Chapter 136: A Hunger That Won't Fade
The atmosphere had changed.
As the group delved deeper into the demon-infested lands, the air grew thicker, charged with an unnatural mana. The ground beneath them was scarred, remnants of battles long past—but the demons were not remnants.
They were watching.
Waiting.
And something far stronger than before was waiting for them ahead.
Yet, at this moment, Kael had another problem.
Vasaria.
The vampire princess walked far too close, her fingers brushing against his wrist every now and then—a silent reminder.
She was waiting.
Her thirst had only grown.
And Kael knew he wouldn't be able to put it off forever.
Thalric Velmora, the dark elf warrior, frowned as he crouched beside a massive claw mark embedded into stone.
"This wasn't here yesterday," he muttered.
Raithon Vaelora, the High Elven prince, scoffed. "Of course not. Demons don't leave trails unless they want to be followed."
Saria Velmora, the dark elf mage, ran her fingers across the mark, her expression unreadable. "This isn't just any demon."
Kael exhaled. "A high-ranking one?"
Saria nodded.
Silence.
Then—
Raithon clicked his tongue. "Fantastic. As if we weren't already babysitting liabilities."
Thalric shot him a sharp glare. "Careful, princeling."
Raithon smirked. "Just stating facts."
Before the two could continue, Vasaria spoke.
"We're wasting time. We either keep moving forward or stand around waiting for them to find us first."
Kael sighed. "She's right. We move."
The group pushed on—but Kael could feel it now.
Something was stalking them.
The sun had nearly set when Kael noticed Vasaria's breathing had changed.
It was shallow. Unsteady.
And her eyes—darker than before.
She was starving.
They stopped at a small clearing to rest for the night, setting up a quick defensive perimeter.
That's when Vasaria grabbed Kael's wrist and pulled him aside, away from the others.
Ilyra's golden eyes flickered, watching from a distance, but she said nothing.
Yet her fingers curled into a fist.
Vasaria pushed Kael against a tree, her crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"I can't wait any longer."
Kael exhaled. He had expected this.
Still, she was far closer than necessary.
"Not here," he muttered. "The others—"
"They won't see," Vasaria interrupted, her voice lower, huskier.
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Your blood reserves—"
"Destroyed," she whispered.
Her fingers tightened against his coat, pressing against his chest.
Kael sighed. "Fine."
Vasaria smirked. "I knew you'd see reason."
She leaned in—but this time, not for his wrist.
Her lips brushed against his neck.
And then—her fangs sank in.
A sharp sting—then warmth.
It was different this time.
The sensation spread through his body, an odd mix of pleasure and lethargy.
His heartbeat slowed—but not dangerously.
He felt her shudder against him, felt the way her grip on his coat tightened.
And then—a low sound escaped her throat.
Almost a moan.
Kael stiffened.
Vasaria froze, pulling back slightly, her breathing ragged.
For the first time since meeting her, she looked genuinely startled.
"What… was that?" she whispered.
Kael exhaled. "I should be asking you."
Vasaria wiped the corner of her lips, licking the remaining blood off her fangs.
"That," she muttered, "was the best damn thing I've ever tasted."
Kael groaned, rubbing his temple. "Great."
And then—
A new voice cut through the trees.
"You can't be serious."
Both of them turned—to see Ilyra standing a few feet away.
Her golden eyes narrowed, arms crossed.
And for the first time…
Kael realized.
She was jealous.
Even if she didn't want to be.
Before Kael could even process Ilyra's presence—
A chilling laughter echoed through the ruins.
The group immediately tensed.
Kael shoved Vasaria behind him, hand gripping his sword.
Thalric and Raithon stood side by side, weapons drawn.
Saria's weapon drawn.
And then—
From the darkness, it emerged.
A demon unlike the others.
Not a mindless beast.
Not a raging monster.
But something else entirely.
It stood tall, clad in tattered robes of black and crimson, its horns twisted and its eyes glowing violet.
But the worst part?
It spoke.
"Well, well," the demon drawled. "What do we have here?"
Silence.
Then, Kael exhaled.
"Great."
"More problems."