Refraining from dodging or blocking the sword, Mekoa stood balanced with her teeth clenched. If this was the way she was going to die, then she would do it to protect her task. Summoning all her power, she tried to give it to Ristina, but it wouldn't go. She was about to try again, but it seemed of little consequence either way. Closing her dark eyes tightly, she held her breath until it was over.