"I was never mute, and you can't force me to be," Wilson said, staring at the crumb of bread no bigger than his thumbnail in his hand. Though he looked disgusted, he could not bear to waste food and popped it into his mouth. He chewed twice, frowned, and muttered, "Tastes like crow."
Why didn't he say it tasted like bird droppings? Cinderaven had completely lost his appetite. He hopped up Elara Dessey's arm, settled on her shoulder, drooped his eyelids, and decided to ignore these fools.
"What's wrong with him?" Amy leaned closer and asked Elara, "Did he hurt his wing?"
Elara shook her head. "Don't ask. The only thing that hurts is his pride." The one who hurt his feelings was himself, she added with a helpless smile. "He won't be flapping his wings unless there's an emergency for the n
