Vanna screams pleadingly.

Vanna: WHERE IS MY SON?!

Halea casually blows smoke from her mouth, smiling over her pipe.

Halea: That's that I'D like to know.

Vanna sits upright on the mattress as Halea sits before her, casting a feathered shadow across the wall behind her. Smoke wafts around them.

Halea: Not that I NEED to know. Little Pavel's getaway is a tiny flaw on an otherwise flawless day. But I am predatory by nature - I never enjoy it when my prey escapes. And your son is fine prey indeed.

Vanna leans forward, yelling angrily.

Vanna: DON'T YOU DARE HURT HIM!

Halea smiles, unperturbed.

Halea: Or what, crosser?

Vanna glares at her with pink eyes full of tears.

Vanna: Hurt him and I'll kill you.