[Catching Horatio carefully with one arm, Scorpius holds the doll away from him and gently eases the man to kneel with him on the ground. He studies the man's face, watches him fight desperately for air that won't come.

At last, his grip loosens around the doll's throat. He continues to hold up Horatio until the man can stand of his own power again, watching him with undisguised fascination]

Remain calm. I don't intend to needlessly torture you via this...external proxy of yourself, Horatio. This flood is all-encompassing in its choice of targets.