Chapter 26: Virgin Blood
In the quiet of the alchemy classroom, Elias pulled Lyra aside, his expression grave and concerned. "Lyra, I need to talk to you about Adrian," he said, his voice low and urgent.
Lyra frowned, surprised by the seriousness in Elias's tone. "What about him?" she asked, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of the brooding vampire.
Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He's bad news, Lyra. He's not like the other Sanguine students here. He's dangerous, and he preys on women like you."
Lyra's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and indignation rising in her chest. "What do you mean, 'women like me'?" she demanded, her voice sharp.
Elias looked away, his expression pained. "I mean... women who are innocent, who haven't yet experienced love or the full extent of their Essence abilities."
He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for what he was about to say. "Sanguine Essence techniques can evolve, Lyra. They can become even more powerful, but at a terrible cost. If a Sanguine drinks the blood of a virgin who has fallen in love with them, someone with who submits their technique of their own... it unlocks a whole new level of power."
Lyra felt a chill run down her spine, her stomach twisting with a sudden, sickening realization. "And what happens to the person they drink from?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elias met her gaze, his eyes filled with a deep, aching sadness. "They become a slave to the Sanguine, bound to them forever. Their will, their very essence, is consumed by the vampire's power."
Lyra staggered back, her mind reeling with the implications of Elias's words. She thought of the way Adrian had looked at her, the intensity in his gaze, the way he had touched her so casually, so possessively. Had he been planning to use her all along, to drain her of her innocence and her free will?
"I... I can't believe it," she stammered, her voice shaking with a mix of anger and fear. "How could he do something like that? How could anyone?"
Elias shook his head, his expression grim. "Some Sanguine believe it's their right, that humans and other Essence users are nothing more than cattle to be used and discarded. Adrian... he's one of the worst. He's charming, seductive, but behind that mask, he's a monster."
Lyra felt a wave of revulsion wash over her, mingled with a deep, aching sense of betrayal. She had thought there was something special about Adrian, something that drew her to him despite her better judgment. But now, she saw him for what he truly was: a predator, a creature of darkness and cruelty.
"I... I won't let him hurt me, or anyone else," she said, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I'll stay away from him, Elias. I promise."
Elias nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "Good. And if he tries anything, if he so much as looks at you the wrong way... you come to me, okay? I won't let him touch you, Lyra. I swear it."
Lyra managed a small, grateful smile, her heart swelling with a sudden rush of affection for the boy who had become her friend and protector. "Thank you, Elias," she said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone