Chapter 135: Blood, Secrets, and Jealousy
The ruins stretched on, jagged and lifeless, but the true tension lay within the group.
Kael could feel the occasional glances Vasaria threw his way.
Not casual.
Not innocent.
A gaze of hunger.
And it had nothing to do with food.
A Late-Night Conversation
They had set up camp for the night, their temporary shelter nestled between the crumbling remains of an ancient fortress.
Most of the group was asleep.
Except for Kael.
And Vasaria.
The vampire princess sat across from him, her crimson eyes gleaming in the firelight.
"You're avoiding me," she mused.
Kael raised a brow. "You drank my blood less than a day ago. Excuse me if I'm cautious."
Vasaria smirked. "Oh, Veyrin. That wasn't just blood. That was… something else."
Kael's fingers tapped against the hilt of his sword. "What do you mean?"
Vasaria leaned in, her voice lowering.
"When I drink from humans, their blood is simple. Nourishing, yes, but ordinary."
She paused, licking her lips slightly.
"But yours…"
Kael remained silent.
Vasaria's smirk widened. "It was sweet. Addictive. Powerful."
Kael sighed internally.
Of course, it was.
His entire existence was built by the system. His mana was no longer ordinary—his very essence had evolved beyond that of a normal human.
And now, Vasaria had tasted it.
And she wanted more.
She leaned forward, her fangs slightly visible.
"You wouldn't mind another taste, would you?"
Kael met her gaze, unshaken. "I mind."
Vasaria pouted. "You're cruel, Veyrin."
Kael smirked. "I'm practical."
Vasaria exhaled, tilting her head. "At least let me be honest with you."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Honest about what?"
She leaned in just enough for her breath to brush against his skin.
"I want more," she whispered. "And next time… I'm taking it from your neck."
Kael stilled.
Vasaria chuckled, pulling away, amusement dancing in her crimson gaze.
"Good night, Veyrin," she murmured before disappearing into the shadows.
Kael exhaled, rubbing his temple.
This was going to be a problem.
From the edge of the camp, Ilyra watched.
She had seen the interaction.
Heard every word.
And for some reason… she didn't like it.
Which was stupid.
Kael was her master now, yes.
But that didn't mean she cared what he did with a blood-drinking noblewoman.
And yet—
She felt irritated.
Tch.
Ridiculous.
She turned on her heel, ignoring the unwanted tightness in her chest.
It didn't matter.
It shouldn't matter.
But then why did it?
With their camp packed up, the group continued their journey.
The deeper they went, the thicker the air became.
Something was waiting for them.
And as Vasaria walked beside Kael, her fingers lightly brushing against his wrist, she smiled to herself.
Because next time, she wouldn't settle for his wrist.