Shade counted the drops of blood in his heart, deliberately keeping the wound on his palm from healing too quickly. The good news was that after ten drops of blood, the witch's complexion visibly regained its color, looking far better than when she had first appeared.
And after the twentieth drop fell, her breathing became smooth as well.
"At least Galina and the others won't criticize me now."
Shade noticed that the "Limiters" on both her wrists and the golden silk collar behind her neck were emitting a glimmer. He did not understand what that meant, but guessed that the alchemical equipment Megan had designed might include functions for checking physical condition.
The witch's condition improved more and more, and after the twenty-fifth drop of blood fell, the wound on Shade's palm had completely healed.
Though he had not expected his blood to have such a remarkable effect on her, as long as the treatment went smoothly, that was just fine. Shade then reached out again, intending to help settle the Four Elements still churning within her. He placed his hand against the witch's brow, but the instant his fingertips touched her skin, her entire body suddenly began to tremble unnaturally.
Just as Shade thought she was about to wake up, the girl abruptly sat up while clutching his right hand, then fiercely bit down on it.
"Ah!"
Her teeth tore open the wound again, and the clear sensation of sucking showed that she craved more blood. Startled, Shade glanced at the top of her head and confirmed that the race marker floating there did indeed say human. But before he could push her away, the witch stopped moving.
Through their three clasped hands, Shade saw that she had opened her eyes. Her golden pupils held bewilderment, and she had