Chapter 46: You have my blood in your body, remember to be responsible
Ina collapsed into sleep the moment they reached their room, exhaustion overtaking her.
Cynthia, who’d braced for more of Ina’s teasing, exhaled in relief.
No sneak attacks tonight.
She sat on the bed’s edge, gazing at the night beyond the window.
A sudden pang of hunger twisted her stomach, her pupils narrowing.
Haven’t fed in a while.
Her willpower teetered against primal urges.
Past lapses flashed in her mind—times when hunger won, and Alicia had to intervene.
Each time, Cynthia woke with vague memories, Alicia’s stern face, and evidence of chaos she’d caused.
Without Alicia here, in a human kingdom, losing control could spark disaster.
She wiped her brow, glancing at Ina.
Too late to find the bag.
Emergency. For the city’s safety.
Excuses piled up as she rose, drawn to Ina’s bed.
Her breathing quickened, fangs bared, as she leaned toward Ina’s neck.
Ina, lost in dreams, giggled.
“Crispy chicken burger… so good…”
A tingle on her neck stirred her, and she swatted it.
“Stupid mosquitoes…”
Her hand met soft, silky hair—not her neck.
A small yelp followed.
That’s not right.
“…Hm?”
Ina’s eyes fluttered open, cold sweat breaking out.
Sleep paralysis? No, ghosts are real!
She looked down—a white-haired figure pressed against her neck, the source of the tingling.
“C-Cynthia-chan?!”
Her earlier slap had landed squarely on Cynthia’s head.
Cynthia, silent, slowly rose.
Moonlight revealed her face, red as a ripe tomato.
Ina touched her neck, feeling dampness.
Her fingers caught a faint blood-red stain.
Sitting up, she leaned against the headboard, staring at Cynthia, who sat meekly, avoiding her gaze.
Ina covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.
Silence stretched until Ina spoke.
“Cynthia-chan… hungry?”
Cynthia’s head sank lower, shame washing over her.
Why’d she wake up now?
“I…”
Words failed her.
Ina slid closer, blowing softly into Cynthia’s pointed ear.
“Eek!”
Cynthia jolted, turning to face Ina’s impish grin.
“What’re you doing?! I just couldn’t find my blood bottle!”
“I get it, I get it~”
Ina’s knowing look was infuriating.
She leaned in, whispering, “If you’re hungry, just say so~”
“You’re impossible!”
“So, you drank my blood. Does that make you mine now? My blood’s in you~”
“Be responsible for me~”
“What?! Stop spouting nonsense, stupid Ina!”
Cynthia’s hunger, triggered by Ina’s scent, nearly broke her restraint.
Her missing blood bottles—left in her armor—left her vulnerable.
Past losses of control haunted her, but Ina’s playful teasing flipped the moment, turning her shame into flustered defiance.
The dresses, Alicia’s test, and the looming lord’s meeting weighed on her.
Lorena’s revelation about the Saint’s orders deepened the Church’s shadow.
The Blood Crown and Luofengte remained unresolved, but now, Ina’s cheeky claim of “ownership” added a new, exasperating layer to Cynthia’s night.