Hungry Wolves
The carriage came to a halt in a fairly large rural settlement known as Mistflower Village.
"We have arrived, Miss Lia."
Jack opened the carriage door and politely offered his hand.
"Ugh... my back."
Being confined to the rattling cargo bed all day had left her entire body stiff and aching.
Supported by Jack, Leon carefully stepped down from the carriage.
The moment her feet touched the ground, she pulled out a worn, drab brown robe that had been tucked away in a corner of the cargo bed and threw it over her shoulders.
"Huh? Miss Lia, why are you putting that on? Isn't it suffocating?"
Jack asked, looking thoroughly puzzled.
Beside him, Tom, who was unloading the luggage, couldn't hide his disappointment either.
It was glaringly obvious that they wanted to feast their eyes on her dazzling beauty just a little longer.
Leon pulled the hood deep over her face and whispered softly.
"It's a bit chilly tonight... and it wouldn't do any good for me to stand out too much."
"Ah, of course. You are always so thoughtful, Miss Lia."
Jack nodded simplemindedly, and Tom quickly chimed in.
"Exactly! Your beauty is far too dangerous, Miss Lia!"
In truth, while pursuers were a concern, Leon found the prospect of attracting unnecessary males other than Tom and Jack far more annoying.
She knew all too well, down to her very bones, just how easily her current appearance could bewitch men.
"Well then, shall we go find a place to stay?"
The group headed toward the inn closest to the village entrance. Bearing a tacky, crooked sign that read The Red Boar Inn, it was a typical rural tavern: a noisy dining hall and pub on the first floor, with guest rooms on the second.
Clink.
As they pushed the door open, a wave of rowdy chatter, the stench of cheap alcohol, and the savory aroma of roasting meat washed over them.
Since it was dinner time, the first-floor common room was packed with villagers, traveling merchants, and mercenaries enjoying their food and drinks.
A few eyes drifted toward the trio as they entered, but seeing only two ordinary men accompanying a small figure buried deep inside a hood, the patrons quickly lost interest and turned away.
Leon let out a quiet sigh of relief and headed toward the counter.
"Welcome. Food? Or a room?"
The rough-looking innkeeper asked gruffly. Tom stepped forward hesitantly.
"A-lodging, please. We'll need two rooms. One for us men, and one for Miss Lia..."
Tom shot a sideways glare at Jack as he spoke. He was firmly convinced that he and Lia were in a secret, passionate relationship.
Naturally, he couldn't bear the thought of putting Lia in the same room as someone like Jack. His plan was to secure separate rooms, wait for Jack to fall asleep, and then sneak into Lia's room for some intimate, private time.
However, Leon cut him off mid-sentence.
"No, just one room, please. A large one that can accommodate all three of us."
"What?! O-one?"
"Just one?"
Tom and Jack's eyes widened in unison.
Leon swallowed a sigh inside her hood.
These idiots clearly had no idea what state their own bodies were in.
Having had their essence drained by Leon over the past few days, their eyes were hollowed out with dark circles, and their legs were practically trembling with exhaustion.
On top of that, since both of them were under the delusion that they were her lover, giving them separate rooms would only guarantee they would try to sneak out and monopolize her.
If I let them have their way any longer, these bastards will literally shrivel up and die. I need to rest today so we can move again tomorrow.
Leon feigned the role of a thrifty, cost-conscious woman trying to save money.
"We don't have much money left, do we? We still have a long way to go before we reach the Capital, so there's no need to waste coin on two expensive rooms. Let's just rent one large room and sleep together. After all, we're companions, aren't we?"
As Leon emphasized the word "companions" and offered a sweet smile with the lips barely visible beneath her hood, both men's faces flushed crimson.
"B-but, Miss Lia..."
Jack seemed secretly thrilled by the prospect, but Tom jumped up and pointed an accusing finger at him.
"Absolutely not! How could... how could Miss Lia share a room with a guy like him! Miss Lia is with me... I mean, you'll be incredibly uncomfortable sharing a room with a brainless idiot like him!"
