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A heartbeat pulsates in his jugular.
Alive, pushing his power through his veins. He feels the burn of a thousand suns as the dagger pierces through the cold dead flesh.
A surgical stab. The creature's red eyes dim to a lifeless gray.
Ten pulls back his blade. The body falls to the ground.
The priest paces his breath, a drop of sweat rolling down the side of his face. He takes in the surroundings of the feeding house.
Bodies upon bodies piled on one another. No human life was lost, only demons were put to rest.
Ten flips the hilt in his fingers before sheathing his dagger. He sighs and rolls back his shoulders.
“May they finally rest in peace,” he whispers a small prayer.
He turns on his heels and walks out of the temple. Dawn breaks the night sky, pushing Nix away, as Ten distances himself from the feeding house. But even when his God isn't in the sky, He powers Ten's body and blade.
*
“Again?”
“Again.”
The Father joins his fingers over his mouth, red eyes spacing out. They let him ponder his options in silence. They know him enough, the leader of their Family, to give him the space he needs.
“We need to track him down,” Taeyong says finally, refocusing on them. “He's on a killing spree. He won't stop.”
Even in the near darkness of the room, he can make out each of their pale faces as they nod in agreement. Their red eyes, glowing softly. They all dress in black, the color of Nix, their protector. Shirts, trousers, vests, jackets. Taeyong's clothes are the most lavish out of all. His tightly fit overcoat with a high collar and padded shoulders has double clasps of fine silver and rubies that match his eyes. The silver threads of the embroidery catch the light of a couple of candles in the circular stone room.
“Do we know his name?” Taeyong asks, strumming his fingertips on the ebony table once.
“No. But we can catch his scent from the place of the last attack and track him,” Giselle says.
“Volunteers?” the Father asks.
Yugyeom, Win, and Youngho raise their hands.
“Three seems good enough for one hunter,” Taeyong says. “Kill him if you get the chance. Otherwise, return with information. Understood?”
“Yes,” they say.
“Dismissed.”
Taeyong stands and walks out of the room. He trails the stone halls of his home towards his chambers, passing a moonlit interior garden.
As he crosses the door to the antechamber, his human initiate stands to greet him.
“Father,” Jeonghan says, bowing his blond head.
“Jeonghan.”
Taeyong starts unbuttoning his overcoat. Jeonghan comes to him.
“Let me,” the human offers.
Taeyong allows it. The initiate removes the overcoat and hangs it. Taeyong strips the rest of his clothes and the human catches everything, putting them away. The vampire trails to his huge canopy bed. He lies down over the silk black sheets, starting at the ceiling. Jeonghan takes the spot beside him, head on his shoulder.
“You're tense,” he says, running a finger over his icy collarbone.
“A hunter is on a killing spree.”
“I know you'll catch him,” he croons, placing a palm over Taeyong's slow-beating heart.
The Father catches his hand and kisses it.
“Feast,” Jeonghan says. “It will make you feel better.”
Taeyong trails kisses to his wrist and sinks his fangs into the flesh. The human gasps. Hot blood fills Taeyong's mouth. He drinks, letting his red eyes fall shut. Jeonghan’s soft moans fill the silent room, getting lost in the night.
*
When Ten snaps his eyes open, the scream fades from his mind. He glances at the cracks of the windows, seeing sunlight. He's safe. For now.
Ten stands and gets dressed. White pants and priesthood robes, which are longer in the back. Over-the-knee leather boots, belt, and corset where his extra blades are stored. He goes downstairs into the dining room of the inn and orders a light meal. While he eats, Helios leaves the sky entirely.
Night has come. It's time to hunt again.
He leaves some coin and hits the dark cobblestone streets. He makes his way out of town towards a feeding house on the road heading north. Ten could speed to get there in an instant, but he enjoys the human pace. Preparing himself with each step he takes.
The mist is thicker on the beaten path. The lights grow distant.
A chill runs down his nape. He’s being followed. He hears the muted steps, even if they are near inaudible. This can only mean one thing.
Ten didn't need to find a vampire tonight because one found him.
Or maybe more than one?
A tall man is standing in the middle of the street ahead of Ten, his hair dark and his eyes… red. Ten slows to a stop, realizing a third stopped at his left side.
“Are you here just for me? I'm flattered,” Ten says, widening his stance. He places his hand on the hilt of his dagger.
The one in front of him smirks, white fangs visible like porcelain against the darkness.
“You've been hunting our kind, priest of Helios,” he says. “Are you surprised we'd let you keep doing it?”
“Maybe you shouldn't have killed one of mine,” Ten says, knowing the other two are approaching him slowly.
“If he's dead, he came to us,” the vampire says.
“He didn't,” Ten states. “I was there when you attacked us.”
The vampire shoots glances at the others.
“So this is your little vengeance? I'm sure we can work out an agreement,” he says. “We can coexist. Like Night and Day. That's how it's meant to be.”
“He's gone. There will be no agreement,” Ten says, his fingers tightening on the hilt. “And your friends don't sound as friendly as you.”
He knows they are coming for him. He hears and feels them, the change in the surrounding air through their movements, even if his eyes are on the vampire in front of him.
“Wait—”
Before the vampire can finish, Ten turns with supernatural speed. Two blades fly from his hands, hitting the other vampires in the heart before they can jump him. The red dims to gray. Gone in a second. As Ten looks to third, he's vanished.
Ten exhales. He's not going to let them trick him.
*
“One of theirs?” Taeyong asks.
“Yes,” Yugyeom says.
The Father rubs his thumb against the other fingertips. A nervous gesture he retained from his human life. He’s sitting in his antechamber, alone with Yugyeom.
“It could have been an accident,” Yugyeom explains. “But he says he was there.”
“And if that's true, it means one of ours has gone rogue,” the Father says, looking into his eyes.
Yugyeom casts his red gaze down. They know what this means. If a vampire has broken the accords and killed a human, this priest of Helios has every right to come for all of them. Balance has been tainted, and it is war.
“Where did you find him?” the Father asks.
“The road northwest of Megera.”
“Alright. Thank you, Yugyeom.”
“Are you going after him?” he asks.
“I will think about what to do,” Taeyong lies. He doesn’t want anyone to know his intentions.
Because if it’s true, if one of them broke the accords, it means he doesn't know who he can trust in his Family. And this priest of Helios has every right to kill them all.
*
Another night, another walk.
Ten knows he is getting closer and closer to the Night Castle. The center of the vampires’ network, where the Family lives. But that's his intention. He will kill all of them for what they did to Blue. The accords have been broken and nothing protects them anymore.
He arrives at a feeding house, a temple of Nix. But it's eerily silent, even from the outside. Ten crosses in, walking the ample corridor with pillars towards the altar. No sign of vampires or humans. He stares up at the image of Nix, a dark granite sculpture of the beautiful Goddess.
“Your scent is interesting.”
The hairs on his nape and arms rise. Ten places a hand on his hilt and turns, finding a vampire there. He's blond and dresses in black. A lavish and long overcoat embroidered with silver threads and double clasps made out of rubies and silver. His face is pale, akin to marble, and sharp in its angles. His red eyes are more vivid than most vampires Ten has seen. He understands this is one of the high-ranking priests of the Nix Order. And he came all this way to see him.
They stand across from each other in the ample room, many feet away. The vampire is studying him slowly. And Ten keeps his senses alert for any possible attacks.
“I came to talk,” the vampire says.
“Talk?”
“Yes. You claim the accords were violated by one of mine.”
“They were.”
“A vampire killed a priest of Helios?”
“Yes. He drained all his blood.”
“And you witnessed it?”
“Yes.”
“How did you know it wasn't consensual?”
“Consensual murder?” Ten lifts an eyebrow.
“It could have been an accident.”
“It wasn't. And even if it was, it would break the accords anyway. I thought vampires could hold themselves back.”
“If they were a priest of Helios, how did they even get caught?”
Ten’s skin burns. “He was my initiate. He wasn't fully trained.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Can vampires feel sorrow?”
“Yes. We aren't demons.”
“I beg to differ.”
The vampire gazes down Ten's body and back into his eyes.
“Did you see his face?” he asks.
“Yes. His eyes. His clothes. He was one of yours.”
“My Family?”
Ten nods. “A high-ranking priest.”
“So you'd be able to recognize him.”
“Yes.”
“Then come back with me to the Night Court and do it. We will put him down for what he did.”
Ten squints at him. “I don't believe you.”
“He broke the accords and didn’t confess to me. I will do the right thing to mend it.”
“There is no mending it,” Ten says quickly. “You will all die by my blade.”
The vampire smirks. “You can't kill me.”
