“Are you referring to the fact that you consume blood to increase your powers; or that your nails can lengthen at will and are sharp beyond measure; or that you can sense the flow of blood so well that it’s like some form of radar?” In a single breath, Qin Luo named multiple of Ink’s hidden abilities.
Ink turned his head, stunned. With wide eyes, he asked, “H-how did you know?”
Qin Luo adjusted his head, and slapped him on the back. “Close your eyes, you’ll be in agony if the shampoo gets into your eyes.”
Ink closed his eyes obediently again, but continued to probe, “How did you know?”
“From the moment you said that your thigh had been shot by silver ions, I could roughly guess your identity. Those with similar lineage to yours are pretty and elegant, and you seem to have been born with this indescribable air of nobility.” Qin Luo shrugged.
Even during the apocalypse, Qin Luo had a pair of keen eyes. Although those of the blood clan and the werewolves were able to blend in with humans, they each had their own unique traits. The members of the blood clan were aristocratic and attractive, with an innate arrogance and disdain towards others.
No matter how they disguised themselves, the look in their eyes was unmistakable. The werewolves were well-built but stubborn, and seemed to be untamable by nature. Both creatures could be hurt by silver daggers and bullets.
Ink possessed a delicate beauty and carried himself in a cold and elegant manner. In particular, those dark eyes of his seemed to possess an otherworldly magnetism, which fitted the characteristics of the royal family of the blood clan all too well.
So, although Qin Luo had not been able to remember the name ‘Morpheus’ at the time, it did not mean that he couldn’t analyze the matter. Given the timeline, and the events of the apocalypse, Qin Luo felt that ‘Morpheus’ was likely to be the king that the blood clan claimed to be missing.
However, Ink’s retractable claws were not a trademark of the blood clan. When he had seen Ink display this ability, he had thought that he had some kind of dormant werewolf lineage. Now, he reckoned that it was likely Ink was a new mutant that was researched by the research institute.
However, Qin Luo had no intention of telling Ink any of his speculations. After all, no one would wish to be a test-tube product created by the unfeeling instruments of another.
Ink mulled over Qin Luo’s words and muttered, “Similar lineage?”
Qin Luo sighed. “I only said similar. At the very least, they don’t consume human food, while you eat it without feeling repulsion. So I think you’re just a bit more unusual compared to your brethren, just like me. We’re more special than regular people. You don’t have to think too much about it or worry about what you really are. After all, even after living together for so long, have you ever done anything to me? Qin Ke, the Lius, my grandfather – don’t you get along very well with everyone?”
Ink did not say a word, but he must have understood Qin Luo’s intentions.
Qin Luo washed away the bubbles on Ink’s head, and used a towel to rub his hair slowly.
Ink eyed Qin Luo. “Then, can I continue staying here from now on?”
Qin Luo rapped his head. “Of course, you idiot. I’ve been painstakingly preparing food, and even fortified the villa. Of course it’s for the sake of letting all of us live together peacefully as a family.”
Ink latched on to the word ‘family.’ Fragments of memory flashed across his mind, and the corners of his lips could not help but quirk up. He had seen all those people with others to snuggle up to on cold nights, who had loved ones to complain to when they suffered indignities, who could come home to a table filled with piping hot food… such a feeling was truly blissful.
Qin Luo noticed the joy in his expression, and felt more at ease. He had originally planned to have a long talk through the night with Ink should the lad remain stubborn. It appeared that it would no longer be necessary, and he could herd Ink to bed.
“Wash up and dry yourself off, I’ll get you a change of clothes.” Qin Luo got up and headed to Ink’s temporary room to grab a pair of clean nightclothes.
Ink put on the clothes obediently, before eyeing Qin Ke’s sleeping form on Qin Luo’s bed. He said pitifully, “May I sleep with you tonight?”
Qin Luo’s heart skipped a beat. But looking at Ink’s wretched form, he did not have the heart to turn him down. He comforted himself mentally. Ink’s mind was like one of a child’s at the moment, and he was at most a few years more intelligent than Qin Ke. Furthermore, the three of them had shared a bed at the Qin Ya’s villa before.
At Qin Luo’s silence, Ink could not help but feel bad. He planned to slink off to his own room to sleep, but was stopped by Qin Luo.
“Didn’t you say that you wanted to stay?” Qin Luo forced himself to sound casual.
However, from the sound of his accelerated heartbeat, Ink could hear that he was on edge. He licked the corners of his lips slightly, and followed Qin Luo obediently to lie down on the bed.
Qin Luo’s bed was not big, and it was a tight fit for the three of them. In order not to jostle the sleeping Qin Ke, Qin Luo had no choice but to press himself tightly against Ink. Though Ink did not show it, he was overjoyed, and naturally pulled Qin Luo into his arms. Qin Luo’s lips twitched. He comforted himself with the knowledge that Ink’s actions were like that of a child holding onto their favorite stuffed toy.
“Does it still hurt?” Ink asked quietly.
Qin Luo was stunned for a moment, before he realised that Ink was asking about his wound. “No, it doesn’t hurt anymore.”
In truth, Qin Luo also had a lot of secrets. Not only was he own a space inherited from his bloodline, his physique also inherited several unique traits. For instance, his wounds healed at a much faster rate than normal humans, and this would become much more apparent after the apocalypse come.
Ink raised himself slightly, sniffing at Qin Luo’s arm. Then he lay down on Qin Luo’s back, seeming to press even closer.
Qin Luo was slightly confused. His instincts told him that with Ink’s abilities, he would be able to ascertain the status of his wound without coming closer. Perhaps the reason why Ink had suddenly gone mad and bled so many people dry had been because he had hurt himself.
“I won’t let you get hurt again,” Ink said quietly into Qin Luo’s ear.
A fleeting sensation flitted through Qin Luo’s heart. Though he could not put his finger on it, it was impossible to ignore.