He landed cleanly on the back of a dark, swooping bird mid-flight.
It had been fast, silent going, for a sneak attack.
Tarkan became aware of it the moment he failed to kill the tiger.
His blade had pierced its eye, but that alone wasn't enough. The tiger didn't fall.
That was when he felt a chill crawl down the back of his neck, like a predator had locked onto him and just as suddenly, the feeling disappeared.
Subtly, he turned around while the tiger eyed him wearily.
That was when Tarkan saw something at the corner of his eye, a black shape that looked out of place with the surroundings. If you didn't look closely, you'd miss it. It stylishly turned its head.
Tarkan's eyes caught it just briefly.
Hung on a tree, a bird-like creature rested, its eyes closed. Tarkan didn't allow his gaze to linger. He switched back to the tiger immediately.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't shaken.
Two Crowned-tier beasts. How was he going to salvage this situation?
