Oh God. She might as well have gotten tickled for his trouble, rather than take a swing from a sword.. Daniel couldn't even get another blow off. Whatever advantage he had was pretty much gone, because there was she, ducking in and clammy hands suddenly wrapping around his throat, squeezing, claws sinking in.

He stumbled back, hands going towards hers, fingers sinking in as he tried to pry her wrists off.