No, we absorb just memories, thoughts, and knowledge ,doctor

Zephyr flared his wings slightly, ruffling the feathers. "We do not trap souls, Dr. Humphrey. The humans we consume are not spirits imprisoned within us. They are simply... absorbed."

I nodded, making a mental note of his choice of words. "I see. And how do you feel about this ability of yours? Do you view it as a gift or a curse?"

Zephyr tilted his head, considering my question. "It is both," he said finally.

"A gift, for it allows us to understand and adapt to the changing world. A curse, for it is a gruesome way to gain knowledge." His golden eyes met mine, a hint of challenge in their depths. "But I will not apologize for being who I am, Dr. Humphrey. We do what we must to survive."

I held his gaze, acknowledging the truth in his words. "I don't expect you to apologize, Zephyr. I only wish to understand. And perhaps, in understanding, we can find common ground."

He was silent for a moment, his wings rustling softly.

Zephyr looked at me for a moment, his gaze curious. “You are not like the others who have come here before,” he said, his voice low.

“Others?” I leaned forward, intrigued. “What others?”

Zephyr’s expression darkened. “Hunters, explorers, they came to our island seeking adventure, seeking us. They came with weapons and ****.” He clenched his wings tightly against his back. “We do not take kindly to aggression, Doctor.”

I held up my hands in a pacifying gesture. “I’m not here for that,” I assured him. “I’m here to establish a peaceful relationship.

I understand if trust is hard to come by, given your past experiences. But I assure you, I have no intention of causing harm to your people,” I said, hoping my sincerity was evident in my voice.

Zephyr studied me for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision. “I will take your proposal to Queen Aviana. She will decide if negotiations are worth pursuing.”

I nodded, trying to hide my excitement. “That would be great. Is there anything I can do to help facilitate that?”

Zephyr inclined his head slightly. “You will need to come with me.