Crack. Crack. Crack.
The sharp sound of walnuts snapping under pressure echoed in the quiet.
The sparrow slowly turned his head toward Kaya, only for his tiny face to drain of color. She wasn't using a rock, or even a tool—she was breaking the shells barehanded. His throat bobbed nervously as he tried to speak, but the words froze when Kaya lifted her eyes, fixing him with a cold glare.
Crack. Another walnut split in her palm.
The sparrow flinched, wings twitching, and inched to the side, hoping to slip out of her gaze. But Kaya rose to her feet, brushing crumbs off her hands. She walked straight toward him, every step deliberate.
Stopping in front of him, she popped the nut into her mouth, chewing slowly before speaking.
"Well?" Her eyes narrowed. "How do you always find me, huh?"
The sparrow trembled, beak parting as if to explain—
"Chirp—"
