Jess, however, was still rooted to the spot, dazed by the Mary's unexpected change. "It really is you," she said, staring into space.
"Jess? Snap out of it," said Mary. "Are you going to try a vial or not?"
"You're chocolate," repeated Jess, ignoring her.
It suddenly occurred to Mary that in this state, she was probably quite easy to eat. "Don't do it," she warned.
"Do what?"
Mary gave Jess an expectant look.
Jess made an exaggerated show of disappointment. "Come on, Mary, what can it hurt? Just a little nibble."
"No," said Mary.
Jess reached out to stroke Mary's fur. Mary recoiled at the touch, but then relaxed. "Fine," she said. "But just a tiny bite. I don't know how badly it will hurt, or-" she paused as a thought struck her - "whether your bites are reversible."
Seemingly ignoring her, Jess nodded, with a glazed look in her eyes.
"Right, then-" began Mary.
Without warning, Jess pulled Mary by the arm and bit a sizable portion off her left paw.
Mary snapped her paw back and looked at the missing chunk. "Jess... did you just eat me?"
"Yes," Jess moaned as she chewed on Mary's paw, "it's delicious... just like you said."
"That's enough!" said Mary, shock turning to anger. "Stop this, now!"