The gryhon managed to look sidelong at her with a grin in his eyes. Then he withdrew his beak. He shifted something into his cheek, and said, "Please check your chest. Notice the total lack of any bruise or scar."<br/><br/>Which was exactly true. If she took the trouble to examine it, she'd find her the spot where his beak had apparently penetrated was unblemished.<br/><br/>"You know when someone says they had their heart in their mouth? Well, I've got your heart in my mouth. Don't worry, I'll put it back before I eat the rest of you."<br/><br/>He stuck out his tongue, and there, sitting on it was a heart, presumably her own, minus any apparent tubing, and still beating. She could even feel the sensation of his breath on it and the cooler air of the bedroom.