And what about me?! was the impulsive answer that flashed into Ethlyn's mind, but she was wise enough not to say it. Ange was the important one here, the one with the ability to actually do something about this beast that threatened them all.

But Ethlyn also knew that if she was too reckless and fell before Ange could finish her spell, it would be fatal for them both. Ange would be defenseless. And Ethlyn doubted that she could hold concentration on her spell if Ethlyn did something so inconsiderate as to die before she was finished casting it.

It gave her extra impetus when a head dove at her. Ethlyn thrust her sword into its maw, striking against the roof of its mouth. The sword skittered harmlessly down its palate--Ethlyn could see the teeth getting closer. She hoped it wasn't venomous. "Just finish your spell! Then we can both run for it!"