I barely dodged the spear thrust. My wings snapped backward as I flipped in the air, feeling the rush of wind as the stone weapon missed my stomach by inches.
The guardian moved with terrifying speed for something made of stone. Before I could right myself, her massive hand clamped around my ankle, yanking me downward with brutal force. My wings flapped frantically, but her grip was like iron—cold, unyielding, merciless.
"You are not worthy," she growled, swinging me like a rag doll.
My body slammed against a marble column. The impact knocked the air from my lungs and sent pain lancing through my ribs. I couldn't even scream—just gasp silently as I slid down the smooth surface, wings crumpling beneath me.