The atmosphere on the 32nd floor was different from the ones before it—a thick, cloying darkness hung in the air, rich with the scent of decay and old blood. Michael could feel the shift immediately, sensing a new kind of danger lurking somewhere within the darkened chamber ahead. But he also noticed something else: Valencia was emanating a stronger, more intense energy. Her crimson eyes glowed, a vibrant sheen of power pulsing just beneath their surface.
Valencia stretched her black wings, their crimson-lined veins seeming to pulse with a life of their own. "This floor feels… potent," she murmured, her voice a lilting echo that seemed to stir the shadows around them.
Michael nodded, his eyes still trained on her. "You've felt stronger since we crossed to this level. It's almost like the floor itself is feeding you."
She looked down, as if rediscovering herself for the first time. Her fingers flexed, and a trickle of blood coiled around them, forming intricate shapes before she clenched her fist. It splattered to the ground, sizzling on the stones with a faint hiss.
"I feel… more alive than ever," she whispered, a hunger flaring in her eyes as they turned to meet Michael's. "Stronger. Sharper. But it's… intense."
Before he could respond, a familiar notification flared in her vision: [New Ability: Blood Reave] — Valencia could now draw power directly from the blood of her enemies, enhancing her strength and speed in proportion to their vitality. She clenched her fists, feeling a surge of newfound power course through her body, her senses heightened and her pulse quickening.
But as the power flooded her, so did a creeping sensation—an overwhelming, burning thirst she could no longer ignore. The desire for blood was sharper, more primal, and Michael's scent filled her senses, stoking a need that went beyond simple hunger.
Michael's voice cut through the haze. "You alright?"
"Yes… I'm fine," she replied, though her voice was strained. She tried to push the feeling down, but it only clawed deeper, the craving amplifying with every passing second. Her gaze drifted to his neck, the familiar pulse of his heartbeat beckoning her.
Michael's attention shifted as the cavern trembled, signaling the approach of the floor's boss. The massive double doors swung open to reveal a towering, armored beast. Flames flickered at the creature's fingertips as it prepared to launch low-level fire spells, but Michael's attention flickered between the monster and Valencia.
"Valencia, stay focused," he warned, sensing her distraction.
Valencia tore her gaze from him, narrowing her eyes on the approaching enemy. She lunged forward, her wings carrying her with a speed and grace that took her by surprise. In an instant, she was at the monster's side, her fingers curling as tendrils of her own blood extended like whips, latching onto the creature's arms and dragging it down. She could feel its life force as it flowed through her blood whips, each pulse strengthening her with an addictive rush.
"Valencia!" Michael called as he ascended, his wings propelling him high above the beast. The creature hurled a barrage of fireballs at him, but his halo flared, casting bright yellow orbs that intercepted each attack, dissolving the flames with ease. He took aim with his coilgun, firing a metallic projectile that struck the monster with pinpoint accuracy. Dark tendrils erupted from the impact, digging into the creature's flesh with barbed hooks and beginning to drain its energy.
As the creature writhed, Valencia felt the monster's waning strength pulse through her blood whips. The power was intoxicating, and she found herself laughing softly, an eerie, unsettling sound as her bloodlust took hold. Her hands trembled as she looked at Michael, her pupils dilating with an overpowering need.
"Michael," she whispered, her voice almost pleading. "I need more… I need you."
The ferocity in her gaze was unnerving, yet Michael stepped closer, his hand extended to her, a faint smile on his lips. "Then take what you need," he murmured, knowing full well that his blood was more than just a temporary fix. He could feel the weight of her dependency deepening with each floor, a bond that was as dangerous as it was powerful.
Valencia wasted no time, she took his hand in hers, pushing her body onto his chest as her fangs delved into his neck; her strength growing with every drop of his rich blood. The sensation was euphoric, her senses sharpening even further, her body practically vibrating with energy.
When she pulled away, her breathing ragged, she glanced up at him, eyes filled with something dark, possessive. "Thank you," she whispered, voice thick with lingering hunger. She knew her dependency was escalating, but the allure of his blood, of his white sticky essence, was a temptation she could not, and would not resist.
Michael held her gaze, understanding the unspoken bond between them was both a strength and a curse. With Valencia at his side, he felt unstoppable—yet he couldn't shake the feeling that her growing bloodlust was leading her down a path from which there might be no return.