Ten unsheathes his dagger. “Can't I? Why?”
“I'm the Father,” he says.
Ten knows what it means. This is the leader of all vampires. The oldest. But Ten is old too. Much older than a human could ever be.
“You want to put it to the test?” Ten asks.
“We don't have to fight,” the vampire says. “We can work together and restore peace among our kinds.”
Ten rolls his neck, a satisfying crack popping. He fuels his body to the brim with the power of Helios and stares into the red eyes.
“I don't think so.”
And he charges. With supernatural speed, Ten closes the distance between them. The Father dodges him, but Ten continues his assault, dagger in hand, aiming for his heart. The vampire parries and evades him. Ten's body vibrates, scorching and emanating white steam through his clothes.
“You're not a common priest,” the vampire says.
“No.”
Ten slashes his arm, cutting through black cloth and flesh. He bleeds the blood of others, red like his eyes. Vampires feel pain, but this one shows no reaction.
“What can I do for you to believe me?” he asks.
“Nothing.”
Ten kicks him in the center of the chest; the vampire grunts, flying across the room and hitting a pillar. The granite cracks, almost breaking in half.
“Enough,” the vampire says, straightening his body. “Talk to me.”
“No.”
Ten launches his dagger toward his heart, but the vampire uses his forearm as a shield. The priest grabs another dagger and advances against him one more time. But now, the Father fights back. He snatches Ten's wrist with an unbreakable grip. Ten kicks, but the vampire trips him. They fall, the Father on top of him.
“Why are you making this hard on yourself?” he asks. “What can I do to make you trust me?”
Ten laughs despite being under his brutal force.
“Trust a vampire?”
“I'm not any vampire.”
“Oh? You're special?”
Ten turns them around but fails to pin both of his hands down. The vampire grabs him by the neck right as Ten puts a blade to his. Stalemate. They can sever each other’s heads off with their strength.
Everything stops. They look each other in the eye.
“I don't want to hurt you,” the vampire whispers.
He could if he wanted. Ten hesitates for the first time since he started on this path. The vampire loosens the hold on his neck. What before was a grip turns into a gentle stroke on his pulsing jugular. Ten gets a shiver. The vampire’s eyes are on it—he is craving blood. It's the only way he'll heal from the wounds Ten gave him.
Ten releases him and pulls back his dagger. The Father unhands him.
“You really want my trust?”
“Yes.”
“You'd punish one of your own?”
“Yes. Whoever it is, he broke the accords and put all of us in danger. I need to make a public example out of him.”
Ten doesn't answer. But he pulls out the dagger that is still in the vampire's forearm. The creature grunts, his nose scrunching. Ten smiles.
“Do you like sitting on top of me?” the vampire asks, his red gaze fixed on him.
Ten rolls his eyes and stands, sheathing his blades. The vampire gets up, groaning. He feels for his ribs.
“Broken?” Ten asks.
“Yes.”
Ten hums, smirking softly.
“I'm Taeyong,” he finally introduces himself. “You?”
“Ten.”
Taeyong tidies his clothes.
“What was the name of your apprentice?”
“Blue.”
“Well.” Taeyong comes closer to him. “I’m sorry this happened. But we will find the traitor.”
“How?”
“You'll come with me to the Night Court and identify him.”
“What if he escapes?”
“Then we will know who it was, won't we?” He raises an eyebrow. “But I told no one I was looking for you. We aren’t that far from it. I figure that’s where you were headed?”
“Yes.”
Taeyong chuckles. “You are quite something. Planning to walk into the Night Court and kill all of us?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t doubt you could,” he says. “After I’ve seen you fight.”
Taeyong places a hand over his ribs, shifting uncomfortably. Ten steps closer to him.
“I’m going with you on one condition.”
“Which?”
Ten pulls back his sleeve, revealing his wrist and offering it. Taeyong’s red eyes fall to it and the corner of his mouth twitches.
“Bond with me,” Ten says.
Taeyong’s eyelashes flutter. “So you’ll be under my protection?”
“Yes.”
That means no vampire can kill Ten or claim him.
Taeyong holds the wrist. His touch is cold, but not to the point it would be uncomfortable. Ten’s body temperature is too hot to be bothered by it. The vampire gulps before placing his lips on the skin.
At first, the pinch of the fangs hurt. But the pain is quickly replaced by something else as Taeyong drinks his blood. His core tightens as pleasure blossoms, spreading over his limbs. Ten chews his bottom lip to prevent a gasp from coming out. His legs falter and he makes a conscious effort to remain standing.
Taeyong pulls back, gasping with bloodied lips. When he opens his eyes again, they are shinier than usual. Ten places his finger in the gash on the vampire’s arm and dabs it in blood, bringing it to his tongue next and sealing their bond. A shiver goes past him.
Blood for blood.
Ten isn’t stupid. He knows he can’t just walk into the Night Court in hopes of finding Blue’s killer without this sort of protection. It was different when he planned to kill everyone indiscriminately. Now, any vampire that threatens him will have to deal with Taeyong too, who is magically bound to protect him. This ritual is used after a human has pledged to Nix and finds an elder vampire that will care for and train them. The end goal is to become a vampire, but Ten and Taeyong know this is not what will happen. They will part ways after the culprit is brought to justice.
Taeyong shifts his thorax as his ribs are set in place, taking a lungful of air. Vampires still breathe, although much slower than humans. They go without oxygen for hours if they are well-fed with blood. After feasting, the cuts on Taeyong’s arm and forearm close. He licks his lips and gazes at Ten.
“Shall we?”
“Yes.”
Taeyong offers his arms. “I'll carry you.”
“I can run as fast as you.”
“But I know the way better than you.”
Ten caves, going to him and placing his arms around his neck. Taeyong picks him up in his lap, looking at him.
“Keep your mouth shut, or you'll swallow a bug,” he says, smirking.
Ten rolls his eyes.
Taeyong starts running, and their bodies get pressed together. Ten cranes his chin on the curve of his neck, avoiding the cutting wind that comes from going at this speed. Taeyong is fast. Being an old vampire is the reason for that. The older they get, the more powerful, much like the priests of Helios.
This close, Ten can't help but feel the vampire's scent. He knows they all have one, but nothing prepares him for the smell of roses that comes from him.
The vampire keeps running while Ten’s mind gets clouded by his sweetness.
Eventually, Taeyong slows to a stop. He sets Ten down in front of the castle, a dark construction on the edge of a cliff, facing the ocean.
“Let's get inside,” Taeyong whispers. “It's almost dawn.”
He will burn if he stays here for too long.
They enter the castle through a secret underground passageway. Neither of them needs a fire to see in the complete darkness.
“When we reach the door, I need you to wait a few feet behind me,” Taeyong whispers.
“Why?”
“This leads to my room,” he explains. “My initiate is there, waiting for me. But I don't want him to see you. No one can know you are here.”
“So the culprit doesn't escape.”
“Yes.”
When Ten sees the door, he stops walking and Taeyong continues. The vampire opens it, the iron hinges creaking. Warm light from the room pours inside and Ten squints, adjusting his eyes to the clarity.
“Father. You are back.” The faint voice of the human initiate.
“Yes. Jeonghan, I need to be alone.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Rest well. I'll call for you later”
A moment passes and Taeyong reappears at the door frame. He offers a hand to Ten, who goes to him. A few steps lead into the room. He accepts the vampire's hand without thinking. It's not like he requires any help climbing small stairs.
Ten arrives at his eye level. Taeyong hasn't stopped looking at him and doesn't let go of his hand. So Ten does, doing a once-over of the lavish room. The bed is huge, with silk black sheets and a canopy. There is an armchair and wardrobe made of ebony, with intricate carvings.
“Tired?” Taeyong asks, walking towards the door and locking it.
“Yes.”
The vampire removes his overcoat and throws it on the armchair.
“We should sleep. No one will bother us.”
Taeyong takes his boots off.
“Sleep here?” Ten asks.
“Yes. I need to scent you,” he says, opening the first buttons of his shirt.
Ten glances away from him. He understands why it needs to happen. If the vampire scents him, he will smell less like a human to other vampires.
Ten removes his boots, only that, and gets on the bed. Taeyong blows off the candles and climbs in beside him.
“Come here,” the vampire says. “I don't bite. Not when you don't allow me to.”
Ten rolls his eyes and rests his head on his shoulder. Taeyong pulls him close, embracing him.
“There we go. When we wake up, you'll smell like me.”
“What will we do now?” Ten whispers, changing the subject.
“First, I will order a lockdown,” Taeyong murmurs. “Say it's for our safety. Then, I will call a meeting with the Family. There is a hole in the wall of the room, from where you can peek through. You will identify him and tell me who the traitor is.”
