While they were still holding each other, Velt told her everything: how his power worked and which creatures he had devoured so far. He even spoke to her about Cero.

  Rurhy simply listened, unable to fully believe it.

  —That’s… amazing— Rurhy said.

  —You really think so?— Velt asked.

  —Of course. It’s a unique ability. I’ve never heard of anything like it. Velt, you’re one of a kind— she replied enthusiastically.

  —I think you’re exaggerating— Velt murmured.

  Rurhy moved closer, determined yet nervous.

  —You… can you turn into someone from my species?— she asked, embarrassed.

  —Well, if I obtain the DNA, yes. But until then, it’s impossible— Velt answered.

  —Then… do you need to eat one of us?— Rurhy asked.

  —No, no, no. I only need DNA; I don’t necessarily have to devour them— Velt replied nervously.

  —Then… how would you get the DNA without devouring anyone?— Rurhy insisted.

  —Well, that’s…— Velt hesitated, but then Cero interrupted.

  —DNA can be obtained through the following means: blood, saliva, sweat, tears, urine, mucus, semen, vaginal fluid—

  Velt cut him off immediately.

  —Alright, that’s enough information, Cero.

  —Are you okay?— Rurhy asked.

  —Yes, I was just… getting information— Velt replied with a nervous smile.

  —So you don’t need to devour anyone to get the DNA— she said.

  —According to Cero, saliva or blood would be enough— Velt answered.

  —Saliva… then that should be enough— Rurhy said, blushing.

  —Yes, that’s sufficient— Velt confirmed.

  —Do not forget the other fluids, including semen and— Cero started again, but Velt interrupted him once more.

  “I’m not telling her that,” Velt thought, so Rurhy wouldn’t hear.

  —Well, then…— Rurhy said.

  Suddenly, without wasting time, she leaned in and kissed Velt.

  Velt didn’t understand what was happening. He tried to pull away, but she didn’t allow it. Their lips remained joined; Rurhy even slipped her tongue into Velt’s mouth. Then Cero spoke:

  —DNA registered. New form acquired: dark elf.

  But Rurhy continued kissing him; she didn’t want to pull away.

  At first, Velt tried to resist, but eventually he gave in to the sensation of her lips. Little by little, both of them began to enjoy what was growing between them.

  —Warning: elevated levels of dopamine, oxytocin, adrenaline, serotonin, and endorphins— Cero announced, though Velt was no longer listening.

  Instead, he gently pushed her onto the pile of leaves. She didn’t resist; she let herself be guided until their lips finally parted. Both were breathing heavily, out of breath.

  —Do you have the DNA?— Rurhy asked, her voice shaky.

  —Yes. I’ve had it for a while— Velt replied.

  —Then why did you keep kissing me?— Rurhy asked with a smile.

  —I don’t know… why didn’t you stop?— Velt replied.

  —I don’t know— she answered, smiling simply.

  —Do you want to continue?— Velt asked.

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  —…Yes. I do— Rurhy replied, nervous and embarrassed.

  They joined their lips again in a gentle yet intense kiss, slowly escalating more and more.

  When Velt opened his eyes, he saw Rurhy sleeping peacefully, her expression calm. But when he looked down, he realized she wasn’t wearing any clothes. He stood up immediately and saw that not only Rurhy’s clothes, but his own as well, were scattered on the floor.

  The memories of the night rushed back to him: the kisses, the touches, even Rurhy’s soft moans. Nervously, Velt woke her.

  —Rurhy, wake up— he whispered.

  She slowly opened her eyes, and upon seeing him, a serene smile appeared on her face.

  —Good morning— she said calmly. As she sat up, she stretched, leaving her body fully visible to Velt. He stared, captivated by her figure.

  —You’re staring too much— she said with a smile.

  —I’m sorry— Velt replied, embarrassed, turning his gaze away.

  Rurhy stepped closer and hugged him, pressing their bodies together. Velt tried to resist the natural softness of her chest.

  —Rurhy, we should get dressed— he said, clearly uncomfortable.

  —Just a little longer— she replied, hugging him tighter.

