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I look at the bird with trepidation. Unimpressed, it stares back at me. “What does it eat?” Mal deadpans, “Human eyeballs.” I say drily, “Great, you’re a comedian now.” He sits at the foot of the bed and holds his arm out toward me. The bird hops down to his wrist, head bobbing. I let out a small sound of fear. “Amuse him for a minute while I go get his food.” The crow flutters down from Mal’s arm and lands on my thigh. It feels like someone dropped a toddler on me. The sound of fear I make this time is louder. Mal rises. Before he turns to leave the room, I could swear I spot a smirk on his face. Poe stands defiantly on my leg, adjusting his wings and glaring at me. Trying to sink as far back into the pillow as I can, I say faintly, “Hi, Poe. Um. Nice to meet you. I hope you’re no
- Writer
