Yeah, she knew he would find that funny — and that is what that is, she can tell, even as everyone else complains about Daud lacking a sense of humor. In any case, she pockets the collar again.

"Which is why he doesn't have it yet. I don't need to lose him when the flock migrates again," Billie says, though it's in better humor now that the many cats on the street have thinned out to one winged cat who's more interested in creeping towards Mercy than it is her.

"I know how to swap out the illusion, anyhow. It's the vial in the charm that does it. All I would need is some blood and a few plants from up in Krimnos."