Chapter 22Lu Sin was quiet. I could feel her hunger, her fear before we had even reached the cottage. Joy could sense it too I think. Her face was pale and drawn with more than weariness as we approached. I was slightly apprehensive, for now Lu Sin would understand the desires I had barely in check … now she too would have to fight herself to keep Joy alive. More than that, she had no familial connection to Francis, so I had to consider the danger there as well. I took a deep breath and led the children inside. Lu Sin was in her room, waiting perhaps for my return. I sent the children off to bed quickly and knocked at her door.
She sat wrapped in a quilt, looking more robust and lively than she had in a year or more. Her eyes were bright, even in the dark of the room, and they spoke of th
