A moment later something slams into Story’s back that sends her reeling forward. She instinctively releases her grip of her sword. With her hands fr...e, she uses the momentum to carry her body forward into a roll. At the last moment she twists, turning her body around with two pistols pulled out and aimed at the spot that she, just a moment ago, occupied and fires.Johann is already in the process of rushing her when the bullets rocket toward him. Without breaking his stride, he waves the sword. "It was Christine! Oh, merde!"Erik swung around, clamped his hands onto the old woman's shoulder in a vise-like grip and hissed."Fuck! I knew that I should not have allowed her to go out into the evening and gather firewood alone. What was I thinking? I am an imbecile!"He shook his head and returned his attention to Helen."Catch up with me when you can! She needs me!"Erik ran back into the kitchen. His hand stretched out towards the doorknob when he suddenly flew backwards across the room and. How the helldid women move? I had to make sure all my movements were as feminine aspossible. Oh god. Why had i thought this was a good idea?I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, waiting for the booing tobegin.Instead a tiny cheer came from somewhere in the back, snapping me backto reality. I opened my eyes and blinked. These guys, these big strongmen, weren't angry or betrayed or fooled. They were... intrigued. No,that's not quite right. They were horny. The impatience in their eyeswas that. “Ready?” she asked.“I am if you are.”“Oh, I am. Come on, let’s go.”We left the car outside my house and walked because we knew it would be difficult to find a parking spot at the school. As we set off, Clarissa linked her arm with mine and gave me her best, most dazzling smile. A host of other people were walking to The Ball too, although for a different reason to us—the Westmouthshire Police didn’t tolerate drink-drivers—and the sight of various witches, warlocks and countless other creatures.