Zara stood on her rooftop and watched the city edge sink into darkness. The Shadow Realm was creeping closer. Something cold passed through her fingers.
A little red toy car rolled across the roof and tumbled into the black. Her small hands started to glow — soft and gold.
Zara ran toward the darkness, holding her glowing hands out. The Shadow Beast rose before her — tall and wobbly, with too many knees.
Her light flickered and died. She stood very still. Then she turned and ran back toward the city.
Zara burst into the market square. Children were huddled together, scared. She picked up the littlest one.
She wrapped her arms around her. Zara's hands glowed again — brighter this time.
The Shadow Beast's tentacles trembled. Zara stepped forward, carrying the child. She placed herself between the beast and the others.
Her hands blazed like a lantern. The beast let out a squeaky 'oof' and tripped over its own knees.
The beast fell backward into the darkness with a soft thud.
Zara stood in the square, her hands still glowing softly. The children gathered around her, cheering.
They tangled their fingers in her hair. Zara smiled. Her hands shone steady and warm.
The Shadow Realm had retreated. The city of Lumina was safe.