There were more of them today.
Melisa noticed it on her morning walk to Tessa's house. Kitsune moving slowly, shoulders slumped, tails dragging. One woman sat on a bench, breathing hard like she'd just run a marathon. Another leaned against a wall, eyes closed, her friend holding her arm with obvious concern.
[That's the fifth one I've seen this morning. Yesterday it was maybe two or three.]
She brought it up to Zephyra over breakfast.
"The sickness is getting worse. Have you noticed?"
Zephyra hummed, sipping her tea.
"I've noticed."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Don't you have any theories? You're the Court Sorceress. You've probably seen more magical ailments than anyone in Syux."
Zephyra set down her cup, looking thoughtful.
"It's strange, I'll admit. The symptoms don't match any curse or disease I'm familiar with. But the village healers are working on it. I'm sure they'll figure it out."
[That's it? That's all you've got?]
