Archive of Our Own

The soft glow of the sunset had long faded between the trees, leaving nothing but dense darkness. Boothill strode confidently, not pausing despite the late hour. The forest was blanketed in shadow, its sounds growing muffled as thick clouds swallowed the moon, making it impossible to guess even roughly how long she had been wandering.
A sharp instinct told her she was on the right path, but something about this forest wouldnt let her rest easy. It was as if familiar places had turned into something entirely different, and that shift gnawed at her nerves, irritation bubbling just beneath the surface.

—This damn forest,— she muttered, brushing pine needles off her cloak. —I shouldve been out of here by now!
Her eyes darted over the thick shadows as she pushed her way through the undergrowth. Then suddenly, just a few meters ahead, a faint glimmer of light flickered between the trees. Boothill froze in her tracks, her hand instinctively tightening around the revolver at her side.

—A house? Out here?— she muttered, frowning as she stopped in her tracks. Shed never seen a single building on this route before, let alone one that looked alive in a place so seemingly forgotten.

Stepping into the clearing, Boothill spotted an old but far-from-abandoned house. Its walls were covered in ivy, blending into the forest like it belonged there. Soft, warm light spilled from within, like someone had just lit a lamp. Her gaze stayed sharp, wary, but curiosity—and the thought of not wandering this cursed forest any longer—won out.
Her footsteps seemed louder as she stepped onto the creaky old porch. The knock she gave shattered the quiet night. At first, there was no response. Then, slowly, the door opened with a groaning creak.

Before her stood the striking figure of a beautiful woman. Long waves of fiery red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her bright green eyes, framed by thick lashes, held a mix of surprise and confusion, as though this moment wasnt supposed to happen. Boothill , noting the houses owner and the bewilderment in her gaze, cautiously lowered her hand from her weapon. Deciding to break the silence first.

—Ah, sorry for the late visit,—Boothill said, tilting her head slightly. —I seem to have gotten a bit lost. Could you point me toward the nearest town?
The woman stayed quiet, studying her unexpected guest. Her lips twitched as if trying to form words, but for a few moments, nothing came out.
—Ah… Oh, yes…—she finally managed, her voice soft and hesitant, almost a whisper. —You… youre from the town?
—Yes,—Boothill nodded. —But Ive lost my way back. Could you tell me which direction it is?
—Youll need to go straight… then left. But its… quite far,—the woman said, her gaze lingering on Boothills face.
—Is there a shorter way?
The woman hesitated, her eyes shifting to the side as though trying to recall something.
—Maybe through the river, but its… rather dangerous this time of year. Especially at night. I wouldnt recommend it.
—Well, its not like Ive got much choice. Thanks for the tip,—Boothill replied with a nod, already turning to leave when the womans voice, with an excited tone, stopped her.
—Miss…—The woman stood in the doorway, clearly debating whether to continue or let it go. Gathering her thoughts, she went on. —If you dont mind… you could stay here,—she added, her voice trembling slightly. —And leave in the morning.
Boothill paused, glancing over her shoulder.
—I wouldnt mind, but I dont have the money to pay you.
—Money?—The woman shook her head. —Dont worry about that. It doesnt matter to me.
Boothill considered for a moment, her sharp eyes quickly scanning the womans face. She could see the nerves, but the unease didnt feel threatening. If anything, it reminded her of someone afraid to lose an unexpected opportunity.
—Well, if thats the case, why not?—Boothill shrugged.
Her words seemed to make the homeowners face light up. Almost imperceptibly exhaling, her features softened, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
—Please, come in. My names Argenti.
—Boothill,—she replied shortly, stepping inside the house.
Argenti closed the door behind them, her eyes lingering on her guest as if she couldnt quite believe someone was actually there.

The house seemed bigger on the inside than it had appeared from the outside. The lighting was dim, with old lamps casting soft golden hues on walls adorned with faded paintings. The air carried the scent of aged wood, a faint trace of dried herbs, and something subtly sweet. Boothill stood near the doorway, taking in the room. Her gaze settled on the fireplace, near which stood a sofa and an armchair draped with a blanket. The flickering flames lent the room a cozy ambiance, though an undercurrent of tension hummed beneath the surface.

Argenti paused a few steps ahead, turning back to Boothill with a bright smile that radiated genuine joy, catching the hunter off guard.
—Please, have a seat. You must be cold!—Argentis voice was warm, almost melodic. She moved quickly to the fireplace, adjusting the logs before gesturing for Boothill to sit.

