The Vampire & Her Witch
Chapter 399: Sweet Taste

Chapter 399: Sweet Taste

The first taste of Ashlynn’s rich, hot blood exploded across Nyrielle’s tongue like water breaking free from a dam. Sweetness burst in her mouth, rich with the flavor of honeyed desire mingling with the sharp tang of her lover’s anticipation. As she drew deeper, the complexity of flavors unfolded like a perfectly composed dish.

There was a rich, oaky undertone to Ashlynn’s blood, reminiscent of ancient forests, and deep devotion that had matured beautifully since they’d first formed their bond of blood. The steady foundation of loyalty and commitment gave the blood a resonant depth that satisfied yearnings deep in Nyrielle’s bones that went far beyond simple hunger.

Nyrielle pulled Ashlynn closer, one hand tangled in her golden hair while the other pressed firmly against the small of her back, pressing their bodies together as if they could melt into a single being.

Ashlynn felt herself melting into Nyrielle’s embrace, her arms growing limp, barely able to maintain her hold on her lover’s lithe figure while her own heartbeat thundered in her ears. The sensation of giving herself, not just her blood or her magic, but offering up her very life created an intimacy beyond what any other physical act could achieve.

She could feel Nyrielle’s gratitude and pleasure echoing through their bond, creating a circle of sensation that bounced back and forth between them, echoing in time with their heartbeats and growing stronger with each exchange. A soft whimper escaped her lips as Nyrielle’s sharp nails traced patterns along her exposed skin, leaving faint red lines in their wake as if to mark Ashlynn as hers and hers alone.

For Nyrielle, every swallow brought new tastes, each one echoing the feelings that poured from Ashlynn’s heart. yet no matter how she relished in the oaky flavor of devotion or the bright, almost herbal taste of anticipation, nothing could compare to the succulent, almost berry-like sweetness that could only be described as pure, unfiltered love.

And mingled through all of those things, what truly distinguished Ashlynn’s blood from all others was the magical energy that coursed through it. A vibrant current that sang through everything like the finest champagne accompanying a perfect feast. It sparkled and danced across Nyrielle’s palate, the witch’s power manifesting as effervescent bursts of energy that tingled all the way down her throat and spread outward through her limbs.

Ashlynn’s fingers dug into Nyrielle’s shoulders, her body arching as the vampire drank deeply. The connection between them intensified with each swallow, their heartbeats melding into a single, strong rhythm. Through their bond, Nyrielle could feel Ashlynn’s pleasure mirroring her own, like waves crashing on the shore with the ecstatic relief of fulfilling her lover’s deepest need.

Ashlynn’s head fell back against the wall, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. The world narrowed to just this moment, just this connection between them. Her fingers slid upwards, becoming tangled in Nyrielle’s silken hair, alternately stroking and gripping as waves of intense sensation pulsed through her body. Between her soft, creamy thighs, a fire built that left her writhing and yearning for release as she pressed tightly against the soft, silky fabric of Nyrielle’s dress, hating that it kept her from feeling more of her lover’s touch.

Slowly, the weakness that had plagued Nyrielle since she stood in the presence of the Holy Flame Blade began to recede as strength flowed back into her limbs. Ashlynn’s blood cleared away the red-gold haze that had clouded her vision, leaving her free to fill her gaze with the beauty of her lover’s soft, tender flesh.

Before Ashlynn gave any sign that the pleasure threatened to turn to pain, Nyrielle slowed her drinking, savoring the final tastes like the last sips of a rare wine. She could sense exactly how much she could take without weakening Ashlynn, and she stopped far short of that.

Ashlynn felt the change as Nyrielle slowed her drinking, a gradual lessening of the intensity of sensations that shook her body dimming like the setting sun and allowing her to float gently back to awareness rather than being abruptly cut off. Her body still hummed with pleasure, but the overwhelming sensations began to recede, leaving behind a deep contentment that spread from the bite at her neck to the center of her chest before radiating out over every inch of her body.

With great reluctance, Nyrielle withdrew her fangs, her tongue gently sealing the twin punctures on Ashlynn’s neck, leaving only two faint white dots and a trace of crimson blood that she quickly licked clean to mark the fact that she’d fed at all.

"Exquisite," Nyrielle whispered against Ashlynn’s ear, her voice husky with satisfaction. The tremor in her hands had disappeared, replaced by the steady, confident touch that Ashlynn knew so well. "You taste more magnificent each time, my darling. Like a fine wine that only improves with age and experience."

Ashlynn smiled languidly, her eyes half-lidded with pleasure as she leaned against Nyrielle for support. The feeding had left her light-headed but deeply fulfilled. The last time she’d seen Nyrielle like this, it had been her fault as she depleted Nyrielle’s own strength to fuel her growth as Nyrielle’s Seneschal.

Then, she’d been unable to take responsibility for leaving her lover aching with hunger. This time, however, when Nyrielle had over-extended herself to protect Ashlynn while she examined the Holy Flame Blade, she was able to repay her lover and perhaps, to make up for what she couldn’t do the time before.

"We should return to our guests," Ashlynn murmured, though she made no immediate move to step away from Nyrielle’s embrace. Stripped to the waist with her bodice hanging in tatters around her hips, she leaned on the vampire, entwining her arms around her lover’s back to hold herself up as she recovered. "They’ll be wondering where we’ve gone for so long," she mumbled softly.

Nyrielle chuckled, her midnight eyes now clear and bright. "Let them wonder for a few moments more," she said, pressing a gentle kiss to Ashlynn’s forehead. "Besides, I’ve ruined your lovely dress. We’ll need to find you something else to wear."

"Next time, make it up to me," Ashlynn teased as soaked in the borrowed warmth that radiated from Nyrielle’s healthy, glowing skin. "Next time, you let me be the one to rip your bodice out of the way," she said with a faint, glowing green light flickering across her eyes. "Don’t think I can’t do it."