familial-tragedy

Rod is attacked by a mutated sparrow-like creature called a kill-bird, sustaining a serious shoulder wound before being rescued by his cousin Lavinia, who treats his injuries with advanced medical technology and reveals her deep personal grievances against the Hon. Sec., Houghton Syme. Lavinia shares her family's tragic history and her own struggles, while Rod, weakened and vulnerable, begins to trust her and falls asleep, carried away by friendly hands. Upon awakening, he notices an unfamiliar environment characterized by spoken voices and wet air, signaling a significant change from his known world.