The Snake God with SSS Rank Evolution System

Chapter 382: The Bloodpact

Isolde’s pale blue eyes held Adam’s gaze, steady and unwavering despite the faint flush creeping up her neck. Her voice carried a note of careful resolve, as if she had been turning this offer over in her mind for longer than she cared to admit.

"I want to make a Bloodpact with you."

Adam blinked, his brow furrowing. He tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. "Bloodpact? What’s that?"

Isolde’s flush deepened slightly. She looked away, her fingers curling into the fabric of her cloak. Her voice came out quieter, but still steady.

"It’s a sacred ritual among vampires. A blood pact used to bind partners together—our souls become intertwined. We would be connected... for life."

Adam’s eyebrows shot up. A slow, teasing grin spread across his face. His voice carried a note of playful disbelief.

"Hmmm? So you want me to be your partner?"

Isolde’s head snapped toward him, her eyes blazing. Her voice rose, sharp and flustered.

"N-No! That’s not what I meant!" She took a breath, forcing herself to calm down. "The pact would strengthen your soul. I could shield it from Gluttony’s influence. It would make you harder to consume."

Adam’s teasing expression faded, replaced by something more thoughtful. His voice carried a note of genuine concern.

"But wouldn’t that be dangerous for you? If Gluttony’s influence spread to you through the pact... it could consume you too."

Isolde’s gaze softened, a flicker of something warm passing through her pale blue eyes. Her voice carried a note of quiet certainty.

"My soul is strong, Adam. I’ve lived for centuries. I know how to protect myself. Gluttony won’t be able to touch me."

Adam studied her for a long moment, his crimson eyes searching her face. His voice was quiet, careful.

"And if you die?"

Isolde met his gaze without flinching. "Then you die too."

Adam let out a low, humorless laugh, shaking his head slowly. His voice carried a note of dry amusement.

"Haha... that’s quite the commitment."

Isolde’s jaw tightened, a flicker of hurt crossing her features. Her voice came out quiet, guarded.

"If you’re not comfortable with it, I understand. It’s a lot to ask."

Adam held up a hand, cutting off her retreat. His voice was calm, steady.

"Wait. I didn’t say no. I just want to make sure you understand the risks. If I accept this pact, you’re tying your life to mine. And my life is... chaotic. I don’t want to drag you down with me."

Isolde’s voice came out soft, but carried an edge of fierce determination.

"I’ve already made my choice, Adam. I’m not afraid of the risks. I’m afraid of watching you destroy yourself because you were too stubborn to accept help."

Adam was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on her face. Then, slowly, a genuine smile spread across his lips.

"Alright. Let’s do it."

Isolde’s composure cracked, a flicker of barely restrained emotion passing through her pale blue eyes. She forced her voice steady, though a faint tremor betrayed her.

"Very well. But know this—once the pact is made, there is no turning back. Are you certain?"

Adam’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile. "I should be the one asking you that. Are you sure you want to tie yourself to me?"

Isolde’s cheeks flushed, her voice carrying a note of flustered irritation. "Don’t make this stranger than it already is. It’s already embarrassing enough as it is."

Adam’s grin widened, his voice light, teasing. "But this is a Bloodpact, isn’t it? That means we’re bound for life. Partners. For eternity."

Isolde’s face went crimson. She buried her face in her hands, her voice coming out muffled, mortified.

"Ughhh! Fine! Yes, I like you! Are you happy now?!"

Adam’s voice softened, carrying a note of genuine warmth. "That’s better."

Isolde peeked through her fingers, her voice small, hesitant. "...And your answer?"

Adam met her gaze, his crimson eyes warm, steady. "Yes, Isolde. I like you too. I accept this Bloodpact."

Isolde’s face flushed even deeper. She pulled her hood up, hiding her burning cheeks, her voice coming out muffled, flustered.

"Wait...that’s too much..."

Adam’s smile softened, his voice carrying a gentle, teasing warmth.

"Is it? I think it’s just enough."

Isolde’s hand shot up, cutting him off gently. Her voice was still flustered, but there was a thread of composure returning.

"Wait. Just... give me a moment."

She closed her eyes, drawing a slow, steady breath. Her shoulders rose and fell as she exhaled, the tension in her frame easing. When she opened her eyes again, they were clearer, more focused.

"Alright. Let’s find somewhere more open."

Adam nodded, rising to his feet and following her without a word.

They walked through the moonlit forest, the sounds of the camp fading behind them. The trees thinned, and the ground began to slope downward. The air grew cooler, carrying the faint scent of mist and damp stone.

Then they emerged into a clearing.

A waterfall cascaded down a rocky cliff, its waters shimmering silver in the full moon’s light. The pool at its base reflected the sky, the surface rippling gently. The moonlight seemed to gather here, pooling like liquid silver across the water.

Isolde stopped at the water’s edge, her pale blue eyes fixed on the reflection. Her voice came out quiet, carrying a note of quiet satisfaction.

"This is perfect."

She knelt, her fingers tracing a complex pattern in the damp earth. The lines glowed faintly, pulsing with a soft, crimson light as she drew. A circle, intricate and ancient, formed beneath her hands, each line flowing into the next like veins carrying lifeblood.

When she finished, she straightened. Her hands moved to her cloak, and she let it fall, pooling at her feet. Beneath it, she wore a dress of deep black, simple but elegant, its fabric catching the moonlight like spilled ink.

She stepped into the center of the circle, her pale blue eyes fixed on Adam. Her voice was steady, carrying a note of quiet command.

"Come to me, Adam. It’s time."

Adam’s breath caught for just a moment at the sight of her, the moonlight tracing silver along her silhouette.

His lips curved into a faint, genuine smile.

"You look beautiful, Isolde."

Her cheeks flushed, a faint tremor in her voice. "Save it for the ritual."