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Her eyelids fluttered before everything went dark.
40
LECTURE NOTES FROM IMMORTAL ANATOMY:
Similar to mortals, red blood cells replenish every 120 days. They are removed from circulation via the spleen and liver as the bone marrow produces more.
Amidst the haze in her sleepy head, Thessa could hear two things on repeat:
1. Growling.
2. “Do not touch her.”
Searing, hot pain soared through her bones. The temperature was in clear competition with the sun, dotting her body with all the moisture her mouth lacked. Desperate to free herself from the unrelenting heat, Thessa thrashed.
Met with resistance, she blinked her eyes open to find worn, leather straps holding her down. She writhed in both agony and fear.
Above her, light shined through an unfamiliar ceiling of canvas, intricately painted with small herbs and flowers. Surely, someone who adored flora could not be evil, she thought. Then again, Quinnley was up for debate with her hemlock conjuring skills.
“Remove the straps, now.” Soren’s voice was unmistakable.
A kinder voice, one she couldn’t place, replied, “Yes, General Whitfield, right away.” Soft hands met the damp skin of her ankles. “Settle down dear, you’ll only make it worse.” One strap loosened before a female with heavy eyelids came into view. “Almost done, hold still, it was the only way to manage the tremors in your sleep.”
Thessa’s heart was racing. “Hot,” she cried, “I’m too hot.”
The unfamiliar female released the final strap around her chest and eyed Soren. “It’s time.”
Without hesitation, he knelt beside her, ripping into his flesh.
Jussal stepped into view, his face perturbed. “Son, there’s daggers for that.”
Soren snarled, “Get back.” Blood dripped from the corners of his mouth.
Arms up in innocence, Jussal moved out of sight.
When Soren’s bloodied wrist flashed before her, she clutched his arm to her mouth, as if practiced. His blood was as nourishing as it was intoxicating. An animalistic sound escaped her before she latched onto him. He didn’t draw back, nor flinch.
More and more she drank, her discomfort subsiding with each sip. Breathing through her nose, she dug her teeth in and sucked.
Thessa peered up, drinking in silent gratitude. Soren’s gaze, set with worry and fatigue, rested on hers.
Jussal’s voice sounded from across the tent. “That ought to be enough, you’ll need your strength too.”
Soren’s head snapped. “Get out. Everyone.”
There were a series of footsteps and a whoosh of air before silence hissed. To Thessa’s relief, there wasn’t a serpent in sight.
Except for the snake himself.
Thessa eased off of his wrist, resisting the urge to lick her lips clean. “Do you have a cloth?”
“You’re worried about a mess?” Soren got up and spun toward the table lined with healing trinkets and potions, then presented her with water and something made of cotton.
After patting herself clean, she sat up to drink.Finishing the water with a sigh, she asked, “Lemon?”
“Milanny said it would help balance the stomach … from all the blood.” Soren put her cup aside and settled on the foot of her cot. “How do you feel?”
“I still hate you.”