“No matter what, just trust me this once. We absolutely cannot let anyone outside see you like this. No way.”

The Sovereign’s playful smile vanished, replaced by solemn seriousness. After speaking, she locked the door and drew the curtains tight.

Outside, no one knew what unfolded within. The sky had barely cleared when guests began flooding back into the pleasure houses, laughter and chatter reviving the street’s lively hum.

Phrases like “Sir, come chase me!” drifted through the air.

Good. With the district buzzing and everyone occupied, no one would notice what happened in the innermost room.

“So… what’s your plan, Sovereign?”

Kanata stared at her wolf claws for a long time, unable to picture her future. Anything she touched shattered easily. If Nozomi saw this… she’d be terrified.

Countless thoughts collapsed into one truth—this was just too much for her.

“Don’t ask. Just do it.”

Alessia pulled a folding knife from her pocket—her ever-present self-defense tool—and sliced her left index finger. Blood welled. A sharp sting flared; the blade was razor-sharp.

“Drink my blood.”

Kanata hesitated. She hated blood. She understood Alessia’s intent—their blood would neutralize each other’s withdrawal symptoms and mutations—but… actually doing it?

This was the Sovereign’s finger. To suck on it like an infant… utterly humiliating.

Those long, elegant fingers had slain countless infected beasts, played piano at banquets, penned graceful script…

Her heart suddenly fluttered.

“Stop overthinking. Pretend it’s a melting popsicle—just lick it off. Besides, not everyone gets to taste my blood.”

A crimson droplet swelled at Alessia’s fingertip, trembling, about to fall.

Letting it hit the floor felt like a sin. Setting aside her pride, Kanata gently took Alessia’s hand and drew the bleeding finger into her mouth.

Cool skin. Metallic blood. A faint trace of hand cream…

“Mmm…”

A soft, unintended sound escaped Alessia’s lips.

Kanata froze, pulling back. Had she offended the Sovereign? Would she be punished later?

“Continue…” Alessia murmured.

*It’s not that I enjoyed it. Not at all. Just… an accident.*

Yet warmth crept through her body. Her cheeks flushed in sync.

This was dangerously awkward. A disheveled girl before her… doing *that* to her hand…

That exposed neck. That delicate collarbone. Tempting.

Alessia felt her own blood simmering. *The wine.* Her subordinates had warned her—drink too much, and the aftereffects could lead to… unspeakable things. She hadn’t listened.

Now her mind swam with them.

“Kanata… right now… you look incredibly beautiful…”

One hand caressed Kanata’s troubled face; the other remained in her mouth.

What did she intend to do?

“Give yourself to me… Your entirety… Everything… I’ll accept it all.”