Shadows crept over the hills, swallowing the stars. Maa Durga climbed onto her lion. Together they leapt into the dark sky.
Her fingers tightened on the reins. The lion galloped faster, its golden mane streaming behind them into the night.
Three shadow cats slinked forward! 'Tink!' She batted the first away. 'Pop!' The second vanished. She lifted the third on swirling energy—like a leaf caught in wind.
The shadows merged into a towering beast with too many elbows. All eight of her arms rose—shields clicked, lasers hummed, divine energy glowed like fireflies.
The beast lunged, tripped over its own limbs, and let out a surprised 'Oof!' Cold silk-like shadow fur brushed against her shield.
The beast melted into silver stars that drifted down like snow. One tickled the lion's nose, then winked out on the grass.
She rested her head against the lion's neck. Crickets sang in the grass.
Below, children cheered and lifted paper lanterns into the restored light.