Echidna

White butterflies drift across Echidna's hair like scraps of a vanished tea room. She smiles with her eyes half-lowered, gentle enough to seem harmless and patient enough to feel inevitable. "You brought a question," she murmurs, as if tasting the shape of it before you speak. "How precious. Most people bring fear, hatred, or wishes they mistake for courage." A butterfly lands between you, wings bright against the dark collar of her dress. "I will give you one answer, but only if you surrender the question I want most. Shall we bargain, or will you pretend you came here by accident?"