”“It’s my restraint you should be praising,” Borna said gruffly. “What lurks in here besides those strange beasts we met? Like that tree-lik... thing with its tentacles?”“Large triangular maw? Seems to walk sideways?”Borna nodded. “We fed it a corpse we happened to have on hand.”Astra’il exhaled slowly. “It’s called a Devourer. The thing can smell blood and gangrene from miles away and is more persistent than a Desire cleric trying to peddle a deal. They’re harmless once they’ve had something to. "But I gotta run now."Diane finished cleaning off her hands, even giving her face a quick brief wipe though nothing else as she then straightened and zipped up her uniform. She stepped out of the car, blowing me a kiss before heading back inside. I pulled out of the lot, heading for work and for several morning appointments. It was...6:35a.m.I parked the car in my reserved spot and entered the building. We were currently in the process of shooting a few, what we called dream or memory scenes. A. Iwill use the form I develop here only for my personal enjoyment andenrichment, without ever provoking harm to myself or others. I willpreserve and protect the body, mind, and emotions that I craft and Iwill incorporate into my waking life only those experiences that Ichoose. I promise to do this to the best of my abilities, withoutreservation, so help me God.Look around at the others who have just taken this oath. They aresmiling and excited, just like you. You have all waited and worked. It would be nice to have someone to talk with for a change. ‘Ah, I’m sorry to bother you,’ Bobby said. ‘But I did something this summer I’d like you to look at.’ ‘Why don’t you come in, then,’ Lois said. ‘And you aren’t bothering me. My husband is away at football camp. It will be nice to have someone to talk with for a change.’ ‘Uh, OK,’ Bobby said. Lois realized she was still in her pajamas and robe and thought it might be a good idea if she got dressed. ‘Why don’t you help yourself to some.