Dazzling Light | ATEEZ

The Kims

Ravn's Lair, Unknown City

Seoho, Leedo, and Keonhee arrived in their lord's lair a few minutes ago, and they're kneeling in front of him. Ravn lounges on the couch, legs crossed, swirling what's left of his pinot noir in a crystal goblet, looking over them with a disinterested face. He's dressed in his favorite black velvet smoking jacket, which is driving Leedo crazy. The quilted collar is slightly parted to reveal a sliver of his chest, and it's barely long enough to cover his smooth thighs.

"I see you've enjoyed yourselves, however, you had too much fun. We agreed not to damage the temple's property, didn't we? So, why did I receive an e-mail with a quotation for repairs?" Ravn spoke calmly, but they've been with him long enough to know that he wasn't pleased with their actions.

Leedo looks up at his Sire, "Forgive us, milord. Please deduct the cost of repairs from our salary."

Keonhee huffs, "Our salary. You don't even get paid; there's nothing to deduct from you."

Seoho nudged him, telepathically telling him that Chevaliers can't ask their master for monetary compensation!

Ravn downs the rest of his wine, savoring the taste before replying, "The monks demand ₩7,000,000. That's two months of hard work for an average salaryman. You earn more than that, of course. Because I'm nice, I'll let you two split the bill while Leedo here gets punished. Is that okay?"

₩3,500,000 is half of their monthly salary, but questioning their lord's decision usually ends in death, so Seoho and Keonhee didn't say anything. They nod in understanding as Ravn sets his empty glass down on the coffee table.

"Now... what kind of punishment shall I give this silly pet?" the Royal asked, giving Leedo a smoldering stare, "I heard you faltered against sweet little Seonghwa. Care to tell me why?"

Leedo gulped nervously. "F-Forgive me, milord. I-I didn't expect Lee Seonghwa to be so aggressive... He must've t-trained with someone from Polaris..." he stutters, feeling small under his lord's gaze.

Ravn scoffs, uncrossing his legs, intentionally exposing more of himself. Keonhee keeps his eyes on the floor, while Seoho shyly enjoys the view. "Excuses only bring forth more failure. You ought to be punished for being careless."

The Chevalier hung his head in absolute shame. "I understand, milord. Please punish me as you see fit."

He isn't afraid. Ravn may appear cold and cruel, but he's a softie when it comes to Leedo.

(Right?)

"May I suggest a punishment?" Seoho asked meekly. Ravn regards him with a nod. "Leedo gets compensated with blood food, but we obviously can't deprive him of that. I propose you allow us to drink your blood while Leedo watches. A-And for added insult, we can sample your delicious essence too, milord."

Ravn's blood is poisonous - most humans who ingest it die within minutes, which is why he only has one Chevalier. Vampires and dhampirs can drink it, but they become ill after a few hours. Seoho and Keonhee are some of the few who can drink it without suffering unpleasant effects.

"Interesting..." Ravn considers his proposition, "Do you think you deserve the right to drink my blood?"

In all their years of working under Ravn, Seoho and Keonhee have never asked their lord for his blood directly. Seoho is internally panicking; what if he gets killed for his stupid suggestion? Beside him, Keonhee looks like he's trying to formulate an answer to spare them.

"W-Well... we may not be as delicious as Leedo, but we're willing to give you more..." Keonhee glanced at Seoho, silently asking for help. When the other vampire doesn't reply, he continues, "Um... we have other talents... that can satisfy you, milord... You see, we're experienced..."