The sleeve of Mist’s dress bunched up near her shoulder, exposing the pale skin of her arm, and with her free hand, China struck the back of the elbow. Mist shrieked and the elbow shattered and shards of bone ruptured the skin. But instead of a spray of blood there was a swarm of spiders. They were already on China’s hand, moving quickly up her arm. China pulled away, snagging Mist’s veil and taking it with her. The woman’s face was pale, her lips dry and cracked. Tiny spiders moved beneath her skin.