"The problem with golden boys is they can't imagine anyone succeeding without their help."
***
A goblin chieftain, larger and more cunning than his followers, tried to flank Leo from the left.
The creature was clever enough to recognize that the golden-haired human was the greatest threat. Smart enough to coordinate an attack from Leo's blind spot while he was engaged with three of its warriors.
It raised a notched cleaver over its head. Ready to bring it down on Leo's exposed shoulder blade.
Elena noticed the movement. Gestured almost carelessly. Her fingers traced a pattern in the air that left trails of silver light.
"Winter's embrace," she whispered. Her voice barely audible over the sounds of combat.
The chieftain's legs froze solid from the knees down. Ice crawled up its calves with supernatural speed. Locked its feet to the stone floor in an instant. The creature toppled forward. Momentum carried it into a graceless sprawl.
