Amanda Downum

“The daughter prays; the mother listens.”

“A dozen cobras moved as one, shattering their bottles. Wine and glass sprayed the room. The snakes sprang for Isyllt's attacker with fangs unfolded. He screamed high and sharp as they uncoiled, long slick bodies whipping through the air. She wasn't sure if their venom could survive death and pickling, but it didn't seem to matter. After several bites, he curled on the floor, weeping and trying to bat the undead snakes away.”

“Jodiya's shoulders shook in a silent laugh. Slowly, she lowered her pistol.And flung the grenade she held in her other hand.The fuse kindled in midair, burning unnaturally fast. No chance to outrun the explosion.Instead, Isyllt caught it. She hissed at the pain in her left hand, at the precious fraction of fuse being consumed. As soon as iron touched her skin, he magic began to work. Rust bloomed across damp metal, corroding at preternatural speed. Within heartbeats the iron shell crumbled in her hands, black powder hissing to the ground. She turned her head just in time as the fuse caught the last of the gunpowder and sprayed her with sparks.Her hand twisted with the pain of it, but she bared her teeth at Jodiya. "Again?"”