"Honestly, I'm amazed any of them were around the city at all," Alastor admitted. "I have a feeling most of the time, the little ones end up corrupted into noctaere or eaten."

There was a note of empathy for the little shadows. They were, after all, his friends. He didn't coerce them or try to bind them like his personal shadow. It made it a bit trickier to get them to do what he wanted, yes, but at least then they were willing which made things easier.

Alastor easily hopped down, pausing to make sure Madhuri was steady before walking a few paces forward.

"I wouldn't be opposed to a tango if the music isn't appropriate for something slower," Alastor said breezily, picking up on the "code" of sorts. "Let me give you a hand, Miss Madhuri. There's a bit more of a drop here."