Xena scoffed at his proposal. "How amusing that a Malevolent Phantom is offering to make a human stronger. Do I look like a child to you?"

Just then, the chef himself entered the private dining room, carrying steaming plates of food. Once he left, Specter gestured to the food.

"Eat while it's hot. I have no interest in human food."

Xena didn't even reach for her fork as she said, "I've lost my appetite. Am I free to go?"

To her surprise, Specter simply waved a hand.

"You may leave whenever