Malevolent Hysteria I

Daphne's blood chilled in her veins.

"What do you mean by 'not human'?"

"Exactly what it means," Cordelia said grimly. She took a cautious look behind them, as though she was expecting eavesdroppers. She lowered her head to whisper into Daphne's ear. "I highly suspect he's some dark creature masquerading as a human."

"How could that be?" Daphne exclaimed. "And if so, why didn't you say anything back there?"

"Are you insane? I am highly skilled, but I might not be able to fight him off. Any creature that can actually mimic human mannerisms and behavior is not one we should cross without making preparations. The one we saw… he was clearly more intelligent than most." 

"What's more…" Cordelia shook her head, "You were already on the ground like you were dying. I couldn't risk it."

Daphne's heart warmed and she beamed at Cordelia, squeezing her hands in delight. "So you do care about me! I'm very delighted."