Cliff hangers are a type of suspenseful narrative device used in literature, film, and television. They involve a protagonist in a precarious or difficult situation, often involving danger, with the outcome left unresolved until the next installment. The term 'cliff hanger' comes from the serialized stories of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which would end with the protagonist in a dangerous situation with no apparent escape. The solution to this crossword is AERIES, which is a type of bird of prey known for its ability to soar high in the sky.