“I should be dead, it’s true,” Dusk said as the Dakwara screamed. He threw another harpoon, and pulled the boat inward. “Somehow, I’m not. Somehow, this is working.” He looked over his shoulder as the beast loomed again. “And by the Father himself, it feels good.”
The thing dove, and Dusk let go of his rope, this time leaping forward. He threw himself off the boat, which was destroyed behind him with the force of the Dakwara’s hit.
But Dusk’s feet landed on solid ground. The inner island. He spun, and met the monster face-to-face—hers wider than his by many yards, slit eyes level with his head.
You didn’t beat the Dakwara by killing her.
You survived. Just as Patji taught him to do.
“I,” Dusk said softly, “have defeated you.”

Isles of the Emberdark Chapter 59