Lyanna's announcement of the substitution right caused an uproar in the Covenant's great hall. Ancient vampires who hadn't raised their voices in centuries were now openly objecting.
Azrael grabbed Lyanna's arm, pulling her back from where she stood to face Ravenna.
"What are you doing? Take it back." His tone was dangerous.
"I can't." Lyanna replied. "It's been invoked. The challenge is mine now unless Ravenna refuses."
"Then I hope she refuses!" Azrael's control was cracking. "Lyanna, you can't fight her. She'll kill you in seconds. She is a thousand years old…"
"I know what she is. That's why you can't fight her. But I can."
"Silence." Ravenna shouted.
The hall fell silent immediately. She looked at Lyanna with interest, as if examining an unexpected yet fascinating insect.
