"Well we all have our crosses to bear," a rakish smile as he takes the knife. "No aliens back on my Earth but there does happen to be a raging proxy war between heaven and hell going on. More collateral damage than you'd imagine."

He drags the knife along the outside of his forearm, a shallow cut to draw just enough blood.

"Blood magic mate. Now mine may not be poison but it does get the job done," a wink as he lets the drops fall along the table.