In front of Thomas Shannon, surely *she* isn't trying to... make things difficult for *me*, is she?
Sophie Sullivan put down her knife and fork, leaning lazily against the chair back. The corner of her mouth hooked up slightly. "Do you see anyone in my eyes other than yourself? In other words, your question is nonsense."
Raina Bell's face flushed. She lowered her head, her voice tinged with obvious fear. "My name is Raina Bell."
"The 'Pan' and 'Yu' of your name—which characters are they?" Sophie asked.
Raina bit her lip. "The 'Pan' with the three-dot water radical, and the 'Yu' from 'raindrop'."
"What a cute little 'Raindrop'."
Sophie tilted her head, looking at Thomas Shannon. He claimed to be starving, yet he ate with perfect elegance, every movement exuding grace and nobility. "Thomas Shannon, don't you think so?" she asked.
Raina Bell carefully lowered her head, not daring to breathe too loudly.
