Chapter 51 Conflict

Ethan's POV"It is an honor to welcome Heiress Elarith to the Euphoria Lounge," she said smoothly, her voice rich and sultry. "On behalf of this floor of the Blood Chalice Tavern, I extend my greetings to you."

Her bow was low and her breasts became more pronounced and detailed. For a fleeting moment, I thought her precarious dress might fail her entirely, exposing more than she intended to.

The spring scenery she barely kept hidden seemed on the verge of being revealed.

"Pleasure is mine, Lady Ravenna," Virelle replied with polite indifference. "I have heard much about you."

Ravenna's crimson gaze shifted momentarily to Rendell offering him a curt nod before settling on me with curiosity. It was clear she recognized me as a newcomer.

"Hello, Lady Ravenna," I said, maintaining a composed demeanour. "I am Eryndor Sangrial." I ensured my expression remained neutral avoiding even a flicker of the lustful gazes the other men had failed to suppress.

Ravenna studied me briefly with a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Welcome, young lord Eryndor," she said smoothly. "Enjoy your stay." She seemed pleased by my calm and respectful attitude. She nodded slightly before returning to her station.

"We'll have two Obsidian Whisper," Rendell called after her but she was already walking away. A nearby cat-boy server appeared instead to take his order.

Shortly after, Ravenna returned with a tray bearing two exquisite golden cups. She placed them before Virelle and me, her movements precise and elegant. The drink shimmered under the soft light, the crimson liquid flecked with silvery specks that glittered like starlight.

"Crimson Reverie is a blend of moon elven blood, moonflower nectar and spectral essence," Virelle explained through sound transmission, sensing my fascination.

"It is served in a golden chalice and under low lighting, it glows faintly. It's a mild drink which is suitable even for non-vampires."

Her final comment gave me pause confirming she suspected I wasn't truly a vampire. Still, I remained calm. It was a logical deduction given my connection to the Nightshade Dragoness.

I raised the chalice to my lips, eager to experience this otherworldly concoction for myself. The taste was reminiscent of fruit wine, light and fragrant and I found myself quite enjoying it. A refreshing and cool sensation began in my stomach, gradually spreading throughout my body.

The coolness wasn't like the biting chill of ice I felt in my home instead it felt like the soothing caress of a gentle night breeze.

I had the illusion of standing in a vast meadow under a serene night sky bathed in the pristine and silvery glow of moonlight.

This moonlight wasn't ominous like the oppressive blood moon rather it brought with it a calming tranquillity and peace of mind.

"The moon elves are a very unique sub-species of the elves," Virelle's voice sounded in my mind through a sound transmission.

"Except our continent's blood moon, they can absorb the moonlight from the skies of the other two continents. They can't sense or control other elements and can only grow strong through moonlight.

Because of this, very few members of their race achieve significant power but those who do are extraordinary. Their strength is pure and their powers are unparalleled when fully matured."

Her tone turned colder as she continued, "This uniqueness is why they are among the top slave choices in the Blood Veil and Dark Star Continents. Due to the extensive wars and ancient grudges between our continent and Bloom Haven, the slave market thrives here.

Moon elves are in exceptionally high demand not only because of their power but also for their pure blood which is extensively used for potion-making, magical experiments and crafting elite blood cocktails like this Crimson Reverie we are drinking right now."

I nodded silently, processing the information. My worldview seemed to expand as I took in the brutal reality she described which was very different from my previous world.

I continued sipping my drink serenely, letting my thoughts wander when two men entered the dark lounge from the corner staircase.

One of them was a slender and effeminate young man with jet-black hair and striking red eyes his features delicate yet sharp.

The other was a stark contrast—a muscular young man in his mid to late twenties with short-cropped blond hair and the same piercing red eyes. His rugged appearance was enhanced by a scar running from his right cheek to his ear.

Though the scar gave him a dangerous edge his chiselled features still made him undeniably handsome.

My instincts immediately screamed caution sensing an immense danger radiating from him. At the same time, there was something familiar about him that tugged at the edges of my memory.

I racked my brain my gaze flicking toward Virelle for answers and then it clicked. The resemblance between them was undeniable. Their facial features and hair were nearly identical, he must be her brother.

The two men were walking toward the exit when the blond man suddenly turned as though he had sensed my stare. Our gazes locked mid-air and in that brief moment, we both instinctively assessed each other.

There was surprise in his eyes as he must have only sensed a dark shadow at the place I was standing with his soul sense.

Likewise, I could sense a strong smell of blood from him. Invisible and concentrated bloody waves radiated from his body that could only be sensed by a stronger soul sense like mine.

The effeminate man noticed his companion's reaction and turned in my direction. His eyes caught mine for only a fraction of a second before shifting to Virelle.

His face lit up with a smile of happiness and one that failed to mask the desire simmering beneath his polished demeanour.

I facepalmed internally already anticipating the drama to come. Another fool had arrived to try his luck with the flower.

The pair walked toward us and as they approached, the blond man's serious and rugged expression softened when he saw Virelle. A small rare smile graced his lips.