**Chapter 10: Blood Ties**

As the days passed, Tony began to notice a change within himself. He felt more energetic, more alert, and his senses seemed heightened. At first, he brushed it off as a side effect of their recent adventures, but as the sensations persisted, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Vlad, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to Tony's concerns, too caught up in their daily routine of exploring the city and sharing laughs. It wasn't until they were walking through a crowded market that Tony realized what was happening. He could smell the food vendors' offerings more intensely than before, and the sounds of the crowd seemed amplified. He glanced at Vlad, who was watching him with an unreadable expression. "Hey, is everything okay?" Tony asked, feeling a shiver run down his spine. Vlad's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he nodded. "I'm fine, Tony. Why?" Tony hesitated, unsure how to articulate his concerns. "I don't know...I just feel...different." Vlad's expression turned serious, and he slowed his pace. "Different how?" Tony tried to think of a way to explain the sensations coursing through his body. "My senses feel...sharper. And I feel...stronger." Vlad's eyes locked onto Tony's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, Vlad's face went pale, and he stopped walking. "Tony, I think we need to talk," Vlad said, his voice low and urgent. They ducked into a quiet alleyway, and Vlad turned to face him. "I've been wondering if...if my blood might be affecting you," he said, his eyes searching Tony's. Tony's mind reeled as he processed Vlad's words. "What do you mean?" Vlad took a deep breath. "As a vampire, my blood has certain...properties. It's possible that, through our friendship, you might be...changing." Tony's eyes widened in shock. "Changing? What do you mean?" Vlad's expression was somber. "You might be developing some...vampiric traits. It's not unheard of, though it's rare. Some humans have been known to exhibit...symptoms, after exposure to vampire blood." Tony felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He had so many questions, but the most pressing one was: what did this mean for their friendship? As they stood there, the sounds of the market faded into the background, and all Tony could think about was the possibility that he might be becoming something he didn't understand. "Is this...is this a bad thing?" Tony asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Vlad's expression softened, and he reached out to place a hand on Tony's shoulder. "I'm not sure, Tony. But I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe and help you through this." Tony took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation. He had always known that befriending a vampire came with risks, but he had never expected this. As they stood there, Vlad's hand still on his shoulder, Tony realized that their bond was deeper than he had ever imagined. He was tied to Vlad, not just through their friendship, but possibly through his very blood. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, but as he looked into Vlad's eyes, he saw a deep concern and empathy. They would face this together, as friends. And as they walked out of the alleyway, hand in hand, Tony knew that their unlikely bond would only continue to grow stronger, no matter what lay ahead.