Eros looked down at his empty bowl before glancing at the small girl for a moment. Though the human food did help with his energy levels, it didn't do much for his essence or healing abilities. It seems he wouldn't be able to avoid hunting once the humans had gone to sleep. He'd have to face this side of himself sooner or later, better to do some when he still felt like himself and not some hungry beast. Already he felt uncomfortable by the steady heartbeats that were so close to him.

Standing he gathered his bowl and utensils. "I can't thank you enough for the meal, I will help you tidy before I retire for the evening." He insisted to Elaina.

The young girl's mouth crept into a smile. But Daniel responded on her behalf. "No need! Elaina is perfectly capable of looking after the house. You need your rest." Her eyes fell to the ground again as she turned toward her still shimmering pot.

He ignored the man. He wasn't going to leave a child to clean up after him, she'd already done so much, no doubt she was the one to bandage his wounds and care for him. Daniel didn't seem like a man who lifted a finger unless he had to. The sink was small compared to his large stature, he gathered a small amount of water from a wooden basin on the bench and washed up. Placing the dish on the side of the sink to dry he smiled down to Elaina who was already drying them with a tea towel.

He heard Daniel's displeased grunt, but he said nothing as he left the room. This would be the perfect time to speak to Elaina, but what should he say? She kept her head low and soon left the room as well, he let out a heavy sigh. Dealing with his niece was much easier than this. Was she truly okay? where were her parents?

With his chores concluded he headed back down the hall to the small dwellings room he had been given for his lodgings. He sat on the soft mattress waiting for the house to quiet down. His ears strained against the silence as he waited. Daniel had long since gone to bed leaving the two to finish the cleaning. But the young girl was still wandering around doing chores. If she was going to be up much later it would be best for him to just exit through his window now. He'd be back by morning anyway. She wouldn't see him and there was no reason for her to enter his room.

Making up his mind he carefully opened the window and jammed it open. The rain invaded the space wetting the ledge quickly as a cold breeze took him by surprise. The night air was unexpected and heavily contrasted with the warm indoors. He slid out the small opening, his clothing soaking through in mere seconds as the storm raged on around him. His bare feet landed on damp mud with a light splash, it felt tacky between his toes, not a pleasant feeling. Quickly he darted into the safety of the woodland's edge not too far away from the small house. Now outside and surrounded by nature he was able to take in his surroundings.

The moon was a sliver in the sky, making it slightly easier to see, he looked back at the dwelling he had left behind. It was a small rectangular structure that held a number of rooms lining a long hall. Something else caught his attention, to one side there was another building that he believed would house the animals, he soon came to an understanding that this was a type of farm. They appeared to be on the outskirts of a small town, and a forest lay to the south, acting like a border to the small living domain. The trees surrounding the farm led to the forest and grew thicker the deeper in, it made for a nice shelter from the rain and wind that were relentless.

He breathed in the fresh chilly air as the pitter-patter of the rain against the foilage threatened to deafen him. Alarious was nothing like this, this realm was full of new and exciting weather, all structures and creatures he'd never encountered. Alarious was rather bland in comparison. He wasn't sure he would be able to find suitable game in this weather but he had to try. The other option was to do nothing and risk tearing the human's heads from their limbs when his thrust took over. If he could avoid anything to do with that state he was going to keep himself as well fed as possible.

He sat down amongst the foliage, the wet soil and leaves sticking to his clothing. His hands rested on his knees as he closed down his eyes to block off everything around him. His body didn't shiver against the cold, but the wounded areas did let off a dull ache as the chill of the evening washed over him.

He focused on quieting his mind, only then could he branch out and find what he needed. Alarians had a great sense of hearing and smell. His nose wouldn't be of much use in this rain but if he could block out the noise of the rain and wind he could focus on the living creatures around him. Shutting off the outside world he took a deep breath. His exhale was all he could hear as a calm stillness engulfed him. He focused on one thing and one thing only, life.

The sounds of a heartbeat echoed loudly in his head. 

His body stiffened, they were coming from the buildings he had just left behind. His mouth began to salivate uncontrollably as the sound seemed to entice him, calling to him. Steeling his resolve his head slowly turned to the side angling away from the dwelling.

A second heart beep joined the thumping of the first as he expanded his search wider. He could tell that there were two people in the house currently, Elaina and Daniel he presumed. But as the search parameter widened he also found who he presumed was the elderly couple Daniel had mentioned. They were however in the building he had thought was meant for the animals, were they tending the love stock at this hour or had be been wrong?

His head twitched as he followed one of the heartbeats leaving the main dwelling and heading toward the two others further out. Something about this situation felt off, this whole time he had felt uneasy about Daniel. Shaking his head he forced himself to focus on other smaller life forms, we needed to ease the throbbing in his canines before returning to the house. However, it couldn't hurt to investigate the elderly couple and Daniel a little more once he was done with his meal.

