It happens like that. Screams and the sickening crunch of bone giving under force. The stalker screams once, probably, but Ellie can't distinguish it.

What she does recognize is the panic, the sick frantic red rush of terror.

"Abby."

It rushes out of her, and she staggers up. "Abby."

She can't even hear herself over it. The space between them disappears and Ellie reaches for her, throwing her arms around her and pulling her back. "Abby-"

The dead stalker slumps out of Abby's hands, dropping wetly to the floor. It leaves Abby half-crouched and half in Ellie's arms as Abby looks in disbelief at her unbroken skin. It takes a second for her to understand. To detach from the mortal peril and really have it sink in as Ellie catches her breath.

"It's fine," she says breathlessly, letting go with one arm to show her the bite. "It's okay."

Blood drips thickly down her skin, and Ellie takes a shuddering breath. Sheer relief.

"I've got you."