"They took Katya," she says with a viciousness that cuts through the air. Her hands are raised and it takes concerted effort to rein herself back in. It's Spike, not another wicked little kidnapper, and making his heart explode will get her nowhere.

Some nasty little thing appears with a spear; she reaches toward him, then clenches both fists as she yanks toward herself. Both of his femurs break with a sickening crack.

She will not be reduced to a sobbing, helpless mess. She's a soldier of the Second Army and she is going to get her daughter back.