"No. I want to live."

I sighed my answer. "Who the fuck really 'wants' to die?"

"You would probably be surprised." The footsteps came closer, and I heard something dig into the ground next to my head. "Open your mouth."

I opened my eyes instead, and looked up the length of her bare blade; That had been the sound. She was unlacing the gauntlet on her left arm and looking down at me expectantly. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to save you. For now." She said evenly, placing her forearm against the silver edge. Then she drew her arm down, slicing flesh, and let the blood drip down on to my face. It was hot and wet, and terribly annoying in how it splashed. "Open your mouth, I can't aim this."

I did, and soon hot blood was dripping into my mouth. I noticed, as I drank, that the woman's guard was still up, and that she held the sword ready. As I drank of her blood, I felt the slightest hint of strength return. What I had eaten and drank in my exile hadn't slaked that hunger one bit, but only a few droplets of blood brought me life. I desperately wanted more, and more, but I resisted that urge. My hands twitched, and so did her blade, and when the first stilled so did the second.

"That's enough, for know." She pulled her arm back, blood still dripping. "Sleep now. You won't die. Probably."

Then she moved to my feet and grabbed my shins. My curiosity turned to alarm as she began dragging me down the road. "Woah, woah, woah! The hell are you doing?"

"The blood won't be enough, not for long." She answered flatly, stopping for a moment. Then she dropped my legs and moved to retrieve her sword. "Based upon the information I received, you are likely a cambion of Incubus blood. According to church study, Incubus and Succubae are life-drinkers, part of the same family of monster as vampires and other Hemovores. Most Magivores also fall into the same category."

"Incubus?" I said, thinking it over. "So, I'm dying from lack of sex?"

She didn't answer.

"Want to volunteer?" I asked as she grabbed my shins again. She gave me an embarrassed look, and then started dragging me again. The possibility of me living hadn't gilded my tongue again, and I felt it be useless in any case. With that thought, I continued nattering at the woman. "It be quick and easy, I swear. I'm really pent up, so it be a two minute affair."

"Quiet."

"And you're really fucking beautiful, so that's a plus." Her hands shook on my legs. "A great face, great body, from what I've seen, and your hair. . ."

"Quiet, demon."

"Fine. Fine." I shifted my shoulders, but nothing helped the small rocks moving under and digging into my back. "So what's the plan, lady? Bringing me into town to buy me a woman?"

"Of course not." She didn't even look at me a she moved. "You're liable to kill any woman you lay with, that's what demons do. Even if you did not, your. . .ejaculate. . .is cursed. I couldn't let you subject any citizen of the faith, or any human, to such risk or indignity."

"I see."

"Your self-control is impressive, Demonborn. Many Church Excisers have similar affliction; being only half-human. Such gifts are useful against the forces of evil." She paused. "I haven't heard of any incubus in our ranks, but you'll have some gift of magic, even if you're only a sex fiend."

"You say such sweet things." I said dryly, feeling the undercurrents of rage sparking under the aimless and defiant cheer. "What if I don't want to follow your god, or join your ranks."

"Then I will kill you. It's the only way to be sure you won't hurt anyone."

"Lovely."