Two distortions appeared in the air.
Holden's processor caught them immediately.
Left shoulder. Right leg.
He moved.
But the attacks didn't follow ordinary paths.
The first distortion bent around his attempt to evade, appearing close to his shoulder.
SHLICK!
A shallow cut opened across his upper arm.
The second reached his thigh.
SHLICK!
Another line of blood appeared.
Holden stepped backward, putting more distance between himself and the Architect.
The Blood-Amber Ring pulsed twice, closing both wounds.
"Holden!" Lyra called.
She started forward, but he raised his free hand.
"I'm fine. Stay back for now."
Lyra hesitated.
Then she stopped, keeping her frost-spear ready.
The Architect watched the wounds disappear.
"Remarkable healing. That ring of yours is certainly useful."
He slowly lowered his hands.
