#the spirit halloween cloak was very thin so i was very cold | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

stephrawlingwrites · 6 years

Text

Monster Mash-Up

Co-authored by myself and @effects-of-growing-up in the spirit of Halloween. The original plan would have included more editing, but due to scheduling conflicts, here is the finished piece!

Amy finished her process of getting ready with a third shot, shaking off the bitter taste. Her witches cloak shook with her, the soft dark fabrics still a bit cold from being left in the car. “Okay. I’m ready,” she said with a proud smile, placing her hands on her hips.

Liz looked up from her phone, eyebrow raised. “You sure?” She pointed to Amy’s head.

Amy quickly went to the mirror to see her ebony black wig slipping off to reveal her natural brown locks. She quickly adjusted it, smoothing out the curls so they sat better. She had to admit, she looked dang good tonight. Now if she could just forget about him she might actually enjoy herself.

Liz’s face joined Amy’s in the mirror, her colorfully painted skin a dramatic contrast next to Amy’s darkness. “Stop thinking about him. He doesn’t matter. We are going out, we are having fun, and you are going to be okay.”

“How did you know what I was thinking about?” Amy countered, defensive.

Liz gave her “the look.” It was a nice mixture of mom look meets the best friend “really?” rolled into one. It matured her pretty face.

“I need another shot …” Amy stumbled back to the bedside table where her bottle of vodka was.

Liz blocked her path with ease. She was going to have to be the sensible sober one tonight, no doubt.

“No more. We need to get going. Alex is waiting for us.” She grabbed Amy’s arm and pulled her to the kitchen where their purses waited.

“But what if my ex does show up? What if he brings his new fling? What if she’s really pretty?” Amy pouted. She grabbed her clutch, barely checking to make sure her wallet and keys were in there. Liz made a note to make sure she knew where that purse was at all times.

“It’s Halloween. None of the vampires and other sexy costumes are as pretty in the morning.” She ushered Amy out the front door, taking her friend’s key and locking the apartment.

They headed down the stairs, Amy moving slowly in her heels. She was graceful enough in normal heels, but these stilettos were screaming “I need a distraction tonight.” Liz held on to her arm until they were safely onto the ground floor. With a final glance at their reflection in the window, they stepped out into the night.

The crisp Autumn air hit them with a gentle breeze. Liz swatted her fake ocean blue hair from her face and pulled out her phone.

“The party is on 7th street. Alex lives on 9th.” She read. “We’ll walk to him and then head out from there.”

Amy nodded. She turned and began waltzing away. Liz just sighed and pulled her the right direction. They headed down the street, walking through throngs of princesses, monsters, and movie heroes. Little vampires chased each other as a mummy tried to keep from ripping his toilet paper costume. A ghost or two was even sprinkled in.

Amy smiled at them all, accepting candy from one. Liz kept an eye on her. She was always a little too friendly and clingy with random people when drunk. It led to some awkward adventures.

The sea of kids in costume ebbed and heavy bass shook the street as Amy and Liz neared the roudier district. As they reached 9th street, Liz searched for anyone that wasn’t a parent.

“There! Amy, this way.” She headed towards the dark figure standing under the streetlight, shoulders slumped as they focused on something in their hand.

“Alex!” Amy drawled out, running too confidently in her heels to their friend. The figure turned and Liz paused a moment. That didn’t look like … Liz didn’t get to finish her thought as Amy tumbled to the ground. Liz moved to help her friend up. Alex bent down to assist the two, smiling. Liz looked up at him, meeting a familiar grin. The worry that had gnawed at her insides quickly faded.

“She was pregaming a little hard. The full force of it hasn’t hit her yet.” Liz rolled her eyes, looking at Amy. “Are you okay? Any cuts?”

“I’m fine, mom.” She rolled her pretty blue eyes and smiled at Alex. “Ready to get spooky?” She wiggled her eyebrows as she danced a little.

The corners of Alex's lips turned up into a smile and revealed a set of pearly fangs. “I most definitely am.”