Boothill hesitated, then approached and carefully settled into the armchair. The warmth from the fire was indeed welcoming, though she didnt allow herself to fully relax just yet.
—Tea?—Argenti asked, tilting her head as her crimson curls swayed, catching the firelight like embers in motion.
—That would be nice,—Boothill admitted, feeling slightly awkward. The womans hospitality—her sheer delight in having company felt a bit too... awkward. Argenti didnt seem to notice the unease and bustled off toward a small kitchen area that was part of the same room, clinking cups as she started her questions.
—How did you end up lost? Dont go into the forest much?—she asked, glancing over her shoulder at her guest.
—Well, not exactly,—Boothill began, crossing her arms. —Im in these woods a lot. Its part of my work. But today, it felt like the forest was working against me.
—Work?—Argenti repeated with interest, reaching for the kettle. —What kind of work has you wandering around places like this?
—Im a hunter.
—Oh!—Argenti's movements froze momentarily but quickly resumed. She placed the kettle on the stove and leaned toward a shelf, searching for something. —And what are you hunting?
—Someone who ran into this forest. Among other things,—Boothill replied curtly, clearly tired of the questioning.
—A person?
—If you could call them that
Argenti straightened, her expression flickering with a brief hint of concern before smoothing into another smile.
—That must be hard. I couldnt do it,—she said, tossing a few leaves into a teapot. —What kind of tea do you like? Black, green, herbal?
—Not picky,—Boothill mumbled.
Argenti chuckled softly, her laughter light as she continued her task.
—Herbal it is, then.
Boothill offered a faint, crooked smile.
—If it helps me forget this forest, itll be perfect.
—The forest isnt so bad once you know how to treat it,—Argenti replied, turning her head toward the huntress as her eyes lingered on Boothills face a bit longer than would have been appropriate.
—What do you mean by that?
—Just... Ive lived here for a long time. The forest has become home, even if...—Argenti trailed off abruptly and turned her attention back to the tea.
—Even if what?—Boothill clarified, leaning forward.
—Nothing,—Argenti spinning back with two cups in hand. Her smile returned, though it now felt slightly strained. —Lets just enjoy the tea.
Argenti carried the cups to a small round table by the armchair, placing one gently in front of Boothill and keeping the other for herself. Her movements were fluid, almost like a dance.
—Here you go,—she said warmly, but before she could step back or even straighten up, it was as if something struck her in the head. Her expression quickly changed to one of concern, and her gaze fixed on a specific point.
—Thanks,—Boothill said, leaning forward to pick up her cup, inhaling the teas fragrant aroma. The spicy, slightly sweet scent was pleasant, and she had barely taken a sip when she noticed Argenti had gone quiet. Boothill's eyes flicked up, seeing the woman frozen in place, her gaze fixed on her hand. The smile that had graced Argenti's face moments ago had vanished as if wiped clean.
—Something wrong?—Boothill asked, puzzled.
Argenti didnt answer immediately. Her eyes were locked on a small scratch on Boothills hand, where a faint line of blood had welled up. It was barely noticeable, but it was enough to stir something in Argenti. Her fingers gripped her cup tightly as if afraid to drop it.
—Youre hurt?—Argenti's voice trembled, filled with concern but also something... else.
Boothill followed her gaze, only now realizing the tiny wound on her wrist was bleeding again. She had gotten it earlier while hacking through the forest brush but hadnt paid it any mind.
—Oh,—she muttered. —Its nothing. Just a scratch.
—Its... blood,—Argenti murmured, almost as though speaking to herself.
—Well, yeah,—Boothill replied, her tone tinged with suspicion. —We all bleed if were cut. Thats normal.
But Argenti wasnt letting it go. Her eyes remained glued to the wound, her lips pressed tightly together. Abruptly, she stood, nearly spilling her tea in the process, and hurried away from the table. Boothill stayed seated, watching her with growing curiosity.
*Whats with the reaction? Freaking out over a little scratch?*
Moments later, Argenti returned with a small bottle of rubbing alcohol, a clean cloth, and bandages. She seemed calmer, though her movements were still jittery, her steps quick and deliberate. She placed the items on the table but didnt linger nearby.
—Its best to stop the bleeding,—she said, her voice strained despite her attempt to sound composed.
Boothill nodded briefly, keeping a close eye on her. Argenti turned and walked toward the window, leaning her shoulder against the frame and staring into the night. But her focus wasnt on the view outside—it was on the storm of thoughts swirling within her.
*Its just blood. Ordinary blood. Calm down,*—she repeated to herself silently, feeling tension coil tightly inside her chest.
Her nails, sharp and delicate, dug into the skin of her arms, leaving red crescents behind. Her lips quivered faintly, and her clenched jaw creaked with the strain.

