Reborn as a Vampire in a Dying World: Blood, Power, and Pleasure
Chapter 36: Thirst Trap

Chapter 36: Thirst Trap

After the final pour, both of them emptied their glasses, finishing the bottle. A shared breath left their lips, both visibly satisfied, their bodies now buzzing from the emotions stirred up by the blood’s residual memories.

– Blood (80 Units)

And then, it hit again.

A sudden surge. The last fragments of the memory rushed in like a delayed aftershock—stronger, sharper. This time, it wasn’t just flashes of war or intimacy—it was the depth of it. The haze of drunkenness, the heavy limbs, the off-balance euphoria. Then the overwhelming pleasure—the primal kind, tied to that final night. It punched through them like a sledgehammer, raw and impossible to ignore.

"Oh damn..." Corven let out a shaky laugh, running a hand down his face. "That’s some tough stuff..."

"Okay... definitely feeling it now," Rose murmured, her chuckle low, her pupils slightly dilated. The heat in her gaze was no longer subtle.

The bartender nodded slowly, clearly pleased with their reactions. "Good to hear. So... does that mean I’ve just earned myself two new permanent customers?"

Corven smacked the table with a dull thud, his palm open. His skin was starting to flush, a faint pink hue rising up his neck. The drink’s emotional overload had fully sunk in, intertwining with his body like it belonged there.

"Definitely! This stuff is high quality!" he said, his voice energetic but slightly slurred. He shifted in his seat, swaying to one side just a bit.

Normally, their kind would never get drunk. Vampire physiology all but rejected toxins, making traditional alcohol useless. But this—this blood memory method—cut past those safeguards like they weren’t even there. Whatever defense their bodies had, it was gone now.

Breached and overwhelmed.

And honestly? It felt worth it.

Rose slumped forward against the counter, her head lightly resting on her forearm. Her breathing was steady, but there was a fire behind her eyes now—one that hadn’t been there before. The bond to her sire, already present, was now magnified. Tenfold. Raw attraction spilled through her body like it was hardwired.

"Say... do you have any rooms here?" she asked suddenly, her voice husky.

The bartender’s smile widened like he’d been waiting for that question all night. "Of course. I’m glad you asked."

Corven gave him a sidelong glance, narrowing his eyes, but he was grinning—begrudging respect behind the expression. "This was your plan all along, huh?"

The bartender gave a loose shrug, unfazed. "Whatever do you mean?"

"Well..." Corven leaned an elbow against the counter. "I don’t mind either way. How much are your rooms?"

"Upstairs. Room seven. Ten silver," the bartender answered, calm and unbothered.

Corven let out a stunned laugh, almost choking on it. "Now that’s an insane price..."

Ten silver for a single night?

That was absurd. If Irsted’s rates were even remotely accurate, ten silver could cover two and a half days’ worth of food, lodging, and basic expenses in Underzen. At that price, the room should be decked out like a royal suite, complete with golden sheets and a bath filled with rose water.

"You know what...?" Corven blinked slowly, shoulders swaying a little as the haze thickened.

"You got a deal." He started laughing again, the alcohol-like effects clearly digging in deep.

He dropped ten coins on the counter without hesitation.

"It’s been a pleasure," the bartender replied, passing over a key with practiced ease.

"Quite a businessman," Rose whistled, clearly entertained. The steep price didn’t even register in her mind anymore. Whatever logical protests she might’ve had were dulled. The heat crawling under her skin drowned everything else out.

"I can’t wait anymore," she hissed, suddenly grabbing Corven by the sleeve. She snagged the key from the counter with her other hand, her grip urgent.

Without a second thought, she pulled him toward the staircase and they disappeared upstairs, her steps fast and purposeful.

The bartender watched them go, amusement flickering in his eyes. He chuckled under his breath.

"So those are the two that were ascending in the forest..." he mused aloud, almost to himself. "I quite like them."

Then, as more customers entered, he tucked the key drawer closed and casually returned to polishing glasses like nothing had happened.