Rathborne had lost Sanguis Bellum in the blast, but he was already back on his feet, stalking towards Wren. Rose scrabbled for her sister. ‘Wren!’ Rathborne grabbed the sword Shen had stuck in the plinth. ‘See how the Protector favours me!’ He laughed madly as he pulled it free. ‘He wills your death, just as he wills the death of all witches!’ ‘NO!’ The fire licked at Rose as she threw her body between Wren and Rathborne, bracing herself for the blow.
