Maeril's gaze lingered on Seraphine, cautious yet oddly admiring. "You must be a powerful demon," she said at last. "I can tell from the way you move... so certain, so sure. But this key…" Her fingers brushed the necklace at her throat. "It was given to me to keep safe. Surely you understand I can't just hand it over."
Seraphine folded her arms, her tone calm but sharp. "Yes, I understand. But judging by the crowd of souls outside begging for your food, I doubt you'd want to be out of commission for long after I'm done with you. That'd be a waste of time for both of us. You and I both know you're not strong enough to offer much of a challenge, Maeril. So let's save the trouble. The next time I ask, it won't be without consequence."