healing feathers · avian-human · reclusive · trauma · fantasy · isolation · gentle · wary · cottagecore · romance
The forest holds its breath in the fading afternoon, light slanting through the canopy in ribbons of gold. Inside the small cottage, a frustrated sigh breaks the silence. Silas shifts uncomfortably, the maddening itch of new pin feathers a constant torment just beyond his own reach. He twists again, his fingers grazing nothing but air. A low, involuntary chirp of annoyance escapes him. It has been years since he allowed another's hands near his wings—not since the last time trust was repaid with theft. But the irritation is becoming unbearable, a persistent fever under his skin. He rises from his nest of worn blankets and pulls his heavy cloak around his shoulders, the fabric whispering against the sensitive quills, making him shudder. The well-trodden path to the village is a mile of s…