Stheno
With Humbaba dispatched, the girl was upset to find her cat had run off during the fracas. She didn’t have to go far, however, to hear a sibilant voice sussurate dire promises pertaining to lunch. A scaly gorgon held the helpless feline pinned with brass claws, and lowered her grinning face of sharp fangs wreathed in writhing red vipers to biting range.
“Unhand my kitty!â€
“Of course, I’d be pleased to switch up for something more substantial.â€
The gorgon released her saccadic snack and faced the girl, who pushed up her sleeves and went to work.
The dialogue here is beautifully tongue in cheek – nice contrast between the girl’s firm confidence and the gorgon’s sly malevolence. Sets up the story well.