The cracks in the sky split wider. Streaks of crimson lightning fell like spears, striking the forest, corrupting groves and glades.
One bolt struck too close—destroying part of the Thornling burrows. Lucky arrived just in time to save their young.
"I can't protect everyone," she said, trembling with guilt.
"No," said the Thornling chief. "But you make others want to protect. That's stronger than power."
Lucky wept that night—but not out of weakness. She wept because she cared, and that was her greatest strength.