AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“A cure.”
My expression didn’t change, but I felt all the muscles in my body automatically tighten. Against my will, my lungs pulled in a deep breath.
“Do I have your attention?” Those angry eyes now shined with arrogance.
Stubborn to my core, I kept my mouth shut.
“We have the same self-interest. The plague has devastated our food source, and your population has been decimated by the sickness. We can find a cure together—if you cooperate.”
“Cooperate?”
“Yes.”
“And what doescooperatemean?”
He tilted his head the other way, his slitted eyes never leaving my face. “I need to taste your blood.”
My stomach tightened with disgust.
“It’s the only way.”
“Right…”
“If I’ve fed on someone before, I can identify them based on the taste of their blood alone. It’s the same way you can identify someone based on the sound of their voice…their scent. I can taste the properties of your blood, and perhaps I can determine what sets you apart from everyone else.”
It felt like a trap. “And in the event you succeed, what then?”
“We invent a cure—and give it to your people.”
“Just like that?”
“As I’ve already said, the eradication of this disease is paramount to our survival. It’s decimating our population as much as yours."
"That's not true…you have other options.”
“Animal blood is a poor substitute. Yes, it keeps us alive, but it also keeps us weak.”
I stared, annoyed with his calmness, with the way his deep voice set the tone of this conversation.
“You’re the savior your people need.”
I broke contact and looked away.
“You can save them all—and you’re unwilling to make this sacrifice?”
“I’m not stupid. I know what you’re doing.”
“Which is?”
I looked at him again. “You’re trying to manipulate me.”
“Even if that’s true, what does it matter?”
“It is true.”
He didn’t refute it. “An opportunity has been given to us, but you would throw it away because you’re afraid?”
“I’m not afraid. Just don’t want a leech on my neck. Don’t want to strengthen my greatest mortal enemy. I’d rather watch you wither and weaken until you’re dust on the wind…”
