Chloe’s lashes fluttered. Her eyes opened, hazy, unfocused for the briefest second, and then slid shut again.

“Chloe?” Zoe leaned forward, voice trembling. “What’s wrong with her? Why did her eyes open and close like that? Is she in pain? Tell me!”

Valerius placed a steadying hand on Chloe’s arm, his expression unreadable but his presence radiating calm authority.

“It is normal,” he said. “Her body is adjusting to the blood. She will wake soon.”

Zoe’s throat ...