Tom's motives were transparent. It was pure, unadulterated jealousy, unable to tolerate his "woman" even breathing the same air as Jack. Angered, Jack snapped back.
"What? Brainless? Don't make me laugh. Do you really not know who Miss Lia feels more comfortable with? Why don't you do us all a favor and back off?"
Jack, too, firmly believed he was Lia's true lover, so Tom's clueless interference was grating on his last nerve.
The two men growled at each other, viewing the other as a thorn in the side of their romance.
Leon clicked her tongue inwardly, but outwardly, she let her eyes droop and put on a tearful expression.
"Tom, Jack... are you fighting? I trust and rely on both of you so much... *sniff*... If your relationship is souring because of me, I'd rather just sleep outside."
As Leon made a show of turning to leave, Tom and Jack went pale and frantically waved their hands in panic.
"N-no, that's not it at all...!"
"You, sleeping outside? That's unthinkable! We were wrong, we're sorry!"
"Geez, you lot are noisy. So, just one room, then?"
The innkeeper cut in, his voice dripping with irritation.
"Yes, just one, please."
Leon spoke firmly and took the key from him.
Jack and Tom muttered complaints under their breath, glaring at each other as if they wanted to tear each other apart, but in the end, they couldn't overcome their beloved Lia's stubbornness and meekly followed her.
Clutching the key, Leon climbed the stairs to the second floor.
Her plan for tonight was to put these two pieces of livestock to sleep, get some quiet rest, and review her plans for the future.
The moment they stepped into the room, Tom and Jack dropped their bags and collapsed onto the bed.
"Ugh... my back... I'm dying..."
"Hey, move over... let me lie down too..."
The fiery tension of their mutual rivalry had vanished without a trace.
Their stamina had already been thoroughly depleted by Leon over the past few days, and the fatigue of driving the carriage all day had finally pushed them past their limits.
Skipping dinner entirely, the two men quickly fell fast asleep.
Snore... zzz...
Soon, the room was filled with the heavy sound of snoring.
Leon crossed her arms and looked down at their pathetic state.
Sigh... to think I have to drag such weaklings along with me.
A deep sigh escaped her lips.
Leon felt her stomach growl.
Even if she had absorbed essence, she still needed to satisfy her basic physical hunger.
Well, this is actually for the best. Since those annoying pests are out cold, I can go grab a quiet bite to eat.
Leon pulled her hood down low once more and quietly slipped out of the room.
The first-floor dining hall was still bustling and noisy.
She was weaving through the hall, which reeked of alcohol and roasted meat, searching for an empty seat in a quiet corner.
Thud!
"Whoa there!"
She bumped shoulders with a drunkard who was stumbling past.
"What the? Where the hell are you looking when you walk? Not even gonna apologize?"
The man immediately picked a fight.
Judging by the worn longsword at his waist and his scuffed leather armor, he looked like a low-ranking mercenary hired to escort merchants.
His face was flushed red with alcohol, his eyes half-glazed over, and his breath reeked of cheap booze.
Leon had no desire to cause a scene.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."
Leon bowed her head slightly, offering a brief apology, and tried to move past. But the mercenary, either displeased with her dismissive attitude or simply looking for someone to vent his drunken frustration on, roughly grabbed her shoulder.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going? Apologize properly!"
As the mercenary yanked her back with force, the hood Leon was wearing slipped off, exposing her head.
"......Huh?"
The mercenary's eyes went wide.
Hidden beneath the drab robe, a cascade of mysterious, silver-blue hair that seemed to hold the moonlight spilled over her shoulders. Bathed in the tavern light, her radiant white skin and doll-like, flawless features were revealed.
Even her slightly furrowed brow, pinched in irritation, was so alluring it practically begged to be dominated.
Gasp...
The mercenary stared at Leon, his mouth hanging open in a daze.
The hostile attitude he had displayed just moments ago vanished instantly, replaced by a greedy, lustful glint in his eyes.
