Chapter: 1 (The falcon, The panther, and a tree branch)

The Helberton Manor stood quiet under the midday sun, its stone walls absorbing secrets better than they absorbed sound. Inside the study, the scratch of a fountain pen was the only noise—until it stopped.

“Where’s Kayra?”

The question was low, measured. But in that room, it landed like a blade. Servants stiffened. A maid’s hands trembled around her tray. Sweat beaded on foreheads that had nothing to do with the heat.

Butler Himel stepped forward, spine straight, voice smooth as polished silver.

“Sir, the young miss has gone out for a walk.”

Mr. Helberton said nothing for three seconds. Three seconds too long.

Then his pen moved again, ink flowing like nothing had happened.

Outside, the forest had no such composure.

Wind hissed through the canopy. Somewhere above, a frantic rustle and a very indignant voice broke the peace.

“What are you _doing_ over there?”

“Can’t you see? I’m playing!”

“Hahaha. No. You’re just hanging there.”

“Then why are you even asking!?”

Kayra flapped hard, cursing every ancestor who’d decided falcons needed to roost in trees. One wing was snagged tight around a thick branch. The other throbbed where she’d caught it wrong on the fall. And as if that wasn’t enough, a massive black shape had appeared below her, watching with infuriating amusement.

“Look,” she snapped, feathers bristling, “if you’re not going to help, leave. Don’t bother me.”

The black panther tilted his head, golden eyes glinting.

“I’m not bothering you. I’m trying to help. Wait. I’ll climb up and get you down.”

Without waiting for permission, he moved—silent, fluid, muscles coiling as he ascended the trunk.

The forest smelled of wet earth and pine. Zayid walked with a steady gait, Kayra’s smaller form secured against his back, her injured wing bound crudely with leaves and twine. She was quieter now, fatigue dulling her usual sharpness.

“So,” he said casually, “how’d a falcon end up in this part of the woods? You don’t usually fly this far south.”

“I was walking,” Kayra muttered. “Walking. Then I ran into a damn eagle and fell. Into a tree.”

“Right. Walking.”

She shot him a glare she hoped he felt through her back. “And what about you? Panthers don’t come here either. What are you doing in the middle of nowhere?”

Zayid’s tail flicked. “Checking on the beavers. Best engineers in the forest, you know. Got tired of being human for a while.”

Kayra blinked. “There are beavers here? So… there’s a river nearby?”

“Yeah. I’m taking you there. Your family can pick you up from the bank.”

She went quiet for a moment. Then: “Why are you helping me? You want something, don’t you?”

Zayid chuckled, low and amused. “Do I seem like that kind of guy?”

“Yes.”

“Fine.” He adjusted her weight slightly. “When you’re healed, I’ll come find you myself. And I’ll ask for something.”

Kayra’s eyes narrowed. “Make sure it’s not against my interests.”

She poked her head forward and gently butted his ear for emphasis.

“Noted,” he said dryly.

Then his ears twitched. “Ah. We’re here. Riverbank.”

He set her down gently on the soft grass. The sound of flowing water filled the air, cool and steady.

It lasted two seconds.

A shadow fell over them. Wind tore through the clearing as a falcon twice Kayra’s size dove down, talons closing around her with practiced precision. She yelped. The next moment she was airborne, being carried off without another word.

Her father. No doubt about it.

From the bushes, another voice spoke.

“So? Did you meet your bride?”

Jenan stepped out, tall and composed, his human form barely concealing the predator beneath. Zayid turned, a faint smile on his lips.

“Yeah,” he said. “She’s beautiful. Talks well, too.”

His smile faded slightly. “Don’t think she’d agree to marry me, though.”

“Because she doesn’t know yet,” Jenan said simply. “And you know this marriage matters.”

“I know.” Zayid stared at the spot where Kayra had vanished. “What do you think? Was she telling the truth?”

“About what?”

“About the wing. Falcons don’t get that clumsy unless something happened.”

His voice lowered. “The Helberton family has always been full of secrets.”

Jenan’s expression didn’t change. “Could be.”

Zayid sighed and began walking, stretching his limbs. “Let’s go. We’ve been in this form too long.”

Jenan followed, eyes thoughtful.

Behind them, the river kept running.

And somewhere in the distance, Kayra was probably getting an earful.

*[End of Chapter 1]*

Author’s Note – Background

This story takes place in a hidden world where shapeshifters live alongside humans, concealed by old families and ancient oaths. The Helberton family are falcon-shifters, known for their pride and their secrets. The panther brothers, Zayid and Jenan, belong to a line that moves between human and beast with ease, often acting as mediators and observers in the forest.

Their first meeting is messy, accidental, and already tangled in things neither of them understand yet.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***