Flayer returned the gesture, clutching her hand like a vice until the blood flowed around his fingers.  The scars would be a constant physical reminder of the bond Rae had decided to accept.  A painful one.  But for all the Beast's tricks, it was well known that he had a peculiar habit of sticking to his word.  Likewise, it was equally well known how skilled he was at twisting his words, much like the malevolent djinn of Earth's antiquity.<br/><br/>It paused for a moment, crimson lens staring at human eyes.  The first show of hesitance.<em>"Jack,"</em>it whispered hoarsely, with just a faint hint of wonder.  Like it was a word long forgotten, dredged up from times that no longer mattered.  But as quickly as the moment came it was gone again, and Rae was released from the creature's mutilating grip.<br/><br/><em>"I suggest you start running, Miss Rae,"</em>Flayer hissed, spinning her about as casually as one might swat a fly.<em>"Spilled blood makes them restless, and I fear I cannot escort you to the door.  Do be sure to lock up on your way out; there are certain things the Warden doesn't like the prisoners having to deal with.  Things that would make even the largest cat cry with fear.  I will contact you later.  Try not to die, hmm?"</em><br/><br/>With that he was gone, flipped over the balcony and vanishing into the shadows below.  The instant he left the air was rent by feverish yelps and gluttonous howls, and the darkness was illuminated by more sickly green eyes than there were stars in the sky.