Neferet sits on the bed at her mother's feet. "I knew you could help, your shadow has owl wings," she states confidently. "And owls eat rats right up, I've seen them!"

The mother gives Neferet a LOOK while Skellig works to stop the spasms, drain the fluid. Clearly, this is not the first time Neferet has said something in her presence about people's shadows.

"The man who sired Neferet is trying to claim her," she tells Skellig as her breath eases. "He must not have her, whatever happens to me. Please."