713 Back to Lodunvals

Contrary to Jake's expectations, Ruby showed no hint of surprise. Against all odds, she knew very clearly why her Digestor part had gone silent. Why else would she suddenly be consumed with guilt and grief?

Her facial muscles repeatedly tensed and relaxed, reflecting the painful inner conflict playing out within her. Eventually, a disillusioned countenance between shame and self-hatred froze on her face and she answered glumly,

"Because I have eaten."

Jake mulled over her words for a long time before he finally grasped what had been bothering him earlier. Ruby was behaving, reacting in a more human way, appearing more empathetic and very aware of the abominations she had committed. This was in total contradiction with the icy and cruel, almost psychopathic, behavior she had displayed all day long.