The Atrika raised power. It crackled through the air like a spark finding dry tinder. Just as the creature threw it, he and Sarafina parted, each leaping to the side. The bolt of magick went straight past them, exploding against one of the prisoner’s doors where it made a big black smoking crater. That was one warlock who probably wasn’t celebrating anymore.

Before the creature could raise more power or focus on Sarafina, Theo lunged forward and sliced deeply into the thigh of the daaeman. The creature roared and lunged toward Theo, who only narrowly dodged his grip and rolled away to avoid being hit with any blood. The blood splashed, smoking, on the wall, and the demon’s wound popped and snapped from the copper.

Sarafina came up from behind and hefted her sword, driving it into the side of the Atrika. More daaeman blood gushed and they both danced to avoid it.

The Atrika let out a battle cry that seemed more animal than anything resembling human and turned toward Sarafina, who had backed away, holding her sword up. The creature raised another bolt, making Theo’s ear pop from the pressure.

“Sarafina, watch out!” he yelled.

She barely had time to duck the flare of magick that probably would have taken her head clean off. She rolled on the floor, sword tight in her hand, just like he’d taught her.

Theo swung toward the daaeman and caught him in the shoulder. Again the creature roared and lashed out magickally. This time Theo took a sideswipe bolt to his sword arm. Pain flared vibrantly through his body, making him drop his blade. The flesh of his upper arm was open and glistening—badly burned.

The daaeman charged him, but Sarafina was on his back in a moment, slashing at him as hard as she could to draw him away. She cried out as droplets of blood from the Atrika spattered her and ate right through her clothes.

Theo picked up his sword and forced himself to grip it. The Atrika was staggering a little, listing to the side as he chased Sarafina around the corridor, trying to corner her. It might have been a reaction to the copper blades slashing deeply into him, or perhaps it was from simple blood loss. Whatever was causing it, it was good.

Sarafina darted to avoid a blast of power and the daaeman feinted, managing to grab her by the arm and throw her up against the wall so hard she dropped her sword. He gathered power in a hard rush, clearly intending to drive it straight in the center of her while he pinned her there.