The giant gray bird circled low through the freezing mountain mist above the high stone wall. Its massive wings beat the air with a sharp, ragged whistle that cut through the morning silence. A dark trail of blood dripped from its tail feathers, staining the pale pear blossoms below.Lin Feng moved instantly, stepping between the falling shadow and the little girl in the grass. He swept his wide wool coat forward, pulling Nina safely behind his strong, steady legs. His dark golden eyes looked up into the clouds, watching the wounded beast falter in the wind."Take Granny Wan inside the house right now, Uncle Lu," Lin Feng ordered in a low voice. The old servant did not hesitate for a second, grabbing the midwife's trembling elbow with care. Together, the two elders hurried up the wooden porch steps and pulled the heavy screen shut.The great bird gave another long, painful shriek that echoed off the cold granite cliffs. It tilted sideways in the freezing air, its heavy head drooping a