“I’m saying, do you understand, little one…”
“……”
She still didn’t understand a single thing.
But Sylvie saw it clearly—the thick, sticky sweetness and playful desire in Utia’s eyes, completely unconcealed, perfectly showing her exactly what she was thinking.
Does my withered body… really tempt her this much…
“Hey, hey, Utia, sister.”
Lynla called out sweetly several times. Utia looked down and saw the tiny figure with her arms spread wide, tilting an innocent, trusting smile up at her.
She was actually… asking for a hug!
This sudden move made both Sylvie’s and Nia’s hearts jump into their throats. No matter what, Utia was still a dangerous and deadly woman.
The latter simply lowered her gaze. Her blood-red pupils reflected Lynla’s small face full of trust and anticipation. After several seconds of silence, the corners of her crimson lips slowly curved into a meaningful smile.
She did not refuse.
She really bent down, stretched out those pale, slender hands that could easily snap a fragile neck, and gently lifted Lynla into her arms, letting the girl sit on her firm forearm.
“Ara, what an adorable little thing. So adorable that… sister really wants to ‘eat’ you up in one bite.”
“Utia, sister is a good person just like Sylvie, sister! Lynla likes both of you!”
Lynla laughed happily and boldly wrapped her arms around Utia’s neck. She looked so delighted, as if she had completely forgotten how the same woman had once frightened her to tears.
“Lyn… Lynla! Come down right now!” Nia whispered urgently, voice tight with fear. She wanted to pull the girl back but was terrified of provoking Utia, so her hands could only flutter helplessly in the air.
Utia ignored her completely and instead shot Sylvie a teasing glance.
“Did you hear that, little one? This child says sister is a good person~”
“……” Sylvie was speechless, her eyelid twitching.
I don’t know whether you’re a good person or not, but I know your earlier words were completely literal…
……
The numb heart and tormented soul finally received immense comfort in the joy of regaining what had been lost.
To Sylvie, Nia, Lynla, and the children were far more than friends. They were her only remaining attachment and warmth in this cold, dark city—the sole sanctuary where her battered body could truly relax and feel at ease.
Even so, the joy did not cloud her mind. She knew the current situation left her no room to relax.
“The old home can’t be used anymore. We need to find a new place to stay…” Sylvie lowered her eyes, her expression heavy.
“But in Eternal Night City, where could possibly be safe enough to give Lynla and the others a home?” Nia asked worriedly.
Utia held Lynla in her arms, but her gaze remained fixed on the solemn Sylvie. Hearing their quiet conversation, she suddenly gave a soft laugh.
“Why the long faces? Worried about housing? Worried about safety? Why make it so troublesome?”
Her tone carried a casual confidence.
“Sister is, after all, a Blood Overseer. I manage quite a large area on the western side of the Penned District. Finding a few relatively… sturdy and quiet houses to settle these little ones is still easy.”
Hope flashed in Nia’s eyes for an instant, only to dim again. She glanced worriedly at Sylvie. She knew there was no such thing as a free lunch, especially not kindness from Utia.
Sylvie stayed silent. Complex emotions churned deep within her emerald eyes.
“Why?” Sylvie asked the question once more.
“Why… help us to this extent?”
“Is that so important? They may not know the reason, but can my dear Sylvie really not know? Hehehe…” Utia said with a meaningful smile.
“Sylvie…” Lynla tugged worriedly at her sleeve. After a brief silence, Sylvie let out a resigned sigh.
She simply replied in a soft voice.
“…Sylvie will repay Lord Utia.”
Hearing the answer, the smile on Utia’s face deepened.
……
Later, Utia gave Sylvie the address. Taking advantage of the deep night, they set off with the children toward the so-called safe zone.
On the way, Nia asked uneasily, her voice full of worry.
“Sylvie… what exactly happened these past few days? How did things suddenly…”
Sylvie’s body stiffened slightly. She shook her head gently.
After the Great Purge, Sylvie had truly understood… there was no safe place in Eternal Night City.
If they stayed here, Lynla and the others would only meet death. They had survived this time thanks to Utia’s sudden appearance, but what about next time?
Sylvie didn’t dare imagine it.
The only way to truly keep Nia and the others safe was…
It seemed an idea came to her. A faint light flashed in her eyes, only to be quickly swallowed by even heavier worry.
Yes… right now, wasn’t this the perfect opportunity?
An… excellent chance for Lynla and the others to breathe fresh air no longer tainted by the smell of blood, to escape the torment of hunger, to no longer suffer the invasion of darkness and cold.
She only needed…
She only needed to sacrifice herself a little…
Sylvie… you have nothing to hesitate about… Just like always… do what you do best.
………………
The cold metal syringe reflected a dim, gloomy light under the candle flame. The sharp needle glinted with cold sharpness.
Utia lounged on the recliner, her blood-colored eyes staring unblinkingly at the delicate syringe in her hand. Deep in her pupils, the candlelight flickered, along with some indescribable emotion.
She watched the faint red glow on the syringe pulse. The next moment, it turned green again.
Utia paused in surprise. Then she heard the sound of knocking at the door.
Knock… Knock… Knock…
She stood up, opened the door, and saw a slender figure standing silently at the entrance, head lowered.
A trace of confusion flashed through Utia’s eyes, but she still spoke in her usual teasing tone.
“What’s this? You sent them back so quickly?”
Sylvie said nothing. She only nodded silently, her head still bowed so Utia could not see her expression.
“Not going to stay and linger a little? And you actually took the initiative to come find sister?” Utia narrowed her blood-red eyes, carefully studying the unusually quiet girl.
After a moment of silence, a hoarse, calm voice finally emerged.
“Can I… come in first…”
“…Of course, little one.”
Once again inside Utia’s room, Sylvie kept her head lowered. The hand at her side slowly closed the door on its own.
Seeing her like this, Utia grew more and more puzzled.
Had she been frightened by something?
“This doesn’t seem like you, little one.” Utia’s voice held less teasing and more curiosity.
Then, a scene she never expected unfolded.
Sylvie calmly walked forward and stopped right in front of her. Just as Utia was about to tease her like usual,
She suddenly spread her slender arms and… actively wrapped them around Utia’s waist.