[it doesn't escape Keigetsu's hyperalert nerves that a short time ago this woman was pointedly walking away from her, like she wasn't even paying attention to Keigetsu, but has now suddenly turned around and addressed her as if they'd been having a conversation. or as if she'd been watching for her startled reaction and pretending she wasn't.

this snake is not worried for me, she concludes in a searing moment of insight. what's her angle? she was either the one with the ice cube, or someone just as ready to take advantage of another's weakness. Keigetsu's hands clench unseen under the table, only the tension along her scaled forearms visible.]

...

My, my. What do you mean?

[she is pretty proud of her disaffected tone. who isn't calm now, stranger?!]