[Talia's greatest secret is what lies beneath the polished skin and seeking gaze. The adder lies coiled very tightly, ever aware. It is ready at any moment to lash out and kill before hiding again. She has been likened to Kali in India, and it's a comparison she always liked.

But she keeps one face well hidden.

The only ones who've seen that are dead.]

Part chemistry, part mysticism. Superstition, in a way. But the mind is an amazing thing. If it believes something -- truly believes it -- it can be as good as true.