First, as I opened the book, the magic soured. What had been lively and joyful turned dark, as if it were disgusted with me. Second, I was knocked to the ground, the book falling from my grip. Third, Raphael cried out as a whoosh cut through the air. The book gone, I glanced up in time to see arrows spring from every side of the room. Right toward the spot I’d been standing. Raphael had shielded me and absorbed the blows.
Damn
