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memories to let him see her humiliation, and laughed bitterly. “Their little game cured me for life. I swore never to drink human blood again. I abhor the practice.”
    “You don’t look like you’re starving.”
    His reply cut like a whip. Her temper flared. “That’s because I drink animal blood.” She’d been mocked for that, too. In the world of the Na’Reish , she was despised for drinking animal blood instead of human blood and the humans despised her for having to drink any blood at all. “I wouldn’t take your vein, human, even if I were dying.”
    “You’re part-demon.” His tone was flat, unconvinced.
    “So, you’re saying that the nature of the beast can’t be controlled?”
    “You weren’t able to stop yourself from attacking and feeding on a human.”
    “I was a child!” Her cheeks warmed even as she ordered herself not to react, not to show pain, or shame, or anger.
    All the taunting, the name calling, and beatings paled to the horror and loathing she’d felt once she’d come down from her blood-high and discovered the lifeless body of the blue-eyed boy lying on the ground next to her, his throat shredded and torn out. With her tears mingling with the blood smeared around her mouth, she’d vowed never to drink human blood again, to die before letting herself become the animal she’d shown herself to be.
    Her body trembled. How many times had she relived that savage attack? Too many, and not enough. Never enough to atone for her weakness.
    “You can stay here if you want”—she forced the words past stiff lips—“but being caught by a Patrol is a certainty if you do.”
    Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and strode into the forest. Being born a half-blood wasn’t her fault. Her throat tightened. Would she ever find a place in this world where she felt at peace? Where no one judged her for who or what she was?
    Moonlight filtered through the thick canopy but even without it she’d have been able to find her way. Enhanced sight, inherited from her demon father. Yet another reason for Kalan to condemn and reject her.
    Why was she letting his attitude affect her so much? Both human and Na’Reish despised her. She’d suffered their hatred and disgust all her life. Why had she expected this human to be different?
    She blinked back tears. Perhaps because she had healed and then saved him. What did she have to do to make anyone value her beyond what her gifts could provide them?
    Without her, this human would be dead. Annika lifted her chin. She wouldn’t let him make her feel like the dirt under his feet. She was Na’Chi , and if he couldn’t see past his own fear of the Na’Reish then his preconceptions were his problem.
    The brisk night breeze whistled through the branches of the trees. She peered skyward to watch them sway and dance in the moonlight. Many in the fortress feared the forest, claiming it was too quiet, eerie in its stillness, but she loved it. She inhaled the pleasant, earthy odor of leaf litter carried on the night air, and allowed it to calm her frayed nerves. But with peace came the niggling of her conscience. Her steps slowed. She stopped in another clearing and closed her eyes.
    What if Kalan decided to strike off on his own? He’d eventually find a trail out of the valley but he knew nothing about the Na’Hord Patrols. He was a warrior, but unarmed he’d stand little chance against a pair of hunting Vorc . Free of their restraints and unleashed the vicious animals would kill a human on sight.
    Behind her a branch snapped, the sound crisp and sharp. Her nostrils flared. An earthy, spicy scent, heavy with salty sweat and the dampness of river water filled her lungs. A familiar bitter tinge of controlled fear underscored it.
    The human.
    “So red means you’re hungry.” Kalan’s deep, low-pitched voice came from one side of the clearing. “What does yellow mean?”
    The comment was an opening, even though he couldn’t quite manage a