Given a reprieve, Pearl just lies there for a moment, half-curled up small in the robe. Chest heaving as she sucks in air, muscles trembling with the echo of sensation. She almost expects a second, even stealthier attack -- Rose can be merciless when she wants to be -- but none comes. Finally she opens her eyes and looks up at Rose, trying for an accusing glare but probably landing somewhere around sweetly sheepish instead.

"That was underhanded."