Palamedes falters only slightly in his approach, holding up the jacket like a jacket or a shield—or an explanation. “I could say the same to you,” he notes, though there’s nothing like derision in his voice. “No harm done either way. At least, I hope so.” He smiles at her briefly, and then his gaze finally settles properly on the skeleton. As was the case with her transformation, he looks more interested than shocked.

“Interesting friend you’ve got here,” he says. “Did he come with you, or did you make him here?”