“And then?”
“Then we will subdue him and chain him to the cliff. Where the sun will rise, and you can watch him die.”
“Really?” That sounds better than a quick death via dagger to the heart.
“Really.”
“What if he tries to flee?”
“It's all against him. Once we put the shackles on him, he can't escape.”
“You have the shackles?”
“Yes. Blessed by Helios.”
Ten shuts his eyes, finally feeling the heavy mantle of tiredness settle over his bones. It shouldn't but being in Taeyong's arms is relaxing. The last thing he acknowledges before giving in to sleep is Taeyong's lips brushing on his temple.
When Ten wakes up, he is still in Taeyong’s arms. They are cuddling, back to chest. He glances back and finds the vampire asleep.
He should get up, but the desire to stay right here is powerful.
He tells himself he's simply tired.
After a while, he feels Taeyong rubbing his arm on him, starting on his shoulder and ending on his hips.
He's scenting Ten.
“I thought sleeping together would suffice,” Ten says.
“Just being extra cautious,” Taeyong explains.
He does it a couple more times, and Ten pretends he doesn't enjoy the pressure along his waist.
“I should go,” Taeyong says, finally sitting. “Order the lockdown and call the meeting. Are you hungry?”
“Somewhat,” Ten says. He doesn't rely on food as a source of energy as much as humans.
Taeyong sits on the edge of the bed and puts on his boots.
“Can you hang on while we fix this? That way, no one will suspect I have a human in my room.”
“Sure.”
After standing and putting on his overcoat, the vampire looks at Ten. His red eyes are vivid, shining like rubies, more than last night.
“I'll be right back. Don't worry, this will be over soon.”
In the blink of an eye, Taeyong is gone. Ten sighs and stares at his wrist, the spot that the vampire bit last night. It healed, leaving no scar. A vampire’s saliva has healing properties, and apparently, they still work on a priest of Helios. He rubs his thumb on it, the spot that sealed their bond.
While he waits, Ten places his daggers on the table and begins cleaning and sharpening them. Something useful to pass the time.
He hopes the Father will make good on his promise.
Before Ten finishes, Taeyong is back, his body showing up in the room in an instant. His red eyes fall on Ten’s blades.
“The meeting will be soon.”
Ten hums in agreement and keeps working.
“A beautiful collection you have there,” the vampire says, inching closer. “I got you this.”
He throws an apple in Ten’s direction. The priest catches it and places it on the table, continuing tending to his blades.
Taeyong pulls a chair and turns it, sitting on it in reverse. He places his bare forearms on the top rail and grins.
“I didn’t poison it.”
Ten glances at him and ignores the remark. Taeyong chuckles. He picks up the apple and takes a bite from it. Vampires can eat—it simply doesn’t fuel their bodies.
“I said I am fine,” Ten says.
“Just showing some hospitality.”
“I see.”
Ten stores his blades in his harness and belt.
“Can we go?” he asks.
“Yes.” Taeyong walks to the closet and picks up a long cloak with a hood. “Here. So you aren’t easily spotted.”
Ten has to agree, his white clothes are stark compared to the black that vampires and their initiates use. He reaches for it.
“Let me,” Taeyong says softly.
The corner of Ten’s mouth twitches. But he nods. The vampire walks behind him, placing the cloak and hood over Ten delicately. His fingers linger for a couple of seconds after he tidies the fabric on the shoulders.
Ten watches from the corner of his eye, waiting for Taeyong to step away. But all he hears is the vampire breathing deeply.
He is smelling Ten.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” Taeyong says quickly. He comes in front of Ten again. “Walk behind me, head bowed. I'll take you to the hidden spot.”
“Let's go,” Ten says. The urgency to be done with this is a scream in the back of his mind, along with another message he can't decode.
Taeyong takes the lead and Ten follows, obeying the instructions. To his luck, the castle is empty, and they don't pass anyone until entering a door to a narrow room.
The vampire lets Ten go inside first and shuts the door behind them. In the complete darkness, Ten sees him step close. Their noses are almost touching.
“Stay here until I fetch you,” Taeyong whispers.
“I will,” he replies, staring into his red eyes.
Taeyong studies his face. Then he grabs Ten by the nape and puts his wrist on his cheek. Ten struggles away.
“What are you doing?” he mutters.
“Be still. I'm making sure they can't smell you.”
More scenting. Taeyong rubs his wrist on the skin of Ten's face and neck.
“If we had sex, this would be easier,” the vampire whispers.
Ten holds back a laugh. “Do you think it would be that easy?”
Taeyong smirks.
“Is that how it is for you?” Ten continues, voice barely audible. “You bring humans to your bed and fucks them? With promises that you'll turn them.”
“I only take one initiate at a time,” Taeyong whispers. “Sometimes I bed them. And yes, it's easy. They all ask for it.”
Ten rolls his eyes, leaning his head back. The vampire grabs him by the cheeks with one strong hand, forcing them to look at each other. A tingle slicks down Ten's core and his stomach flutters. But he doesn’t change his unbothered expression.
“I make sure they enjoy it,” he mutters. “Even after turning, they always want to come back to my bed.”
“You assume I care,” Ten whispers and tilts his face forward, their lips almost touching. The proximity does not intimidate him. He can play this game too. “Trust me. I don't.”
The vampire drags his hand down to Ten's throat slowly. With both around his neck and nape, Taeyong has him in a chokehold. He could break it, but Ten's not afraid.
“Nothing about you surprises me,” he continues. “Even if you are the Father. Vampires are all the same.”
“And how are we?”
“Depraved. Lascivious. Undisciplined.”
“And you're disciplined?”
“Yes.”
“And demure?” Taeyong asks, running his thumb on the jugular, watching the movement with attentive red eyes. “Virtuous?”
“Yes.”
Taeyong leans in his ear, soft lips touching the skin.
“I know you know what sex is.”
Ten smiles. “Good thing you'll never experience it.”
Taeyong scoffs under his breath.
“Are you done scenting me?” Ten asks. “Father.”
“Yes.”
“Then go have your meeting. I want to catch my killer.”
*
Taeyong leaves Ten alone. That spiraled out of control faster than he expected. He adjusts his pants.
His cock is hard.
He found Ten attractive the second he saw him. But feasting on his blood—bonding—only made it more pronounced. It’s a natural thing to happen between vampire and initiate, if the attraction was already there. It's hard to resist Ten. In a way that Taeyong never experienced before. Ten's scent is delicious. It reminds him of honey. His beauty is disarming.
It's a shame the priest thinks so little of vampires. Otherwise…
Taeyong would never deny a night with him. But he refocuses on their goal. Catch the vampire that has gone rogue.
The Father walks into the council room and takes his seat, knowing Ten is waiting behind the wall at his back. The protective instincts from their bond already kicked in. He worries about Ten's safety.
In the next few minutes, the high-ranking officers arrive.
“Thank you for coming,” Taeyong says. “I’d like to explain what's been happening.”
“Is he coming?” Yugyeom asks.
“I don't know,” he lies. “But I decided to take precautions. If the priest of Helios is indeed coming here, it's best we make a united front. I won't discard a diplomatic conversation with him.” He pauses. “If he's willing to listen. Regardless, I don't want anyone to leave the castle. Stay in your rooms with your initiates until further notice. You are dismissed.”
Taeyong remains while they leave. He waits a while before exiting and meeting Ten in the secret room.
“Let's talk in my chambers,” he whispers.
Ten pulls his hood up and they walk.
As they arrive, the priest of Helios turns to him. His brown eyes tell Taeyong what he wants to know.
“You recognized him.”
The lines on his face are hard. “Yes.”
“Which one?”
“The one sitting four seats from you to your right.”
“Jongwon.”
“Is that his name?” Ten asks. “Where is he?”
“Probably in his bedchambers.”
He steps forward. “Show me.”
“Ten, wait.” Taeyong lifts a hand to place on Ten’s shoulder, but the priest steps back before that happens. He lowers it. “You can’t be one who captures him.”
“What? Why not?”
“Because he’ll see you coming,” the vampire explains. “If you saw him long enough to be able to identify you, you think he won’t remember your face too?”
The priest’s mouth twists into a frown. He looks away from Taeyong.
“I will get them personally,” he assures Ten, stepping closer. “With my second in command, my most trusted brother. Both of us can overpower him easily.”
Ten doesn’t answer.
“Trust me,” Taeyong whispers.
The priest looks at him.
“Fine. Today?”
“Yes. We will chain him in the garden by the cliff tonight and watch Helios rise on him in the morning.”
Ten sighs and shuts his eyes. “Alright.” He removes the black cloak and sets it on a Kline. “Are you sure he won’t escape?”
