Ariel's head snapped toward her, molten gaze hardening.
I felt the intent rolling off her in that instant, sharp and lethal.
And in that moment, I knew exactly what she was about to do.
There was a heartbeat of stillness—a brief pause where the air hung heavy—before she lunged.
But I moved just as fast, reading her intent as clearly as if she'd shouted it aloud.
My hand shot out, fingers snagging one of her swirling tails. I yanked hard, dragging her back just before her claw could rake across Zarah's chest.
She hissed, twisting sharply, and with a violent jerk sprang free of my grip. Blue fire sparked in her wake as she darted backward, light and fast.
I planted myself between her and Zarah, Gravefang in my hand, my glare sharp enough to cut stone.
"Chief!" Zarah's voice trembled behind me. "What is going on?"
