Boris listened as Mab described what sounded like the world's worst impromptu supernatural bureaucracy, starting with a look of mild consternation as she started on guests and hosts and rights that deepened as she moved on to petitions.

"No, thank you," he said once she'd finished. "I'm a little too old to be dueling. And you're not family. I can't trust your word that you'll protect us, and it would be foolhardy to risk the few of us left for a stranger."