mysterious as the dark side of the moon

The scent of blood hit the air and made its mind swim with ecstasy, but before it could turn its full attention back to its prey, fire exploded towards it. The tug of life-drain and the prickle of disintegration was nothing it couldn't shrug off or recover from, but fire... A tinny shriek left its jaws, but before it could round on Edrei she was gone. Flames raked its right side, its claws clicking and twitching together reflexively, and the stink of burning rot filled the air. But rest would have to wait, for there were more important things. Interloper. Wessex made as if to leap over its head, knives outstretched like tiny toys, and it eagerly jumped to join her. Both sets of claws raked down, catching the Ascended from collarbone to navel. There would be no time to call for help. No time for interruptions. They would have only one chance to run. No time for second chances. However Wessex chose to defend herself would surely be valiant - however, it would all be for naught. Relentless, inhumanly quick and with teeth and nails eager to part flesh from bone, it had all the time in the world to wear her down. When it caught her - however long that took - it would rend her piece by piece, scattering tatters of flesh and bone and ribbons of muscle to the winds. And all was as it should be. [If it was not clear from the description, the Spire Demon has killed Wessex. You were warned.] whatever doesn't kill me better run