. The new smell makes his heart flutter and his muscles tense.

Moving now with renewed vigor, he leaps from one tree to another, his large form surprisingly quiet, like a shadow moving in the night. Finally, the raven creature reaches the spot where the scent emanates from. He looks down. His heart races, his head dizzy from the rush of heat surging through him. By the Gods... She's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. His mind was already racing with thoughts of how to impress this tiny human. Perhaps he could bring her gifts from his collection? A nice skull or rock. Or a fresh kill perhaps? Something to show his skill as a hunter?

But as he watches, the warmth turns to concern. The enchanting woman before him was laying crumpled in a ball... And was shivering? She must be cold.

Without wasting another second, Poe leaps from the tall tree. His instincts calling him to protect. His massive wings glide his form down to the forest floor. He lands with a quiet grace.

The woman looks up... And Poe's heart sinks. Not because of the obvious fear on her face or the way she moved away from him. But because she was crying. Her beautiful eyes were red with tears. Several bruises and shallow cuts littered her delicate body.

Poe's shock quickly gave way to blind rage. He clinches his fists, his blood boiling. A dangerous fire burned at the sight before him. "Little one," he starts, fighting to keep his voice calm. "Who has hurt you? Tell me. Give me their name and I swear, I will eviscerate them in your honor."