"Battle!" A voice rushed in, piercing into the entire space.

"Henry watch out!" I yelled as he shot. The bullet sang into the dark air, a note of pure end.

Time was slowed.

Henry twisted, his motion all but undetectable and speedy, dragging me with him. The silver bullet intended for his heart buzzed by his ear, ripping a splinter of bark from the tree into which we'd just been trying to make ourselves blend.

My air was stilled, the gasp caught in my throat. So quick, so fearfully ...