“You think they’ve turned on their own people?”
“I believe they are attempting to enforce order,” Alaina said, “in whatever misguided fashion they believe to be acceptable.”
“We have to help the people in there!” Phoenix cried out.
Alaina glanced up at the trembling creature with its bulbous head and thrashing tentacles.
“With no distraction, this creature will soon reach the town.” She glanced back at Phoenix. “Trust in our friends. They are inside, they can make a difference.”
Above them, the creature howled once more.
* * * *
“Eirian,” Lilith said softly, crouching down before them, gently reaching out and turning their face towards her. “Eirian, I’m really sorry, but this isn’t over yet.”
They looked up at her with quivering lip and tears in their eyes.
“I need you to do somet