“Then let’s go! I need another drink in the worst way.”

“Well, the party is on 9th. Alex, lead the way.” Liz said.

Amy dug around in her purse. She made a sound of excitement as she pulled out a personal sized bottle of Fireball.

“Seriously? When did you put that in there? No more shots!” Liz tried to swipe it from Amy, but she had already danced out of reach and cracked the seal of the bottle.

“I must have put in there last weekend. I thought I might find something good. I was hoping for a granola bar, but this is way better.” She gave a devilish smile as she tipped the contents into her mouth.

Liz sighed as Alex watched in amusement.

“Come, the party awaits.” Alex’s voice seemed higher, his tone a bit unfamiliar, but Liz shook it off as Halloween spirit. He was probably just working to stay in the vampire persona.

Amy laughed. “Awaits? You’re really in character. Maybe I need to take this more seriously.” She looked around. “I need a broom and a black cat. If I see one, I’m stealing it.”

“No, you aren’t,” Liz interjected as the group moved on.

Alex focused on to Amy, slowing his pace to match hers. “What do you have planned for the evening?” he asked. He moved closer and Amy threw an arm around her friend’s shoulders.

“Naughty things. I’ve had some liquid courage and I have Liz to keep me safe. I have to get over my ex and I plan to do it epicly. I plan to go all out,” she said cheerfully.

Alex nodded thoughtfully.

“Well, I’m sure there’s many monsters in the sea tonight,” he joked with an eerie chuckle.

Amy smiled devilishly. “Oh, I hope so.”

When the three arrived on 7th street, there were more parties going on than Liz had expected. “Oh..wow..” She scrambled for her phone. “I can’t remember Jake’s address. Hold on…”

Alex reached to stop her with an icy hand. "No worries, I remember where it is."

Liz shivered and made a mental note to get him some gloves."

“I recall the address. Follow me,” he said. Liz looked over at Amy, who had already started over to a random house.

“Amy, no!” Liz said and quickly grabbed her. “We are not crashing any parties tonight!”

“Come on, we could just casually stop at all these parties,” she said. She spun around on the street making a show of the numerous open doors. Costumed partygoers clustered inside and out at many of them. “Free drinks, free fun. More people to meet.”

Liz shook her head. “No, come on. Alex, which house?”

He pointed a finger to what seemed like the only house on the street that had a closed door. The house was dark. Dark siding, dark roofing, dark windows. The lawn was barely tended, but lights strobed and flashed cutting through the darkness of the windows revealing the rave inside.

Amy and Alex strode up the steps, Amy ready to let loose upon entering.

Liz followed quickly up the sidewalk and to the door.

Alex gave a quick knock and the door flew open, music roared into the night as it was released from its walled prison. A woman almost as tall as the door frame smiled out at them. Her pale white hair streamed down in curls and braids. Fake ears peeked out from behind the thick locks. That paired with her floral halter top and long, flowing skirt, made her a very convincing elf.

The girl smiled flirtatiously at Alex. “I was wondering when you would arrive. The party is already well underway. Please come in.” She stepped aside and Alex walked in.

Amy followed quickly with Liz holding onto her hand, her eyes glittered with excitement. People filled every room in sight as music shook their bodies.

-----

Liz stopped just inside the door. The decor was breathtaking, a testament to the true Halloween spirit. It was beautiful and magical and had an air of danger. Jake had really gone all out this year, the decorations were practically floating. Amy pulled away from Liz and disappeared into the crowd while she stood in awe at the decor.

“Amy!” Liz shouted after her as the colorful sea of costumes closed in after her friend. The music was too loud and Amy disappeared with a flick of the black wig.

Alex leaned in and a chill penetrated the thin fabric of her sequined strapless dress.

“I’ll see if I can track her down,” he yelled, barely audible over the rhythmic bass shaking the house.

Liz nodded and Alex floated off into the fray. She pulled her sheer shawl around her shoulders and made her way into the heart of the party.