Boothill stayed silent, watching every movement of Argenti. Her eyes traced the womans silhouette by the window, noting the tension in her shoulders and the way she nervously bit her lip. Though she seemed fully focused on wrapping her own hand, Boothill was quietly absorbing every little gesture from Argenti out of personal curiosity. But first, she needed to break the tension in the room. Her voice sounded casual, even a bit playful.
—Nice painting,—she said, nodding toward the framed picture on the wall. —Did you paint it yourself?
Argenti jumped slightly in surprise but didnt turn around.
—Yeah,—she replied, trying to hide the tremor in her voice as she stepped away from the window, looking for something to occupy her hands. —Thanks.
—Are you an artist?—Boothill asked, pretending to be genuinely interested.
—I wouldnt say that,—Argenti pretended to focus on adjusting the vase with flowers on the shelf near the kitchen corner. —I just paint sometimes to pass the time.
—How long have you been living here?—the hunter continued, wrapping the bandage around her hand.
—A few years,—Argenti answered after a pause. Her tone was tight, though she was making an effort to appear relaxed and even smiled.
—All by yourself?
—Yeah. Its quiet here. I prefer it that way,—she said without turning.
—Youre pretty chatty... Definitely missing some human company. Why not move to the city?—Boothill said, trying to catch her in a contradiction.
Argenti didnt answer. She went silent, and the atmosphere between them grew tense and heavy. Realizing she wasnt going to get an answer, Boothill decided to go for broke.

—You cant leave the forest, can you?
This blunt statement finally made Argenti turn toward her. This time, the surprise in her eyes was impossible to hide.
*Did I guess right...?* Boothill thought to herself, a bit surprised by her own accuracy. But that only fueled her excitement further.

—Sorry, but even if thats the case, I dont think its any of your business,—Argenti replied quickly and decisively, her voice sharp, as if trying to close off the topic.
—Youre not human.

These words sounded casual, even a bit playful, but for a moment, they threw Argenti off balance. Her hands froze, gripping the wooden table behind her, betraying her inner tension.
—What?—she replied, trying to feign surprise. —What else would I be if not human?
Her attempt at brushing it off was weak, especially when Boothill caught her eye, leaning forward.
—You a vampire?
—What? No, Im not—Argenti couldnt finish the denial. She felt her words falter, too weak for the situation. These kinds of conclusions werent drawn without reason, and the more she tried to avoid the topic, the more it seemed to spiral against her. With a sharp exhale, the tension finally eased, allowing her to relax as she covered her face with her hands in an attempt to hide.

The silence between them stretched on. It was a moment where Argenti was trying to gather her thoughts but couldn't bring herself to look up at her conversation partner. With her hand dropped, all she could do was stare at her palm, hoping to find the right words there. Boothill didnt rush to break the silence, calmly watching Argenti stubbornly examine her own hands. The quiet lingered a little longer until Argenti finally spoke. Her voice was quiet, almost a sigh, but her words were clear.
—Sorry… Im really sorry,— She quickly started, her voice still tinged with hesitation, and her hands gesturing emotionally. —I didnt mean to cause you any harm, honestly. I… I invited you into my home because I havent spoken to anyone in ages. Youre the first person Ive seen in so many years, and I know its not an excuse, and I shouldnt have lied, but… please understand, if Id told you the truth right away… you wouldnt have agreed to stay.

