HUNGER & TEMPTATION

Chapter 140: Hunger & Temptation

The battle was over.

The demonic general lay in ruins, his very existence erased by Kael's Death Sigil. His last moment had been spent in terror, unable to comprehend his own annihilation.

And yet, the air still felt tainted.

The group stood in silence, their bodies covered in injuries, exhaustion creeping into their bones.

But while the others focused on their wounds, Vasaria had another problem.

Her hunger.

Vasaria Noctis leaned against a half-collapsed pillar, her breathing uneven.

The scent of blood was everywhere—thick, intoxicating, overwhelming. But none of it was good enough.

Not after what she had tasted earlier.

She clenched her jaw, trying to suppress the gnawing thirst clawing at her throat. Her fangs throbbed, aching for release.

Kael turned to her, frowning. "You're pale."

Vasaria gave him a dry smirk. "I'm always pale."

Kael crossed his arms. "You know what I mean."

She exhaled sharply. Of course he knew. He was sharper than most.

Her blood supply—the carefully prepared flasks she carried—had been destroyed in the battle. Without them, she had no choice.

She needed to feed.

And there was only one option.

Her ruby eyes flickered toward Kael.

His scent was different.

Rich. Potent. Overwhelming.

It had been ever since she first tasted him. And now?

She wanted more.

She licked her lips. "You wouldn't happen to let me have another go at you, would you?"

Kael raised a brow. "Do I look like a traveling blood bag?"

Vasaria grinned, stepping closer. "No. But you do have something better."

Kael stiffened. He knew exactly where this was going.

Raithon narrowed his eyes. "Vasaria, you can't be serious."

Saria scoffed. "Tch. Of course she's serious. Look at her."

The dark elf woman was right. Vasaria's breath was shallow, her fingers twitching slightly. She wasn't in full control anymore.

Kael exhaled. "You're telling me you want my blood. Again."

Vasaria smiled sweetly. "I need your blood, Kael."

"That's different."

"Not to me."

Kael sighed. He could already tell this was a losing battle.

"Fine," he muttered. "Just get it over with."

Vasaria stepped closer, and for the first time—Kael felt a hint of hesitation.

The last time, she had been restrained, careful.

This time?

She was starving.

"You trust me, right?" she murmured, tilting her head.

Kael held her gaze. "If I say no, will that stop you?"

Vasaria laughed softly. "Not at all."

Then—she leaned in.

Her lips brushed against his neck, and Kael felt his body tense.

Cold fingers slid against his jaw, tilting his head slightly.

And then—

Her fangs sank into his skin.

A sharp sting—followed by a flood of heat.

Kael's breath hitched.

It was nothing like before.

The sensation pulsed through him, like a rush of fire mixed with something deeper, something primal.

Vasaria shuddered.

His blood was stronger.

Richer. Addictive.

She pressed closer, her body curving against his, drinking deeper.

Her heartbeat matched his.

Kael exhaled slowly, gripping her arm to keep his balance.

His mind blurred, heat coiling through his veins—was this a side effect of her magic, or something else?

And then, just as suddenly—

She pulled away.

A soft gasp left her lips, her ruby eyes dazed.

She licked the blood from her lips, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Holy hells," she whispered.

Kael raised a brow. "What?"

Vasaria grinned lazily. "You taste better than before."

Kael sighed. "I don't want to know what that means."

She tilted her head, voice light, teasing. "Are you sure? Because I'd love to do this again sometime."

Kael groaned. "Of course you would."

Ilyra watched from a distance, arms crossed tightly.

A strange feeling curled in her chest.

She had no reason to feel bothered.

It was just blood.

And yet—something about it annoyed her.

Saria noticed.

The dark elf smirked. "You're glaring pretty hard, Ilyra."

Ilyra blinked. "I am not."

"You are."

"I don't care what they do."

Saria snickered. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Ilyra huffed, looking away. "It's just unnecessary. She could have taken anyone else's blood."

Saria's smirk widened. "But she didn't."

Ilyra ignored her.

But deep down, she knew—

This feeling wasn't going away.

Kael rubbed his neck, still feeling the lingering sensation.

Raithon looked unimpressed. "You should be more careful. Vampires can be dangerous."

Vasaria rolled her eyes. "I didn't kill him, did I?"

"You wanted to."

"Maybe." She smirked. "But I like him alive."

Raithon clicked his tongue. "Reckless."

Saria chuckled. "A little recklessness makes life interesting."

Kael sighed, rubbing his temple. "Can we focus? We just killed a high-ranking demon, and you're all acting like this is a festival."

Vasaria leaned closer, whispering. "It could be a festival. Just let me drink again."

Kael shot her a look. "No."

Vasaria pouted dramatically.

Saria laughed. "I like her."

Raithon muttered, "Of course you do."

Kael exhaled deeply.

It was going to be a long mission.