The moment had arrived.

Just as Ruby pulled the trigger, Nova twisted her body, narrowly dodging the lethal shot. But she wasn’t fast enough to escape unscathed.

The bullet tore into her calf, and though pain exploded in her leg, adrenaline dulled it to a distant throb. Blood pooled beneath her, but she couldn’t afford to focus on it now.

Ruby’s frustration flared. Now, out of bullets, she tossed the gun aside, her face twisted with rage.

“So, you’d rather ...