[M] The Cat and the Assassin

The removal of the dagger hurt more than the act of being stabbed. She clenched her teeth, grimacing, and bit back the cry of pain that threatened to tear free of her throat. The pressure was a comfort, at the very least, though she had to use her hands to brace herself from falling face-first into the stone floor.

She gave a short laugh at the thought of perishing from such a minor wound. "Darling... if you think something like this will... k-kill me, then you're--" Brianna grunted as she shifted her weight "--you're not giving me much credit." Another clipped laugh. "I've survived worse... I'm a tough little kitty." Her breathing evened out, and she attempted to stand, though her legs wobbled.

"Let's walk out of here as victors and leave these beasts to clean up their mess."

Though she willed her legs to move, her body refused to listen.