Turning his mind away from the human heartbeats, which was much harder than it sounded, he searched the woods for any other signs of life. He found what he was seeking in the form of the light-laboured thumbing. An unsuspecting small sleeping animal that had likely burrowed its way underground.

His eyes flashed open, a slight glowing hue in them illuminated them in the darkness. Like a wolf stalking his prey, he navigated through the trees and foliage careful not to make any sudden movements and stir up nature around him. His feet were careful to avoid any rocks and protruding debris as he crept his way closer to the unsuspecting animal. He hoped some of his speed and strength remained, but the truth of the matter was with the amount of blood he had lost and his weakened state, he was no more than a human with a vampiric curse. crouching down beside the small borrowed hole, the den of softly sleeping mammals. He was swift with his strike as he reached in and grabbed hold of one of the creatures. The others in the small hole awoke and scrambled out and away in seconds.

Blinking down looked down at the small fluffy brown animal in his hands, its fear apparent in its wide eyes, he grew unsure of himself. He needed to do this, but his mind didn't want to, however, his mouth was already salivating, yearning to sink his fangs into the tiny beast.

Closing his eyes he did what he must, he was still in control and would keep it that way. He would not fall, he was going to live with this curse one way or another. His grip tightened on the bunny as he lifted it up to his lips. It was struggling in his hold, he wished he were like his sister, but he had no talent with spirit, he couldn't calm it. He bit down sinking his teeth into the creature. That first taste of blood was something he would never forget, the way it so easily slid down his throat, the sweet metallic taste that it left lingering on his tongue, it was like no other. He could easily get lost in the sensation and yet he knew this was the sweetest wine out there.

His body stiffened as he felt the animal go limp in his hands. He needed to stop, the creature's body was so small and already he had taken too much... but he wanted more, with a groan he frustratingly pulled back as he felt the thing's heartbeat almost disappear. Though he knew killing the animal wouldn't send him insane or tip him over the edge he didn't want the animal's soul tired to his for the rest of his life, however long that was to be.

That damned curse. From what he had found out he couldn't take a life while feeding. If he killed someone or something, in its dying moment the soul would be tired to his own, the more people he killed while feeding the worse it would get. His studies had been very clear about avoiding a kill while feeding, the unwilling souls are forced to relive the torment of dying over and over against their will all through their newfound host. Alarians who had gone too far have fallen from the grace of the gods, hence the name fallen had been given to them.

Returning the creature to its hole in the ground allowing it to rest, he whipped his mouth of the sticky fluid and stood. He could feel his body begin to heal as the life-giving fluid filled him with a newfound power. It was intoxicating, his muscles felt alive as his essence was buzzing to be let loose. The small amount of blood wouldn't be enough to sustain this state for long. But it should prove enough to fully heal his small injuries. Rolling his neck around he relished in the feeling, nothing ached or protested against the movement. It was time to head back and investigate the nagging feeling these humans were leaving him with.

⊰-----------------------------------------------⊱

Eros had made swift work of his short journey back to the estate that Daniel and Elaina were boarding. His hand resting on the wooden wall of the rather fresh-smelling outhouse. And not in a good way, with his body in top condition his sense of smell had heightened. He could tell that there were several types of animals and excrement present behind the wall. But what bothered him the most was the scent of blood, human blood. He was listening intently to the muffled sounds of voices within. His hearing easily taking in the soft murmurs now.

"Elaina please child, you must set us free." A woman's voice he didn't know. Her voice was laced with urgency and desperation.

"T-There's nothing I can do, I'm sorry." That was Elaina responding in a shaking tone.

He flinched as he heard what sounded like a bowl being thrown across the room. Elaina had gasped and he assumed stumbled out for the way, by the shuffling of feet he heard.

"What good is it to bring us food then! Why bother!" A harsh man's tone this time.

"Why are you so loyal to that man?" The woman's voice again, it appeared as though she was trying to soothe Elaina, coxing her into letting them go. But why were they here in the first place?

"I-I have no choice, my brother needs me. Family stick together." Elaina sounded scared. But what was this about a brother, if Daniel wasn't her family then where was the brother?

"Where are your mother and father child?" The women tried.

"D-dead." Elaina whispered. "I must go, please eat something, you will be free once we leave, h-he promised."

He heard hurried footsteps and a door being pulled shut from the other side. He knew Elaina had left not only by the scents that remained but also by the conversation that persisted.

"What's the point in sucking up to the brat, he's got her wrapped around his little finger." The man huffed.

"Shut it you, we wouldn't be in this mess if you hadn't tried to pay him to fuck her!" The woman shot back with venom.

Erosvent's jaw clenched as his body froze. He'd heard that correctly, right? This man had tried to buy a young girl? That was simply unheard of. Impossible! Were imprisoned because of that?

