As she ushered me through the door, whatever was sleeping inside woke up and charged at my face, snarling.
It stopped when it saw my cloak and rolled onto its side in submission. But I was frightened and ran to her for protection.
"There, there," she soothed. "I'm sure no one meant to leave that in your room. But now that it's happened, we will hold you and comfort you in our arms until you feel better."
At that moment, out of the corner of my eye, I saw her wink at everyone else, as if to say, "Well done."
