“My stature?” Sphix spit. “You think there is something wrong with me? Of course you think there is something wrong with me. You think I’m a stupid monster, just like the rest of them. But I can be other things, too.” Her fur wavered and melted, and soon her wings were gone, too. Now fully human, she shook her head and fixed her gaze on Chantinelle. “See?” she said, voice trembling. “See? I’m not just a monster, or something to be slain when the first hero happens by.” She made a face. “And I can hardly be polite. People would never be afraid of me if I started being polite.