Vera tucks the gem away like a kangaroo with a pouch, her hand lingering in the fabric pocket. “I’ll keep it safe.”

Sam tosses the kite up into the air, shading her eyes as it wobbles in the cold wind. The fabric ripples and snaps, tie-cord thrumming.

Aldrieth’s breath puffs hot against the back of my neck as Anisa bustles around the kitchen, laying newspaper on the floor. “This will do, right? For your uh…”

Five chimes and the monsters are in the sky. Tally grabs my arm, lavender eyes wide. We’re both terrified, but our determination to live pulls us up, makes us run.

Goose feathers fill the air like snow, cocooning our giggles in downy white. Our fingers tangle, tighten, promises whispered to stay friends forever.

The witch queen’s tears filled the open chamber in a flood, washing away knights and seated lords, servants and seekers.

Their voices hummed inside her ears, burrowing deep inside her brain until her very soul thrummed with their presence.

The flutter of hundreds of papery wings joined the rasp of steel as Ceearis glared across the moon-lit circle. “Draw.”