In a kingdom where religion rules all, witches are hunted by an elite group of law enforcers called Chasseurs. Lou, a witch in hiding, is a criminal using her witch abilities and learned skills to thieve and steal what she needs. To use the magic of a white witch you must trade for it. Lou brakes her fingers to trade for the magic to unlock doors unlike blood witches who wield the connections that blood holds. Magic has a smell though, and because others can sense when magic is used she very rarely uses it unless absolutely necessary or she deems it safe. She is walking home from a narrow escape after stealing from a well known lord when enemies from her past attack her in the street. She is a very talented fighter and a very capable woman of taking care of herself. This is an excerpt from the attack.
“Wait! Please!” He forced them closed, but I kept pressing, curling my knuckles beneath the lids and into the sockets. “I’m sorry! I-I believe you!”
“Stop!” Grue’s footsteps pounded behind me. “Stop or I’ll-”
“If you touch me, I’ll blind him.”
His footsteps stopped abruptly, and I heard him swallow.
(pp.73)
This scene showed just how powerful Lou is without her power, she was able to fend for herself and subdue two full grown men. She did sustain many injuries but she came out on top, without having to give up her stolen treasures or any information. I love powerful women in books and this scene started off the book with a show of her competence and independence.