"W-well now, little lady... where did you come from? Are you all by yourself?"
The mercenary smirked slyly, his demeanor shifting completely.
"I had no idea such a beauty was hiding under there. Forgive my rudeness."
Leon clicked her tongue inwardly.
These simple-minded beasts.
In the past, she would have immediately buried her fist into this insolent bastard's solar plexus and shattered his jaw. But now, she lacked the physical strength to do so, and drawing attention by causing a scene was the last thing she wanted.
Suddenly, a different thought crossed her mind.
Tom and Jack, currently passed out upstairs, were already squeezed dry. There was barely any essence left to wring out of them.
If she wanted to regain her strength on the journey to the Capital, she needed other men.
Moreover, this guy, though drunk, had a fairly solid build. He looked like he would yield far higher quality essence than either Tom or Jack.
A low-life mercenary... I won't have to feel a shred of guilt.
A subtle, wicked smile played on Leon's lips.
"Please let go... you're hurting me..."
In an instant, Leon shifted her expression, trembling like a frightened, fragile woman. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
Emboldened, the mercenary wrapped his arm around Leon's shoulders.
"Haha, my bad. This big brother isn't a bad guy, see? I was just so shocked because you're so pretty, little lady."
The mercenary pulled Leon into his chest. The foul stench of cheap booze and sweat assaulted her nose, but Leon endured it.
"You look like you're traveling alone... Need some coin? Or maybe you don't have a place to sleep tonight?"
The mercenary leaned in close, whispering lewdly into her ear.
"This big brother's got plenty of coin. Come have some fun with me, and I'll make sure you're well taken care of. What do you say?"
He groped her waist, making his intentions shamelessly clear. His rough hand slid down her waistline toward her buttocks.
Leon feigned resistance, pushing weakly against his chest, but in reality, she allowed herself to sink deeper into his embrace.
"I-I'm... not that kind of woman... Please let me go..."
"Aw, don't play hard to get. I know how it is. Come on, let's go. I'll make you feel real good."
The mercenary, Berrick, was convinced that she had yielded, and guided Leon toward the back door of the inn.
He clearly intended to take her somewhere secluded, like a dark alleyway or the stables.
Leon let herself be dragged along, gritting her teeth inwardly.
Yeah, let's go. We'll see who ends up feeling good. I'm going to drain you dry, right down to the marrow of your bones.
Leon's deep blue eyes flashed coldly in the darkness.
Berrick roughly dragged Leon toward the stables located at the rear of the inn.
Several cargo carriages belonging to traveling merchants were parked there, lined up in the shadows.
He shoved Leon behind the carriage parked in the deepest, darkest corner.
"Hehe... this spot is perfect. Nice, quiet, and cozy, wouldn't you say?"
Berrick kicked a dirty, discarded canvas tarp lying on the ground, spreading it out roughly.
"Now, lie down."
"I... I've never done this before..."
When Leon hesitated, Berrick grew impatient and forced her down with his weight.
"Quit whining and lie down! I'll teach you everything!"
Berrick pinned Leon beneath him, tearing at her clothes like a ravenous beast.
Her worn robe was ripped away, and even the thin dress she wore underneath was torn open by his brutal hands.
"Ah! Please, don't!"
In the darkness, Leon's pale, naked body glowed faintly, catching the pale moonlight.
Drooling at the breathtaking sight, Berrick frantically fumbled with his trousers.
"Damn, you are absolutely gorgeous...!"
Just as he pulled his pants down to his ankles, preparing to unleash his dark desires—
Thud. Thud.
Heavy footsteps echoed from the entrance of the stables, accompanied by the flickering glow of an orange light.
"Who's there? What the hell do you think you're doing!"
As the swaying lantern light illuminated Berrick, he jumped in surprise, scrambling to his feet in a half-crouch.
"W-who's that!"
Two men stepped out from behind the lantern light.
They were members of the same mercenary band staying at the inn.
