CHAPTER 19: THE ’TRULY SPECIAL REWARD’

Scalding water runs down my body, washing away the dust and blood crusted on my aching skin after the fight with Aron.

Normally, familiars have to settle for washing in a small basin in their rooms, filled with lukewarm water—on lucky days.

But this time, Ayra granted me what she calls a ’truly special reward’: the privilege of using her shower.

«After that splendid victory, I’ve decided to reward you with something truly special: you’ll accompany me shopping in the center of Noxscura! But you can’t be seen at my side in this state—filthy and smelly. Take a proper hot shower, and don’t skimp on conditioner and scented oils. Don’t you dare embarrass me in front of the other noble ladies of the kingdom, especially my sister Daphne!»

A whole day dedicated to shopping? Fantastic...

Though I can’t deny I’m a little curious about the capital of the vampire kingdom.

What will it look like? Maybe something grotesque and macabre, with tall, black, gothic-style buildings?

Or more like a medieval fantasy setting?

And of course, I’m curious about meeting the famous Daphne Volkom, the eldest daughter of king Viktor.

The tone Ayra used when speaking of her last night by the lake, together with the expression on her face, it’s clear she feels deep affection and admiration for Daphne.

Considering Ayra constantly fights with the sisters I’ve met so far—Priscilla, Sasha, and Clotilde—this Daphne must truly be someone exceptional to earn her respect.

A silly but logical question crossed my mind the moment she made that proposal.

Until now, I’ve always seen her summon her clothes from nothing, shadows coming to life to form her unmistakable black dresses.

What sense does shopping make if she can just create her own clothes?

Her answer was far less silly—and far more complex—than I expected.

In short, vampires can usually materialize only red clothing.

Their Sanguis energy generates it, just as they create weapons.

For nobles, wearing red is a mark of shame, as if they couldn’t afford real clothes and had to rely on magic to dress.

Then there’s Sasha, who couldn’t care less about these ’noble fears of looking poor’, as she calls them.

Being a princess, she doesn’t need to flaunt her status.

Besides, in her opinion, no dress on the market highlights her figure better than the ones she creates herself.

As I said, vampires can usually materialize only red garments, but Ayra is an incredibly rare exception.

She possesses an extraordinary ability that allows her to create and wear her unmistakable black dresses.

This unique talent is called Innatus, different from vampire to vampire, and only a handful possess one.

Dressing in black, therefore, is a way to flaunt this extraordinary gift.

«Wearing black all the time is boring. And besides, I like to dress in white!» she concluded.

Still, taking a real shower wasn’t the only surprise—or rather, it was, but only in part.

Ayra didn’t just give me the privilege of showering... she gave me the privilege of sharing it with her!

And I swear it’s the most beautiful, fantastic, wonderful, and... exhilarating sight I’ve ever witnessed!

Watching her vigorously massage her soapy boobs, thighs, and buttocks... all right in front of me, with absolute nonchalance, as if I weren’t even there.

The Visanguis energy inside me—completely reinvigorated by this heavenly vision—boils uncontrollably through my body!

If I had to fight Aron right now, I’d probably knock him out with a single punch.

I need to memorize every detail of this scene and save it carefully for my next battle!

«Lyon!» Ayra’s sharp voice pulls me abruptly back to reality as she hands me a sponge. «Do your job as a slave and wash my back; I can’t reach it well on my own.»

I take the sponge with trembling hands as she turns her back to me, moving aside her long black hair to fully reveal her back.

Not only my hand, but my whole body starts trembling, captivated by the complete view of her wet back—so perfect it looks like a masterpiece carved in marble.

«Oh... yes... harder, Lyon... oh, keep going... just like that...» Ayra begins to moan, but the sounds slipping from her lips are closer to the pleasure of sex than to someone simply relaxing.

«Ayra, please, don’t say it like that. It’s already hard enough to stay focused; don’t make it worse...» I mutter, redder than ever, almost out of breath, as I move the sponge in slow circles across her pale, smooth skin.

The foam runs down her back like a white stream, ending its path between her buttocks.

«Oh, I see—I see it very clearly,» she remarks, amusement dripping from her voice as she throws a quick glance between my legs.

Down there, I’m so swollen it looks like I might explode any second.

The embarrassment is killing me...

«I hope all this will be useful to you in your next battle, my dear familiar.»