Hoshor Plains tangerine

maleah was not sure what drew her to the strange voice. instinct, perhaps, or maybe it was fear — it circled in the chasm of her ribcage. coraline had agreed to stay with the children while the beryl turned to investigate.
don't get too close, she'd been told by the girl. dey know what dey be doin'.
maleah came forth with a wary stare that said what words could not and a tail that swept low at her heels.