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In your experience, most women on the planet shared that very same superpower. You <span class="mu-s">really</span> wanted to say that part out loud, but thought better of it instead.
<span class="mu-r">“Got any preferences for where you'd like to stay? I heard there's a pretty big tree in Central Park, where the ‘Shiny Man’ stays.”</span>
Betty’s eyes seemed to widen with what might have been excitement.
<span class="mu-r">“How big?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Oh, it's huge!”</span>
Down below, you could hear Ana coughing. She was holding a cup of water, and was covering her mouth with a hand. She must’ve been drinking a little too fast.
<span class="mu-r">“Pretty much the size of a building?”</span> you continued.
<span class="mu-r">“Hmm. Big tree. Big nest. Shiny man.”</span> Harpy said, clearly liking the idea more and more. <span class="mu-r">“But...Betty might not like. Might need second home.”</span>
You rubbed your chin thoughtfully.
<span class="mu-r">“Hm. So you get the nest, and Betty gets something with four walls and a roof.”</span> you clarified.
Harpy nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“That would work.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Well, I know the people living in the park are working on constructing homes, and they're planning on getting a mansion. The Shiny Man's moving in too.”</span> you added, hoping to entice her with the offer.
<span class="mu-r">“Oooh~!”</span> she crooned.
Sounds like she's interested, after all. You wondered what would win out in a direct confrontation? Harpy's possessiveness, or Glass' obliviousness.
<span class="mu-r">“You like that, huh?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I do like. Very much.”</span>
She said, flashing her fangs at you in an excited grin.
<span class="mu-r">“Well, we can finalize the paperwork after we get out of this mess. But for now, we've got a vampire lord to stomp out.”</span>
You held out a hand towards Harpy, and she wrapped your entire hand in hers before giving it a firm, but surprisingly gentle shake.
>Harpy is interested in making a nest in the Fairy Tree!
>Betty is interested in seeing the Morlock Mansion!
<span class="mu-r">“Do you have a preferred method?”</span> she asked.
You tilted your head in confusion.
<span class="mu-r">“Huh?”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Disembowelment. Falling. Mauling. Dismemberment. We can do all this. And more.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Maybe we should let him be the one to choose.”</span> you suggested. <span class="mu-r">“We've just gotta make sure that all our options are varying degrees of terrible.”</span>
Harpy's grin returned, but it took on a far more sinister quality this time.
<span class="mu-r">“Changed my mind. I like you.”</span>
—-----
By the time your conversation with Harpy had concluded, Carnelian, Warren and Delphyne were all preparing to depart.
That left you, Cindy, Ana, Harpy and Young to prepare Monster Metropolis for what might be an all-out war.
(Cont.)
