I couldn’t let my tribe starve... But a unicorn? Turns out they’re hungry enough to ignore the old warnings, but I can’t live with myself if the curse wipes them out before the famine does. And even if I could, my parents are leaving me no choice. But taking their only source of food won’t sit well with the tribe. The old tribe song rings in my ears: Where do the Banned go when home’s no longer home? I’ve only ever wanted to belong, but I fear protecting those I love will only solidify the feeling that I’m an outsider. A feeling that has haunted me all my life. Somehow, I need to fix this. Banned is the expanded part one of Running Toward Illumia, which first appeared in the young adult anthology, That Moment When.... Start the adventure today!

Where do the Banned go when home's no longer home? Forced to take the unicorn back to Illumia, the land my family was exiled from, I find myself more alone than ever. The tribe has disowned me for taking their last hope of meat, and I fear I'll never be able to return. Along the way I'm joined by a new travel companion—an elf with a handsome smile and a heart full of secrets. My strength is waning, and as the lies surrounding me begin to unravel, I find myself more and more entangled in the politics of Illumia. It's everything I never wanted.. Though I long for home, how can I ever go back? It seems that everything, even the forest I've always called home, is conspiring to push me out or kill me in the process.

Unraveling secrets are unraveling Astrea, and with her new knowledge comes unforeseen obstacles. The mountains are within reach, their pursuer is still near, and everyone has something to hide. Astrea's hope of making it out of the Mist is quickly dwindling, along with the last of her strength. Continue Astrea's adventure today! Current Parts available in the Running Toward Illumia series: Banned, Part 1 (free everywhere sold) Lost, Part 2 Drenched, Part 3

Astrea is closer than ever to her destination of Illumia, but she's never felt further from what she wants. Can she make it out of the Mist in time, and what's waiting for her on the other side of the dragon range? Or underneath, for that matter... Marked is Part 4 of Running Toward Illumia and completes the first book in the series. Also available are: Banned, Part 1 of Running Toward Illumia Lost, Part 2 of Running Toward Illumia Drenched, Part 3 of Running Toward Illumia