The flying ants came in swarms, their wings cutting through the wind like shards of glass. The ground vibrated with every beat of their wings, the sound like a thousand knives scraping against stone. Lea's mint shield flared brighter, a dome of shimmering green surrounding the civilians, reflecting the sunlight like crystal. Behind her, terrified crew members and actors huddled together, clutching each other as the air turned thick with the scent of burning and ozone.
"Left flank!" Hugo shouted, voice sharp as he leaped into the air. His weapon—an alloyed blade glowing faintly blue—slashed clean through three of the beasts mid-flight. The air pulsed as his mental power burst outward, scattering the formation of the flying ants.
