The Celestials [Taegyu]

Chapter 05 ; Friend or Foe?

song ; given-taken (enhypen) - instrumental

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Terry's eyes narrowed as he took in Viken's disheveled appearance and the desperation etched across his face. Raised as a vampire, he understood that strangers often harbored hidden threats; they could range from a revered figure to one of the Holy Priest's enforcers sent to eliminate him, or, worst of all, an ordinary human.

Without hesitation, Terry grabbed Viken by the neck and slammed him against the wall, his grip tightening around Viken's throat.

"Who are you?" He demanded in a low, threatening whisper.

"And why should I believe you're not a threat?"

Viken's eyes widened in terror as he gasped for air, his hands flailing in a desperate attempt to free himself from Terry's grip.

"Please," he pleaded, "I'm not here to cause any trouble. I just-"

Terry's grip only tightened, his stare unwavering.

"You just what? Appeared out of nowhere and expected help? I've seen enough to know that people like you often bring nothing but chaos."

Viken's face flushed as he gasped, "Scotland Yard is on our trail! There was an explosion at the prison- they're searching for the prisoners that escaped. That includes us!"

Terry's doubt deepened.

"Scotland Yard? You really think I'm going to buy that? And how did you know my name?"

As Terry's disbelief morphed into anger, a sudden, intense pain surged through his chest. It felt as if a hot iron were being driven into his ribs, spreading a searing heat that consumed him. He gasped for air, the pain overwhelming him. It was more than mere discomfort; it was a deep, insatiable hunger, a relentless craving that had been festering for far too long.

His vision blurred as he struggled to regain focus, the fire in his chest intensifying. It was a primal, gnawing hunger for human blood, clawing at him with an urgency he could no longer ignore. Terry had gone far too long without feeding, and his body was demanding sustenance with punishing ferocity.

As he fought through the agony, Viken's voice broke through Terry's haze of hunger.

"I was the one who saved you. Remember? During that chaos, I pulled you out. I'm not here to harm you."

An explosion at the prison? Terry's mind replayed Viken's words, desperately trying to piece together the events. He recalled the sudden blast- vivid images of heat, chaos, and flames. But after that, everything faded into a blur. The darkness of unconsciousness had swallowed him, leaving gaps in his memory that he couldn't fill.

Did I really black out? He pondered, the realization dawning on him.

No, I must have lost consciousness amid the turmoil. I can't recall the explosion, how I escaped, or what happened afterward.

The realization hit him like a cold splash of water, cutting through the hunger, yet the ache in his chest lingered. He released Viken, his hands quivering slightly as he stepped back.

"Alright," he said, his voice tight and unsteady.

"I'll give you a chance. But don't think for a moment that I won't shove you back against this wall if you're lying."

Viken gasped for breath, clutching his throat as he nodded fervently.

"Thank you. I swear, I'm not here to cause any trouble. I just need a moment to catch my breath and figure out my next move."