Boothill raised her eyebrows in surprise, clearly not expecting Argenti to start justifying herself so quickly and emotionally with no apparent reason to do so, not even letting her speak.
—I tried to hide it, but… the smell of your blood… it drives me crazy, and I cant control it,— Argenti's hands moved frantically in the air, as if the motion would help explain her words. —I dont want you to think that Im some… some monster or something. If youre worried about your safety, I… I can leave. For the night. You can stay here alone. Its safe, I promise.
Argenti lifted her hand as if to say something, but Boothill interrupted.
—Whoa, whoa, take it easy. You dont need to go anywhere, Im not scared of you.— She stood up and moved closer to Argenti, placing her hands on her shoulders and gently turning her to face her, halting the frantic gestures. —Its fine, seriously.
Shuddering from the unexpected touch, her eyes reflexively lifted to meet Boothill's. A whole ocean of emotions swirled in them—fear, shame, anger at herself. She hesitated for a moment, then quickly looked away, as if afraid to meet Boothill's gaze again.
—I…— she began, but the words caught in her throat. Her shoulders tensed as if she were holding back a heavy exhale that wanted to escape.
—Hey, its okay,— Boothill said gently, not letting go of her. —I told you, Im not scared of you, and Im not running away.
Argenti stood frozen, tense like a string, and slowly, cautiously lifted her eyes to Boothill again.
—I just… dont know how this works,— she admitted quietly. —How can you not be afraid, knowing?
—Whats there to be afraid of? You didnt come at me with fangs or anything,— Boothill raised a skeptical eyebrow, her hands resting gently on Argentis shoulders, holding back any impulse.
—Because youre a hunter,— Argenti replied shortly, finally lowering her gaze. —Youre probably used to not showing fear… even when you should.
—Maybe, but you know, that works a lot better than your attempts at hiding it,— Boothill said with a sly smile. —You do realize I figured you out in such a short time?
Argenti gave a small, uncertain smile at the corner of her lips, unsure whether it was meant to amuse or offend her.
—I guess I need to practice my acting skills,— she replied with a teasing tone, trying to regain control of the situation.
—Oh, now youre smiling again,— Boothill observed, a little relieved. —Thats progress. Now lets stop standing around.
She gently took Argenti by the wrist and led her to the couch near the fireplace.
—Your tea is probably cold by now,— Boothill said, motioning to the cup. —Come on, sit down, drink, and calm down. Its not good for such — Its noa lovely young… or maybe not so young lady to waste her nerves like this. Argenti couldnt help but chuckle, though she tried to hide it by covering her mouth with her hand. —Im not even a hundred yet,— she joked, picking up her cup from where she had left it.
Boothill whistled and tilted her head dramatically.
—Oh, so lady Argenti is still quite young?— she teased, settling comfortably beside her, resting her elbow on the back of the couch. —But I have to say, for such a respectable… oh, sorry, young lady, youre really overdoing it with the drama.
Argenti exhaled, sitting down with a slight smile. —Try not to overdo it when youre caught off guard like that, out of nowhere,— she said, holding the cup but not drinking from it, simply keeping it in her hands.
—Out of nowhere?— Boothill raised an eyebrow. —You literally invited a hunter into your house. Wheres the surprise?
—I didnt think youd be this sharp,— Argenti sighed, hiding her face behind the cup.
—You underestimate people,— Boothill said with a small shake of her head and a faint smile, slightly raising an eyebrow. Her gaze softened, though it still held a hint of caution. —Though I cant blame you. Its usually hard for someone to notice what they dont want to see.
—I… didnt know how to react,— Argenti whispered, her eyes clouding with thoughts. She tried to stay calm, but her emotions were getting out of hand again. —I just dont know what youll think when you find out everything…
—You're overthinking it even now.— Boothill said quietly, taking a sip of her tea and leaning back against the couch. Her gaze became calm but intrigued, as though she was ready to listen, remembering the things Argenti had said that had caught her attention earlier. —Listen, you said you havent seen people in ages. Doesnt anyone ever come this deep into the woods?— Boothill asked, setting her cup down and leaning forward a little.
Argenti placed her hand back on the cup, but her gaze was firm and serious now, and there was a cold hint in her voice as she said something important. —No, its not that. The thing is, no one can reach me because of the curse.— Her eyes clouded again, and she slightly averted her gaze. —Thats why I was so surprised to see you at the door. It shouldnt have been possible.
Boothill felt her heart stop for a moment at what she heard, but her voice remained calm and soft.
—Wait, a curse?— She paused, trying to process the words without judgment. —No one can reach you? How does that work?
Argenti didnt immediately answer; her lips pressed together as if she were hesitating, wondering if she should say more. —I dont fully understand the nature of these spells. All I figured out is that they act like an energetic barrier. And anyone who crosses its boundary… simply cant meet with me. Ill be… outside their perception.
Boothill paused, trying to make sense of what Argenti meant.
—So, youre saying its like… invisibility? Like some magical force field?— she asked, trying to find a metaphor for something so unfamiliar.
Argenti nodded slightly, though she wasnt sure herself how to fully explain the curse.
—More than just a shield. Its… like total isolation. I dont belong to this world. The curse makes me invisible to everyone, and if someone enters the forest, even if Im standing right in front of them, they wont be able to get close. They wont even know Im here.
Boothill tilted her head, thinking it over. A shadow of doubt appeared in her eyes, growing more and more questions.
—Wait, youre saying you cant interact with people… so how did you… well, feed all these years? Vampires need blood and all that,— she asked, her voice full of open curiosity.
—Youre right, its essential. But you know, animal blood is enough, and I dont think I could bring myself to take blood from a human. For me… thats too much.
Boothill watched Argenti silently, chewing on her thoughts. Though her gaze remained calm, something in her subconsciously drew her further into this strange conversation. Leaning forward slightly, still trying to understand what exactly lay behind Argentis words.
—Is animal blood really the same thing? Dont you need some special nutrients that are only in human blood?— she asked, changing her tone slightly, as if she were truly thinking about these questions for the first time.
Argenti sighed when she heard the question, but couldnt help smiling.
—Yes, you do,— she said with humor. —But who would willingly give their blood? Youd think I have such a magical appearance that everyone would just start handing it out.

