"I try to balance their lessons in metaphysics and multiversal theory with the scientific method and critical thinking skills," Loki says dryly, watching the girls. "But it's a work in progress. Girls, you're actually both right...and I do tend to believe our new friend's story about peacock griffins. It sounds like just the thing a faery court would want around. Beautiful, cranky, probably carnivorous..."

Peacocks themselves are more dangerous than they have any right to be.

"Whereas if there are real pigeon-raccoon griffins, I'm sure some will make their way here eventually. You can't have any as pets unless they're small enough to fit in the palm of my hand."