Because I like to flirt with death. Let's do this, give me your best shot, human. Let's see who gives in first. This isn't my first time.

She had fire dancing in her eyes as she assaulted him with her serpent's tongue. Tonight she was not his wife but his little sister.

If he loved me, he couldn't kill me.

Protect us, Golden One. I believe we are all going to need it.

These violators responded only as cowards could. They ran.

Not sullenness, I understand suddenly. Bravery. Together we crawl to the lip of the cave. Zito sits in the center of the meadow, curled up on himself panting. Around him, the animagus traces lines in the earth with the glowing end of his staff, a task that requires all his focus. I nod at Lupita and push her out of the cave. She freezes for just an instant, then turns and slips over the boulders as quietly as the moonrise.