Acwulf’s boot slammed into my ribs before I could turn. I hit the wall, head cracking against stone, ears ringing. Pain roared through my side. I rolled to dodge the second blow, too slow—he caught my leg and yanked. I kicked out, heel catching his knee. He grunted but didn’t let go.

He crouched, face close. 

“You're not your mother. No fire left.”

I spat blood at him.

He backhanded me hard enough to black the edge of my vision. 

“You think that ...