[ The order coils itself around his heart like a snake, and this no longer becomes a matter of what he can do or what he wishes to do - this is only a matter of what must be done. He takes the gauze bandages first, wrapping the ice inside them so it can only chill and not burn with its coldness and holding it against Sypha's arm.

The wrist, just clear of where it bends so that she can still move it while the cut heals. ]

I'm going to make a cut here. [ He says, killing time while he waits for the ice to numb the skin. ] It hopefully shouldn't hurt too much, but I can't promise anything. You do need to be careful of his blood while you have an open wound. That's the purpose of the rose oil, it'll stop any turning. Just in case. Once the cut's made, you need to hold your arm over his mouth until I tell you to stop or until you start to feel faint. Whichever happens first. The worst shouldn't happen if he hasn't used his fangs to make the cut, but if it does- I'll be here.

[ And he takes the razor blade from out of its patterned paper. ]

When you're ready.