“He won’t,” Taeyong says. “I’m doing this right now.”
“With your… brother?” Ten asks, sitting down.
“Yes. And once I’m done, I’ll fetch you and bring you to his cell to confirm his identity one more time.”
“I'll be waiting.”
“Then I can get you some food. Is that alright?”
“I guess some food would be nice.”
“Is there something you don’t like?”
“Apples.”
Taeyong snorts a chuckle. Ten makes eye contact with him, the corner of his mouth pulling up.
“I’ll be right back,” the vampire says.
*
Ten waits.
He needs to trust the Father. He’s done everything he said he would so far. Even all the scenting was necessary. And the teasing…
It's not detestable. Ten would be lying if he said it wasn't fun to argue with the vampire.
He shoots a look at the bed in the other room.
Ten gets up and walks towards it, kicking his boots off. He lies down in the middle, face against the soft pillow. The sheets smell of roses.
Taeyong's scent.
Despite the situation, when Ten should be alert and worried, his body gives in to something unseen, unknown, and relaxes. Lying on a bed of red roses, his worries vanish.
He’s almost asleep when someone knocks on the door.
Ten sits up, hand flying to the hilt of his dagger.
They knock again.
The priest gets off the bed, unsheathing his blade. Has Taeyong’s plan gone wrong? If he has to kill every single demon to get to—
“Father?” calls a soft voice.
Ten freezes. The voice sounds… human. It doesn’t have that edge a vampire’s tone does. Untainted by the blessings that Nyx imbues them.
“Jeonghan, you can’t be here.” It’s Taeyong. He’s back.
Ten relaxes his body, sheathing his dagger.
“But it’s been long since you feasted,” says Jeonghan. “I was worried.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” The tenderness in Taeyong’s voice surprises Ten. “You must stay in your room. It’s for your safety.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I will explain everything in a couple of hours. Don’t worry.”
Ten hears the muted steps of the initiate leaving. Then, Taeyong enters the antechamber.
“Come.” Direct.
But Ten abides. He wants to get this done. They march out of the room together and head to the dungeons. If the castle is dark, these dungeons are somehow darker. Damp. Suffocating.
Taeyong takes him to an open cell, where a vampire stands beside the kneeling prisoner. The Helios gold handcuffs adorn his wrists.
“Raise your head,” Taeyong orders.
He does.
“It’s him,” Ten says, without missing a beat.
“He’s lying,” Jongwon argues. “The priest asked for it.”
“Asked to be killed?” Ten asks, reaching for his dagger. “You beast—”
Taeyong holds him back by the arms with a strong grip. Ten doesn’t fight him.
“Even if he asked,” the Father says. “You killed a priest of Helios and you hid it from me.”
“I have served you for eighty-four years—”
Taeyong looks at his brother, who punches Jongwon in the face.
“It’s over,” the Father says. “You can either humiliate yourself or accept your fate with grace.”
His commanding words make Ten stare at him. The red eyes, the side profile. Ten’s heart skips a beat.
“Now, would you like to be gagged? Or will you be quiet?” Taeyong asks.
Jongwon doesn’t reply, only glances down.
“Yuta, keep an eye on him until nightfall.”
“Yes, Father.”
Taeyong leaves in long strides and Ten follows. When they exit the dungeons, Ten can breathe better.
“Shall we get you a meal?” Taeyong says, his tone much lighter than before.
“Sure,” Ten says, feeling dizzy enough that he doesn’t know what else to say.
They walk to the kitchen, which is working at full speed. The staff is made only by humans.
“Karina, can you prepare a plate ahead of the others?”
“Yes, Father.”
Everyone complies with his every request and order naturally. Karina pours chicken stew with whole onions, baked potatoes, and carrots. Taeyong vanishes and reappears in a second with a wine jug in his hand.
“There you go,” Karina says, offering the plate to Ten.
“Thank you.”
She goes back to work. Taeyong nods at the exit, and they return to the vampire’s antechamber.
Now that he has delicious-smelling food under his nose, his hunger surfaces with violence. He digs in while Taeyong pours them wine and sits in front of him.
Ten finishes the meal without saying a word. He reaches for his cup and drinks it.
“Who are they?” he asks. “The cooks.”
“Initiates.”
“Oh.”
“Everyone has a role here,” Taeyong says.
Ten hums. “And what’s Jeonghan’s role?”
The Father chuckles. “Of course you overheard us.”
“How could I not?”
“His role is being my initiate. Keeping me company and letting me feast on him. If I wish so.”
“Aren’t you hungry?” Ten asks. “I was.”
Taeyong glances away. “Maybe.” He swirls his wine and takes a sip. Then he stares at Ten. “But not for him.”
A shiver runs down Ten’s back, one he is very aware of. Taeyong’s red eyes fall on the priest’s wrist, the spot he drank from last night.
“You crave my blood?” Ten asks, trying to keep his voice even.
“It’s only natural,” the vampire explains. “Since we bonded. And you are…”
“A priest of Helios.”
“Yes. Your blood is different.”
From a human’s. Because Ten isn’t a human. The power of Helios courses through his veins. Magic, as the people call it.
The blood, however it tasted, was Blue’s demise. Jongwon might have not wanted to kill him but couldn’t help to drain it to the very last drop.
However, Taeyong did no such thing when he tasted Ten’s blood. But he’s the Father, much older and experienced.
“Was it your first time?” Ten asks.
“Yes.”
“I’m not letting you.”
“I know,” he replies calmly.
“And I’m not fucking you.”
Taeyong laughs.
“I know. Do you see me trying to seduce you?”
Ten looks away and sips the wine.
“What happens now?” the priest asks.
“We wait until sundown to place him in the garden by the cliff. I will call everyone to witness his death and explain what he did. And after…”
Ten looks at him.
“We celebrate.”
“Celebrate?”
“After such a dire series of events, it would be unwise not to party.”
Taeyong is dead serious.
“You vampires are truly hedonists.” Ten rolls his eyes before pouring himself more wine.
“What would you do?” he asks.
“I will… mourn Blue's death.”
He hasn't thus far—not really. Blinded by revenge, no space could be had for grief.
“You can mourn after the party,” Taeyong says. “You can mourn however long is needed.”
“I won't attend—”
“I need you to.”
They stare into each other's eyes.
“You must be there, even if it's just for an hour. I will teach them by example how priests of Helios must be treated by us.”
“And how is that?”
“With respect,” Taeyong replies calmly.
“You respect me?”
“You think I don't?”
Ten can't deny it.
“Fine. I will be there. And then I'm leaving.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
They drink wine in silence. But with each second, Ten grows more aware of his heartbeat, pumping blood in his veins. The idea that Taeyong wants to feast on him gnaws at the back of his mind, a muted scream that gains volume over time. Not an unwanted one, but a terrifyingly aching call that he doesn't understand.
Maybe it's a consequence of the bond. But it shouldn’t be. It shouldn’t affect Ten like it does to a human.
Goosebumps run over his skin, raising the hair on his arm. He exhales through his mouth slowly, trying not to draw attention to himself. The memory of Taeyong's mouth on his wrist resurfaces, causing a tingle on his wrist.
When Taeyong stands, Ten jumps on his chair.
“What are you doing?” he asks quickly.
The red eyes are wide. “I'm letting them know about the execution and party.”
“Oh.” He swallows dry.
“And also.” Taeyong puts the chair in place. “I need to feast.”
Ten lowers his eyes and turns his body away from him. So Taeyong won't see the bitterness in them. Ten is aware of this emotion, even if he doesn't understand why Taeyong seeking Jeonghan bothers him deeply.
“I'll see you later,” Taeyong says.
He walks out at human speed. The door shuts behind him.
Ten gulps the rest of the wine and pours more. He drinks until the jug is over, wanting to quiet his thoughts and feelings.
Once Ten is far and away from this damned place, back at the Priesthood temple, he won't feel like this. Taeyong will be a memory of the past.
Numb from the wine, Ten crawls into bed and passes out, lulled by red roses.
“Ten.”
The ethereal voice could be coming from his dreams, but it’s pulling him from slumber.
“Ten,” Taeyong whispers. “We are ready.”
The priest blinks and searches for Taeyong. He’s standing near the bed.
“What time is it?” he asks, sitting.
“The middle of the night,” the Father says. “Jongwon is already bound, in the garden by the cliff. Helios will rise in a couple of hours.”
Ten slept. Much more than he believed he needed to. He remained undisturbed for hours on Taeyong’s bed.
“Do you need—”
“I’m ready,” Ten interrupts, standing. He tidies his robes. “Let’s get this over with.”
