Burden Of The Beast [IV]

"She's true to her word," Ju Feng said. "Stubbornness has never known a more faithful lover than Chang Chang Tearn."

Chang Chang shot him a look, but Fa Mu said, "Of course your friend will stay. No one will harm her while I keep watch."

"My deepest thanks," Chang Chang said. She looked at Ju Feng. "Are you ready, clevermouth?"

Ju Feng nodded. They made their way to the gap in the hull. Chang Chang paused by Zu Ruo's pallet. The dwarf was still unconscious, her skin the color of the moon, but she breathed evenly and deep.

"She truly would have been killed," Chang Chang said to Ju Feng, "if you hadn't made her come with us. Cerest killed the master of the Cradle—such a mad action even someone so well protected as Arowall couldn't have predicted it. And Zu Ruo wouldn't have abandoned her master to save her own life."

"Doesn't mean she'll live any longer than she was meant to," Ju Feng said.