underwinged

underwinged adjective /ˈʌn.dər.wɪŋd/ In a state of early transformation; fragile yet chosen, broken but sheltered beneath protective power. “She came to Wildehaven underwinged—frightened, but no longer alone.” Held close during healing; not yet ready to rise, but carried by the strength of another. “The underwinged are not weak—they are just learning how to fly.” Marking the first stage of rebirth; raw, vulnerable, and embraced within a sacred space of safety and guidance. “Every phoenix begins underwinged, soot-stained and trembling.” Etymology: Derived from the metaphor of a phoenix shielding the wounded or young beneath its wings. Coined by Shayla Rae Wilde, Temptress of Wildehaven, as the term for Stage One of the Wildehaven program—representing protection, stabilization, and the beginning of transformation. Related Words: phoenixling, fireling, nestled, reborn-in-progress, sheltered strength