"Bloody hell woman! I've told you a thousand times, he tried to sell her to me, and I refused which is why we are locked up in here because I was going to report him!" He was furious. "If you honestly think I would lay a hand on a child, I married the wrong woman!"

The women huffed. "Least you didn't marry a pedophile!"

The man let out a frustrated groan but didn't respond. They were clearly having some marital problems. He decided in order to receive answers he needed to speak to Elaina, Daniel was already fairly suspicious enough in his eyes and he wanted to clarify a few things. Leaving the couple in the barn for now he ducked into the house through his window.

He dressed in some fresh clothes he had noticed earlier and tossed the drenched ones aside. Waiting by the door he proceeded to open it as Elaina was about to walk by, timing it perfectly. 

Startling her she jumped back with a gasp, eyes wide and fearful. Like she had been caught doing something she shouldn't.

"Elaina?" He asked confused.

Righting herself she laughed nervously, it was clearly forced. "Sorry, you startled me." She whispered.

But he could see that she was shaking, only mildly, but it was there. "You okay?" He asked in his own hushed voice.

She nodded, that fake smile on her face tempting to break his heart. "Couldn't sleep..." She responded.

"I was headed to get a cup of the warm beverage you served with dinner." He added.

"Tea?" She questioned slightly confused.

"Ah yes, that's the one. It was rather enjoyable, and I could use it to settle my nerves, how about you?" He asked.

"Me?" She blinked up at him.

"Would a cup help settle you?" He pushed.

She thought about that for a moment, then gingerly nodded. "Yes, I think it might." She whispered back.

Before long they sat quietly on opposite sides of the table in the kitchen, warm steaming cups in hand. Erosvent stared into the liquid trying to find the words to say without frightening her at the start of the conversation. She was young, fragile and scared and he was simply a stranger.

"Daniel seems like an interesting fellow..." He finally broke the silence. "Have you been travelling long with him?"

"Only for a few months now." She was short with her answers.

"Forgive me for saying so, but I assume your parents are... gone?"

She averted her eyes, staring at the ground but nodded in response.

"I'm sorry for your loss, I'm glad that you have someone in these hard times." He added softly.

He didn't miss the slight cringe she made as he spoke, had he gone too far?

"What of your parents? Surely they must wonder where you are." She suddenly asked.

"My parents are scholars, they encourage my travels. Wanted me to see the world, to learn and grow stronger. But my sister is into... politics, I think that's the correct term." He watched her eyes light up as he caught her attention. 

"She is in a position of power?" She asked.

He let out a short laugh. "You could say that. She's very well respected where I come from."

"That would be amazing." Her eyes were shining. "Unheard of in these parts."

"Only unheard of because no one has gone it yet." He commented.

She giggled, the first carefree sound he'd heard her make. He smiled, maybe now was as good a time as any, it was going to be an awkward question regardless.

"The two in the dwelling outside, they are the owners of this home correct?" He asked.

She froze her eyes going wide as her body grew frigid and stiff, fear setting in.

"Breathe Elaina, it's okay. I will not tell Daniel that I am aware." He added quickly.

She let out the breath she had been holding as her head dropped unable to meet his eyes. "H-How did you know?"

"Forgive me for saying so, but Daniel rubbed me the wrong way, I snuck out the window and explored." He confessed truthfully.

Her head shot up, terror on her face. "He must not find out!" She hissed.

He nodded sternly. "Understood."

Her expression morphed to surprise. "You didn't set them free?"

"Some things were said that... I needed to clarify, and getting on Daniel's bad side wouldn't be to my or your benefit without the facts." He concluded. "I'm still healing after all."

"Are you not afraid that I would tell?" She asked searching his face for answers.

"You can tell him if you like, you may not even have a choice in the matter. I will be honest with you, I see that he has some type of hold over you." He began.

She took a sharp intake of breath unintentianly confirming his suspicions. 

"You have your reasons I'm sure, and I am not one to butt into others' business." He studied her carefully. "Whatever the case, it's important to you right?"

"I can't say." She averted her gaze.

"Can you answer me one thing, is the male prisoner guilty of what the wife believes him to be?" He finally asked.

"He is not, he is a kind man who only helped! He never..." Her bottom lip trembled. "He was the first who didn't take the offer."

His heart sank as crippling anger began to creep its way in, he slid his hands under the table hiding them as his hands changed, morphing to claw-like talons. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, forcing calm to return. "I see, thank you for telling me."

His hands returned to normal as his control returned. He downed his tea and stood, with a swift pace he walked out of the room. A new feeling filled his being, a trust for blood. Not to quench a trust, not to sait his hunger but to quell his anger.

Elaina bolted up in a panic and raced after him. "What are you going to do!?"

He stopped for only a moment to glance over his shoulder at her. "What I have to."