As he advanced, he spotted a single crane separated from its flock. The creature stood near a small pond, its white feathers gleaming in the dappled sunlight. It moved gracefully, its long neck dipping to drink from the water. This one, isolated from the others, seemed like the perfect target. But Cyrus wasn't one to rush in without ensuring the odds were in his favor.
He paused, closing his eyes for a moment to heighten his senses. The sounds of the forest filled his ears—the distant calls of other cranes, the rustling of the trees, and the gentle lapping of water against the shore. He inhaled deeply, picking up the scent of the earth and the faint, sweet aroma of blooming flowers. Nothing out of the ordinary. His gaze swept the surroundings, confirming there were no other cranes nearby. His instincts and senses all aligned to tell him this crane was truly alone.
