Blood Shadow's Favor.

Curiosity

The alarm clock rang precisely at seven in the morning. After only three rings, a pale arm emerged from the warm, cozy blankets, promptly silenced the alarm, and retreated back into the covers.

The figure under the blanket took a deep breath. There was no cold or discomfort, just a lingering drowsiness. Sarah intended to sleep in until she naturally woke up, but the memory of the man she had brought home the previous night lingered in her mind.

Despite her initial reluctance, Sarah had always been unable to resist attractive things. Her internal struggle didn't last long; the memory of his striking face won out over her desire for more sleep.

Reluctantly, Sarah crawled out of bed, eyes still closed, and groped her way to the heavy curtains. She pulled them aside, allowing a flood of sunlight to pour into the room, casting warm, pleasant rays all over the floor.

After freshening up, Sarah opened the bedroom door to find the living room still dimly lit. Adjusting to the low light, she tiptoed over to the sofa. The man was still asleep, wrapped in a blanket. His profile, even in slumber, remained impossibly handsome.

Fortunately, the large sofa she had bought for comfort accommodated his large frame with ease. Sarah took a moment to admire the view before picking up the black shirt from the carpet and putting it in the washing machine. She then headed to the kitchen.

Unbeknownst to her, Aungel had opened his eyes as soon as she picked up the shirt. His vampiric instincts made him highly sensitive to his surroundings. The movement had nearly triggered him to react aggressively, but he quickly controlled himself.

In the kitchen, the rice cooker simmered with plain congee. Sarah deftly flipped a sunny-side-up egg in the skillet, ensuring a perfect result. Afterward, she hung the clothes on the balcony and let them dry.

When she returned to the living room, she saw the man had awoken and was sitting on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket.

"You're awake?" Sarah asked.

"Mm."

His voice, while still chilly, was less so than before. It seemed the wet clothes hadn't caused any serious harm.

"Breakfast is ready. You can wash up in the bathroom. There are disposables in the cabinet below," Sarah pointed towards the bathroom.

"And the clothes on the floor?"

"I washed them this morning. They should be dry now." Sarah casually walked to the balcony, returning shortly with the familiar shirt.

As Aungel reached out for the shirt, he felt the warmth of her hand. He frowned as he noticed how harsh the sunlight was.

When Sarah drew back the curtains, the bright sunlight confirmed his suspicion. She then headed into the kitchen, giving him space to dress.

By the time she returned with the congee, Aungel was fully dressed and seated at the dining table, buttoned up neatly.

Sarah raised an eyebrow in surprise at his self-discipline.

During breakfast, Sarah couldn't help but glance at him repeatedly. He ate the congee with deliberate grace, his every movement exuding an air of refined elegance. His demeanor was captivating and aloof, making him both attractive and distant.

Aungel noticed Sarah's curious glances but found them more admiring than unsettling. Her curiosity was a stark contrast to the usual intrusive stares he encountered.

The congee was surprisingly delightful. Since being taken to the isolated island after his mother's death, his diet had been limited to various congealed substances and the unappealing, yet addictive, blood. He had nearly forgotten the taste of human food.

After finishing, Sarah approached him with the medical kit. "It's time to change the bandages."

"No need..." Aungel began to refuse but then changed his mind. "No bandages."

"Hmm?" Sarah looked puzzled.

"I'm not used to them."

"…?" Sarah recalled that he seemed quite accustomed to them last night.

Aungel lifted his shirt and leaned back on the sofa, making it easier for her to tend to his wound. The injury on his abdomen was still as severe as the day before, with no visible signs of improvement.

Sarah's heart sank. Despite his improved appearance, he seemed to be no better off than he was the previous night. "Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital? This wound will only get worse."

"No hospital," Aungel replied firmly.

Sarah was at a loss for words. "…"

As she worked, she speculated about his identity, imagining he might be involved with organized crime or something equally sinister, given his aversion to medical help. It was a pity such a face was marred by such secrecy.

Aungel observed Sarah's head bobbing as she worked, her hair brushing against his nose, carrying a subtle hint of peach scent. He inhaled deeply, the sweet smell adding to the pleasant, though distracting, sensations.

His gaze shifted to the nape of her neck, and he noticed the rhythmic pulse beneath her skin. The sound of blood flowing was faint but clear to his heightened senses.

Sarah felt an eerie chill on her neck and hurriedly finished bandaging the wound. She packed up the medical kit and placed it back where it belonged.

Aungel masked his reaction, his hand clenching into a fist, pretending nothing had happened.

"All done."

"Thank you."

Without further ado, Sarah moved to her studio to finish a painting she needed to send out that day. Since graduating from art school, she had been working from home, receiving commissions from fans on social media.

Though everyone saw her as a talented artist, they were unaware she was also the enigmatic painter known as J, whose work had once caused a sensation in the art world.

When she finished the painting and checked the wall clock, it was precisely 11 a.m.

In the living room, Aungel remained in his previous position, seemingly lost in thought. Sarah moved quietly to avoid disturbing him.

As she entered the kitchen, she closed the door softly, separating the cooking odors from the living area.

When she returned with the meal, Aungel was still in the same spot. Sarah approached the sofa and leaned in, once again marveling at his flawless skin.

As she was about to wake him, their eyes met unexpectedly. His expression was devoid of emotion, and it was unclear how long he had been observing her.

Sarah blushed and quickly straightened up, attempting to compose herself. "Breakfast is ready."

Aungel rose and took his seat at the table, saying nothing about their earlier encounter.

During the meal, Sarah gathered her courage and asked, "Since you're awake now, when do you plan to leave?"

Aungel paused, his hand halting mid-reach. "It might take some time."

He clearly wasn't ready to leave just yet.

"Some time?!" Sarah was taken aback, her voice rising.

"Yes."

"Can't you find someone to pick you up now?"

"I have no home."

Sarah was stunned, his appearance contradicting his words. Realizing she might have touched a sensitive topic, she quickly apologized. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to press. It's just that living alone, it's a bit inconvenient."

Aungel looked up, "Do what suits you best. I'll leave as soon as possible."

Understanding that he wouldn't be leaving soon, Sarah felt a pang of sympathy for his condition and didn't push the matter further. After cleaning up, she checked her phone.

Dr. Cheng: "Are you available this afternoon?"

Sarah: "Yes."

"I'm going out for a bit," Sarah said as she grabbed her painting and umbrella, preparing to leave.

"Alright."