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“Ow! What the—“ Veronica protested, but bit off the worldly curse word. Careful! Play your part. Be a good little weird and culty gargoyle. “—What can I do for you, older brother?” she finished lamely, rubbing hr wrist.

Pavöl, a tall blue gargoyle with lines of armored spines outlining his face, leaned in to her, pointing a spiny finger to her face. “What can you—“ he snarled in disbelief. “What in the name of Perdition is on your face?”

Veronica raised her claw tips to… her glasses. She’d been so distracted reassuring Maeve that she’d forgotten them. Oops. “Ohhh fuck me gently,” she breathed.

Pav?l seized her by her upper arms and hoisted her from the cave floor as Maeve recoiled in horror. “What did you say to me?!” he roared.

“Easy, Tiny!” Veronica protested. “It was just an expression, I wasn’t swiping right on you!”

Oh good, this guy’s really gonna enjoy Tinder-related humour, she rebuked herself. Quick, hit him with a dope cat meme and scram!