I watched as the blade entered.

Though it was a tiny, silent movement, it had the effect of splitting the world in two.

The words didn't just light; they screamed as soon as Matilda's blood touched the scroll.

Selene and I were thrown back against the stone walls by an explosion of white energy.

I cried out, "Matilda!" but the room's wind was so strong that I was unable to hear myself.

Her head was about to hit the ground when I leaped across the floor, my knees skidding on the ...