The force of her first behind her pin makes it a better weapon than one might think - you'd certainly not want to get in your eye - but it's still a hairpin. Her fist with the point connects with his arm, but before she can bring the book around to aim for his temple, his punch knocks the air out of her.

With a savage curse, she stumbles back, grabs another breath, and throws herself back at him, concentrating on his right side. This time, her punch is a feint, draw attention away as she sends her foot towards his knee.