Indira's jaws press together, holding on to Raider's throat with an iron grip. A deadly determination gives her power. When the struggling stallion rears up, Indira lets herself be pulled upwards with him, refusing to let go. Her front legs leave the ground with Rader's. He lashes out, a defense not without effect. The chipped edges of his hooves batter her chest, shoulders, and forelegs, scraping her bloody and smearing her with mud, but this is not enough to ward her off. Indira holds. Every new bruise blooming under her skin, and every drop of her own blood shed is a fair price to pay for the life of this foul creature.

The last stallion to take advantage of Indira made away with his life. This one won't be so lucky. There is too much at stake now, far more than just her own pride. Raider, and his wanton ways are a threat to her family, and all the allies of the forest. Indira made a promise to support Evren and Tarek in this war. She wouldn't be doing her duty if, after all that Rader's done, she let him live.

As they struggle, the shadows of night shorten. The light of day finally touches still waters of the lagoon, lighting up their depths a brilliant blue-green. Stillness. There is barely ripple on the glass surface, as there is barely a ripple among the members of the Lagoon. Either they don't notice an attack upon one of their own, or they don't care. No one rushes to Raider's aid. A lone mare watches, her lips twisted by that same kind of malice that fuels Indira's attack. Demons have no guardian angels.