Verity's POV

Time slowed to a crawl. The assassin dropped the blade and instead their arm drew back and the arrow was already nocked and aimed straight at my chest. I saw every detail with crystal clarity. The worn leather of their gloves. The way their eyes were cold and focused behind the hood. The slight tremor in their fingers as they prepared to release.

I couldn't move. My body locked up completely and my breath caught in my throat. All I could do was watch as death came flying toward ...