Well, not really, but I wasn’t disappointed when I realized it was you I was being drawn to. Also, I wasn’t really looking forward to slaughtering all of your little friends. All that blood and guts…blech. I may look ferocious, but I’m a proper lady at heart. Killing and eating flesh is just something I do because of, well, instincts and all that. You know how it is. Humans don’t even taste particularly good, but they’re better than having an empty stomach growling at me all the time.

Perfidy didn’t know what to say to that, but it didn’t matter because Cainan took that moment to reinsert himself into the conversation. “Have you finished getting acquainted? Did she agree to carry us to Comman Dur?”

“Whut?”

“Your bloodpanther—”

“Corinthia.”

“So you have finished getting acquainted. Excellent. Will Corinthia transport us to Comman Dur or not?”

“I haven’t asked.”

“Why not? I need to get there as soon as possible. Even sooner than that, actually. Was I unclear about the urgency of my need?”

No, Corinthia said in her head.

To which Perfidy answered aloud, because it was godsdamn confusing trying to carry on two conversations at once, especially when one consisted only of thoughts. “No?”

“No?” Cainan repeated, brow furrowing. “Does that mean you won’t ask her or you don’t know why you haven’t asked her? Or I wasn’t clear?”

“Quiet. I need a moment.” When Cainan sat back, she thought, Are ye sayin’ ye won’ take us to Comman Dur?

No, I’m saying I won’t take him to Comman Dur. I’ll take you. You’re my bloodbond, after all.

So ye’ll do as I say?

You’re not my master, if that’s what you mean. Also, I’m offended by just the suggestion, I thought we were becoming friends.

Sorry, I didn’t mean to—

But I do enjoy having you on my back, the wind in our fur, the forest rushing past on all sides. It was quite wonderful, don’t you think? I didn’t expect to like it so much, but I didn’t even think of you as a burden. In fact, you’re far lighter than I thought a human would be. So small and bony. Are you eating enough? I could kill something for you.

Once more, Cainan interrupted. “Sorry, but I really need an answer. There’s someone heading toward Comman Dur that I must meet. I’m afraid she’s not the only somebody, and one of the somebodies might want to kill another somebody, so…”

“Speak plainly!” Perfidy practically shrieked. “Also, Corinthia sed ‘no’.”

“Please tell her that this matter involves the very future of Finfalla.”

“It does? How?”

“It’s a long story and there’s not time to—”

“Tell me or I’m leavin’. Without ye.”