Medrau sensed... something, only a moment before the sword struck home. There was enough time to shift her weight, preparing to turn. Then a strange, hot pressure at her shoulder froze her in place. The pain didn't register until a full second later, and then she was awash in it.

She should have been afraid, but that part of herself was locked away in exchange for the magic that might save her now. Still, pain was as paralyzing as fear. Medrau and her Other were very good at avoiding major injury... and therefore had very little experience coping. It was all she could do to keep her knees from buckling. That wouldn't end well if she was still suspended on the blade.