But Miles was already hoisting himself onto Pess' back, scratching her behind the ear. He looks up at Merlin's words and shakes his head.

"I have to run back to the Center. Ken wants Nemesis with him."

He knows Merlin wouldn't agree, so he lifts a smile. "I'll be back before you know it. I won't disappear."

And he gives Pess' head a pat before she, responding to his quiet request, starts bounding down the hall with him.