To me, it seemed as if Griffon"s movements were taking place in slow motion, particularly when he brought the blade directly to my neck. After I drew back from the sword in an effort to escape being beheaded, there was a piercing clang that could be heard as he strutted through the air. As soon as he had returned to his position after slamming the sword, I moved in close and wrapped my werewolf claws around his neck.

To my astonishment, my claws had materialized all by themselves, and the blue light that surrounded me manifested byitselfeven though Idid not actively seek it out.

I shoved him to the right...