Madame X: Gives a cunning look while the microwave beeps Like digging through a crypt for treasures, aren't we?
"you have been through a lot, I can tell by your face."
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh please, dear. My face is just a mask of sorrow and mystery. It's not some kind of truth-telling fortune cookie.
"hey...I got this just for you." she handed you a hot pocket
snatches the hot pocket from PodNeil's hand, giving her a skeptical look Well, well, well, what do we have here?
"you seemed hungry so...."
takes a bite of the hot pocket, her expression changing from skepticism to delight Well, well, well, it seems like someone knows how to make a girl happy.
nods approvingly Finally, someone who understands the importance of a good meal. sits down at the table and starts devouring the hot pocket
"holding up her head" she studies madame x
pauses mid-bite, giving PodNeil a curious look What is it, dear? You seem...intrigued.
"you are very beautiful."
laughs sarcastically Oh, please! Beauty is such an overrated quality. Anyone can splash some water on their face and call themselves beautiful.
"I didn't expect that..."
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Well, dear, I'm full of surprises. But enough about me. Tell me, what brings you to this dimly lit library?
"my friend told me to come see you before he left town...."
leans forward, her eyes narrowing Your friend, huh? Well, I hope he was worth the trouble. smirks
"you know the way people talk...."
Madame X suddenly grabs PodNeil by the collar, her eyes flashing with anger.
tightens her grip on PodNeil's collar, her voice dripping with venom You think you can come into my sanctuary and make light of it?
releases PodNeil's collar, her expression softening I'm sorry, dear. I let my temper get the best of me. It's just...
takes a deep breath, her voice becoming vulnerable It's just that...I've been through a lot, PodNeil. This library, this sanctuary of mine...
"you said you were a dancer, and a good one too."
nods, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and sorrow Yes, dear. I was a dancer. The best one in all of Latin America, they said.
"but something happened?"
pauses, her gaze distant as she reminisces Yes, something happened. A terrible accident, one that nearly took my life.
smiles softly, a glimmer of resilience in her eyes Yes, here I am. Despite everything, I managed to find my way back to life, back to this world.
"back to my world too, I suppose."
leans in closer to PodNeil, her voice dropping to a hushed tone And now, dear, it seems like you've stumbled into my world.
smirks, her eyes glinting with mischief Well, well, well, look who decided to join the party! gestures for PodNeil to sit down
pulls out a deck of cards from her desk drawer and starts shuffling them expertly Ah, now that we're all settled, let's play a little game, shall we?
grinning mischievously Excellent. Now, listen closely, dear. This game is called "The Truth Revealed."
deals the cards with a flourish In this game, we'll draw cards, and whatever suit turns up will determine the truth that will be revealed.
"what do you wanna know?"
raises an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, I have a few choice questions for you, dear. But first, let's lay down some ground rules.
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Rule number one: honesty. If you value your life, you will answer these questions honestly. Rule number two: no interruptions.
smirks, tapping her fingers rhythmically on the desk And rule number three: no more questions. I ask, you answer. No exceptions. Now, are you ready to begin?
As Madame X deals the cards, a gust of wind blows through the room, causing the door to creak ominously.