One would think the whips were going for Kassie as they shot forward — in fact, I almost thought so too. But the tentacles changed direction mid-strike, as if they'd recognized something dreadful in the path they were heading. Something that made a cornered human with daggers look like the safer target.
'Well. That's not terrifying at all.'
Each tentacle curled with unsettling independence, moving like they had minds of their own. I was watchful, tense, ready — but it still wasn't enough to prepare me for the devastation that came a few seconds later.
'Oh, you've got to be kidding.'
I saw it coming and got my guard up. Caught Kassie in my peripheral vision as I did.
She was casually walking backward, as if giving me space. As if this was a sparring match and not a fight for my life.
