Snap. The neck of the sacred artifact broke, and its brilliant light flickered out. It was a mere pounce, driven by an uncontrollable hunting instinct, but what lay trampled on the ground was the avatar of the crow spirits.

In that instant, the forest breeze froze solid.

Two black shadows descended, blotting out the sky. Before there was even a chance to flee, the chilling gaze of the spirits tightened around the cat's throat.