Alexis's POV 

I stabbed Asher over and over again, silently praying to the Goddess that the needle slid deep enough to pierce his dark heart. He struggled with me, trying to wrest the broach from my grasp. But while he was undoubtedly stronger than I, the object was slick with black liquid, and my grip on the ladybug was firm. 

Asher placed both of his hands over mine in an attempt to force me to lower my weapon, but I turned the needle toward his chest and ...