Now, under the coldly unwavering smile of Hade's snakelike eyes, he stammered, and his booming voice trailed away to a mumble.
Again, Claire sought to mend the rickety situation.

But now Gavin Brice forestalled her.

Passing one hand over his bandaged forehead, he said: "If you'll forgive me having butted in again.

I'll go up to my room.

I'm pretty shaky, you see.