Taeyong nods. “Follow me.”
They walk out together. Ten remains behind him as they reach the doors to the garden. They pass many vampires and initiates, crowding near the windows. They ogle Ten before bowing their heads to the Father.
Taeyong steps outside under the cover of Nyx and Ten keeps up with him. A vast garden stretches, one that is well-tended. But at the edge, on the cliff, only stone remains. And at that point, Jongwon is displayed, bound to a gold pillory. As they approach, the strong winds make Ten’s robes and black hair flutter.
They stop in front of Jongwon.
“Father—”
“Quiet,” Taeyong says. He turns to Ten. “Priest of Helios, we’ve captured the killer of one of yours and offer his eternal life in return for your loss. We hope to restore the balance between our kinds, just as Night and Day coexist in the sky.”
Without ever crossing.
Ten is squinting from the wind.
“I accept,” he whispers.
“I will watch from the castle,” Taeyong says. “But you can stay here if…”
“I’ll stay.”
Taeyong nods and walks away.
Standing at the cliff facing the ocean, Ten breathes a deep inhale of salty air as he watches the view. The waves crashing below them and the howling wind are the only sounds. He combs through his memories of Blue, his young and dedicated initiate.
“Why did you attack him?”
Jongwon doesn’t answer. Ten takes a knee so they are at the same eye level.
“Tell me.”
The vampire reluctantly gazes at him with opaque red eyes.
“We all know about it,” he says. “Your blood.”
Ten’s face burns red-hot. He can’t believe it was merely that.
“What were you doing there?” the priest asks.
“We often go to other cities to spread Nyx’s sermons,” Jongwon explains. “Athens is not that far from here.”
Where the Temple of Helios is, the place where all initiates train.
“Where did you first see him?”
“At night. On the gardens of your Temple.”
“You went looking for one of us,” Ten mutters.
“I just wanted to take a look,” Jongwon says nonchalantly. “I was curious.”
“And then you returned?”
“Yes. For several nights.”
The corner of Ten’s mouth twitches. Jongwon grins. Even in the face of his imminent death.
“You don’t understand what it’s like, priest,” he says with candor. “The scent.”
“I’ve been here for hours and no one attacked me,” Ten argues.
“Because you are bonded with the Father. We smell him on you. We know you belong to him. But Blue—”
“Don’t say his name.” His hand shuts in a fist.
“Blue belonged to no one,” he continues. “So I made him mine.”
Ten is shaking. White mist is seeping through his clothes. He holds back the need to pull out a dagger and stab him in the heart.
“I planned to bring him here,” Jongwon reveals. “But the unfortunate happened.”
Ten scoffs. Unfortunate.
Jongwon smiles.
Before the priest can say another word, he feels it coming. The Day.
Ten stands and looks at the castle on the east, from where Helios will rise.
He waits and watches while Jongwon murmurs prayers for Nyx.
Dawn breaks the night sky.
It pushes the darkness away. Ten squints as sunlight bathes them inch by inch.
Jongwon grunts. Ten studies him struggle against the pillory. But it’s no use. The tool blessed by Helios is unbreakable when entrapping a vampire.
The godly force rises and rises until the colors return to Earth. As it shines more and more on them, Jongwon’s skin begins to burn off. Evaporating flakes of cinder, taken away by the wind. The process is slow and painful but, at last, he burns away entirely, leaving no trace behind.
Ten’s stomach is heavy. He wished this moment would soothe his loss. But it didn’t. He stares at the black stone castle, where all the vampires are watching from the safety of their home. He takes a last look at the pillory.
“For Blue. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Then, he makes his way to the castle slowly.
When he arrives, only Taeyong is waiting for him, his face unreadable.
“Do you need some time—”
“Let’s get this over with.”
The Father nods and leads them to the massive ballroom. Wine is flowing among the guests. Now, the vampires don’t stare as much. They talk among themselves about the execution, the latest piece of gossip.
Taeyong grabs two cups of wine and offers one to Ten.
“To your initiate,” he says. “And to peace between our kinds.”
Ten drinks.
“Now that I’m here, what am I supposed to do?”
“I’ll introduce you to the Family,” Taeyong says.
“Alright.”
The Father waves someone over. It’s the vampire who guarded Jongwon.
“This is Yuta. My second in command,” he says, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Hm.” Ten nods.
“I’m sorry this happened, priest,” Yuta says.
“So am I.”
The next hour passes, when Taeyong introduces the high-commanding officers of his Family. Ten sips wine and trade a few words with them. But he wishes to be alone, under the Sun, not entrapped in this castle any longer.
Suddenly, Jeonghan shows up at Taeyong’s side
“Father,” he says, bowing his head.
The vampire places an arm around his waist. The pale big hand fits well against the initiate’s black robes. Ten’s stomach turns and an uncomfortable knot forms in his throat.
“Ten, this is Jeonghan. My initiate.”
“It’s an honor to meet a priest of Helios,” the human says, smiling.
Ten’s wrist tingles. The memory of Taeyong leaving to feast on the initiate is an alarm in his mind. Jeonghan is very pretty. It’s no wonder he belongs to the Father.
…sometimes I bed them. Taeyong’s words from earlier echo in his ears.
“Nice to meet you, Jeonghan,” Ten says weakly. He clears his throat and pulls the cuff of his white robes down. He looks at Taeyong. “Where can I freshen up?”
“I’ll take you—”
“No need,” Ten interrupts.
“Outside, the first door to your right,” Taeyong says. His arm is still around Jeonghan.
“Thank you.”
Ten turns on heels and leaves. Long strides take him out of the ballroom, but he doesn’t turn right. He continues to Taeyong’s room. From there, he takes the secret passage outside the castle.
When sunlight hits his face, Ten can breathe again.
He runs.
He runs until he can’t run anymore, stopping at the outskirts of Athens. He doesn’t stop because he’s tired—he stops because the heavy load on his chest, the heaviest he’s ever experienced, is unbearable.
Ten pants, not from exertion, but because the air going into his lungs doesn’t feel enough. He ends up falling to his knees and sitting on the dirt road. He stares at the sky.
The bluest color.
He only knew his initiate for a short time. But he breaks into sobs all the same. He cries because watching Jongwon meet his fate fixes nothing.
But the harrowing fear in his core, a human fear he hasn’t experienced in centuries, that he thought impossible and left forgotten, is the truth that broke him.
Ten grips his wrist, thumb over the place Taeyong’s lips touched. No scar was left, but he still feels it.
He feels him.
In his blind pursuit to avenge Blue, did he let himself be tainted? How deep will the bond affect his eternal life? Will a part of Taeyong always be imprinted in his body?
Will he always belong to Taeyong?
When he proposed the bond, he thought being a priest of Helios would shield him from the effects that came with it. But as he sits here, miles away from the Night Court, he feels Taeyong’s distance more violently than he will ever admit out loud.
He wanted Taeyong to drink his blood again.
Not anyone else’s.
What is this twisted emotion in his heart? Taking over him with the power of a storm.
Ten wipes his eyes on his sleeve and stares at his unblemished skin.
He knows what it is. He’s felt it a long, long time ago.
Desire.
*
Taeyong lounges on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Jeonghan passed out after the feeding. The human lies naked beside him.
Before, feasting was… different.
But ever since the Father bonded with the priest of Helios, that he tasted his blood, drinking from Jeonghan feels like a chore. An activity Taeyong engages in because he is supposed to. He needs it to survive, and they need it to strengthen their bond.
It’s been months since Ten left without a goodbye. The fact wounded him more than he’d ever admit out loud. He didn’t want that moment to be the last he saw Ten, amid all those people. He wanted a proper, private farewell.
Taeyong should let this go. But in silent moments like this one, when he is not burdened by his duties or feasting, his mind shifts to the priest. The sun-kissed skin, the deep black hair, the pristine white robes.
Why is everything about him alluring? A dream Taeyong has while awake. A shadow that haunts him, darker than the ones around his ancestral castle.
Jeonghan shifts and yawns, leaning against him.
“Another, Father?”
“Jeonghan, it’s time.”
The human props himself up to look him in the eyes.
“Really?”
“Yes,” Taeyong says. “Tonight, you’ll officially join the Family.”
*
“Have you considered taking another initiate?” Hyo asks.
“No,” Ten replies.
They walk the sunlit garden of the Temple of Helios. The vibrant greenery contrasts with the white marble of the path, the statues, and the benches. They pass a gold fountain, springing crystalline water and reflecting the light.
“You should take all the time you need,” she says. “But I’m worried.”
Ten avoids her gaze.
