“Go away,” I said to the others. “Rather unkingly of you,” Ari said. “You could dismiss us better. Perhaps, say: be gone with you. Or we may adjourn, or—” I pulled back from Elise to glare at Ari. “I could take your head if you prefer.” He blew out his lips but stood. “A pointless threat. You’ve grown too fond of me. I’ll say it again, Elise. You may still choose me.”