  —If your father finds us, I’ll be in trouble— Velt tried to convince her, but then Cero intervened.

  —A strong emotional attachment has been detected from Rurhy. Her limerence has evolved— Cero reported.

  —Now you speak?!— Velt complained.

  —Correction. I was speaking to you earlier, but you were ignoring me due to reproducing with Rurhy— Cero clarified.

  —Sorry— Velt said apologetically.

  Rurhy leaned in and kissed him. When she pulled away, she spoke:

  —I’ll leave first and try not to be seen. You come out later, alright?— she said with a smile.

  —Alright— Velt replied.

  —But before that— she added —can you show me what you’d look like as my species?

  Velt thought for a moment, then nodded. His skin darkened slightly, his ears grew longer, and little by little he took on the appearance of a dark elf. Rurhy stared at him in awe.

  —It’s perfect— she murmured.

  —I don’t think it’s that impressive— Velt said, a bit embarrassed.

  —You’re joking. You’d be considered a great man among my people. You’d probably have a harem— Rurhy said with a smile.

  —I don’t think it’d be that extreme— Velt thought, but Cero intervened.

  —When adopting a new form, that form represents the optimal specimen of the species. This means the species will perceive him as the perfect example.

  —Does that mean my attractiveness increases too? For any species?— Velt asked.

  —In simple terms: yes— Cero replied.

  —Alright… thinking about it, I guess I should’ve expected that— Velt said resignedly.

  Rurhy got dressed and left the hut first.

  —See you later— she said with a smile.

  —Yeah, see you— Velt replied.

  Once alone, Velt lay back down on the pile of leaves, thinking about everything that had happened in just a few days.

  —And to think she was aiming her bow at me yesterday— he murmured.

  After a while, he got dressed and went outside to see what he would do that day, as the day of the orc’s arrival drew closer.

  Velt returned to his human form, and when he stepped outside, the sun was already rising. Some of the elves had already started working.

  —They’re really hardworking— Velt commented as he watched them begin so early.

  —Good morning, Velt!— a voice greeted him. When he turned around, Rurhy’s father appeared.

  —Good morning— Velt replied.

  —Have you seen Rurhy? I haven’t seen her since yesterday— the elder asked.

  —No, I haven’t. I just woke up. Maybe she’s hunting— Velt replied, visibly uncomfortable.

  —That’s probably it. Do you have any plans today?— he asked.

  —No, I didn’t have anything planned— Velt answered.

  —Then come with me. I want you to help us hunt— Rurhy’s father proposed.

  —Are you sure you want me to come?— Velt asked.

  —Yes. I want you to join us. The others and I will hunt to gather the necessary ingredients. We had a lot of fun yesterday thanks to you— he said with a smile.

  —Alright, but don’t expect me to be good with a bow— Velt warned.

  —That’s fine. We’ll teach you— the elder replied as they walked toward a group already preparing to leave.

  There were five dark elves in the group, their bows ready.

  —Velt will be joining us today— the elder said to them.

  —Nice to meet you. I’m not very good with a bow, so I hope I won’t slow you down too much— Velt said, giving a small bow.

  The elves looked at each other and chuckled.

  —Nice to meet you, Velt. Thanks for yesterday’s feast— one of them said.

  —I saw my son smile for the first time in months. Thank you— another added.

  —Don’t worry. If you have any questions, we’ll teach you. Don’t hesitate to ask— a third said, handing him a bow.

  —Thank you very much— Velt replied with a smile.

  —Alright, get ready. Today we hunt so Velt can cook. Let’s give it our best— Rurhy’s father said.

  —Yes!— the five elves replied energetically as they began heading toward the forest.

  —I appreciate it, Velt. You’ve raised morale a lot— the elder said, looking at him.

  —I just did what I thought was necessary— Velt replied, a bit embarrassed by all the gratitude.

  —Rychbi— the elder said.

  —Excuse me?— Velt asked, confused.

  —You can call me Rychbi. There’s no need to be so formal— he said with a smile.

  Velt nodded, and the two of them walked to catch up with the group.

  The hunt was about to begin.