Snippet #2257725

The beast swooped down in a flurry of wings. Though it resembled a kangaroo rat, it was bigger than a bulldog, and teal fur bordered a scale-covered stomach. It whipped its tail at Glis. She yelped, leaping and clutching her skirts, and her lavender eyes narrowed. Raising her hand, she launched a fireball toward the rat. The fireball connected, and the rat screeched and thrashed.

But more rats descended, and they weren’t just after Glis. Squealing and slashing, they picked their targets. The market square surged with the clatter of feet – parents snatched their children, merchants gathered their wares, and those who could scattered.

“Leave – me – alone!” yelled Glis. Each time she thrust her hands, blue fire streaked the air. It leapt onto the rats, and the air filled with the scent of singed fur. Her eyes shifted – did anybody else stand a chance? She could see the "flock" crowding around others. She couldn't keep her eyes off her enemy for long, though. Its powerful tail ripped into her dress. Glis screamed and lobbed another fireball. She was too busy to notice, but the gem around her neck began to glow.