Hannah stood swaying on her feet, her vision swimming, but she refused to look away from the golden amber of Hebner Grand's eyes. He stood perfectly still, a masterpiece of cold, immortal geometry, looking down at her with a curiosity that was far more terrifying than his rage.
"Why?" Hebner asked. His voice was a low, resonant hum that seemed to vibrate in the very marrow of her bones. "Why subject yourself to such a vile, primitive degradation for a creature as unremarkable as that boy? Is he some hidden king? Does he possess a soul of singular value?"
Hannah wiped a trail of cold sweat from her brow, her hand trembling. "He's a human being, My Lord. And he is my friend. That is all the reason I need."
