This chapter is in early access on my Patreon and will come to DA on Feb 4th

             As Alicila rushed through the trees, smoke rose to greet her. She raised her hand to cover her face. “Cassandra. . .” She coughed. “I hope you are ok. I. . . cough. I will be back with help. Don’t worry.”

             She flattened herself against the ground, shrinking down even more as the sound of those strange flying ships drew closer. Alicila closed her eyes, her body rapidly growing and shrinking in fear of being spotted. There were more ships this time; she could hear the dreadful hum they gave off, filling the air. “Please. . .” The trees shook, brushing against her body. Alicila looked skyward to see multiple strange vessels fly overhead, many more than when she and Cassandra were being chased on the beach. “Where are they all coming from.” She shrank down so she could almost be mistaken as one of the weird tiny folk from the flying ships. “They are multiplying like rabbits.”

             Alicila sighed as all of the ships flew passed and allowed herself to grow back up to the tree line so she could watch them sail away. “I thought they were going to see me for sure. Wait.” She narrowed her eyes. “They are heading for the village. No! Mom!” She suddenly surged in size, growing dozens of feet in seconds. “I forgot. I have to warn them.”

             As she ran towards her home, more and more smoke filled the air. It became hard for Alicila to see much of anything. “Ugh.” She formed her hands into fists. “I am not going to find anything like this.” She coughed as she inhaled more and more smoke. “I need to help my family, but not like this.”