Lisa’s knees nearly buckled. “She’s okay?” David leaned further over. “Looks scared. But alive.” Before anyone could respond, a sharp cry sliced the sky. Everyone froze. Lisa turned. Above the treetops, massive wings cut through the air. The eagle had returned—and it wasn’t alone this time.
It shrieked again, louder, angrier. The sound echoed through the orchard. The bird swooped low, wings beating like thunder. “David, get down!” someone yelled. He hunched over the nest protectively. “She thinks I’m a threat,” he shouted back. “She’s defending it. If I move wrong, she’ll strike.”