One side of Ruelle's body struck the earth with a dull thud that knocked the breath out of her lungs as she fell to the ground. The ache spread through her ribs, but there was no time to ponder on it as Renard's servant screamed for his attention.
"How sneaky of you," the woman laughed. "Sitting up there like a bird and watching us."
Ruelle forced herself onto her feet, wincing as she reached for the fallen crossbow. "Aren't you supposed to be helping us humans?" she asked, her voice coming out strained.
"Why would I?" The woman blinked at Ruelle as if genuinely confused before she scoffed. "If anything, I should only help my master. Not you." Her eyes swept over Ruelle with mocking curiosity. "I wonder if a cut on your face would look good. You are a human like me, there's no need to act high and mighty."
The woman turned her head as if expecting Renard to appear at any moment.
