"Are you sure?" Gulp.
"Oh, yes," said the Harbinger cheerfully. "It'll be quick and easy. Trust me."
"I don't know. What if the blade isn't sharp enough and I'm left with enough intact nerve endings to cause a great deal of pain?" Aphrael looked up at the guillotine with trepidation. The guillotine keeper scowled and huffed at the insinuation that his equipment was not up to snuff.
"I daresay I know how that feels," offered Nearly Headless Nick as he floated by.
"You said to surprise you, right?" said HoD.
"Yes, I did do that."
"And do you trust me?"
"Well, sure, I guess so."
"Okay, then. Surprise." He gave Aphrael a little push, and she stumbled forward, landing on the bench with an "oooof." The stock-like panel snapped down and the blade dropped before she could manage a protest or inquiry.
Her shade looked down at her headless body with interest. "Oh, well, that wasn't so bad at all."
"Of course." HoD patted her on the back. "Run along and get yourself a caramel apple at the death mansion."
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