He was now pale, rather than white, and instead of fire in his eyes there was sadness.

Lucy felt the swelling and pounding of her heart--and a long, delicious shuddering thrill that ran over her.
"Lin, I won't take Wildfire," she said.
"Yes, you will.

You can't refuse.

Remember he's grown to look to you.
It wouldn't be right by the horse." "But he's all you have in the world," she protested.

Yet she knew any protestations would be in vain.
"No.