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Louise’s eyes went wild, and it almost looked like she would make a grab for the vial. Somehow, she managed to control herself just long enough to notice what you had at the beginning of this interaction.
Blade was testing her, trying to see how much self-control she truly possessed. He likely wouldn’t have just given this serum to just any old vampire.
<span class="mu-r">“If you took this, it wouldn’t grant you the exact same benefits that you’d get from drinking blood, so you’d lose some of the power that you’ve been flaunting around ever since I got here.”</span> Blade continued. <span class="mu-r">“But…judging from what I’ve seen, that won’t be much of an issue for you. I’d bet you’d still have power to spare, and then some.”</span>
He punctuated this last sentence by removing the cap on the vial and waving it around in the air. <span class="mu-r">“So what’ll it be? Are you coming with me, or are you gonna stay cooped up in here and quietly starve yourself to death?”</span>
Louise blinked, finally breaking free of the trance she’d put herself in. <span class="mu-r">“You…want me to come with you?”</span>
Blade twirled the vial in his gloved hand and stared into its murky contents. <span class="mu-r">“You used to be a Nightguard, so there’s no doubt that you’re at least a well-educated and experienced hunter. If you want to keep leading that life, even without their support, I can show you the ropes. Teach you how to make this stuff, and how to tame that beast inside you.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“And…what will you require in return?”</span> Louise asked.
Blade flashed that sinister, toothy grin of his again. <span class="mu-r">“Nothing much. The fact that I get to put another hunter on the map just makes my life that much easier. It’ll be nice to split the work. Maybe then I can retire somewhere sunny.”</span>
Louise sighed deeply at that. <span class="mu-r">“Must be nice to have that option…”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Sorry. I guess you can say I’m a bit unique in that regard.”</span> Blade said, sounding genuinely sympathetic. <span class="mu-r">“If I could share it with you, then I would.”</span>
Louise shook her head and took a step towards him. <span class="mu-r">“You’re already sharing enough.”</span>
She went to accept the vial from him, but Blade moved back at the last possible second, leaving it just out of her reach. She gave him a confused frown.
<span class="mu-r">“If you take this, then you’re agreeing to stay under my care until I’m ready to release you back into the world. You’ll have to follow my orders exactly. No sneaking off, and no midnight snacking. From here on out, you’re my responsibility.”</span>
The two stared at each other for a good long while, before Louise nodded and extended a hand towards him. Blade placed the vial in her hand, and Louise eyed it dubiously.
After a few more seconds, she tossed it back and nearly gagged.
Blade nodded his understanding. <span class="mu-r">“Yeah…”</span>
Louise groaned miserably.
<span class="mu-r">“I know. It takes a while to adjust to it. Your body’s trying to reject the serum because it isn’t sure what you just tried to put in it.”</span> he explained.
(Cont.)
