I lift the dagger and swipe as he strikes out at me. The tip catches his skin and he recoils, hissing in pain. But it isn’t enough to deter him.

He moves in a flash, coming toward me with his teeth bared. I let my instincts take over, dodging him and slicing at him again. This time, my dagger meets the skin along his arm, blood beading to the surface.

The silver does its job, making him pause for a moment.

“Hera,” he growls. He takes a step back ...