Desire

The sudden sound of knocking on the door piqued Clo’s alertness, but outside were merely two mages who couldn't possibly pose any threat. Consequently, Clo did not display much panic. She wiped the corner of Li Yue’s mouth, as the speck of bright red appearing on her fair face was indeed quite conspicuous.

Clo tidied her clothes and walked slowly to open the door slightly. There was nothing unusual inside the room; even the faint scent of blood had been blown out the window by Clo using elemental magic.

“Good morning, ladies.” The captain, clad in a white suit, appeared at the door and gave a slight bow. “I am the captain of this vessel. Last night’s weather was quite unsettling, but fortunately, the worst has passed.”

“Our route has returned to normal, and the ship and all its systems are functioning properly.” The first mate, standing beside the captain, smiled. “Breakfast service has resumed, and the dining hall has prepared hot drinks and pastries.”

“May I ask if you ladies lost any items during last night’s turbulence, or perhaps heard any strange noises?” The captain smiled, his gaze inadvertently drifting to Li Yue, who was staring fixedly at them from behind Clo. From those deathly blood red eyes, he felt a surge of unease and fear.

“No,” Li Yue’s cold voice came from the distance. She smoothed her loose hair, her tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. Perhaps she was annoyed at being interrupted during an intimate moment, or perhaps her internal emotions were still in a state of turmoil, making it difficult to avoid a negative tinge in her words.

“That... would you allow me to check your tickets? It is necessary for the headcount and records...” At some point, cold sweat had begun to pour uncontrollably from the captain’s forehead and armpits.

“Here.” With a flick of her hand, two tickets appeared in Clo’s grasp.

“Your destination is the Royal Court, I see...” The captain glanced at the first mate. “I apologize for disturbing your rest.”

He slowly knelt on one knee, and the first mate behind him followed suit.

“It is our honor to host a noble from the Royal Court. If you have any needs, please feel free to command us.”

“Leave us.” Li Yue waved her hand dismissively and walked slowly behind Clo. The first mate and the captain did not dare to linger; they left quickly and closed the door behind them.

“Where were we?” Li Yue’s arms wrapped around Clo’s soft, slender waist, her breath, still carrying a hint of blood, lingering around Clo’s neck.

“We were... finished clearing the scent of blood and clearing ourselves of suspicion.” Clo blinked, her train of thought taking a sharp turn.

“They won't dare suspect us anymore. In their eyes, I am a noble of the Royal Court.” Li Yue rested her chin on Clo’s shoulder. “And even if I admitted it, they would scramble to help me forge evidence.”

“This is the Royal Court, Clo. With power, one can do as they please.” Li Yue smiled. “I’m hungry.”

“You didn't think a little bit of blood would satisfy me, did you?” Li Yue licked Clo’s neck.

“You... haven't you regained your sanity?” Clo froze. She swallowed hard, feeling a sudden, inexplicable flutter in her heart, and her lower abdomen twitched twice for some unknown reason.

“Aowu.” Li Yue gently pressed down on Clo’s shoulders and pinned her to the floor.

Just a few drops of blood couldn't even quench my thirst, let alone fill me up... Honestly... you’re a bit cute in your foolishness. Or have you already prepared yourself to have part of your body consumed by me?

Clo... you dummy.

I only struggled out of my instincts because I saw you were hurt, otherwise...

“Wait...” Clo blocked part of her face with the back of her hand, which seemed to be burning with embarrassment. “The floor... the floor is too cold. At least, at least get on the bed...”

“No problem.” Li Yue picked Clo up and placed her gently on the bed. She pinned Clo’s hands down with one hand and lightly bit Clo’s lip. Between their entwined tongues, there was the faint, sweet metallic taste of blood.

Pale and deep blue skin entwined. The scent of love and blood echoed in the room.

Whether it was physical hunger or spiritual hunger, one had to be satisfied. Since the desire had reached an irrepressible point, then it should be released to the heart’s content.

...

Pale and bright red colors were woven together. The stench of rot could not even overpower the extremely heavy scent of blood. Broken limbs and flesh lay unattended, exposed nakedly to the air, spreading a terrifying plague named “Death.”

“Kill him,” the masked man said. The young man before him was tremblingly raising a giant hammer over his head. Lying on his side before him was a man whose eyes were filled with terror. A brick was tied to one side of the victim’s head. Tears flowed uncontrollably from his eyes. Out of fear, he had even vomited up all his stomach acid, leaving only foam bubbling from his mouth.

Thud! A heavy blow smashed down, followed by a near hysterical second, third, and fourth strike... until the pink mush of the brain, bright red flesh, scalp, and fragments of the red brick were all mixed together. As the hammer was lifted, it pulled strands of brain fluid. Only then did the executioner shakily set down the hammer.

“Not bad. Eat something first.” The masked man was perfectly composed. He took a small bowl from his robes containing a white mush, seemingly jellied tofu, topped with chopped chilies.

“Urgh.” The executioner couldn't help but kneel and vomit. He glanced at the mushy food with glazed eyes, his body convulsing amidst the fragments of the corpse.

“Eat... this is the price of becoming king. May the Divine Lord protect you.” The masked man traced a cross on his forehead, signifying the offering of everything, including his soul, to the Divine Lord.

“Bring up the next stray lamb.” The masked man murmured softly. From the distance, the sound of crying and screaming approached. He was completely unmoved. Regardless, those sounds always stopped eventually.

...

“Scream. Why have you stopped screaming?” Li Yue rose slowly, a slightly crazed and ferocious smile at the corners of her mouth.

She used one hand to sweep her hanging hair behind her head. Transparent sweat slid down the curves of her body, merging into the already soaked bedsheets. Between her heavy breaths, there was a hint of a manic laugh. “Eh... how did you pass out again?”