The words hung in the air. Then Selene's hand moved again, the dagger dancing across Lyra's face, her neck, slashing wildly. One wound after another appeared, blood beading and spilling like a broken string of pearls, soaking into Lyra's clothes, spattering the cushions crimson.
Lyra fought with everything she had, but her strength was nothing against two Gamma enforcers. She could only watch, helpless, as the blade fell again and again. Eventually, Selene grew tired of the dagger. Not satisfying enough. She threw it aside and raised her hand, bringing her palm crashing across Lyra's face.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The sharp, ringing slaps echoed through the main hall. Each one landed like a hammer blow to Lyra's heart. Her consciousness began to blur. The searing agony across her cheeks nearly stole all sensation, her vision drowning in red. Warm blood kept flooding into her eyes, her mouth. The metallic tang of it filled her nose, coated her throat.