The arrow flew, cutting through the air and then planting itself in the neck of the crow. The crow cawed, its screech unnatural, twisting its head in the direction of the attack. It's eyes were milky white, the flesh of its face melting. Cracks webbed across its beak, giving it a shattered, brittle appearance.
It staggered forward with uneven steps, its movements jerky and wrong. The crow turned its head slightly, listening, its sensitive ears catching the faintest exhale. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, it leaped toward Kaito, talons outstretched.
Kaito sidestepped swiftly, his reflexes sharp, and broke into a run alongside Isamu.
'I must wait for an opening,' Isamu thought, his mind racing. 'A moment where it can't reach me but I can reach it.'
The crow pursued them relentlessly, its tattered wings flapping awkwardly as it chased its prey, its talons scraping against the ground.
