They both left the room, the child still wailing in Morvakar's arms with the indignation of a creature who clearly believed the world had been designed for his comfort and was failing spectacularly at the task. The cries were sharp. Thessa winced at each echo.
As they began to ascend the narrow staircase toward the upper levels, Morvakar leaned his head toward her, lowering his voice so it wouldn't carry.
"The child needs blood," he whispered.
Thessa nearly missed a step, her eyes widening in horror. "What?... No! He's too young." She whispered the last part.
Morvakar gave her an exasperated look. "Well, you of all people should know he is first of his kind," he said, adjusting the prince in his arms. "He's been feeding from his mother's bloodstream for months. Now he's out here in the cold, cruel world, he needs blood of his own."
