Faye's POV
The shock on the Luna's face was unmistakable.
Eileen's fingers flew to her throat where the blade had found its mark, crimson liquid seeping through the gaps between her digits. Her eyes bounced frantically between the weapon and my face, as if trying to solve a puzzle that made no sense. I could practically hear her thoughts racing. How was I still standing, still capable of striking, when moments ago I appeared ready to crumble into dust?
She stumbled backward, her knees connecting hard with the cave floor. The harsh scrape of metal against stone reverberated through the cavern as her armor scraped the ground. I remained motionless for several heartbeats, dragging oxygen into my burning lungs despite the fire spreading through my ribs. Every inhale felt like swallowing glass, but I refused to break eye contact.
Eventually, I peeled myself away from the wall. My legs shook beneath me, but I forced my spine straight.
