Before I could retort, his gaze flickered, something unreadable passing over his features as I steadied myself. The inhibitor was working—I could see it in the faint strain around his eyes, the subtle lag in his reflexes.
But I was not foolish enough to believe that he was not extremely dangerous.
I shifted my weight, readying myself for his next move, when he blurred forward—still too fast. His hand snapped out, knuckles brushing the side of my neck in a swift, calculated strike.
I barely registered the impact before my legs buckled beneath me.
The world tilted, shadows bleeding into my vision. My breath hitched as numbness spread like ice through my veins, muscles refusing to cooperate.
"Wha…" The word caught in my throat, slurred and sluggish.
Before I could hit the ground, Hades caught me, one arm curling around my back while the other swept beneath my knees.
