IN THIS CAGE || HOONSUK (on-hold)

4

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sounds of our footsteps echoed through the long hallway we walked down. My eyes scanned around, looking at all the paintings and tapestries adorning the walls. They all look pretty but I don't understand a single meaning behind them in any way. I then look in front of me, to see the person leading the way.

"You, Choi Hyunsuk right?" his voice rang across the hall as he stopped walking. I was jolted down by the sudden movement which caused me to stop too.

"Ah, yes!" I answered, intimidated by his voice. My heart raced in nervousness. My palms grew sweaty due to all the nervousness. He moves closer to me, getting closer and closer towards me until suddenly stopping right in front of me. I quickly lowered my head, not able to bring myself to raise it anymore. He isn't so much tall than me but his intimidating aura is still enough to scare me.

I can see why Haneul seems to be scared of him despite his huge build. This guy in front of me is intimidating! What if he's going to kill me like Haneul said, though he just kidding? Right?

His eyes scan over me for quite some time. The silence became deafening, making me anxious. Sweat started trickling out of my forehead as I felt suffocated.

Suddenly, he lifted my chin, causing me to meet his gaze. He was close to me now, towering over me with such a large presence. He scanned my eyes, examining my face from top to bottom before he speaks again.

"You, how do you seduce Master Hoon?"  His deep voice rang throughout the hall as his eyes looked intensely at mine. All the blood rushing to my cheeks began to go to my head making me feel dizzy. I don't know what to say to answer that question so I simply stared at him blankly.

He raised an eyebrow waiting patiently for a response or at least something from me.

I gulped down hard trying to calm my racing heartbeat.

"I... I didn't seduce Master Hoon," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. He clicked his tongue after hearing my reply and let out an exasperated sigh as he let go of my chin.

"I don't know why Master Hoon chose you to be his slave. You're lacking in everything," he stated bluntly. I just could hear my heart pounding faster inside of my ribcage as my hands clasped together against my chest. 

"I'm sorry," I muttered, my lips trembling. I wanted to cry and scream, but all I could do was stare at him, not knowing what else to do. I bite my lip, willing myself not to burst into tears.

"Lee Won," he suddenly said. I quickly turned my head to look at him, confusion on my face. He then turns his back, as he continues walking. The heel of his shoes clicks against the floor with every step.

"That's my full name. I'm an alpha despite my small figure. I've been a butler in Master Hoon's household since he was 13 years old. You may call me Butler Lee," he continued nonchalantly without even facing me. I'm slowly following him while listening closely to his words.

"I'll tell you a little bit of this place. A place where you'll spend your whole life,"

A chill runs down my spine, making goosebumps appear along my entire body.

"Here, where we're standing right now is still part of the main house which was inherited by the eldest child of the family. The main house is prohibited to anyone except the family. The servants are allowed with a family's permit. Without a permit, no one is allowed to enter this place," I nodded my head, taking in all the information I'm receiving from him. It sounds scary and dangerous, but at the same time intriguing. I want to know more. Before I realized it, he had already reached the door. He stood beside it and opened it slightly, revealing a wide space outside.