She could barely wrap her head around the size of the soiree. The house seemed so much more massive than it had originally appeared. She wove her way through what seemed like hundreds of elaborate costumes. Everything from gnomes to ghouls to gargoyles.

At the far end of the house, Liz found a moment of reprieve in the kitchen. A beautiful angel breezed over to her.

“You look a little lost. Can I get you something?” she asked.

“I’m actually looking for someone. Have you seen my friend Amy?” Liz asked. She pulled up a selfie that Amy had taken of them a few days earlier.

“Sorry dear, I haven’t seen your friend. Do be careful, will you? I have a bad feeling about this,” the woman replied.

“You’re kidding, right?”

The woman studied Liz for a moment before answering. “Oh yes, sorry. Someone must have put a little Halloween spirit in the punch, if you know what I mean.”

“All too well.”

“You should take another round of the party,” the angel suggested drawing back into the crowd. “Good luck finding your friend.”

“Thanks.”

Liz immediately regretted her choice of costume. It was hard to walk, the fitted shape constricted her movement. The flowing ruffles that gave the effect of a flowing tail dragged along the floor, easily caught underfoot she learned as a large fur boot landed and tore the fabric.

“Sorry about that!” The scruffy man turned toward her with an apologetic expression. He gestured to Amy who clung to him, swaying to the beat.

“Amy,” Liz cried.

“Actually, I’m Henri,” he chuckled. He was almost a foot taller than Amy and warmth radiated from his presence.

He directed Amy’s attention towards Liz. Amy smiled and stumbled into a hug with her friend.

“Lizzy, I love you. I love you so much.” She held onto Liz and swayed to the beat shooting seductive glances toward Henri.

The corners of Henri’s lips turned up. “Ah, Lizzy. You must be the best ‘mermom’ in the world that Amy has been going on about?”

“That sure sounds like Amy,” Liz said. “Thanks for keeping her safe.”

“Anytime.” Henri ran a hand through his beard. “You must have been looking for your friend the whole time. Let me get you a drink.”

“Actually, I’m the sober one tonight.” Liz glanced at Amy who had started pulling her along into the crowd.

“A water then. Don’t wander too far, I’ll be back,” he said with a smirk. “Your friend Amy sure seems to have a habit for wandering off.”

As he slipped off into the room, Amy pulled Liz through the sea of monsters that almost seemed to part just for her. The whole room seemed to converge on Alex when they bumped into him.

“Lizzy! I see you found Amy,” he said as he stepped between them and wrapped an arm around each of them. Intoxication evident on his breath.

Amy pulled away from his arm and began chatting up a shorter man, dressed as some type of goblin. The goblin didn’t seem that interested, but Amy was too drunk to care.

“Yep.” Liz said, a little uneasy. “Have you been drinking?”

“Oh, you know. A little here, a little there.” He smirked at her.

Liz raised an eyebrow at Alex. “You’re not really yourself tonight.”

He laughed. “It’s Halloween. No one is really themselves tonight.”

He pulled Amy into a twirl and pulled her close. Amy giggled as he said something into her ear.

Liz stepped out of their way and nearly tripped over the goblin Amy had chatted up.

“So sorry,” they said. Their voice raspy beneath the detailed prosthetics. They took a stiff step backward.

“Oh no, that was all me,” Liz replied. “Are you okay?”

They smoothed their costume and nodded. The unnatural movement of the costume seemed to throw them off balance. Liz reached out a hand to steady them but they pulled back, offended.

“I’m sorry about my friend, she’s a little …”

“Drunk, yes, I noticed.” The goblin looked uncomfortable. “I hope she can understand. I just don’t -- I mean, I’m not interested in …” The goblin gestured to Liz.

“Oh, you’re --.” Liz’s cheeks flushed red. “I am so sorry. Please forgive her. She’s dealing with a very rough break up.”

“I understand. It happens to the best of us.” They nodded again, steadier this time. “Lotor, by the way.”

“Liz.” Liz said. “I love your costume by the way, amazing attention to detail.

Lotor looked down at their tunic, a confused expression touched their eyes. “Thank you. It is the traditional garb of bank goblins.”

