The idea had been that with its handle rendered viscous, the blade would slip free and clatter to uselessness on the floor, but Puck admittedly does not have the universe's best grasp of physics.

The spider has disappeared mysteriously off the mantel, by now-- but when Margolotta speaks, bright laughter echoes throughout the room, quickly stifled like somebody putting their hands to a ringing bell.

He can apologize to Havelock later, if need be.