The Mordcoil she had been holding back slipped beneath her wing with terrifying speed, its body flattening against the stone and then springing past her like a released blade. Raven snapped after it, claws catching the tail but not stopping the full strike. The viper's hood opened as it surged toward Celia, fangs wet, venom dripping in thin strands that hissed wherever they touched the ground.
Celia's body moved too late.
Her sword lifted, but not enough. Her feet slid against the damp rock. The Mordcoil crossed the distance faster than thought, its jaws already angling for her upper body.
Then, flame streaked down from above in a spiraling descent.
