The sphinx narrowed her eyes, leaning over the desk towards the woman. “It is all over the place. In my neck. See my neck? It stings.” She ran her fingers over the deep scratches in her skin, careful not to wince Sometimes having sharp claws was truly a disadvantage.

“And my arms itch, too. See?” Sphix hopped on the table and showed her arms near her face. “All red. And by back. And sides. And legs.” She leaned closer still and smiled. “Do you really want to know how bad it is?”