First Breakthrough

The next day he broke through and gained his first ability!

─Charm - If a person is weaker-willed than the user and is the opposite sex the person will start to fall in love with him, the longer they are close to each other the stronger the effect.─

That night after dinner, Zell went to spend time with Elisa, he had ulterior motives this time. He wanted to test charm, and also ask her opinion on something else related to magic.

As always, Elisa was sitting near the fountain looking at the moonlight reflecting off of the clear water. A breeze blew past them causing their hair to move gently in rhythm with the wind. They seemed completely absorbed by whatever thoughts occupied themselves within those heads.

A sudden gust caused Zell's cloak to blow open slightly revealing part of his shoulder. As usual, Elisa gasped aloud. His pale skin glistened under the light of the full moon. For an instant, she wondered why she reacted so strongly whenever she saw him exposed…and now she remembered; she loved men who possessed such beauty and grace. But most importantly, she cared for him very much. And she hated herself for being weak enough to let her emotions rule her actions. The effects of the charm were acting up and she was becoming infatuated with him despite knowing how dangerous vampires truly were. Everyone feared these creatures because of stories passed down throughout generations—stories where humans fell victim due to trusting too easily. However, Elisabeth was different: she trusted people based on logic rather than emotion alone. This trait allowed her to form bonds with others quite naturally. Of course, this only worked well with rational beings which included elves, dwarves, gnomes, ogres, etc., however rarely did human males possess similar traits. Now, her heart ached every single time someone mentioned 'vampires' and she longed to learn everything possible about the supernatural race. Unfortunately, elven knowledge regarding the subject was limited and thus far unhelpful. There weren't many books written concerning the topic either although certain passages describing events involving vampires appeared often in ancient texts.

Suddenly, Zell came closer to her side. Her body tensed instinctively. At least she hoped this reaction occurred unconsciously instead of consciously. Otherwise, she'd really need to reevaluate her priorities. What was happening right now? Why did this handsome man suddenly approach her?! Had he been watching her the entire while?

Her instincts warned her against letting him touch or kiss her. Yet, another reason existed for cautioning herself from doing otherwise: she desired physical contact desperately! So badly that it hurt! That desire drove away fear. Fear paralyzed her feet preventing movement. With shaking legs, she managed to stand upright. Without saying a word, Zell reached out and touched the back of her hand lightly. Instantly, goose bumps erupted across both sides of her arm as if electrified by lightning bolts running along the surface. Even though he lacked the strength necessary to harm anyone physically, the sensation itself sent chills racing up and down her spine. Was this normal behavior among vampires? Or perhaps it meant that his intentions toward her were less than pure? Perhaps she should run screaming from the scene immediately...but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't force herself to do so. Instead, she remained silent, frozen stiff with shock. When finally he removed his fingers, Elisa exhaled heavily releasing pent-up tension in one swift motion. Did he notice what happened earlier between them? No doubt he noticed. How could he possibly miss seeing her trembling shoulders and flushed cheeks? Couldn't he sense how terrified she was!?

She quickly glanced behind her, expecting to see someone coming forth unexpectedly to attack her but found nobody present.

He brought his head to her neck as he kissed and licked the side of her neck.

Elisabeth trembled once more and leaned forward ever so slightly, allowing him better access.

***

While kissing her throat and earlobe, Zell whispered in her ears, "Do you want me to bite your lips?"

In response, Elisabeth tilted her chin upwards exposing her soft pink mouth.

Zell bent further and placed two kisses on her upper lip. Then, without warning, he sunk his fangs into her lower jaw. Blood flowed freely and Elisabeth moaned loudly. After drinking deep inside her veins, Zell pulled back and released his grip on her. He wiped his bloody fingertips on the hem of his shirt.

At last, he spoke quietly. "Did I scare you?"

For a moment, Elisabeth stared blankly ahead not responding. Finally, she answered, "Yes…"

With great effort, she lifted her gaze meeting his dark blue ones directly.

"…but I liked it..."

Without any hesitation, Zell moved towards Elisabeth until their bodies pressed closely together. Their faces met and locked onto each other's mouths. Both parties tasted the sweetness of blood flowing from the wound. Soon afterward, the flow stopped abruptly.

"...that feels nice," muttered Elisabeth breathlessly.

They shared several intimate moments during that exchange of blood. Neither knew exactly what kind of bond formed between them but neither dared speak of it.

Elisabeth knew she would never be able to live without Zell ever again, she had become obsessed with him. She craved more affection and intimacy like that particular event held tonight. Just thinking about having him suckle her blood again gave her pleasure beyond comprehension. She wanted all sorts of carnal acts performed upon her by him. Everything about him excited her greatly including his scent and appearance even more than before. She would do anything for him. Anything except give up her life willingly! Although she understood the danger involved in associating too deeply with a vampire, her mind told her differently. Nothing mattered anymore save for pleasing him. Every fiber in her body yearned to please him forever and ever. Not wanting the night to end yet afraid of losing control over her own desires, she led him deeper into the garden.

***

Elisabeth woke up next to Zell in her room

"Good morning" Zell mumbled groggily.

His voice sounded funny. Like a young boy trying to sound older.

Then Elisabeth remembered what happened yesterday.

An odd mixture of relief mixed with guilt washed through her chest.

But there was nothing to stop her from enjoying it now anyway.

And besides, she deserved it. Right?

"Good morning," she purred seductively.

"Im thirsty, give me blood," Zell said sternly it almost sounded like a command.

Before she could respond, Zell turned to face her and grabbed hold of her hands roughly pulling her towards him. Before she could protest, he sank his teeth into her wrist and began sucking hungrily. Despite his strange mannerisms, she didn't care as she felt ecstasy flood through her veins. It wasn't just her blood that pleased him the act itself thrilled him tremendously. Only after draining half her vein did he release his grip on her wrists freeing her from his grasp. Once free, Elisabeth rubbed her throbbing wrist. All things considered, the pain was bearable considering how good it made her feel.

Zell walked toward the door leading upstairs. "I'll go prepare you some food!"

Elisabeth followed suit leaving the bedroom and heading downstairs. Upon entering the kitchen, Zell was already preparing breakfast. The first thing was bread baked using yeast dough rising overnight atop the stovetop. Next was milk heated up to warm temperature to mix with eggs beaten thoroughly beforehand. Last, was bacon cooked sizzling hot under the broiler. While waiting for the meal to finish cooking, they ate fruit salad with honey drizzled liberally over the top.

Soon afterward, the dishes cleaned and put away, they left the house walking briskly down the street and headed northward.

Once again, Elisa took note of how beautiful the town square looked illuminated by lamplight.

This place might have been dull compared to places elsewhere but it still provided good entertainment for her tastes.

Despite her reluctance, Elisabeth decided to join him when he asked whether she wished to visit the library located nearby.

Upon reaching the building, she marveled at its grandeur.