Several minutes of continuous blasts from the Vampire’s taloned hands had left Daunator weak, and Cadence was grateful when he let out a growl and took a step backward, dropping his fists to his sides. Now would be the perfect time to take advantage of his loss of energy and go in for the kill.

But Christian’s hand was on her shoulder. “He’s bluffing. Don’t trust him. He doesn’t need a break. He’ll spit you up and chew you out if you go in now.”

Cadence stared at him for a moment, wondering if he even realized what he’d said had been backward, before she demanded, “Let go,” pulling away...