Boothill barely suppressed a smile, but curiosity was even more captivating now, her gaze growing more intense, as if something suddenly clicked in her mind. Boothill barely held back a smile, but her curiosity grew even stronger, making her gaze more intense, as if something had suddenly crossed her mind.
—Well, if you really want it,— she said with a mysterious expression, —I could offer mine.
Her words were completely serious but carried such ease that Argenti, who had just been drinking tea, immediately choked. She coughed, trying to shake off the absurd thought she had just created. Clearing her throat, she tried to push out of her mind the ridiculous question she herself had conjured.
—What?— she asked, choking on the tea. —Youre kidding?
But from Boothill's expression, it was clear that she was more serious than ever before, while Argenti's face froze in confusion. Her lips curled into a small smile, attempting to turn it all into a joke and forget about it.
— I think this isnt the best idea, — her voice sounded slightly tense, though she tried to maintain her composure.
With a smile on her face, Boothill kept her gaze fixed on her. Though there was no judgment in her eyes, curiosity burned brightly, making it impossible for Argenti to remain indifferent. Boothill's hand, resting absentmindedly on the back of the couch, began to glide gently over the fabric, further underscoring her ease.
— And why not? — she asked, her tone genuinely seeking to understand Argenti's reaction.
Argenti looked at Boothill silently, a shadow of emotions flickering in her eyes. These were feelings she had long tried to suppress, yet she couldnt grasp why speaking about this felt so difficult. The question lingered, forcing her to reflect.
— Why do you want this? — she asked instead of outright denying it, trying to mask the unspoken mixture of surprise and curiosity.
Boothill's smile widened as she casually crossed one leg over the other, shifting her weight slowly to the opposite side of the couch.
— Arent you curious what its like? — her voice softened, though it retained a teasing undertone as she watched Argenti, whose eyes now held an unusual mix of emotions that was impossible to miss. — Im curious.
There wasnt a trace of disdain or fear in her words. It was pure, unfiltered curiosity—a desire to understand, to delve into Argenti's world, even if it meant taking a risk. Without straying from the topic, Boothill's words seemed to toy with the atmosphere in the room, probing the boundaries of what could be said without crossing into territory too personal.
Argenti, although still a little shaken, could feel such genuine curiosity in the womans gaze that her initial resistance started to fade. There was still some undefined tension inside her, but the way Boothill spoke made it impossible to ignore — simple, straightforward, without any excess seriousness or pretension. It helped her calm down, and while she wasn't entirely ready to take this step, she felt she could open up a little.
—I can tell you're curious too,— Boothill said with a slight smirk, her voice confident and unpressured. It sounded more like a statement of fact than a question.
Argenti nervously brushed a strand of hair away from her face, glancing down.
—Well, even if that's true... what if there are consequences?— she started, speaking a bit quicker than she intended. —What if you... die? Or worse, what if the curse gets passed on to you?— She spoke seriously, her voice trembling just slightly as Boothill chuckled softly, almost as if amused by something incredibly endearing.
—Listen,— Boothill began, her smile soft yet sure. —With my life, any outcome will be better than what I have now. Trust me, nothing bad will happen. And even if it does...— She paused for a moment, her smile widening, turning almost flirtatious. —Imagine this: being stuck for life with a sweet, pretty lady, or... dying by her hands.— She raised an eyebrow meaningfully, propped her chin up with her hand, and added casually, —Sounds more like a blessing than a curse.
Argenti lifted her gaze, staring at the woman opposite her in surprise. Her eyes widened, and her mouth slightly opened, as if she couldnt decide whether to be angry at the words or just laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
—You... Do you even hear yourself?— she finally managed, though her voice was still tense from the mix of emotions.
—Absolutely,— Boothill replied easily, her smile growing even wider. —Come on, Argenti. Dont you want to see what happens if you take the risk? Arent you curious?— Her gaze was so calm and confident that for a moment, it seemed as if all of Argenti's fears were truly ridiculous.
Though the feeling that this situation was much more complicated than it seemed didnt go away, there was something soothing in Boothill 's eyes. Something that made Argenti believe everything would be fine, even if she didnt fully understand how that could be.
Leaning a bit closer to Argenti, Boothills voice dropped slightly, becoming almost a whisper, yet still light and piercing.
—So, what do you say?
Argenti swallowed visibly as her eyes briefly dropped, then met Boothill's gaze again, without saying a word. But the inner struggle was clear in her eyes, as if her thoughts were so loud they could be heard. Her eyes betrayed her better than any words. They shone with doubt and fear, but also with a deep, hidden desire and curiosity. That almost imperceptible gleam revealed her need to know what would come next.

