Their eyes met.
Dean's entire train of thought, which had been moving in the reasonable direction of wings, fries, sauces, and the moral necessity of rewarding Sylvia before she became more powerful through hunger, suffered immediate derailment.
Arion said something to the researchers.
Both men nodded so quickly Dean almost felt sorry for them, then retreated with the professional speed of people who had been dismissed by royalty and wanted no opportunity to be summoned back.
Sylvia watched them go, then looked at Dean with deep, theatrical pity. "I feel the wings leaving my future."
Dean did not move. "Do not be dramatic."
"I can see the palace car."
"That proves nothing."
"I can see the expression on his face."
"That proves less."
"I can see the expression on yours."
Dean finally turned to face her, but he couldn't help but smile along as Arion. "That proves even less."
Sylvia smiled. "No. That proves dinner."
Dean looked back at Arion.
Unfortunately, she was right.
