Zorn shied away, nervous. Topher was never this nice. Or this earnest. There was always some kind of ulterior motive. He calculated the various ways he might be forced to give up his book.
“You’re not going take it from me?”
“Good Lord, no! Magic books are dangerous. I know about as much about that book as you do the intricacies of the vagina.”
“Topher!”
“I’m serious, Zorn. I would no sooner receive into my care that book than I would eviscerate myself. The last time I played with one, I nearly took off a toe. It’s why I quit reading magic books.”
Zorn gazed upon it.
“But it’s beautiful.”
“See? It’s already got a hold on your psyche. You must remind me to thank you. Had I retained that book I would have undoubtedly lost my soul, as you are evidently in the process of doing—Zorn!”
“
