Only when the last ruddy drop had passed her lips did Rose finally set the cup down, drawing in a deep, shuddering breath. Some of the haze of ravenous hunger began to clear from her senses, allowing shame to creep in at her uncivilized display.
"Forgive me," she murmured, unable to meet Dumphries' gaze. "That was...unbecoming of a lady."
To her surprise, the weaponsmith let out a hearty laugh, waving off her apology.
"No need to be contrite, Rose. You've been put through the wringer by that conniving beldame you call 'mother'." His expression hardened briefly. "If anyone understands the demands of our unfortunate conditions, it's me."
He jerked his chin towards the corner where the disheveled human still huddled, unmoving. Rose felt her stomach churn queasily, though she could not deny the vitae coursing through her had temporarily sated the gnawing ache.