Boothill raised an eyebrow slightly, a barely noticeable smile playing on her lips, as if she understood everything without needing words.
—Alright,— she nodded lightly. —Ill take your silence as a "yes".
In that very moment, without hesitation, Boothill's hand moved to her belt, swiftly pulling out a small dagger. The blade barely caught the light of the room as she effortlessly sliced the bandage on her arm, revealing the wound that she had carefully rewrapped not long ago. Without a second thought, she drew the blade lightly across the skin that had just started healing. A sharp pain shot through her arm, but it didnt stop her. Blood began to seep out again as Boothill raised her gaze to meet Argenti's, trying to lock eyes.
—Lets consider this payment for the night.
But Argenti didnt hear her. Her eyes were fixed on the palm where the crimson stream of blood slowly welled up, almost as if the sight had completely taken over her thoughts. It wasnt just simple curiosity—it was madness that seemed to swallow her whole, as if she had forgotten everything else in that moment. Her gaze wasnt just focused; it was hypnotized, unable to resist the pull, and Boothill felt it.
Argenti moved closer, her eyes never leaving the palm, as if lost in that perfect moment, where every movement was filled with intent. The thin trickle of blood pulsed in the light of the fireplace. Slowly, she touched the back of her wrist, gently trailing her fingers along it, supporting it as if it were fragile, and carefully licked the blood that had already escaped. Her movements were slow and cautious, as if she were afraid of losing something important in the process. Under her tongue, the blood was warm, filled with a mixture of bitterness and sweetness she had never experienced before.
It felt incredible—even if it went against her own rules. She wasnt sure if it was necessary, or just a desire that had been hidden in her heart for all these years, but she could hardly stop now.
Boothill couldnt help but notice how the vampire was reacting to the moment—how her hands trembled with excitement and her gaze lost its sharpness. Seeing this, Boothill's own thoughts began to intertwine with what Argenti was doing. She bit her lip, never taking her eyes off her lips, and quietly, almost inaudibly, murmured:
—Seems like it's not so bad after all,— she said, raising an eyebrow, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity. —So, whats my blood like?
Argenti, listening to each new sip, let out a quiet breath, her lips still touching Boothill's palm, where the blood was slowly retreating, leaving behind a red trail. Her gaze spoke of indescribable, multifaceted pleasure. It was as if every drop of this life liquid was a treasure.
—The taste...— she whispered, as if losing touch with reality, —Its warm and intoxicating... like the sunset, when the last rays scatter into the blue...— she said, unable to hold back her admiration, her voice growing deeper as though she had entered a trance. —Can you feel how it sinks in, how it touches your body, and you can no longer tell where your essence ends and where something else begins? It's magical, Boothill ... Youre giving me more than I could have ever imagined.

