Her opponents held terrifying strength and they were filled with unimaginable malice. Yet Malista's heartbeat quickened, for she knew that such crises provided life's greatest enjoyment. Any fear she may have felt for her own life had dissipated with the thrill of combat. The palpitating of her heart in her chest, the throbbing of her limbs, all of it drove Malista wild with excitement. And, having survived another day, she could only seek out the next peril that would provide her with an even greater thrill.