Breathing in the musky air, she leaped onto the branch and spread out her wings.
It was time.
A soft breeze ruffled her delicate feathers and she readied herself for takeoff.
It was definitely time.
With one little hop, she was in the air. She caught the current with her wings and began gracefully maneuvering around the tall oak trees that guided her path, to her home.
You might be thinking, 'Oh, this must be the main character!' or 'My, what great detail this author has put into this beginning!'.
Well, it's not true.
Okay, maybe the detail one is true but still, it's not true.
This owl is not the main character, in fact, she is the opposite of our sweet, little Lucia.
Back to the story, shall we?
This young, fragile owl gracefully flapped her wings and guided herself into the thick mist that surrounded what seemed like a castle.
It was a castle, in fact a very important castle, I should say.
Closing her wings together, she gained speed quite quickly and dove into one of the abandoned castle's stone windows.
The castle used to be filled with people. Now, it is a home for her kind.
The Tytos.
Cocking her head to one side, she tentatively took one step forward, searching the room for any signs of life. Positive that it was empty, she flew down the room and got ready to look in the halls.
"Welcome, my dear Miranna. It's been a long time. Come join me." A raw voice came from nowhere.
Miranna looked around cautiously and flew up to a dead branch that was drooping into the window.
"What have you called me for, High Tyto?" She peeped and nervously adjusted herself, for she was scared that she was in danger.
"Have you considered my offer?" High Tyto's eyes gleamed hungrily and he took a step toward her.
Miranna nodded and adjusted herself once more and replied, "I'm sorry, but no. My kingdom will fall under your control. I think it will be best if we take care of our own thrones."
High Tyto had a flash of annoyance on his face and it quickly disappeared into joy. "Well, if your going to act like that, I believe you have left me to no choice."
She realized what he meant. "I think it might be best if I get going now."
"Oh no, you can stay here longer dear." Another voice came from behind her, and this one sounded more feminine.
It was Nyra.
Before Miranna could even gasp, she was pinned down. "Are you sure you don't want him to help you with your measly kingdom? I mean, he could make you more powerful and known." She smirked.
Miranna writhed under Nyra's grasp. "No. I will ne-never give my kingdom to y-you..." She croaked. "I do not want my owls to think I have abandoned them."
"Very well then. Would you like to do the honors?" High Tyto glanced at his mate.
"Yes. Yes I would." She replied and put her sharp talon to her captive's throat and nodded at High Tyto. He swooped down and landed beside the struggling commoner.
"Well Miranna, if I can't get what I want,"
Nyra swiped her talon across her throat, leaving Miranna coughing out blood and slowly losing consciousnesses.
"I will do what it takes to make it mine." His voice was deep, and throaty, with a hint of laughter in his tone.
Miranna shivered in fear, just in time as she drew her last breath. Pure terror was what she felt in High Tyto's grasp, and pure terror was how she felt when she died. Her face was frozen in fright, and that was what it would be now, for the rest of eternity.
High Tyto flew back to his perch, with a victorious smirk. "Get the guards. Order them to Elbane and make them report that the kingdom is now mine." He looked to Nyra. "I will be waiting."
"Yes, my love." Nyra bowed and flew off.
Even though High Tyto felt triumphant, he also sensed something was wrong. Like someone was watching. A spy among his army.
He would need to be more cautious. But first, he needed to bury the body.
Little did he know that he did have a spy among his ranks.
It was only the beginning.