"Is that why you were trying to steal my disciples?"

"I was trying to get your attention."

"And now that you have it, what do you want?"

"To offer you an opportunity."

"What sort of opportunity?"

"Escape from a city that's only holding you back. Safety from the enforcers of the Realm - and enough teeth to bite harder than they can, in time."

"And perhaps even my personal attention... If you keep impressing me."

Interested hum. "And what does this cost?"

"Nothing in payment - but you'll need to work hard, and I'll push you to your limits and beyond."

"Every Lunar is by her very nature a threat to the Realm, one more thorn digging into its body. And every Lunar survives by the grace of her fellows - even the mightiest will die if they're alone. Even if you refuse my offer, other Lunars will still offer you aid and protection when they can - though without your own pack you'll be exposed and far from help."

"Then I'd be a fool to say no."

"And you're a smart woman."

"How kind of you to say so. I suppose I have some travel arrangements to make, then."

"Perhaps we can start your training while you do."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Your arrangements will be easiest if you use certain of my contacts..."

"But you'd need to take the relevant face from me, and you'd need to exactly mimic my character."

"Or should I find an easier challenge?"

"The only way I've taken anyone's face is after they're dead. Or, well, shortly before."

"Is death the only hunter?"

"Is this a riddle?"

"Or perhaps a philosophical question, or perhaps your first test."

"Oh good. My favorite."

"I should find more of these, then?"

"Depends how many hints you'll give me."

"Let's keep it to the one for now. See how far you get."

Hum.

"So hunting, then.. I suppose if I can't eat your heart, I'll have to steal it." Wink.

"An interesting idea," she purrs. "Though quite the challenge to test."

"I don't know, darling. You wouldn't be the first. Not even the first in an alleyway, in fact." She licks her lips, quick pink tongue darting slyly. "I have fond memories of an overgrown wall a block or so away..."