“What’s it take to kill you?” I snapped, turning and dropping the piles of papers and scrolls. “More than that.” He launched himself at me, swinging his sword. I caught the blade with my free hand. I was done playing games. His eyes widened as he tried to yank it from my grip and failed. Talons grew, replacing my nails as I tightened my hold on the weapon. My skin burned beneath the strange metal, but I was done with our violent dance. “Okay, I’ll try harder then.” He yanked on the sword, but I held tight. The blade cut into my hand, but I ignored the pain and squeezed it with everything I
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