Sangrè de Luna | EN-

Chapter XIII

A belt whipped the backs of 7 boys. It hit them with a loud smack. Judging by how loud it sounded, it's obvious that it's really gonna hurt. To be honest, I don't know what's worse: being whipped by a belt really hard or being punished in an outdoor area where people can spectate the show?

Oh, yeah. They're all shirtless while being under the sun at high noon, kneeling on sharp stones.

I just watched from the shade under the apple tree. My fingers played on the straps of my overalls as I watched those 7 boys being whipped by none other than auntie. They have been out here for more than an hour. Lots of smoke were coming out of them. Even Jake wasn't allowed to use his ability or he'll be faced with worse consequences. Their backs were now red and on the verge of bleeding. Blisters were forming as if they have been dumped on with boiling water.

"How many times do I have to tell you boys?!" auntie yelled at them, "You're not supposed to be out in the woods at night!"

At this point, I'm not even surprised as to why they're out here right now. This might be like the fifth or sixth time they have been in this situation in a span of 2 weeks. Even I don't know why they keep doing it despite being threatened by auntie.

But then it got me wondering. Aren't vampires creatures of the night? Aren't they supposed to be roaming in the woods when the moon and stars come out to play?

"If I catch you all out and about in the forest again, you'll all be locked up in the cellars. Do I make myself clear?" auntie warned them once again.

None of the boys responded. All of them had their heads lowered with their hands behind their backs. They were suffering under the sun and the whips, especially Jake. I could hear their cries while they were being whipped on the back again.

"Yah! Answer me!" auntie boomed.

"Yes, Miss Hwang!" all of the boys yelled out their answers.

Auntie then put the belt away, nodding. That was when she turned around to face me. She pointed at me before yelling, "Timer: 20 minutes!"

I practically gulped and reluctantly pulled out my phone to set the timer to 20 minutes. That's how long the boys will have to stay out in the sun. At this rate, they'll also miss lunch!

Once auntie went back into the villa, I followed her, only to head to the kitchen to grab as many blood boxes I can carry. I also got them new shirts and a towel to wipe their sweat and possible blood on their backs. As soon as I got back, Jake suddenly collapsed with his back facing the sky.

I wanted to rush there immediately to stop the timer and get him under the shade but auntie strictly told me not to interfere. I have already witnessed and experienced the punishments auntie gives and it's not fun. What's worse is that my interference will bring them more trouble. My hands felt clammy, wanting to help Jake so bad.

But then I notice all of them moving with their knees towards Jake. Jungwon instructed where each of them should go. It didn't take long for them to huddle over Jake's body, shielding him from the sun's rays.

I was speechless. I have never seen them do something like this to protect the other. Come to think of it, they have been getting along quite well just days after that dining room battle. I even saw Heeseung and Sunghoon laughing together as if there wasn't any bad blood between them. Honestly, I'm quite happy for them.

I returned back to my seat under the apple tree and eagerly waited for the timer to run out. I just gazed at the 7 boys who were now laughing and smiling, a total opposite atmosphere of what was hanging over them just minutes ago. They would also occasionally call me from their place, their hands up in the air to wave at me.