Chapter 88: Unexpected Twist
While Damon was going through the notifications, Blood Reign quickly called out in his mind. "Blood God! Now! Act like you are weak and wounded. Maybe the elf will offer you some blood."
"What an evil weapon spirit. Always plotting and scheming. Always giving me underhanded methods and unscrupulous ideas." Damon shot back but he nevertheless feigned weakness and acted as if he was struggling to breathe.
"So shameless!" Blood Reign pouted in his mind.
Damon ignored her and continued putting on an act. He was almost certain it was not going to work but the next second, Lirae rushed to his side, tears still falling from her eyes.
She dropped to her knees beside him without hesitation, her trembling hands hovering uncertainly over his chest, then his face, then his arms, like she didn’t know where to start. "Blood Drinker... you’re hurt. You... gods, you shouldn’t have pushed yourself so far! Why did you risk your life for someone like me?"
Her voice cracked with emotion, still raw from nearly being crushed to death moments ago. Her eyes were wide, haunted, and brimming with more than just gratitude. Guilt. Grief. Something deeper.
Damon gave her a weak smile and forced a cough, just enough to add a tremble to his shoulders. "I’ll be fine. You should be the one resting, not fussing over me."
She shook her head violently. "You saved me. You saved all of us." Her fingers brushed lightly against his arm, uncertain but warm. "And I... I have no way to repay you... I have no healing left. I have nothing to ever repay you. I am nothing. I am no one. You should not have risked your life for a nobody like me."
Blood Reign practically vibrated with glee in his mind. "Say it! Say the line! ’There is... one way you can help me.’"