Ulrich did not wait for the demons to settle into their formation.
The instant the first dagger cut through the darkness, he moved.
His arm remained locked around Kaliantha's back, holding her close enough that there was no space for an attacker to slip a blade between them. Her body pressed against his side as he took a swift step across the marble, drawing her with him before the dagger reached the place where she had stood.
The blade missed by the width of a hand.
It passed through the dim air beside her gown, close enough for Kaliantha to hear the sharp whisper of metal.
Ulrich did not give the assassin a second chance.