“Oh, like from Harry Potter!” Liz gushed.

“Eh, not exactly.” They said. “Actually, it’s more like--”

“Excuse me.” Henri materialized from the party behind Liz and passed her an unopened bottle of water. “Lotor, my good friend! Nice to see you out.”

“Henri.” Lotor acknowledged with a growl. “If you’ll excuse me --” He sneered and was consumed by the crowd.

“Have you seen Amy?” Henri shifted his attention to Liz.

“Yeah, she was just …” Liz drifted off when she looked over to where Amy and Alex had been dancing. “Where did she go? I swear she was just over there.”

Henri shrugged as he looked around. He stretched to look above most of the partygoers’ heads.

The atmosphere of the room shifted and a live band began to play. A cheer erupted on the other side of the room which suddenly seemed so much larger than it should have been.

“Please, for the love of all things sane …”

They turned as a member of the band pulled a now topless Amy out of the crowd. The singer danced with her while the band played the intro of Werewolves of London.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Liz smacked her forehead. “We’ve got to get her off the stage.”

The entire party erupted into an echo chamber of howls as the chorus played, Henri included.

“You too?” she raised an eyebrow.

Henri shrugged with an innocent smile.

-----

Liz gave an exasperated sigh. “I’ll go get her,” she said, but Henri seemed to busy watching Amy dance and singing to hear her.

Liz slowly began pushing her way through the crowd, giving a barrage of ‘excuse mes’ and ‘sorries’ as she went. The music was booming and bodies were crashing against one another. A deep red drink was spilled on to Liz’s wig from behind, sending the stench of iron over her. She wrinkled her nose but kept powering on.

As she got closer to the stage, the singer dipped Amy down, kissing her neck playfully. His eyes were yellow with slitted pupils, likely due to contacts, and he looked ready to eat Amy alive. Panic filled Liz’s stomach like acid, bubbling up and making her feel nauseous.

She reached the stage, hoisting herself up and grabbing Liz from the man. “I’m sorry, but she’s not interested.” Liz’s tone was stone cold and firm.

“Oh come on, Lizzy, I was having fun!” Amy whined.

“Yeah, Lizzy, I think she’s pretty interested,” the man said, his eyes hungrily looking over Amy. Liz pulled off her shawl and threw it over Amy’s chest to cover her.

“I ran into Fabio before he took the stage. He’s a musician.” Amy gave a playful smile. Liz shook her head.

“I can see that. Now let’s go.” Liz pulled Amy away, hopping off the makeshift stage. She helped Amy down and lead her back through the crowd. A few people booed while others made comments about Amy’s body. All the while Amy pouted. She was having such a good time and Liz was ruining it.

A new band took the stage and a new song started. Liz was thankful as people rallied to a new song and lost interest in her half naked friend.

Attempting to make her way back to where she thought she had left Henri, Liz kept a tight hold on Amy’s arm. Every few steps she tried to stop, but Liz didn’t let up. This evening was getting ridiculous and she wanted to get Amy somewhere safer.

As Liz looked around the crowd, she noticed Fabio heading towards Alex. She slowed, watching the two lean in close and begin whispering, almost conspiratorially. Alex looked around and through the crowd met Liz’s stare. Confusion and a gut-wrenching feeling of dread went through her body as he gave a large, pointed smile towards her. Fabio followed his stare and sneered before agreeing to something Alex had said.

Liz grabbed Amy’s hand tighter and started pushing her way towards the door. Alex was acting extremely weird and it made Liz uncomfortable. She was worried about him, but Amy was in more need of her attention than Alex. He could handle himself.

As she reached the door, Amy stopped. “Alex! There you are. Isn’t this party just so great?” She asked, her words slurring. She reached for their friend and Alex smiled, taking her hand.

“You have had quite the evening, but you're not leaving yet, are you? It has only just begun.” Alex looked to Liz, her hand grabbing the door handle.

She was about to twist it when it moved, the door opening and forcing her to let go and move closer to Alex. Fabio stepped in, dark curls slightly tousled from the breeze outside. Liz had no clue how he had gotten out there so fast.

