Chapter 182: Gifts

I watched with interest as everyone around me became increasingly drunk. I kept my distance from the wine, not wanting to cloud my mind, and leaned comfortably against Sam. The vampires danced with the grace and allure of professional performers, putting on quite the spectacle.

“I have some gifts for you, Rhazien.” Sam said, cutting through my distracted thoughts.

“Gifts?” Rhazien’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

“For your hospitality.” Sam reached to his side, producing a packet of cigarettes and a bottle of wine. Rhazien gasped, his excitement palpable.

“Is that…?” Rhazien asked, his voice full of wonder.

“Yes,” Sam smirked from behind me, “enjoy them.”

“What are those?” I asked, eyeing the odd-smelling cigarettes. I recognized the wine as blood wine.

“Blood cigarettes,” Sam replied. I froze at the words.

“A delicacy for vampires. They can’t make them themselves. The process is intricate and involves working with a lot of blood,” he explained softly.

Rhazien twirled the cigare