Griffin

Airal was free to soar, above everything else, when she flew. No body bothered her, no one interrupted her, she was free. But today was different. She noticed it as soon as she lifted into the sky. The air seemed to hold her back, something that had never happened before. Airal looked around cautiously, beating the air with her eagle-like wings. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something. Gasping, she spun, but not quick enough. The odd thing slammed into her, shoving her roughly to the ground. Airal choked, then tentively pulled a deep breath into her lungs. As soon as she felt she was able, she stumbled to her feet, golden feathers falling to the ground.

Airal spared them a sad glance, then twisted her neck around to see what had slammed into her. Nothing. She spun around again, thinking it might be sneaking up on her, but still there was nothing. She sat heavily, straightening her ruffled feathers, smoothing her tangled fur.

Finishing her quick grooming, she stood up and looked around. Airal felt as if cold water was trickling down her spine. Something wasn't right...

There was darkness here, and it was coming for her.