He stepped in and Liz took Amy’s hand, pulling her back to her. “Amy’s had a long night. It’s my job to get her home safe.”

“We can do that. Don’t you trust me, Lizzy?” Alex said, leaning closer to Liz. Something in his tone lured her to look into his eyes and for a moment, her mind went fuzzy. Why not stay? What was so wrong wi-

“There you two are!” A familiar voice said, breaking Liz from Alex’s control. “I was looking everywhere for you two.”

Amy’s face lit up. “Henri!” She scuttled over to him and Henri took his jacket off, giving it to her. “Did you see me on stage?”

He smiled and nodded. “Oh yeah, you were rockin’ hard.” He looked to Alex and Fabio, his face changing ever so slightly, hardening. “You two bothering these girls?”

“Of course not,” Alex said. “They were leaving and we were simply trying to convince them to stay.”

“Amy’s drunk. She needs food. I was thinking of taking her to Denny’s. It’s her favorite place to eat after a night out,” Liz explained quickly. She watched as Fabio moved from behind them and stood beside Alex.

Henri nodded, putting a protective arm around Amy. “I like that idea. Mind if I join?”

“Of course not, the more the merrier.” Liz looked to Alex and Fabio, hoping deep in her gut they wouldn’t tag along. Alex was just acting too strange and she really didn’t want him anywhere near herself or Amy now.

Henri gave the two a look and they quickly backed off, disappearing into the crowd of party goers.

“Let’s get pancakes!” Amy said, throwing her arms up in excitement. Liz smiled and opened the door, following the two outside.

-----

A sobering breeze washed over the trio as they walked toward the Denny’s on Hillcrest. Henri and Amy exchanged loving glances, his arm wrapped around her waist. Candles flickered out in the jack o'lanterns as the last bits of magic of the evening wore off. Smaller groups of drunk college students huddled together as they made their way home.

Henri pulled open the door and a frazzled waitress in a bat wing headband nearly tripped over Amy.

“Careful there,” Liz said as she helped the waitress steady herself.

“Sorry. Not sure if you’ll find a booth here, crazy night.” The waitress mumbled as she scuttered off.

They looked around the room and saw what she meant. Costumed customers bunched into booths, teemed tables and converged the counter. The place was packed.

Across the room, a friendly face waved for their attention. A dark-haired vampire with a costume store cape beckoned them over to the only empty booth in the room.

“Alex?” Liz shouted. She led a confused Amy and Henri over to the table.

“How did you get here so fast?” Amy asked. She and Henri pushed into the booth opposite Alex.

“Where the hell were you?” Alex pulled Liz into a hug. “I waited for almost an hour I missed the best part of the party!”

“What are you talking about? You brought us to Jake’s party. What the hell was that at the end?” Liz pushed him off of her.

“No? I looked for you all night and no one had seen you.”

“Alex, you were there. You and Amy were dancing, and you knew the band playing.” Liz recalled, suddenly less confident in what she had seen.

“Oh, you mean Alexa?” Herni chimed. “She’s quite the character. Bit of a bloodsucker though, don’t let her get too close.”

The realization of what he had implied dawned on her as she realized just how hairy he was.

“Liz, are you--?” Henri asked.

“I think I’m gonna--” she retched.

“Oh, are you okay?” The waitress from earlier had come over to take their order and the fact that she was too exhausted to care was evident in her voice.

“She’ll be fine.” A cheery Amy replied.

“Do you know what you want?” She asked the rest of the table.

“Two spicy skillets and a T-bone steak and egg, rare and over easy, please,” Henri ordered.

“Will that be all?” The waitress asked.

“Oh sorry, what do you guys want?” Henri asked Amy and Alex who tried to console Liz.

“I’ll just have some of yours,” Amy said not looking up.

“Make that three spicy skillets. Alex?”

“Can I get a water for her and a chocolate shake?”

“So that’s three spicy skillets, rare T-bone and eggs over easy, water and a chocolate shake. Anything else?”