He’s done nothing in the last months. For most of it, he’s been in his bed. Hyo doesn’t know the full truth of what happened between Ten and Taeyong. Ashamed, he told no one.
“I’m fine, priestess,” he says, sounding more sure than he feels. “I just need time.”
After the stroll, Ten heads to the bathing room and immerses himself in steaming water. This is one of his favorite pastimes now. Just sitting in the bathtub and staring into nothing.
He’s grieving. It’s what he tells himself and others. But a part of his heart knows it’s not the full reason he’s been a walking corpse lately.
When he’s done, he dries and dresses in his white robes. It’s dinner time, a collective activity in the Temple.
But as Nyx approaches, he stops midway to the dining room.
The priest gazes at the sky. Once, he was apathetic towards it. The night was the time of the other, not his. However, a craving, sure as a heartbeat, blossoms in his core.
He heads to the exit of the Temple and keeps going.
Step after step, without thinking, while darkness covers the Earth.
He doesn’t have a direction and doesn’t look where he is going. He simply walks the night.
In the middle of a beaten road, sound and light draw him in. He makes a turn towards the black temple of Nyx.
And in front of it, a silhouette.
Ten stops across from it, feeling like he’s seeing into a dream.
The silhouette turns. Taeyong stares at him. Dressed in his lavish black clothes, a wine cup in his hand. The red eyes shine amid the penumbra. The pale face, carved in marble, exactly like the one that’s lived in Ten’s memory all these months.
His heart is erratic as Taeyong comes to him. Can he sense it?
“Come with me,” the Father says.
Ten nods. He follows him inside the temple of Nyx, hypnotized by his own thrill, by the undeniable excitement to see him again. The bacchanal happening doesn’t faze Ten—vampires and humans engaging in debauchery and feasting.
Because all he sees is the back of Taeyong’s head, and all he feels is the pull to wherever they are going.
They enter a room much like the one Taeyong has in his castle. The vampire shuts the door, muting the sounds from the party.
Standing on opposite sides of the room, they look at each other. Taeyong’s eyes are shining more than before. Ten’s scar tingles. What led him here? Back to Taeyong. Is it divine providence?
The vampire studies him carefully.
“Did you know we were—”
“No,” Ten says. “I was walking.”
“At night?”
“Yes.”
“Where to?”
Ten doesn’t answer. He glances around the bedroom.
“Where is Jeonghan?”
“I don’t know.”
The priest stares at him. “I thought—”
“He’s not my initiate anymore,” the Father says, taking a step in his direction. “It was time he became one of us.”
“Oh. I see.” Did he hide the joy well, or are his eyes betraying him? “So you have a new one?”
“Not yet, no.”
“Is that how it’s supposed to be?”
“I do what I feel like,” Taeyong says. “I am the Father.”
“Of course.”
The vampire drops the cup on the table and takes slow steps towards him. Ten doesn't move away, letting him come close enough that he can feel his rose scent. It's much warmer than he remembers. A spark alights in his stomach.
“You're here,” Taeyong whispers. An obvious statement. His red eyes spell pure awe.
“Yes. I'm not an illusion of your—”
“Are you ever candid?” he interrupts.
Ten tightens his mouth. Taeyong lifts his hand and slowly drags his thumb over Ten's lips, making him relax.
“You came to me,” the vampire whispers, holding him by the chin.
Before Ten replies that no, he didn't, his throat clenches painfully. His eyes burn.
Taeyong wrinkles his brow, and when he does, he looks so human.
A tear runs down Ten's cheek.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“Hold me.” The trembling whisper is all Ten can conjure.
Taeyong obeys with question or hesitation, passing strong arms around Ten.
When their bodies meet—cold and hot, black and white, Night and Day—Ten’s knees weaken. He releases a choked cry, clenching Taeyong's overcoat. The vampire feels him falter and picks him in his lap. He places Ten on the bed.
“Stay,” Ten whispers, not letting go.
Sitting on the bed, the Father opens the silver clasps of his overcoat and drops it on the floor before lying beside Ten. He pulls the priest into his embrace, a snug, perfect fit. Ten exhales raggedly and sniffles.
“Did someone hurt you?” Taeyong asks.
“Yes.”
“Who?”
“You.”
“We haven't seen each other in almost a year.”
Ten shows his wrist.
“Oh.”
Taeyong closes his fingers around it. He brushes his thumb over the perfect skin. Ten chews his bottom lip.
The vampire brings the wrist to his mouth and kisses it.
His lips are soft and cold, a balm that drips down the skin of Ten's arms and reaches his chest. He sighs under his breath.
“I'm sorry,” Taeyong whispers before giving it another kiss.
Apologies mean nothing now. They won't undo their bond. And it was all Ten's idea in the first place, not Taeyong's. If anyone's to blame, it's himself.
This is inescapable.
Ten sits, unable to breathe. His throat is so tight. Taeyong follows, not letting go of him.
“Where are you going?” he asks in the priest's ear.
Ten takes a lungful of air and digs the heel of his palm into his eye socket. “Home. I shouldn't—”
“Don't go,” he whispers. The tip of his nose touches Ten's earlobe. “I missed you.”
The priest stares at him, their faces close.
“My blood.”
“And your unbearable attitude.”
Ten scoffs. Taeyong passes an arm around his waist. The gentle strength of it makes Ten shut his eyes. The comfort it gives him is everything he sought in the past year and couldn't find.
“I mean it,” Taeyong says. “Stay with me.”
“And then what?” Ten gathers the strength to look into his red eyes again. “You can't turn me. I can never be one of you.”
“So?”
“So what's the point? What do you want?”
“I want you here tonight. Is it that hard to believe?”
It's not. Whether by chance or fate, Ten came here.
“Come here. Lie down with me. I feasted plenty before you arrived. I won't ask it from you.”
Obviously, Taeyong has been feasting on others all this time, or he wouldn't be alive. Ten hates how much it bothers him.
But he lies down, and Taeyong comes with him. The vampire cuddles his back like the time they slept together. He holds him tight, nose burrowed into Ten's nape.
It's impossible to fight it. The red roses, the feeling of their bodies fitting together, the light brush of Taeyong's lips on his skin.
Ten falls asleep.
*
Taeyong wakes up in a panic.
He's alone.
“Ten?”
No trace of the priest.
Did he imagine last night?
He rushes out of the room. Most of the vampires and humans are asleep after a night of debauchery. Taeyong runs until he finds someone awake.
“Yugyeom, did you see the priest of Helios?”
“He left at first light,” he says with a sleepy voice.
Taeyong speeds towards the entrance of the temple, stopping short of the sunlight.
The road is empty.
Taeyong’s hand shuts in a painful fist. His eyes burn, even if no tears are formed.
Ten left. Without warning. Again. And it breaks him in two, a part of himself leaving, just like it happened the first time.
It's not just about the blood. It's something else that Taeyong can't explain. A desire so deep to be with Ten, in his presence, one he never felt before. He stares at the cerulean skies.
He can't go after him.
For now.
*
Ten tosses and turns. It's hard to sleep and, when he does, it's shallow and unfulfilling.
He ran away. Again. He likes being next to Taeyong, but it also terrifies him. So his reaction is to run and hide and feel like shit because he can't sleep.
He kicks the sheets away, grunting. He's done. He gives up and stands, putting his white robes on. Feeling breathless, he decides to take a walk in the gardens.
The night air clears his head and soothes his body. The Moon is out. He stops to gaze at it, shining in her full form. Beautiful.
A tingle spreads on his nape. His stomach tightens. He didn't bring his daggers with him. He didn't even put his boots on, only his leisure clothes.
Ten turns.
The red eyes stare at him. The silhouette is unmistakable.
Taeyong.
Bathed by the moonlight, the vampire is ethereal.
“You can't be here,” Ten whispers. “If they find you, they'll have a reason to kill you.”
Taeyong steps closer. “And you care if I live or die.”
Ten doesn't answer.
“If I need to leave, you're coming with me,” the vampire says. He comes closer and places a hand on the side of Ten’s neck.
“What? Where?”
“To the inn nearby,” Taeyong says. “Please.”
“W-why would I—”
“Ten,” he whispers. “Please.”
Taeyong puts their foreheads together. Ten flutters his eyes shut and takes a deep breath, the scent of roses flooding his lungs. The vampire brushes down Ten’s shoulder with his cold knuckles, sending shivers all over him. He clutches Ten’s waist as their noses touch.
The priest opens his eyes to gaze at him, so close.
He catches a golden glimmer in the corner of his vision.
“No!”
Ten pushes Taeyong aside. The arrow is already flying. It hits Ten on the right side of his chest. He gasps and falters, pain spreading deep into his thorax. Taeyong grabs his arm, hard.
