She gasped in surprise at Apollo suddenly grabbing her, but she didn't curl her fingers into claws. That was progress. Cassandra was actually rather pleased with herself. She hoped that Apollo could appreciate the effort as well.

"I will not," she said, smugly. "If you want praise, you'll have to find yourself a pythia."

Abruptly, she leaned forward, her nose only inches away from his. "However, I will be more than happy to hiss and spit a little. For old time's sake."