Chapter 19: Thirst and Temptation

As the days passed, Lucien couldn't help but notice the deterioration in Blaise's health. His complexion now appeared pale and sickly, accentuated by the dark circles under his eyes. He was starting to get an emaciated look as well.

He was not going out to hunt, Lucien realized, concern knitting his brows together. That meant he was not drinking blood. No wonder he looked so unwell.

It was taking a toll on his well-being. The signs were all there—his weakened appearance, the gauntness of his features, his lethargy. Blaise was suffering, and it pained Lucien to witness his deterioration.

What could he do to help him, though?

As they sat together, as usual, in the study, Lucien observed Blaise's behaviors. He seemed anxious. At times, Blaise would rise from his seat, pacing the room with restless energy, like a caged animal seeking escape. Other times he would bite his nails, a habit Lucien had not previously observed.

It was not just hunger... something else might be wrong. Blaise probably needed to leave the house at least sometimes, Lucien thought. It must driving him crazy. That and the starvation.

So, the next day, after he was finished playing his violin while Blaise had a cup of coffee, Lucien tried something new.

"Hey Blaise, care to join me for an evening walk?" Lucien asked, looking at his friend expectantly.

Blaise hesitated for a moment, then replied, "I'm tired, and the sun is still up. You know I don't particularly enjoy being out in the sun."

Drawing closer, Lucien spoke gently. "You look terrible, Blaise. You can't stay cooped up inside all day."

Before Lucien could say anything else, Blaise let out a bitter laugh, his irritation surfacing. "My mother forbade me from going out," he snapped, frustration evident in his tone. "If she catches me once, she'll kick me out again. And to make matters worse, I haven't received any letters from Raphael. I sent him a few to let him know I'm back at my mother's, but he hasn't replied. It's not like he needs to visit, but a simple letter wouldn't hurt." Blaise looked wounded.

Lucien's heart fell Blaise's mention of Raphael. So that's why Blaise was so anxious these days. Why did he tell Raphael where he was? What was he thinking?

"You know, Blaise," Lucien said, "I can't help but wonder if Raphael is a good influence on you. Maybe it's time to distance yourself from him. He seems to be the source of most of your problems. I don't know, it just seems like he's using you."

Blaise's expression turned pensive, his eyes darting away for a moment before meeting Lucien's gaze. "It's not that simple," he replied, running his hands through his hair in frustration. "If my mother kicks me out again, Raphael is the only person I can rely on."

Lucien nodded understandingly. "I'll see to it that you don't get kicked out, then. At least not until you can stand on your own two feet. But remember, Blaise, you don't have to stay locked in the house all day. You're allowed to leave the house if you have someone to accompany you." He paused for a moment, then continued, "So, how about going for a walk with me?" He added in a whisper, "Seeing as you haven't had a chance to drink recently."

Blaise's eyes brightened as he caught onto Lucien's plan. "A little fresh air sounds lovely now."

He took one last swig of his coffee, then followed Lucien down the hall to the back doors.

As the evening sun cast its golden hues across the sky, Lucien and Blaise strolled along the side of the house, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. The air carried a scent of blooming flowers, filling their surroundings with a sweet fragrance. It felt perfect, just the right temperature to enjoy the garden.

Their footsteps led them further away from the house, back behind the bushes. Their destination was the back of the house where the gardens unfolded in all their splendor. The woods were right there; Lucien could let Blaise hunt for a little bit without anyone being able to see them from the house. It was a perfect plan.

Blaise, although quiet, seemed to relish the opportunity to finally be outside, his eyes gleaming with a newfound appreciation for the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Lucien smiled; Blaise really seemed happy about this.

They approached a small shed nestled amidst a cluster of trees and flower bushes. It was right where the garden ended and the woods began. Blaise hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed upon the shed's weathered exterior. A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he turned to Lucien.

"I used to hide out here sometimes, when I had a fight with my mother. I wonder if it's still in good shape. Shall we venture inside and explore, Lucien?" Blaise suggested, pointing to the shed.

As the suggestion escaped Blaise's lips, Lucien's mind momentarily wandered, entertaining the thought that perhaps this invitation was a ploy, a subtle attempt to seduce him once more. Blaise's little tilt of the head and the small smile that played on his lips seemed flirtatious to Lucien. Maybe it was just wishful thinking. The memory of their previous encounters danced in his head as he gazed at Blaise's captivating beauty. A part of him secretly yearned for Blaise to tempt him again.

He couldn't keep thinking like this, or else he would end up giving in to Blaise's charms.

Trying to hide how hard his heart was beating, Lucien said, "Very well, let's go inside."

Blaise went before him, and pushed the door. It creaked open, revealing the interior of the little shed. Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of aged wood and earth, intermingled with the delicate perfume of nearby flowers.

The shed, although small, possessed a rustic charm. Wooden shelves adorned the walls, showcasing an assortment of gardening tools and pots. Cobwebs clung to the corners, where they wouldn't bother people. Rays of sunlight filtered through the small window, casting shimmering patterns upon the dust particles suspended in the air.

Lucien couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue as he stepped further into the shed, his eyes taking in the faded colors and the quiet solitude.

Blaise walked close to Lucien now, circling him slowly like he was his prey. Lucien froze in anticipation, watching him.

At last, Blaise spoke. "Thank you, Lucien."

"Thank me? But it's just a walk, Blaise."

A disarming smile graced Blaise's lips, and he looked Lucien over with smoldering eyes. His sharp fans protruded from his lips, glinting in the dim light. "No, Lucien," Blaise responded, running his hand along Lucien's arm. It sent goosebumps all up and down Lucien's spine. "Thank you for allowing me to drink your blood."

Lucien's body tensed, his mind racing to catch up with the revelation.

Drink his blood? This wasn't what Lucien signed up for!

"What? I...I assumed you would take care of your ... thirst... by catching an animal during our walk! That's why I brought you so near the forest!" Lucien never considered that he himself would become the prey.

Blaise, his gaze fixated on Lucien, took a step closer. The arrogance that often marked his expression now gave way to a pleading look, a desperation reflected in his eyes. He looked into Lucien's eyes and began to speak in a rather urgent tone.

"Lucien," Blaise said, "you don't understand how dire my situation has become. I am growing weak, very quickly. Animal blood won't do right now. Human blood, in small amounts, is the ultimate source of energy for me. I only require a small amount, just enough to regain my strength."

Lucien stood there, torn between his conflicting desires. He wanted to help Blaise, yet the idea of offering his own blood gave him pause. Blaise, perceptive as always, sensed Lucien's inner struggle and swiftly adapted his approach.

Closing the gap between them, Blaise adopted a seductive demeanor. He softly caressed Lucien's cheek and pleaded, "Please, my dear Lucien. Let me taste you. I won't drink much, it won't hurt you at all. I promise it will bring pleasure, not pain. It will be an experience like no other."

Lucien's mind spun in a whirlwind of enchantment. Under Blaise's seductive spell, he couldn't resist the pull any longer. His hands reached out, gripping Blaise's hips, pulling him closer.

Blaise's eyes widened in surprise, his lips curving into a smile. His body arched subtly, instinctively leaning into the touch, craving the closeness.

Blaise's seductive gaze deepened, hungry. "Oh, Lucien," he breathed. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

Up close, Blaise's beauty was intoxicating, a captivating sight that stole Lucien's breath away. Against his better judgement, he succumbed to the temptation, his voice barely a whisper as he surrendered.

"Blaise," Lucien murmured, his heart thundering with anticipation "You can drink my blood."