“Fuck, sorry, can you make that an Oreo shake?” Alex asked.

“Sure thing.” She adjusted the order. “Are you sure she’s going to be ok?”

“Yeah, she’ll be fine. She just needs a minute,” Amy replied. The waitress headed to the kitchen. “Deep breaths now. Everything’s going to be alright, Liz.”

“How do you know it’s going to be okay, Amy? Things are not going to be alright! We almost died tonight!”

“Nah, Henri would have kept us safe.”

“Wait, what exactly is going on?” Alex asked.

“Fucking Henri here is a fucking wolfman!” Liz shouted.

“Actually, we prefer Lycanthrope …” Henri eased.

“Amy, you gotta fill me in. What did I miss tonight?” Alex asked.

“Oh man, Alex. Do I have a story to tell you.”

#original content #oc #writer #writing #halloween #short story #halloween theme #halloween short #co-authored #co-written #monster #writeblr #writer friends

1 note · View note

smuttbunnie · 7 years

Text

Honey and Poison

Member: V

Genre: Smut / Angst

Series: The Moon Child

Theme: Halloween

Part: 3 / {pt.1} {pt.2} {pt.4} {pt.5} {pt.6} {pt.7}

Taehyung could feel his blood boiling beneath his skin; it flowed through his veins, sputtering and hissing like molten tar until his whole body was burning with unbridled rage. Giving a low growl, he knocked a maid to the floor who was blocking his way, his heavy footsteps announcing his furious state.

If someone so much as grazed him right now, he’d snap their bones like twigs beneath his feet, grimace at the blood staining his castle’s carpets, and then move on as if their lives were but a mere inconvenience to him.

His cloak spilled out behind him, curling and twisting like a demented spirit that followed his back. With his fangs bared and his dominating stature, Taehyung’s eyes drowned in bloodthirst as they sought out a victim to punish.

To say the King was angry, was a gross understatement.

One of the assistants ran up to the king, giving a quick bow before explaining in a distressed tone; “Y-your majesty, the girl is in the West-Wing dungeon, she-

Grabbing the boy by his collar, Taehyung yanked him off his feet, digging his nails into the flimsy material. “And why exactly, would she be there?” The boy went pale, and Jin held his breath when he heard the malice lacing the King’s voice. It was a dark, wicked tone, filled with animosity and revulsion; one that threatened to ravage and lay waste to anyone who stood before him.

“One of th-the butlers atta-attacked her and she tried t-to” “Listen here” Taehyung spat through gritted teeth, lifting the boy an inch off the floor and snarling under his breath;

“If a servant tried to take a bite out of my meal, would you throw my dinner in the dungeon?”

Tossing the boy to the side, the other servants scattered to get out of the way of their fearsome ruler. ”Jin.” Coming closer, the adviser bowed his head. “Go fetch me the man that tried to take what is mine.”

His voice was sweet. Sickeningly so. Toxic, and sweet, and on the brink of killing. This was the King they all feared so much, notorious for his cruelty and wrath. This was a king, frighteningly overwhelmed by anger, and looking for someone to punish. This was, a terrifying King.

“Yes, your majesty,” Jin replied, turning and briskly walking away. He hoped that finding you would at least calm him down by some degree. It was either that, or Taehyung would just end up even angrier than before.

Reaching the door to the dungeon, the two guards standing watch tensed as the King drew near. He was not in a good mood today. “The girl ” Taehyung hissed, and the man on the right stuttered something about the last cell on the left-hand-side. “Give us some privacy won’t you?” The two guards exchanged a glance before weakly opposing; “But Sire, we have to-” “Now.”

The two men didn’t protest, and Taehyung climbed down into the holding-chamber. His steps echoed down the narrow stairwell, the hollow sound making him shudder.

Anxiety was very much like a snake; once it bites you, the poison slowly starts to set in. Unease spreads through your body, infecting your bloodstream until tremors wrack your frame with concern, and all coherent thinking seizes to function. This venom ran rampant with Taehyung’s thoughts, and wild scenarios of what state he’d find you in filled his head. What pain were you going through? What suffering was claiming you yet again?

