Elizabeth watched Anya and the man warily, absorbing the scene and trying to decode what was happening. She itched to get back to Mason's shack, to make sure that Zinx was still there and not starving...or eating her rabbit. That was [i]hers[/i] to eat. As she studied the man speaking to Anya, she noticed that he reminded her a lot of Mason, but only vaguely in appearance. His voice, demeanor, and tone was not that of the laid-back man who'd shown her such generosity. Still, it made her ache to see him again. She masked the distress and melancholy that she felt with apathy.

[i]This could be my chance to go,[/i] she thought, but the idea was immediately diminished when she realize the room only had one exit. That was past Anya. Then again, why would the vampire girl hold her hostage? Her eyes trailed back to the bowl of soup that was still resting atop the bedside table, no doubt getting cold and spoiled. Quietly and surreptitiously, she lifted the fork of noodles to her lips and ate. It was still warm enough to be enjoyed.

As she ate, she kept her eyes on the two conversing. Even as she watched and listened, her mind wandered: why had she fainted? Was it because of the cold? Hunger? Exhaustion? Or...something else?

Maybe it was planned. Maybe the vampire had a plan. Maybe they [i]both[/i] had a plan. She glared in their direction.