Chapter 449

As Katelina's emotions settled, her rumbling stomach and dry throat reminded her she was starving. Reluctantly, she pulled away from Jorick's embrace. "I need to eat."

He nodded. "They left part of their blood stash behind."

He found her a baggy pair of men's jeans and a t-shirt to change into, then led her down the hallway. The sound of running water was audible, and she asked, "What's that?"

"The fountain."

Though the sound grew steadily louder, it was some time before they reached the source. The noise was deafening, and she drew back to the doorway, her hands to her ears.

The vivid green of the plants along the far wall caught her attention. She could see each individual leaf crisp and clear; see the ladybug that trooped along the edge of a colorful pot, and the tiny, sparkling water drops that hung suspended from the tips of the leaves, as though someone had watered them.