Taeyeon cocks another gold arrow.
“Stop!” Ten yells, putting himself in front of Taeyong. “H-he’s with me.”
He’s shaking and bleeding all over his white robes. Taeyeon frowns and lowers her bow. She was probably on guard duty tonight, saw a vampire, and made the call to kill. The last time a vampire was here, it killed Blue. They’ve increased security and been more cautious since then.
“Ten,” Taeyong whispers in his ear. “You—”
“I’m fine,” he says weakly, not taking his eyes off Taeyeon’s bow.
“Who is that?” the priestess asks, not coming closer. She’s still holding the bow firmly in her hand, arrow cocked.
“The Father,” Ten replies. His trembling body is making his voice shake too. “I-I met him. In my quest to find Blue’s killer.”
Taeyeon widens her eyes.
“He was the one who delivered Jongwon,” Ten says. “He just came to visit me.”
The priestess sighs, finally placing her bow on her back and arrow in the quiver. Ten exhales sharply. The arrowhead intruding into his lung makes it extra painful.
“If you are going to have a vampire visitor, you must warn us beforehand,” Taeyeon says. “I’ll let Hyo know.”
“Sorry,” Ten says. “It was unexpected.”
Taeyeon hums and nods, turning and leaving. Ten finally looks at the arrow stuck in him. He grips it and begins pulling it out. Taeyong comes in front of him to watch with a worried and dumbfounded expression. Ten does it slowly as not to damage himself further. As water pools in his eyes, he groans through it until the arrow is out. It slips from his fingers. His knees give out.
Taeyong holds him by the upper arms. “Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine,” Ten mutters.
Like a vampire, his immortal body heals much quicker than a human. But he still feels the pain of it.
“Let’s go to my room,” the priest says, too tired to do anything else.
“Can I?” Taeyong asks, frowning.
“They already know you are here.” He shrugs feebly. “I just want my bed.”
Taeyong picks him up in his lap. “Tell me the way.”
Ten doesn’t protest. He’s faint from the pain. He directs Taeyong to his room.
“The table,” he says as they arrive. The vampire sets him there. “Help clean me up. Grab the basin.”
Taeyong brings it, along with the water jar and cloth. Ten opens the clasps of his robes and the upper part of it falls on his lap. He reaches for the cloth.
“Let me,” the Father says softly.
They look at each other and Ten nods. Taeyong pours water on the basin and dips the cloth in it. He brings it to Ten’s forehead first, then the rest of his face. The cold water is a balm to his skin. Taeyong brushes it on his neck slowly. Ten watches his face, how focused he is on the task. He dips the cloth again, rinses it, and uses it on Ten’s bloody chest. The priest hisses—the wound is still open. Taeyong looks him in the eye.
“I’m alright,” Ten whispers.
Taeyong continues. It takes many rinses to get the blood out of his torso. By the end, Ten is feeling better.
“Should I…” Taeyong doesn’t finish.
Ten cocks his head. And understands.
“Do it.”
His face inches closer to Ten’s chest. And he licks it, flattening his tongue on the wound once. His saliva is the reason why vampires can feast on the same human regularly without leaving any injuries or infections behind. Despite the open gash, Ten feels no pain. On the opposite—he shudders with relief. Taeyong’s tongue soothes his pain.
After, the vampire loses his balance a little, eyes out of focus. Ten grabs his robes so they won’t slip down.
“Let me change,” he says.
Ten heads to his clothing room and drops his robes. Taeyong remains facing the window while the priest puts on another garment, the same model as before. He comes back to the room and stares at Taeyong’s back.
His stomach flutters. He's too tired to fight this.
Ten walks up to him and hugs him from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. The vampire places his arms over Ten's.
“You save my life,” Taeyong whispers.
“Yes.” Before he could think. Before he ever made the decision, it was made for him. “And you risked your life to come see me.”
Taeyong caresses his skin. “Yes. I'm sorry it got you hurt. It wasn't my intention.”
“I'm fine.” Ten gives his midriff a squeeze.
The vampire looks at him. Ten brushes their cheeks together. Taeyong turns and holds him tight. They stare at each other.
“I’m tired of running,” Ten whispers.
Taeyong parts his lips.
“So stay,” he continues. “For now.”
He knows the Father has his duties to fulfill.
But tonight…
“Lie down with me.”
Still speechless, Taeyong only nods. Ten pulls him by the hand toward the bed. With patient fingers, he opens the black overcoat and pushes it down. Taeyong doesn't take his eyes off of him. They lie on the sheets side by side.
Taeyong takes Ten's hand and brings it to his lips. The soft touch gives him a chill. Ten tucks his head under his chin and passes an arm around him. The vampire embraces him too.
Close like this and feeling safe, Ten slips into a dreamless slumber.
Ten wakes up and feels alone. He reaches for the other side of his bed but…
“Taeyong?” He snaps his eyes open and sits.
“He left.”
Hyo is at his door frame, carrying a tray of food. She approaches the bed. Ten is disoriented. He touches his chest. The arrow left no scar, and his wound is entirely healed.
“Left? When?”
“Last night,” she says, placing the tray on the bed. Steaming hearty stew and cider. “He spent two days by your side. But on the night of the second, he had to leave so he could feast.”
Ten stares at her. Hyo has a knowing gaze in her eyes.
“He didn't feast on you,” she says. “Even though he was thirsty. I have to say I'm surprised.”
“He's the Father,” Ten says mindlessly, staring out the window.
“Still. He drank your blood before. Didn't he?”
Ten blinks and sighs slowly.
“Yes.”
“You are bonded.”
“Yes.”
He lowers his chin, face burning.
“I've corrupted myself,” he whispers. “I can't think straight anymore. I don't want to be away from him. I don't think I can. I thought—” He stops, pulling his knees toward his chest.
“What did you think?”
“That being a priest of Helios would prevent the effects of the bond with a vampire.”
“It does.”
Ten frowns at her.
“This is not the bond,” Hyo says. “It's something else.”
“What is it?”
“You'll have to figure it out on your own,” Hyo says, standing. “Eat. Rest. Get your Priesthood affairs in order. When Nyx comes, you are free to find him.”
She starts walking out.
“Where did he go?” Ten asks weakly.
Hyo looks him over the shoulder.
“I'm sure you already know.”
She leaves Ten alone to ponder over that. In the silence of his sunlit room, he knows.
He hears.
Taeyong is at the Night Court.
And when night falls, Ten will go to him.
*
Taeyong stares at the ceiling.
A common misconception about vampires is that they have no soul.
They do.
But right now, Taeyong feels the emptiest he's ever felt in his eternal life.
Maybe he needs another feast. Ever since he drank from Ten's blood, it made his thirst cues irregular and confusing. Something instinctual that he can't decode.
He reaches for a string beside his bed and pulls it. It will ring a bell in another room, and an acolyte on blood duty will be sent to him soon.
Taeyong sighs and gets up, putting his clothes back on. They can't see him like this—messed up. He combs his hair and tidies his garments.
Two knocks come to the door. Taeyong heads to it and grabs the knob to open it.
A dagger flies at such incredible speed, that he only realizes it was thrown when it hits the ebony of his door. But he knows that handle.
Taeyong turns and finds Ten standing in his room. He used the secret passage and let himself in. The vampire’s jaw goes slack.
“Tell them to go away,” Ten says.
Taeyong opens a slit and finds Karina waiting.
“I hit the bell by mistake.”
“Yes, Father.” She curtsies and leaves.
Taeyong shuts the door and turns again, wide-eyed, as Ten walks towards him without pause. He only stops when their faces are a couple of inches apart.
The scent… The brown eyes…
Taeyong’s thirst grows. An undeniable scream in his mind. He doesn’t feel this with anyone else. Every hour he spent beside Ten, as the priest slept and recovered in the Temple of Helios, was the torture of this growing scream, until he couldn’t take it anymore. That’s why he had to leave. But returning to the castle and drinking from an acolyte did not satisfy him.
Ten reaches for the dagger and pulls it out of the wood with ease. The blade passes between them, and for a second Taeyong wonders if Ten has come to put him out of his misery.
But he uses it on his own wrist. A drop of red erupts from the pinch.
“T-Ten—”
Taeyong stops breathing so he won't smell it. But he already got a whiff of it. His mouth is watering.
Ten drops the dagger.
“You want it,” Ten whispers, grabbing him by the nape. Taeyong shuts his eyes and shudders. “And I want it too.”
Taeyong inhales deeply. His head is spinning from the scent of him and his blood.
Ten puts their foreheads together. “I don't want you to touch anyone else.”
