She saw it coming. Amelia had been fighting too long not to recognize the movements of Jilly's body, and so she saw the strike before it came. But this was Jilly, one of the gentlest, sweetest people Amelia had ever met in her life. Jilly, who Amelia had to drag to self-defense lessons more often than not.

Jilly, who Amelia would never have suspected to have such violence or anger in her. Even though she saw the blow coming, Amelia couldn't believe it, and she didn't move to stop it.

It was loud, and painful. Amelia's head whipped to one side, her eyes wide in shock. She raised a hand to her face, touching the spot that was just slapped out of disbelief. But it had actually happened, Amelia's skin already growing hot and red.

"What the hell?!" Anger shattered through the surprise, and she leveled a dark look at Jilly. "What's wrong with you?"