Eternal desire

Chapter 10

**Chapter 10: The Hunger Within**

Amara’s eyes snapped open, and the world around her had changed and it was morning already. Every detail was sharper, every sound clearer, every scent intoxicating. Her body pulsed with an unfamiliar energy, a strength that surged beneath her skin. She pushed herself up from the bed, her movements fluid and effortless.

But then it hit her—an overwhelming thirst, a hunger so deep it clawed at her insides. Her throat burned, and her senses locked onto the faint scent of blood. She gasped, staggering back, pressing a hand to her chest.

Lucien appeared in front of her, his eyes full of concern. "Amara, it’s alright. You’re with me."

Her eyes locked onto his, the blue of them now more intense than ever before. She could feel it—something had changed within her. Her heartbeat had stopped, her body was cold, and the scent of blood… it was unbearable.

"I feel so thirsty," she whispered, her voice trembling with both realization and fear.

Amara recoiled, shaking her head. The thirst was too much, the burn in her throat unbearable. She stepped back, her body trembling with the need to satisfy the hunger that gripped her.

"I need—" She gasped, trying to control herself. "I need blood."

Lucien moved toward her, his expression softening with understanding. "It’s the bloodlust. Your body is adjusting, but the hunger will be intense at first. You won’t be able to control it unless you feed."

"No!" Amara backed away, panic rising in her chest. "I can’t—what if I hurt someone? What if I can’t stop?"

"You won’t hurt anyone," Lucien said firmly, his gaze locking with hers. "We’ll leave. I’ll take you somewhere safe. You won’t have to fight it alone."

Amara’s hands clenched at her sides as she fought the rising tide of hunger. The smell of blood was everywhere—the scent of it coursing through the veins of everyone in Crimson Hollow, everyone who passed by their small apartment. Her stomach clenched painfully, her fangs aching in her mouth.

She had to get out.

Lucien grabbed her hand, his grip gentle but firm. "Come with me."

Amara didn’t resist as he led her out of the apartment and into the night. The cool air hit her face, but it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside her. She could hear the distant heartbeat of every living thing around her, every drop of blood pulsing in the bodies of strangers, and it drove her mad.

They moved swiftly, Lucien guiding her down dark, empty streets. Amara’s mind was a blur, her only thought focused on how to control herself, how to resist the urge to feed. She gritted her teeth, her nails digging into her palms as she fought the growing need.

After what felt like hours, they reached a secluded part of town. Towering trees surrounded them, and through the thick foliage, a large mansion came into view. It was old, gothic in style, with ivy climbing up the stone walls and tall, arched windows that glinted faintly in the moonlight.

Amara stopped, staring at the building in disbelief. "Whose place is this?"

Lucien’s eyes darkened, a shadow passing over his features. "It’s mine. I’ve had it for centuries."

"You—" Amara’s mind reeled. She had known Lucien was old, but seeing the grandeur of the mansion made her realize just how much of a life he had lived, how far removed he was from the world she knew. "You never told me."

"I didn’t think it mattered," he replied softly. "Not until now."

She didn’t have the strength to question him further. Her hunger was too strong, the fire in her throat unbearable. Lucien led her into the mansion, and as soon as they stepped inside, she was hit with a new scent—blood. But it wasn’t human blood.

Amara’s gaze snapped toward a large, polished table in the center of the vast room. A silver goblet sat on it, filled to the brim with a dark, thick liquid.

"Animal blood," Lucien said, watching her closely. "It’s not the same as human blood, but it will keep the hunger at bay until you’re ready to handle more."

Amara hesitated, her fangs aching, the thirst gnawing at her insides like a ravenous beast. She took a tentative step forward, her instincts screaming at her to drink, to feed. But a part of her still resisted, clinging to her humanity.

"Drink, Amara," Lucien urged gently, stepping closer to her. "It’s the only way."

Her hands trembled as she reached for the goblet, her mind a storm of fear and desire. She brought it to her lips, hesitating for the briefest of moments before tipping it back. The blood was cold and metallic, its taste sharp and bitter, but the relief it brought was instant.

The burning in her throat eased, the gnawing hunger subsiding with every swallow. She drank deeply, her body finally calming as the fire within her was quelled. When the goblet was empty, she set it down with shaking hands, breathing heavily.

Lucien stood beside her, watching her closely. "You’ll get used to it. The hunger won’t always be this strong."

Amara wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, her mind racing. "I can’t live like this, Lucien. The thirst… it’s too much."

"It will get easier," he promised, his voice soft but firm. "I’ll help you through it. You won’t be alone."

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. "I don’t know if I can do this."

Lucien stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "You’re stronger than you think, Amara. You’ve already survived so much. You’ll survive this, too."

Amara’s chest tightened, the weight of her new reality settling heavily on her shoulders. She was no longer the girl she once was—she was something else entirely now. Something powerful, something dangerous.

But as Lucien held her, his presence steady and sure, she felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to live with this new hunger. And with Lucien by her side, she wouldn’t have to face it alone.

For now, the thirst was under control. But Amara knew the real battle was just beginning.