Taeyong’s mouth falls open, his fangs popping out without his command. Their noses brush as Taeyong wraps an arm around Ten’s waist. His insides burst into flames. He wonders if he’s hallucinating, but Ten feels so real against him. He grabs Ten's wrist and lifts it to their eye level. The blood streamed down his palm. Taeyong brings it to his mouth and licks it.
He groans and shudders as the sweet nectar touches his tongue.
He needs more.
Ten came here and offered. Taeyong can’t deny him now.
His fangs dig into Ten’s wrist, making him moan and lose his balance. Taeyong supports him by the waist as he drinks his blood, one year of thirst finally being quenched. The warmth of Ten’s body floods him entirely, an unstoppable fire, a thousand suns.
He stops, coming for air with a gasp. In a second, he takes them to bed, bodies connecting under gravity. Taeyong studies his blissed-out face. Ten gazes at him with heavy eyes.
“Why did you stop?” he asks in a raspy whisper.
Taeyong smirks with bloodied lips.
“Kiss me.”
He brushes their noses together, and ruts against his hips, feeling Ten’s obvious erection through their clothes. Ten gasps softly under his breath.
“You want it,” the vampire whispers. “And I want it too.”
Ten's reaction to his words turned against him is a light chuckle. Taeyong grabs the side of his neck, thumb caressing his jawline.
“I've wanted it since I first saw you,” he confesses.
Ten stares into his eyes.
“Before we bonded?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror?”
Ten giggles, a sound that warms Taeyong's heart.
“Shut up,” Ten says.
And kisses him.
It tastes better than drinking his blood.
His entire body lights up. He remembers this feeling, even though it's been so long.
Sunbathing. Something he renounced when he accepted Nyx's blessing. But kissing Ten feels like that—lying on a beach under the sun.
Taeyong licks into his mouth, gripping him by the hair. There is no pause, no moment to breathe or think. The distance cultivated for over a year has finally vanished, and now there will be no letting up or letting go. Ten squeezes him close, a muffled whine escaping him.
With a hand on his neck, the vampire can feel his rapid pulse. He kisses down to it, licking his tender skin. Ten tightens his grip and whines. Taeyong pops his fangs out and sinks them into the flesh.
“Ahh!”
Pleasure flows through his body as he drinks from Ten again. And by the moans, he knows it's the same for the priest. Taeyong paces himself, feasting slowly, savoring every drop. Ten has a limited supply of blood, even if he's not completely human.
Ten wraps his legs around him and uses them to spur Taeyong on. The vampire rolls his hips against Ten, prompting louder and louder moans out of him.
“Ahhh—ahhh!”
The pressure on his cock and the taste of Ten's blood drives him over the edge in no time. His body shudders with each movement, pushed to the brink of pleasure. And when he can't take it anymore, Ten screams. Taeyong releases his bloodied neck to look at the face he makes when he comes. The vision is the last drop that carries him over.
As they come down from it and Ten catches his breath, Taeyong is spent. And he just feasted on Ten. He should be energized. Unable to resist, the vampire lays his head on Ten's chest. Hands come to his hair, stroking it softly.
“You'll put me to sleep,” Taeyong whispers hoarsely, fighting to keep his eyes open. “And I don't want to sleep.”
“Talk to me then.”
The vampire caresses Ten's neck, the place he feasted on.
“You came to me,” he mutters.
“I did,” Ten whispers.
“Tell me you aren't leaving.”
“Is that what you're afraid of? That you'll fall asleep, and I'll disappear.”
Taeyong chews his bottom lip.
“Yes.”
“I won't,” Ten says. “But before you fall asleep, help me out of these soiled clothes.”
Taeyong opens a smile like he hasn't in a long time. He moves away and Ten begins stripping immediately. Taeyong helps, pulling off his pants. Soon, the priest is naked on his bed. Taeyong takes in his perfect figure, lingering on his waist.
“I'll get you a wet cloth.”
He does it in a second and returns to wipe Ten's lower belly.
“You too,” Ten says when it's done.
Taeyong throws off his overcoat. Ten undoes the buttons of his shirt and pants. The vampire removes everything and gets in bed with him under the sheets.
Ten rolls, half on top of him, looking into his eyes.
“I'm not leaving. I promise.”
“What about…”
“I've been dismissed from the Priesthood.”
“What?”
“A sabbatical.”
Taeyong grabs his hand and kisses his knuckles. He pushes his forehead against Ten’s.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
The vampire inhales deeply, wanting to feel his sweet scent, and shuts his eyes. He traces Ten’s cheek with the tip of his finger.
“Ten.”
“Hm?”
“I…”
He falls asleep before he can finish.
When he wakes with Ten still in his arms, he knows the priest made good on his promise. And he knows that if Ten left, he would run after him again—and again, and again. He’d run forever if he had to. Because whatever exists between them is inescapable.
He kisses Ten’s temple and runs his palm down his back. Ten is so hot, even in this freezing castle with no windows. Even in Taeyong’s cold arms.
Ten hums, rubbing himself against Taeyong, and looks at him with sleepy eyes.
“You’re so pretty,” the vampire says.
He chuckles. “You are full of flattery.”
“When wasn’t I?”
“Well.” Ten smiles widely. “So are you.”
Taeyong kisses his lips gently.
“You stayed.”
“I did. I’m not going anywhere.”
“How?”
“Do you want me to?”
“No. I’m just…” Taeyong plays with his black bangs. “Happy.”
“Me too.”
The vampire runs his fingers over the line of Ten’s body, from shoulder to hip. His exclusive type of sunbathing. Feeling warmth like this on his skin is amazing. Ten is hotter than a regular human.
“How long will you stay?”
“Do you already want me gone?” Ten asks, smiling.
Taeyong rolls his eyes. “You’re unbearable.”
“Yet you chase me all the same.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, I did. I do. I will. If you leave again. I have all eternity to chase you.”
“Good.” Ten kisses him and smiles. “Chase me forever. And I’ll chase you back when you grow tired.”
2524 years later.
The bar is full except for one seat. Ten takes it.
“I’ll have a glass of red,” he tells the bartender.
The man beside him is drinking whiskey. It’s night and he is wearing sunglasses indoors. He’s dressed in a suit, all pieces black.
“How was work?” Ten asks.
The Father looks at him. “Oh, you know how it goes. Humans are so easy to manipulate.” He lowers his chin and red eyes peek from behind the shades for a second. “You?”
Ten laughs. “Same. How is your tasting going?”
“I like this one,” Taeyong replies, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.
“I’m glad you do.” The bartender returns with his red wine. “Thank you.” He sips it and takes a look around the room. “It’s funny how they are all back outside. It was only yesterday that they weren’t.”
Three years go by in a flash for someone whose life is eternal.
“I know. I miss how it was,” Taeyong says.
“Do you ever wonder?”
“About others?”
“Sometimes,” he says. “But I don’t linger on it. I like how it is now.”
Ten smiles. “Two against the world?”
“Yes,” Taeyong smirks at him.
Since ancient times, Ten and Taeyong have been together. They watched the world grow and burn, expand and contract—they’ve witnessed countless wars and millions die. But also, billions be born. They watched as humans forgot about the Gods that blessed them with power, and took on new Gods, and then others, and then none.
Taeyong’s hand comes to his thigh and squeezes it. The familiar pressure is not short of consequence. Ten’s heart picks up at the mere touch of his eternal lover.
“Dinner upstairs?” Ten asks. He finishes his wine.
“Yes, please. I wanna watch Peaky Blinders.”
Ten laughs as they get up and head to the elevator, back to their penthouse. Inside, Taeyong wraps an arm around him, pulling him tightly and kissing his cheek.
“You smell so good,” he mutters against Ten’s cheek.
“You always say that.”
“And you love hearing it.”
He does.
They enter their penthouse and remove their shoes, then head to the master suite, where they shower together.
“Are you hungry?” Ten asks after they put on pajamas.
“Not yet.”
Ten orders dinner from the restaurant, and they sit together in the living room, cuddling on the lavish sofa. Beyond the TV, the skyline of Manhattan sprawls under them.
“Alexa. Play Peaky Blinders,” Taeyong says.
The TV starts. It picks up where they left off last night.
Ten is watching when he feels Taeyong nibbles his ear. He giggles.
“You said you weren’t hungry. Father.” He loves teasing him with his old title.
“You make me hungry,” Taeyong mutters. He licks Ten’s neck slowly, making him shudder.
His lover is insatiable.
But Ten wouldn’t have it any other way.
He tilts his neck, inviting him. Taeyong sinks his fangs into the flesh, gripping his waist. Ten gasps, warm pleasure flooding his core. He hasn’t gotten tired of this feeling.
He probably never will.