You are cruel, Annie. [ It won't embarrass her to say what he isn't into, will it? Eh, it's probably fine. Glittering with mirth, his eyes crinkle at their edges. ] Such things aren't my usual preference. You've handed me such a perfect opening, and I can't even say that I am already on it!

[ But when she describes the plot she has in mind, his own eyes light with something aside from humor. ]

It seems that your machinations are devious indeed. [ And that she has taken quite well to her current shape. And why shouldn't she? As inferior as it is to his true flesh, it must be quite the improvement for a mortal girl. Lucius leans back in his seat, inclining his head to regard her with some pride. ] For a great many mortals, that would be an incredible torture, yes. And something a bit outside the norm, too.

[ That many scorpions is not part of the average torturer's toolkit, after all. ]