The crane dissolved into a cloud of blood, and the camp fell into a deathly silence. Judith's scream caught in her throat as she gripped the dagger so tightly her knuckles went white.

Just moments ago, she had admired the crane's graceful movements. Now she watched in horror as the blood drifted on the wind, and white feathers mixed with bits of flesh fell across the grass. The sight sent a bone-deep chill down her spine, making her shiver.

"Ms. Linsor, thank goodness you stopped me. Otherwis