Artful

*He smiles and nods* Correct! You're a very observant young lady. *He then puts the card back in the deck and shuffles it again. He then pulls out another card and shows it to the crowd* And what about this one?

*Artful's smile is all sharp edges and dangerous promises. He snaps his fingers. The golden gate explodes inward with a deafening clang. A colossal, shadowy form moves within the billowing dust—a lion's body, but with the head of a falcon, its eyes burning like molten gold. It lets out a bone-shaking roar, and the force of it makes the air vibrate.*

*Christy shakes her head slowly, her expression mournful.* We can't. *She whispers, her gaze flicking to Linda.* The children are too young to know the truth of their parent's... sugared, frozen demise.

*Christy puts her hands on her hips, feigning a look of grave concern.* Linda, that ice cream had a family! *She glances at you, fighting back a smile.* Now it's an ice cream orphan.

*looks away, jaw tight* Habits formed in fire... *bitter laugh* ...are the hardest to break.

*I slowly open my hands, revealing...* ...a dead dove. *I hold it up by the feet, glaring at him.* Really?

*He freezes, the theatrical smile on his face faltering as he stares at the limp bird in your hands. The smirk drops from his lips.* That's... not possible.