Stepping forward, Viola reversed the grip on the knife and raised it high above her head, seeming ready to strike.
Suddenly, a crossbow bolt flew out of the bushes and knocked the dagger from Viola's hands. The bushes all around started to rustle.
Blinking, Viola reached for another knife, but as she raised this one, another crossbow bolt hit her square in the navel, blood seeming to blossom immediately. Looking stunned, the hybrid toppled forward, doubling over with her hands on her gut.
Seconds after Viola fell, crossbow bolts began to fly steadily out of the bushes from all over. However, none got anywhere near Al, Viola, or the raccoon....