QUOTE : I cannot see you hurt, ma chère,” he said softly. “Allow me.” “Allow” was a strange word. Zofia had never considered that she might grant someone permission to protect her, and a feeling of warmth—like gulping down not-too-hot soup—settled into her chest. She stepped back wordlessly. “You look like you have practice in such recreation, Patriarch,” said Eva. Hypnos merely held out his hand. Eva slashed her taloned ring across it, leaving his palm bloody. Grimacing, Hypnos pressed his hand to the metal. A moment passed, then two … “I hope I did not ruin myself for nothing,” muttered Hypnos. “That was my favorite palm, you know.