Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 4]

Ruby flew from the bushes, in pursuit of the Ranger in his grey cloak. She ducked low and slashed towards the enemy's face, her scythe turned away at the last moment by a long knife. The other came around in a sweep that would have gone through her eye.

Crocea Mors slammed into it. "Not today!" I growled, pushing down as hard as I could. The Ranger staggered, completely unable to fight against my high Strength. He cursed, the first words I'd heard from him.

If I could just keep him still…

My shield fell into the mud, released from my grasp as I placed the back of my hand on the flat of my sword and pushed down, adding both hands to the force. The Ranger's eyes widened, one leg buckling.

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 4]