The Protective Crow

As the last remnants of the fog dissipated, Jade pondered the situation, her thoughts racing. "I suppose that was his doing?" she mused, questioning the sudden clarity. "Does this mean he was here before I put up the barrier? It's hard to say. That fog could be some type of barrier, and he seemed wary of this crow. Perhaps it's linked to Ty in some way?"

Turning her attention to the crow perched on her shoulder, Jade observed its focus on the wolf-like creature. The black sludge that clung to the creature was melting away its skin, rendering it even more grotesque, its growl sounding both dead and eerily alive.

"Hey, Red Crow," Jade ventured, seeking some connection to her past. "Do you know someone named Ty Hockenson?"