The bird took note of the blade glinting in the moonlight, but it was undeterred—and even if it was, it was moving too fast to stop.

The second aquila came from the opposite end, both of them going straight for the girl. Their claws tried to close around her almost at once, ready to dig in and drag her off—or tear her in two, even. They'd be satisfied with a half portion each.

Her companion, they ignored. He didn't suit their palette. His blood was impure; his flesh tainted and about as appetizing as roadkill.