Nan Ling pinned one hand against the wall beside my head, gazing up at me. Her eyes screamed *I want you*. Anyone passing by would’ve seen a stunning girl cornering a decently handsome guy.

*“N-Nan Ling… Classmate Nan Ling!?”* Lin Ye’s mind went blank. Sure, his sister pulled this sometimes—but she was family. Nan Ling? No blood ties. Someone he could actually… *No!* Her chest was at least a D-cup! *Stop it!* Hands off! Hands off!

“I’m sorry—I misspoke. I want your blood!” Nan Ling blurted, cheeks flushing as she snapped back to her senses.

“Why?” Lin Ye asked, a flicker of disappointment tugging at his chest.

“Well… this is why.” Her dark eyes bled crimson. Two massive black wings unfurled behind her.

“You—you’re Bloodline!” Lin Ye gasped.

“Exactly. Is that reason enough?” Nan Ling’s voice trembled. Inside, she was terrified. Humans feared Bloodlines. Hated them. What if he called her a monster? What if he recoiled?

“Oh. Then… drink up.” Lin Ye yanked his collar aside, baring his smooth neck. Nan Ling froze at his boldness.

“Why aren’t you scared? We Bloodlines feast on humans. Treat you like livestock. Why no hesitation? Your eyes don’t even waver—” Her voice cracked. Warm tears spilled down her cheeks without her noticing.

“Dunno about Bloodlines or not. I just know Nan Ling—the sweet, responsible girl. My best friend.” Lin Ye’s words were steady, unwavering.

Nan Ling crashed into him, fangs sinking into his neck. A tingling ache shot through Lin Ye—pain and pleasure tangled together. Her soft curves pressed against him, making his breath hitch. Heaven and hell, swirling in his veins.

As she drank, memories flooded back.

*A sun-dappled morning. Nan Ling, eager to understand human life, had enrolled at Lin Feng Academy. During her daily run, she’d collided with someone.*

*“You okay?” The boy’s gentle voice and warm smile made her heart melt.*

*“F-fine!” She stammered, fumbling to stand. Spotting the gash on his leg, she panicked. “You’re hurt! Let me bandage it.” She pulled out antiseptic and gauze.*

*He glanced at the wound, then at her worried face. “Thanks. I’m Lin Ye. And you?”*

*“Nan Ling,” she murmured, leaning closer. A scent hit her—his blood. Richer than any she’d tasted. A thousand times richer. Her tongue darted out, tracing his wound, savoring it before she swallowed.*

*Lin Ye stared, stunned. “Why… did you lick my cut?”*

*“Sorry!” She flushed, snapping back to reality.*

*“Hey, no loss for me. Gain, actually—you’re cute, Classmate Nan Ling!” He grinned.*

*“I’m not cute!” She hid her burning face.*

*“Walk together? Same uniform—you’re new at Lin Feng too, right?”*

*“Mhm.”*

*Every day after, Nan Ling wrestled with hunger. “His blood… I need it. Must have it. But he’s my friend—I can’t hurt him!” Reason drowned in craving. Guilt gnawed at her now… until his words reignited something deeper.*

Back in the present, Nan Ling pulled away. Tears glistened in her crimson eyes as she cupped Lin Ye’s face. Then she stole his lips in a fierce kiss. Breaking free, she whispered, “Take it back. Lin Ye—I like you.”

Lin Ye stood frozen. *Another girl just kissed me against my will?!*