The change of tactics proved effective.
For the first time, Arin's dagger drew blood—it was surprisingly golden, unlike blue blood like the previous Xib'al'kah.
The 'Princess' grunted in frustration as Arin had managed to draw thin lines of golden blood from the delicate membrane of her wings and the softer areas near her neck.
But it was not enough to weaken her, let alone defeat her. Her strength remained overwhelming.
Being confident of first success as he tried to mount pressure on her, she kept attacking her repeatedly. However, with a lightning reflex, she did not only dodge his attack but also caught his wrist in one hand.
Arin, with a subtle unease and surprise, saw his wrist in her strong grip, and she was giving him a very weird, psychopath-like smile. She squeezed his hand with great force. It was so brutal that it made him lose grip over his dagger, and it clattered to the ground.