The blood now wasnt just on her lips; it felt like it was reaching her heart, filling it with life as each movement brought another wave of sweet intoxication. Her gaze was spellbound; she drank it in, completely giving herself over to the moment, to that sensation that filled her entirely, from the inside out.
Boothill couldnt help but feel her thoughts spinning into chaos at what shed just heard. Every word from Argenti echoed in her heart like a fire flaring up in the cold dark. She fell silent, lost in the atmosphere this conversation had created, and it silenced everything that had been running through Argentis mind with one unspoken question.
—Want more?—Boothill asked, her voice soft with a hint of irony, but the seriousness in her gaze remained. Her eyes sparkled as she watched every movement of the vampire.
Argenti lifted her gaze, and in it, Boothill saw the whole spectrum of emotions — a mix of childlike innocence and some desperate need that seemed to flare up in that moment. It was impossible not to notice the soft glow in her eyes, like a puppy searching for permission deep inside. It was as if all of her being was focused on one question, one look that silently begged for something.
Boothill stayed quiet, feeling that look, and slowly, with no words, unbuttoned the cloak around her neck, gently tossing it over the back of the sofa so that the fabric shifted and revealed more of her skin, her resolve clear in her eyes. Everything else felt secondary now.
Argenti froze, staring at the exposed skin of Boothill's neck. Her look was one of clear surprise, but there was something else there, something that flared in her gaze. A kind of almost shameless innocence passed through her eyes, silently pleading for permission — permission to act. This wasnt just a desire; it was a need born from the deep understanding that the only natural next step was the one Argenti felt so sharply, like never before. Her eyes, like that of a small, fragile creature, met Boothill's, and in them, there was this pleading need. It was a long pause that neither of them expected, but with a subtle nod of the head, Boothill gave her silent approval.
Watching her closely, Argenti began to move forward, her every motion so careful, as though she feared crossing some invisible boundary between them. She settled on her knees in front of the huntress, feeling her warmth and presence. Cold fingers brushed the soft skin, carefully moving aside Boothill's white hair to expose more of her neck. She paused, taking a moment for herself, for both of them, in this brief, dreamy calm before diving into this dark, desire-filled world. And then, when the space between them seemed filled with nothing but silence, Boothill felt the sharp fangs gently pierce her skin. A soft, but sharp pain from the first contact made her let out a quiet, surprised moan that ran down her spine. It was more than pain; it was a sound that was consuming, deep, and warm, making Argenti feel everything. She held her breath for a moment, her grip loosening slightly as she wondered if she had caused too much pain. But before she could pull away, Boothill calmly and with a certain insistence, placed her hand on Argenti's waist, as if to stop her from retreating.
— It's fine, keep going, — her voice was soft yet confident. Those words, offering no fear but also not denying what had just happened, lingered between them like a silent trust. The sound of her words was like an invisible mark, sinking deep into Argenti, keeping her in place. The silence in the room was almost palpable, surrounding them like a blanket, separating them from the outside world. Argentis cold fingers trembled just slightly as they held Boothills skin in their gentle grasp. Even though her body lacked a heartbeat, this moment felt full of rhythm, but not her own — it was the beat of Boothills heart. It pulsed deeply, each thump filling the space between them with sensations that went beyond words.
Slowly, Argenti leaned closer, allowing herself to sink into the warmth that radiated from Boothill's body. She continued, and in that moment, the blood felt like something more than just life-sustaining liquid. It was as if she were feeling life itself in a way she never had before. Her mind was flooded with images, memories that didnt belong to her. The cold of her lips contrasted with the hot skin, creating the sense that they were both suspended between opposites. Boothill's body offered no resistance; in fact, it relaxed, accepting what was happening.
Almost imperceptibly, Argenti's hand, which had been resting on Boothill , moved slightly higher, gently touching her collarbone. Her cold fingers seemed to awaken every cell in Boothill's skin, leaving behind a trail that felt like a winters breath. Argenti drank slowly, as though afraid of taking too much, afraid of losing control, but there was nothing mechanical about her movements — each gesture was filled with invisible intimacy.
Boothill remained almost still, her eyes half-lidded, revealing the swirling emotions inside. Feeling something so powerful, yet so tender, was new and almost intoxicating. Responding to Argenti's actions, her body trembled just slightly, but certainly not from fear. Every movement, every touch of Argenti's cold hands made all of Boothill's thoughts scatter into a fog, leaving only sensation. Her lips curled into a faint smile, almost grateful, as Argenti leaned in again, and her fangs grazed Boothills skin, leaving faint scratches surrounded by cold breath. With every new bite, her movements became more confident, though still careful. Her fangs slowly sank deeper into the skin, and warm blood flowed from the deeper puncture, trickling down Boothill's neck and chest.
Boothill's body tensed sharply, caught off guard when the hand that had been resting on Argenti's waist involuntarily tightened, then, almost reflexively, pulled the vampire closer, pressing her firmly against herself. Argenti froze for a moment, her fangs still in Boothil's skin, her lips barely trembling. Her eyes were shut, but there was a clear surprise in them. The hand that had been on her waist slid down smoothly, coming to rest on her thigh. When she opened her eyes, Argentis gaze was clouded, unsure whether this was the thing she had feared or the thing she had passionately longed for.
Her lips only pressed tighter against Boothill's neck, but now her movements seemed less restrained. The blood trickling down her skin mixed with Argenti's cold touches, leaving trails of unforgettable sensations behind. Boothill out another muffled moan that filled the space. Her fingers tightened on Argenti's thigh, as if confirming her desire to leave this moment unchanged.

Any sense of time seemed to vanish, pulling them completely into the present. Argenti's lips brushed over the warm skin of Boothills collarbone, greedily licking the blood that had flowed lower. Her breathing was uneven, every movement perfectly calculated, though inside, she was a whirlwind of mixed emotions. Boothill, meanwhile, struggled to hold back her reactions, biting down on her lip to stifle the moan that threatened to escape. But with every new bite, holding back became harder. Argenti moved closer, running her cold tongue along the collarbone where the blood still lingered, cleaning up every drop, making Boothill tighten up even more, trying to hold herself together. But when Argenti rose above her and looked directly into her eyes, all that control almost slipped away.
Her lips were still moist with blood, and that detail caught something in Boothill, making her smile just barely before she reached out and gently brushed her fingers against the corner of Argenti's lips, wiping away the blood. The gesture was so soft and unexpected that Argenti froze, as if caught off guard. If her heart were beating, it wouldve surely raced in that moment. There was everything in Argenti's gaze: fear, doubt, hope, and an indescribable longing. She tried to find the answer in Boothill's brown eyes, wondering if this desire was allowed, or if it was just a step into emptiness, or maybe an opportunity to finally melt the ice that had surrounded her heart for so long? Her breathing, though lifeless, was heavy and quick.

