Baiting with monkey

Mallory stood her ground, disbelief written all over her face. "You must be kidding."

Hadeon's expression remained grave as he shook his head. "I am afraid I am not. Time is of the essence if we're to catch that useless creature in the forest. I was going to ask the villagers for assistance, but you generously volunteered."

"When did I agree to that?" Mallory's eyebrows furrowed, questioning Hadeon's reality.

Hadeon flashed her a wide grin. "Why, when you proclaimed that trouble would fear at the mere sight of me," he replied, his tone dripping with amusement.

"You were going to suck them dry!" Mallory said it in a hushed tone. 

"You know I have to drink from somewhere, and it isn't like the monkey is offering to step up for the task. And I don't need to really suck them dry. You want me dead?!" Hadeon gasped, placing his hand on his chest. "Why would you want that, monkey? Why?"