Book Five: Chapter 53

Velvet pointed the blade at herself and let it unfold slowly. Snow crunched beneath the tip as the point dug into the icy ground, biting through the frost. They were close enough to the earth that the sword wavered, almost catching in the powdery snow, but Velvet’s instincts were sharp. She felt the tension in her limbs, the heat of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Then, unexpectedly, the handle of the sword pressed against Abella’s open mouth, wedging her off balance. The gargoyle’s eyes widened in shock, and a muffled growl slipped from between her teeth.

Velvet seized the moment. When Abella let go, she slid behind her, fingers wrapping around the hilt. With one fluid motion, she pressed Abella to the ground and positioned the tip of the sword at the base of her skull. Snow and dirt shifted beneath them, but the leverage was perfect.

“If you try to get up, all I have to do is press,