Chapter 23

 Shen paced the room. There was enough of a lapse in time since his last dose of potion to allow his mind some semblance of connection to his body, as well as become more aware of his surroundings. The curtains were drawn back and the brilliant sun shone hazy and distorted through the thick, darkened glass. It taunted him that the world was still living, even if he wasn’t.

They hadn’t brought Dao-Ming to him. He assumed she’d conceived, since a new female was presented to him and was now lying asleep in his bed. The door creaked softly as the guard entered with his food cart. His lustful sneers at the female in the bed didn’t go unnoticed. Although Shen was more himself, he was still a long way off from being in a position to challenge the guard in any way. Besides, this young woman meant nothing to him. She was just part of the job he was forced to do. He didn’t want to see harm come to her, but he also didn’t feel a strong inclinatio