Chapter 98: Seeking Shelter or Embracing Love?

Anran's heart had been in turmoil, so Richard's sudden question caught her off guard. "Realize… realize what?" she stammered.

Richard rose gracefully from the lambskin rug and stood before her, his deep violet eyes fixed intently on her. He then rolled up the sleeve of his left arm.

Anran watched, confused, her dark eyes wide as Richard raised his right hand. His fingers were slender and pale, as always, but in the next moment, his nails grew sharp and long.

Under her stunned gaze, Richard used one of his sharp nails to swiftly cut his right forearm. A thin trail of crimson blood began to trickle from the wound.

Anran didn't understand why he would harm himself, but she quickly grasped the purpose of his demonstration. In an instant, Richard's deep violet eyes turned a vivid, blood-red, and the wound on his arm healed miraculously.

This was the nature of the bloodkin. In moments of anger, excitement, or when displaying their power, their eyes would turn red. They possessed remarkable regenerative abilities, and wounds like this were trivial to them.

Richard took a step toward Anran, stopping just two paces away. As he looked at her, his voice grew icy cold. "Are you afraid? Of a monster like me, who feeds on human blood? Hah… Initially, you were just another target…"

Anran hadn't anticipated such a situation, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Her silence felt like a sharp blade, piercing deeply into Richard's heart.

An aura of chilling cold emanated from him as he spoke, his expression as hard as frost. "If you're afraid, then leave quickly."

At that moment, Anran felt his presence colder than ever before.

She took a deep breath, then raised an eyebrow. "I haven't even spoken yet. Who are you to decide for me?"

Her words left Richard momentarily speechless.

But then Anran continued, "Last night, Yelang told me about the dangerous beings living in this town. Whether they're bloodkin or vampires, to be honest, I am a little scared."

Richard's heart sank. "Then why are you here?" he asked coldly.

"Because I'm scared, I decided to find a protector. I've heard… that the Morris family is the most powerful in the area. So, I've come to ask for your protection."

She blinked, then smiled. "So, as the leader of the bloodkin here, will you shelter me?"

This time, Richard was truly stunned. He hadn't expected her to say those words.

All this time, she had been toying with him, sending his emotions into chaos. Yet, he couldn't help but find her incredibly endearing.

Richard laughed, a sound filled with ease, joy, and satisfaction. In that moment, he felt like the luckiest person in the world.

His handsome face, bathed in the warm sunlight, almost dazzled Anran as she heard him say softly, "Anran, let's be together."