Chapter 17

"You're cured." He chuckled, tearing open the aluminum foil package with his teeth, noticing her displeased expression. "Would you rather I remain indifferent?"

"Of course!" The silver sword was in her jacket pocket, but an ambush needed to be unexpected. He had suffered from it before and would be prepared, so this move wouldn't work anymore. Their strength gap was too large; she had no chance of winning in a direct confrontation.

She gritted her teeth and said, "I'd rather fight you to the death than..." Her words were cut off by his sudden invasion. She gasped, gripping his shoulder tightly.

"Fighting to the death is too emotional." He knew her tension wasn't due to pain but sharp pleasure. He whispered wickedly in her ear, "If I'm going to die, I'd rather choose to be drained dry in bed, dying in your enchanting embrace. What do you think?"

She bit her lip, trying not to let out a difficult moan. Her eyes were misty, seemingly about to melt and surrender under him, yet she still resisted stubbornly. Between reason and desire, she blossomed with astonishing beauty, making him infatuated.

"Showing such a resistant expression in front of a man interested in you is a form of teasing, you know?" His voice was hoarse with desire, fascinated by her hair scattered on his sweat-stained arm. "It makes him not want to let you go."

She groaned, her ten fingers digging deeply into his shoulder, as if trying to push him away or hold him tighter. Her round eyes glared at him angrily.

He chuckled, kissing her unwillingly beautiful face, intoxicated by her suppressed breathing. The more she resisted, the more wanton he became, as if he wanted to destroy her without mercy, yet retaining a bit of cherishing and gentleness, making her completely dissolve in joy without collapsing too soon.

His breath entwined with hers, her frantic heartbeat shook him. Between resistance and desire, they entangled fiercely...

In the midst of passion, his only thought was—one month wasn't enough. He wanted more time with her...

...

Delyn Sarah lay in bed, feeling someone cover her with a blanket in a daze.

She didn't move, pretending to be asleep. In reality, her whole body was sore, too tired to move. She knew he would notice but wouldn't expose her.

Sure enough, he covered her with the blanket, kissed her cheek, and then retreated. As he stepped back, she heard him emit a chuckling sigh, seemingly mocking her pretense.

She gritted her teeth, pretending to be asleep, ignoring his mockery.

Since that derailed night in the kitchen, she had been living in hell these past few days. He personally demonstrated what "indulgence" meant. He no longer read books, only loved to hold her. But starting with a hug often ended in a messy bed—even if he initially chose a place other than the bedroom, he would at least carry her, exhausted, to bed.

She hated this, not just because it made her almost unable to get out of bed, but also the near-death pleasure. He was a seductive snake she couldn't resist. She would rather this brought a thousand cuts and pain than enjoyment. Her reason scolded her for her downfall.

The only benefit was that even though a vampire's physical strength far surpassed humans, he would also get tired and sleep holding her afterward. But she was too tired to wake up, lacking the strength to launch a sneak attack.

It felt like she had fallen into a trap of lust, trapped by him, using debauched games to destroy her will. She constantly reminded herself—her body might be captured by him, but her reason must not surrender. She was merely appeasing him; her heart hadn't fallen, absolutely not...

Too tired to wake up, she didn't want to wake up, dreading the reality. She curled up in bed until the sunlight on the curtains disappeared, reminding her night had come. She had to get up, only to find the pillow beside her empty; he had left sometime.

Relieved not to face him, she also felt a bit surprised. This was the first time she woke up without him by her side.

She went downstairs, the house silent, seemingly empty.

Stepping outside, the lights on the trees in the alley were already on, casting a warm glow, a scene of tranquility. She still didn't see him, but noticed a long-haired little girl picking up fallen leaves under a tree, while a little boy sat in the branches, asleep.

Both children weren't human. Delyn Sarah paused, watching them. The little girl looked sweet and cute but was actually a fairy managing a "Secret Exchange Shop."

The Secret Exchange Shop was a place for wizards to exchange magical items, bartering goods without accepting money.

The little girl moved lightly, occasionally glancing at the boy in the tree with a cautious and fearful expression. She quickly finished picking up the leaves and slipped inside.

Delyn Sarah understood her fear. The boy was an "Earth Spirit," a creature born from the earth. It was said that where Earth Spirits resided, the air would be particularly fragrant and clean, plants would flourish, and animals would peacefully inhabit. They had a wonderful stabilizing power, attracting all living things. But in recent years, with severe environmental changes, Earth Spirits had gradually disappeared. The boy before her was the last survivor.

She looked at the beautiful boy in the tree, his cheeks white and lips red. The energy flowing in him was not pleasant or peaceful but chaotic and dirty, as if all the world's filth was wrapped in his small body. Earth Spirits were mirrors reflecting the earth's state; she could easily imagine how dire the natural environment was now.

Suddenly, a sound came from the other end of the alley. Delyn Sarah turned her head and saw Alexander standing at the entrance of the Fennel House, looking at her in surprise.

Without much thought, she walked towards him.

"If you're looking for Emile, he hasn't been here." Alexander said softly. Seeing her hair blown by the wind, revealing her neck covered in kiss marks, a strange look flashed in his handsome eyes, but he said no more.

"I'm not here to find him." Originally intending to inquire about his whereabouts, but since Alexander mentioned it first, she couldn't bring herself to ask. "Since I'm here, it would be a pity not to visit an excellent exorcist like you."

The Delyn family had no feud with Alexander, but due to the Nine Jade Guild, they didn't have much contact. However, her cousin Johnson studied under him, which brought them closer.

Alexander smiled at her words, inviting her inside and offering a plate of freshly made chocolate candies for her to taste. "I just made these; tell me how they taste."

She picked up a candy, recalling what Emile mentioned last night. "I heard you're getting married?"