Taehyung’s walk turned brisk, and without realizing he was suddenly running. This toxic concern crawled into his throat, and he was barely able to catch his breath. The pounding of his feet as they hit the cold, concrete floor urged him on, the rows of cells becoming a blur. ‘Faster, faster’ they hushed, as if he was running out of time.

Was he? Was he running out of time to save you? No, no you were fine. You were fine...right?

“Damn it!”

Taehyung ran as if starving wolves were snapping at his feet, burning dread and fear colouring his bones in charcoal. In his head he pleaded for you to be okay, gruesome depictions consuming his desperate prayers. At last the end of the hallway greeted him, nearly crashing into the wall as he came to a halt.

To his left, was a small prison cell... And inside was a shadowed figure, huddled in the corner. With shaking hands he clung to the steel bars, so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Slowly, the King raised his gaze from the floor.

Silver hair shrouded your face as you sat slumped over against the cobblestone wall, scraped knees turned inwards in the crumpled heap of your legs. The only thing that covered your thin, frail body, was your white underdress; now torn and stained. You slowly lifted your head, your stark locks falling back as your head rolled to the side.

Unfocused ruby eyes looked up at him, a blank expression covering your face. Like porcelain covering that of a doll’s. For a moment, the only sound was the haggard breathing that escaped past your master’s lips. He stared at you, calmly sitting there in a dungeon of all the godforsaken places, not begging or beseeching him to let you out.

Dropping his gaze, his crimson hair fell in front of his eyes as if to block his view from seeing you in such a disheveled appearance. Thank goodness...thank goodness she’s alright, he thought as his fear subsided. But anger was eager to take it’s place, and Taehyung was simply reminded of how much he didn’t understand. It made him feel weak...useless. He was a King that everyone feared, complete control at his fingertips and yet, here you were; locked up in a cage without a single curse word to throw at him.

“Why...”

The question caught you off guard, the prince’s voice barely a whisper. His hands fiercely gripped at the bars as they trembled with rage, his palms stinging with the force he used.

“Why do you just sit there and take it?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“Why aren’t you scared? You don’t plead for help, nor do you ask to be released. Why the hell are you so damn calm about this? You should swear, and yell and cuss at me!” he shouted, his rage finally consuming him. “Why aren’t you angry?”

It was quiet, Taehyung’s question tensely hanging in the air. You voice sliced through the silence like a knife, his head snapping up as you answered him.

“It’s because I’m in here. And they’re out there.”

For the first time, your pretty scarlet eyes looked cold to Taehyung. There was hatred that laced your voice; deep-rooted hatred that hid inside that small, petite body of yours. It was true contempt for these creatures they called vampires, who tortured and tormented you for their own sick pleasure. It was more than just hate. You despised them...

You despised him.

“Why should you care? I’m just a toy... you don’t even know my name,” you murmured, casting your gaze to the side.

The loud clank of the cell door being unlocked gained your attention again, and you tensed upon seeing the object in your master’s hand. A pair of shackles. You immediately cursed yourself, having made a grave error. You had gone and ran your mouth, and now he was going to punish you for it. When did you last eat? Two days ago? If he kept you in here for a more than a week you might not survive it this time.

As he raised the metal restraints you squeezed your eyes shut and braced yourself. He’d probably beat you first, then shackle your hands once he had you pinned to the floor. This was happening again because you didn’t stay quiet. This was your fault... All of this was your fault.

You jolted as you heard the loud snap of the shackles slamming shut. Slowly opening your eyes in confusion, you looked up to see your master standing above you, his hands bound in front of him.

“I won’t be able to attack you, I promise.”

You gazed at the man with shock, at a complete loss of words. Your mind raced for an explanation. Maybe the constraints were meant for humans? If so, he could easily break them. This was a lie... you wouldn’t fall for such sweet hope again.

