My muscles wound tight, I stepped slightly in front of her in case the blood sent her into a rage, but also to block the other witches from her in case their silent shock morphed into barbarity at her drinking blood. Hendry had tensed, too, his eyes glued to Lucy.

She forced a swallow and squished her nose into a sour face. A violent tremor rippled across her shoulders, and she squeezed her eyes closed. Several seconds passed as the entire room seemed to hold its breath. Then ...