He knew full well she belonged to the utterly evil demonic race—an enemy that plagued humanity. Helping her would make him an accomplice, aiding the very source of suffering, wouldn’t it?

Yet in the end, he couldn’t resist. He chose to accept.

Sure enough, he’d somehow grown soft-hearted. Like a wimp. Sighing at himself, Xue Yu straightened his tone.

Gently pulling back the Blood Clan girl clinging to him, he used his pinky to wipe her tears. Voice tender, he said, “You may stay by my side—but you must never harm others. Understand?”

Noticing she didn’t want to part, he’d only created a small gap. Her hands still clutched his clothes tightly.

Understanding his words, the Blood Clan girl gave a slight nod.

The moment Xue Yu loosened his grip, she shot forward like a magnet and clung to him again, unmoving.

Xue Yu felt helpless, yet accepting. “What’s your name?”

Still wrapped around him, the girl lifted her ruby-bright eyes and simply shook her head.

“No name? Didn’t your parents give you one?”

Again, only a quiet shake.

“Do you know your parents?”

Another shake.

She hadn’t spoken a single word—every question met only with silence and a shake.

This… how was he supposed to communicate? Could she not understand human speech? No—that didn’t make sense. Whether demonic tongue or human language, the difference was merely pronunciation. It shouldn’t be this hard.

Remembering she’d nodded to “no harming humans,” Xue Yu was certain she understood. He tried again.

“Why won’t you speak? Just say something?”

She shook her head once more. Xue Yu rolled his eyes, a bead of sweat tracing his temple.

All he knew of her: female, Blood Clan, juvenile—around eight or nine years old—and she’d promised not to hurt anyone.

A thought struck him. “You… can’t speak, can you?”

This time, she nodded.

Huh? So that was it.

*Gurgle… gurgle…* A soft rumble came from her stomach.

Me… hungry again? Xue Yu wondered inwardly.

Ever since becoming a Succubus Curse, unless he consumed “deoxyribose,” hunger struck easily and never faded.

But this wasn’t his stomach. It was hers. She cupped her hands over her belly, eyes wide and pitiful.

“Hungry? Do you want blood?” Hesitating, Xue Yu offered his wrist. “Just… don’t take too much, okay?”

Unbelievably, she waved her hands—refusing.

Then her stomach growled again. She clutched her belly, trembling.

“You don’t want it? But you’re starving.” Xue Yu’s voice softened with concern.

*Note: In Gaelkani, humans had no concept of blood bags. Healing relied on herbs, bandages, magical essences, and priestly spells.*

He’d saved a Blood Clan member—a grave threat to humanity—yet chose to keep her. His heart churned with conflict.

“Please eat. Or you’ll suffer.” His gaze swept her frail frame.

Truth was, he feared worse: prolonged hunger could drive a Blood Clan into frenzy. If she lost control… others would be in danger. A little of his blood was a small price.

He glanced at her. She stared at his outstretched hand, hesitant, worried she might hurt him.

She looked up, eyes asking plainly: *Are you really sure?*

Xue Yu’s lips curved slightly. “It’s fine. Just don’t take too much.”

That look eased him. Even silent, she honored her promise.

After gentle coaxing, she finally reached for his right hand—examining it carefully, searching for the least painful spot.

Then, gently, she sank her fangs in.

“Hss—” A sharp sting. Xue Yu’s arm twitched involuntarily.

Startled, she pulled back instantly. A trace of crimson stained her fangs. She set his hand down, ready to stop.

“Ah, it’s okay! Keep going. I just… wasn’t ready, haha. Doesn’t hurt at all.” He laughed awkwardly, offering his hand again.

*Damn. Why does it hurt so much?*

A scratch like this meant nothing to a battle-hardened soldier. Yet flinching from a child’s bite…

After that old witch turned him into a Succubus Curse, had his pain sensitivity spiked? He remembered Xia Mo merely brushing his arm—every pore had tingled like electric shocks.

*If I ever see that hag again… I’ll skin her alive.* Xue Yu rolled his eyes inwardly.

Crimson welled on his skin. Under his urging, the scent pulled at her hunger.

Longing flickered in her eyes. She swallowed hard—but held back.

Impatient now, Xue Yu gently cupped the back of her head and guided his bleeding wrist toward her.

The metallic scent flooded her senses. Hunger won. She lowered her mouth again.

Slowly, delicately, she lapped the blood—quiet, refined. Nothing like a starving beggar snatching food in madness.