Before the two of them reached their house, they heard the cuckoo noises of the short-winged bird. Several little animals of different species peered from outside, yearning to enter, but didn’t quite dare to. Upon seeing them return, the little cubs fled and vanished in an instant.

“Pff.” Irina sputtered with laughter. She swung her legs gently to indicate for Cortis to set her down.

“Surely those fellows weren’t thinking of eating the short-winged bird?” Irina said as she walked into the house. “The short-winged bird hasn’t been fed. It must be hungry.”

As Cortis entered, the cuckoo noises stopped abruptly. Suddenly, it was all silence.

Unaware of what was...