AMARA’S POV
Anna’s grin was the first thing I saw.
Cold. Cruel. Victorious.
My pulse thundered, but something deeper steadied me, a sharp, instinctive awareness curling around my spine.
She lunged.
I moved without thinking.
Her fist sliced through the air where my face had been a second ago. I bent low, breath quick, heart hammering. My muscles screamed in protest, my body still drained, but fear was no longer steering.
She swung again.
I blocked this time, the impact jolting through my arm like fire. Pain shot upward, but I held my ground. Anna’s eyes flickered, surprise.
Good.
I drove my fist forward.
She twisted aside, fast, and her elbow slammed into my ribs. Air burst from my lungs as I staggered backward. A sharp gasp tore from my throat.
Damn.
Anna didn’t wait.
She gra
