A HUNGER THAT WON'T FADE

Chapter 141: A Hunger That Won't Fade

Morning came, but the tension remained.

The battle was over.

The demonic general was gone, reduced to nothingness, yet his death hadn't brought the relief they had hoped for.

Kael adjusted his armor, rolling his shoulders as he surveyed the ruined outpost they had used as a resting place. The night had been uneventful, save for some distant growls from the shadows.

And yet—

The moment he turned, he felt it.

A pair of hungry ruby eyes locked onto him.

Leaning lazily against a fallen pillar, Vasaria Noctis watched him with an expression that was far too pleased for someone who had nearly collapsed from hunger the day before.

"You're staring," Kael muttered.

Vasaria smiled. "Of course I am."

Kael sighed, already knowing where this was going. "You're hungry again."

Vasaria took a slow step forward. "Is it that obvious?"

"Painfully."

She grinned, fangs flashing slightly. "Then you already know what I'm going to ask."

Raithon, who had been quietly scanning the area, snorted.

"By the gods, do you leeches ever stop?"

Vasaria's brows raised. "Oh? The little elf prince speaks."

Raithon's golden eyes narrowed. "Don't call me that, parasite."

Kael sighed. Here we go again.

"You know," Vasaria said, turning to fully face him, "it's funny how you have something to say every time I open my mouth, Vaelora."

Raithon folded his arms. "That's because every time you open your mouth, something disgusting comes out."

Saria, who had been cleaning her daggers, perked up. "Oh, this should be fun."

Thalric, standing beside her, sighed.

Vasaria chuckled. "You don't like me very much, do you?"

Raithon's expression was cold. "I don't like what you are."

Vasaria smirked. "And yet, here I am, fighting beside you, saving your delicate elven skin. Imagine that."

Raithon's jaw tightened. "Don't act like we're the same."

"We're both nobles, aren't we?" Vasaria teased.

"You are nothing like me, Noctis," Raithon said, voice sharp. "You're a bloodthirsty monster pretending to be civil."

Kael rubbed his temple.

This was not what he wanted to deal with first thing in the morning.

Saria whistled. "Damn. That's some real hatred."

Thalric, standing beside her, frowned. "Raithon. Enough."

Raithon scoffed. "Tch. Just stating facts."

Vasaria hummed, tilting her head. "You know, for someone who hates vampires, you sure do obsess over me."

Raithon clicked his tongue. "Don't flatter yourself."

Vasaria smirked. "Too late."

Kael exhaled. "Are you two done?"

Raithon glared at Vasaria for a moment before turning away with a huff. "Just keep that thing away from me."

Vasaria shrugged. "Oh, don't worry. I have much better prey in mind."

She turned back to Kael, grinning.

"Speaking of which—about my breakfast?"

Kael groaned. "Are you seriously asking again?"

Vasaria took a slow step forward. "What can I say? You're addictive."

Saria smirked. "Oh, this I have to see."

Thalric looked unimpressed. "You're not making this any less uncomfortable."

Kael sighed, already resigning himself to his fate.

"Fine. Just—make it quick."

Vasaria's grin widened. "I'll try."

Raithon muttered something about disgraceful behavior but didn't interfere.

Ilyra, standing silently at the side, crossed her arms.

Again?

She wasn't sure why, but watching this irritated her.

She told herself it was nothing.

Just a meaningless feeding ritual.

So why did she feel this way?

Vasaria didn't hesitate.

She was already too close, too fast.

Her fingers slid against his collar, pulling him forward ever so slightly.

Kael tensed as she tilted his chin, exposing his neck.

And then—

Her lips brushed against his skin.

Kael's breath hitched.

Then—

Her fangs sank deep.

A sharp sting.

Followed by a rush of burning heat.

Kael's grip on her arm tightened.

Vasaria shuddered.

His blood—it was even stronger than before.

It burned through her veins, igniting something dangerous, something primal.

She pressed closer, drinking deeper, slower.

She didn't want to stop.

Kael exhaled, his pulse matching hers.

His mind felt clouded, distant, warm.

Vasaria let out a soft, breathless sigh against his skin, savoring every drop.

She could stay like this forever.

And then—

She pulled back.

Her lips parted, dazed.

Her cheeks flushed.

Her breath unsteady.

She licked the last traces of blood from her mouth and sighed in satisfaction.

"Amazing," she whispered.

Kael, still recovering, raised a brow. "What?"

Vasaria grinned, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

"You taste even better than before."

Kael groaned. "I'm not asking why."

She leaned in closer, whispering near his ear.

"You should. I'd love to explain—in detail."

Kael pulled away immediately.

"Not happening."

From a short distance away, Ilyra clenched her fists.

She had no reason to feel bothered.

None at all.

And yet—

Something in her hated this.

Saria smirked. "You're glaring again, Ilyra."

"I am not."

"You totally are."

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

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

Ilyra ignored her.

But deep down—

She knew Saria was right.

And she hated it.