Sensing your suspicion, Taehyung gave the chain a few tugs, his hands clearly being restrained by the shackles. “They’re made for vampires... even if I wanted to hurt you, I couldn’t.” You eyes stayed glued to the prince, darting from his eyes to his hands. Red flags were popping up, and sirens were going off in your head. This had to be trap, there was no other reason for him to do this. You wouldn’t be swayed by his honeyed words. You couldn’t.

“This...this is madness,’ you whispered. Taehyung had taken a seat next to you by now, leaving an appropriate amount distance between you two. You were unnerved... too many times had you fallen for a sugar-coated truth. Believed in the little bit of trust you held onto. This man was going to make you fall for the same trick all over again.

“You’re constricted and vulnerable... are you an idiot? What would happen if I tried to kill you right now?!”

The King held his composure, his expression like a slate of stone.

“Do you want to kill me?”

You were suddenly taken aback. Kill him? You had never thought about killing him before... He had forced his teeth into your skin, and mercilessly drank from your blood. You hated him like all the others...but why did he refuse to drink from you since then? He had kept you, even after seeing your scars.

You couldn’t trust this man. You weren’t a naive and clueless fool as you once were. And yet...here he sat, defenseless and unarmed, asking you if you held any desire to murder him. Like deadly nightshade, tasting the sweetness before you could taste the poison...

“I...I don’t know,” you softly answered.

The prince smiled. It was a soft, sad smile that left you feeling empty inside. “You don’t know…is that it then?”

Leaning back against the wall, he gave a tired chuckle, covering his eyes with the crook of his elbow. It was quiet for a while, the atmosphere having taken a sudden turn and making a difficult for you to adjust to it.

“To answer your question, I don’t know either.”

His crimson hair obscured his face along with his arm, and you found yourself wondering what kind of expression grazed those regal features of his.

“I don’t know why I’m so angry.

Why when I see that failed bite-mark on your neck I want to tear out that servant’s throat… or when you wake up in the middle of the night to crawl out of bed, I become frustrated beyond reason.Or how, you tense up every time I enter the room, and I can’t do anything to change that.”

Lowering his arm, he turned his head towards you and you couldn’t help the breath that caught in your throat when his eyes locked onto yours.

“Or how I won’t even ask for your name because I’m afraid you’ll simply give me one your previous owner picked out for you.”

You looked at your master... It was quite a sight to see. The King, his majesty, sitting here in a prison cell with his hands shackled. Lavish coat all covered in dirt, and straw clinging to the legs of his pants... if the man was anything, he was stubborn you thought.

You felt the smallest urge. The smallest, tinniest urge to trust this man. Maybe not completely... but you felt that you wouldn’t have to fear suffering endlessly anymore. His reasons might be purely for the sake of your blood... even so, you were willing to lower your guard, just for a second.

“…Y/N” Taehyung’s eyes widened, his head snapping to look at you. You hugged you knees tighter, avoiding the King’s striking eyes.

“My name…it’s Y/N”

“A-ah…I see…” Taehyung mustered, sitting back and letting the name play over in his head. And for a moment, he could taste your blood again; unbearably delectable and intoxicating... like sweet poison he couldn’t resist.

Steadily and carefully moving towards him, you sat down in front of the King. So awfully close to him, the scent was overwhelming. He could smell it... from your scraped knees and from the small cuts on your perfect skin... like venom, it spread through his body.

Cautiously reaching for the key in his pocket, you glanced up to see his dark crimson eyes gazing down at you. They weren’t aggressive... instead, it was rather as if he was admiring something.

It was a toxic urge that infected him, and his coherent thinking slowly became numb.

Slightly flustered, you reached for his hands, letting the rusty key slowly slide into the lock. You failed to notice Taehyung’s breathing becoming heavier with each passing second... or the thin layer of sweat that caused his red hair to stick to his forehead.

Sighing, he let the word brush past his lips at the soft click of his shackles coming undone, savouring every syllable as he let the name roll off his tongue;

“Y/N…”

~To be continued.

[previous chapter] | [next chapter]

221 notes · View notes