This moment stretched on, feeling like an eternity, before Argenti, gathering courage, leaned in closer. Her hesitation was almost trembling as her lips brushed Boothill's, so gently, as if afraid to break something fragile and precious. It was the beginning — careful, shy, but deep. Boothill held her breath for a second when their lips met, first gently, then deeper, more insistently. Completely lost in the moment, Argenti seemed to forget everything else. She moved slowly, exploring, feeling every moment, every curve of Boothill's lips on hers.
Feeling this cold presence, Boothill responded by pulling the woman closer, Her fingers slid along Argenti's waist, rising higher, leaving behind a hot trail, as if hoping to remember every detail. The kiss deepened, growing more passionate, but still held its tenderness. Argenti could taste the blood left on Boothill's lips from trying to hide her sounds of pleasure, which only added to the moment. She couldnt hold back anymore; her fingers gently cupped Boothill's face, lifting it slightly to emphasize the closeness between them. Her eyes were closed, but in her mind, images flared — warm, bright, filled with light she hadnt felt in years.
Boothill felt Argenti's fangs lightly graze her lips, and without thinking, they pierced her, drawing a soft, barely audible, muffled sound from the huntress. Her fingers tightened on Argenti's body, while her other hand carefully slid upward, brushing against her neck.
The kiss felt endless, but at the same time, it passed in the blink of an eye. It was more than just a touch of lips — it was a fusion of two souls desperately trying to find something theyd always been missing. When Argenti pulled back to breathe, the warm taste of the huntresss lips lingered on hers. She gazed into Boothill's eyes, which seemed to be glowing, and whispered something almost unintelligible, but the words didnt matter anymore. Their bodies and gazes spoke louder than any words could.
Pulling away slightly, Argenti's gaze involuntarily dropped to the numerous bite marks still visible on the huntresss neck. The red marks stood out clearly against her warm, sun-kissed skin. She paused, staring at her —work—as though analyzing whether she had gone too far, her brows furrowing slightly, mixing pleasure with concern.

After a moment of contemplation, she murmured, —Dont you want to treat that?
Boothill looked up, a teasing smile tugging at her lips.
—Why bother? Ill wear it like a trophy,— she said casually, flipping a strand of hair out of her face with a single motion.
—A trophys fine, but surviving a vampires bite only to die from some ordinary infection isnt worth it,— Argenti sighed, her eyes glinting with mischief, though it was clear her words were serious.
The huntress just shrugged, looking nonchalant as if none of it really mattered to her. But when Argenti began to rise, leaving her sitting alone, Boothill involuntarily lingered her gaze on the vampire. Argenti quickly scanned the room, clearly looking for something. Her movements were as fluid as when they first met.
—Where did I put the rubbing alcohol?— she muttered to herself, recalling the bottle she had brought earlier to clean Boothill's hands.
But as Boothill watched her, she couldnt help but smile. At the very moment Argenti focused on her search, Boothill, like a cat, lazily stretched, loosening her muscles before sprawling comfortably across the couch, taking up all the space. Her brown eyes, gleaming with curiosity and playfulness, followed every movement of Argenti.
The fire in the fireplace barely flickered, casting weak reflections on the walls and wrapping the room in a warmth that was slowly fading. Boothill lay on her stomach, lazily propped up on her healthy arm, resting her head in her hand, while her other hand still gripped the pillow. Her gaze followed every move Argenti made as she searched for the alcohol bottle in the room.
—Can I sleep with you?— the huntress suddenly asked, her voice sounding indifferent, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes.
Argenti froze. Her fingers paused on the bottle she had just found. Turning around, she looked at Boothill, studying her face as if making a decision.
—I'll think about it.
With those words, she walked closer, holding the bottle. Boothill, still watching her, rolled onto her back, propping herself up slightly and settling comfortably on the couch. The pillow she was still holding pressed to her chest, her head tilting just enough to expose her neck, covered in red bite marks.
Without commenting, Argenti soaked a cloth with alcohol and gently began tending to the wounds. Her movements were confident, but careful, almost tender. Boothill watched her from below, not taking her eyes off her, even when the alcohol stung her skin and she flinched slightly.
—Come on, sweetheart,— Boothill broke the silence with mock indignation. —You just about ate me alive, and now you wont let me sleep with you?
Argenti paused, not looking up. Her fingers lingered on the cloth for a moment before continuing to treat the bites as though nothing had happened.
—You volunteered for it,— she replied calmly.
—Well, now Im voluntarily going to your bed,— Boothill said boldly, her smile widening, and her eyes lighting up with that same playful spark.
Argenti sighed, but a small, warm smile appeared on her lips. She didnt answer, but her gaze silently approved the idea.