One was Gant, a massive brute with a menacing face, and the other was Moss, a skinny, rat-faced man with a sly expression.
"Well, look at that. I thought it was a thief... but it's just you, Berrick?"
Gant scowled as he approached.
Berrick felt a wave of relief seeing his comrades, but he couldn't hide his flustered panic.
"Ah, bosses... it's not what it looks like..."
"What are you doing out here in the stables in the middle of the night all by—gasp?"
Moss cut himself off, sucking in a sharp breath.
The lantern light had fallen directly upon Leon, who was lying on the ground.
Naked, curled up, and weeping, the peerless beauty's overwhelming allure left both Gant and Moss staring with wide, bulging eyes.
"W-what in the world..."
After a brief silence, Gant's face twisted into a grotesque grin.
Their eyes burned with naked greed and jealousy.
"Hey, Berrick. You little bastard... were you trying to keep a top-tier piece like this all to yourself?"
"Wow... what a disloyal piece of trash. You're supposed to offer the good stuff to your seniors first, not try to gobble it up alone!"
Moss clicked his tongue, glaring at Berrick.
Lying on the ground and watching the scene unfold, Leon sneered inwardly.
Of course. What else could I expect from mercenary scum?
Leon was an adventurer to her very core. To her, there was a world of difference between adventurers and mercenaries.
Though both risked their lives for coin, adventurers possessed a certain sense of romance.
Exploring uncharted labyrinths, unearthing ancient ruins, and sometimes risking their lives for honor—that was what made an adventurer in Leon's eyes.
But mercenaries were different. They were merely hunting dogs sold to the highest bidder.
No matter the task, they would commit murder without hesitation as long as they were paid, scavenging corpses like hyenas on the battlefield.
Uncivilized bastards. Instead of stopping their comrade from raping a woman, they're arguing over who gets to go first.
Leon's cold, cynical gaze swept over them. Yet, outwardly, she continued her act of terrified vulnerability.
"P-please, help me... I beg you..."
Her pitiful voice only poured oil on the fire. Gant strode forward and roughly shoved Berrick aside.
"Out of the way, brat."
"But boss! I'm the one who brought her here!"
Berrick protested, feeling cheated, but Gant merely patted his cheek condescendingly.
"Hey, you lack the seniority to talk back to me. Know your place, rookie. Don't you know the rules of this business? The seniors get the first taste of the delicacies."
"T-that's right. You're the youngest, Berrick, so the bosses need to inspect the goods first!"
Moss chimed in, pushing Berrick further back.
Outmatched in strength, Berrick could only lick his lips and retreat with a sullen pout.
Gant grinned with satisfaction and roughly pulled down his trousers.
Even in the dim light, his thick, dark member thrust forward, a grotesque testament to his lust.
"Now, little lady. A heavy-duty man like me is much better than a greenhorn, right? Get ready, because this big brother is going to show you heaven."
Gant pinned Leon down with his massive frame. His imposing shadow instantly swallowed her slender body.
"Ah! Stay away! No...!"
Leon screamed, struggling desperately. However, her fragile resistance only served as a spice to fuel their sadistic desires.
"Bwahahaha! Screaming 'no' with your mouth, but your body is so honest, isn't it?"
Gant forced Leon's thighs apart, pinning them down as he roughly thrust his hideous member forward.
"Boss! Don't take too long! I'm practically bursting over here!"
Moss urged him on, stamping his feet impatiently, to which Gant chuckled.
"Alright, alright. Let me just get it in first!"
With those words, a brutal, unceremonious penetration followed, devoid of any foreplay or consideration.
Squelch! Thud!
Gant's massive shaft forced its way into Leon's tight, dry entrance, stretching her open.
Leon's brow furrowed sharply.
"Ahhh...!"
A pained groan escaped her lips. But the pain was fleeting.
Soon, a ravenous instinct awoke deep within Leon.
Every bit of your filthy lust... I'll drain every single drop of it.
Leon's eyes gleamed coldly in the dark, shining with the predatory light of a hunter.