The Celestials [Taegyu]

Chapter 06 ; What Lies Ahead

song ; drama (aespa) - instrumental

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"How did you know I was a vampire?"

His curiosity and suspicion flared, momentarily eclipsing his hunger. Viken, struggling to keep his grip, shouted back over the howling wind.

"I've... I've had my share of experiences! My family... we belong to an ancient order dedicated to hunting supernatural beings. I've been trained in all kinds of lore and legends!"

Terry squinted, disbelief etched on his face as he leaped over another gap.

"An ancient order? Supernatural beings? Seriously, Viken? You really expect me to believe that?"

Viken's expression was pale yet earnest as he tried to convey his message.

"It's the truth! We've been tracking these entities for generations! You-"He halted abruptly as Terry landed heavily on another rooftop, skepticism still evident in his eyes. Terry shook his head, his gnawing hunger temporarily eclipsed by irritation.

"Look, I don't have time for wild stories right now. What matters is that you saved me. I'm not getting caught up in fantastical tales."

Viken nodded, his face a mix of relief and frustration.

"Fine. But I swear, it's all true. I'll explain more when we're not running for our lives."

Terry maintained a firm grip on Viken as they continued to leap from rooftop to rooftop, the chaos of the city receding behind them. The uneasy alliance between the vampire and the fugitive persisted, fueled by a shared need for survival and a fragile trust, despite Terry's doubts and Viken's astonishing claims.

Terry landed softly in front of a rundown house, its roof shingles curling and the paint peeling in various places. The building had clearly seen better days, with cracks running along the stone foundation and the wooden porch creaking underfoot. Yet, despite its worn appearance, there was an oddly inviting charm to the place.

As he approached the door, it swung open to reveal a man with striking jet-black bangs, marked by a single white streak. His red eyes narrowed into a scowl as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. There was an undeniable beauty about him, with sharp, refined features that exuded a vampiric allure. His red eyes glimmered in the dim light, enhancing the otherworldly aura he projected.

 "Could you be any quieter?"

The man growled, irritation evident in his tone. However, his expression shifted to one of surprise upon noticing Terry cradling Viken in his arms, and his scowl transformed into a playful smile.

"Lucien, I warn you. Do not."The man, still wearing a smirk, stepped aside to allow them entry. 

In the inside, the house revealed a stark contrast to its exterior. The walls gleamed with fresh paint, the floors shone brightly, and the furniture was arranged with meticulous care. Everything was impeccably tidy, almost to an unsettling degree.Terry gently set Viken down. As they stepped into the room, an unexpected tension enveloped them.

Terry spotted a man sprawled on the sofa, his pink hair still wet as if he had just emerged from the shower. He wore nothing but a towel, a cigar resting lazily between his fingers. The man glanced up, locking eyes with Terry, exuding an aura of nonchalant indifference.

"Eugene." He greeted, glancing around the room.

"Is it just you and Lucien here?" Eugene took a slow drag from his cigar before nodding.

"Just us."He replied, his tone as laid-back as his demeanor.

Suddenly, Lucien's sharp instincts detected something off. His expression hardened as he approached Viken, suspicion etched across his face.

"Wait a moment." He said, his voice cold and threatening.

Viken barely had time to react before Lucien's hand closed around his throat, lifting him slightly off the ground. The suddenness of the attack left Terry wide-eyed with shock, while Eugene's previously relaxed demeanor shifted to one of disbelief. Lucien's crimson eyes blazed with intensity as he scrutinized Viken, his voice a low growl.

"You- you're a human."

The revelation hit like a bolt of lightning. Lucien had sensed Viken's true nature from the start but had kept his suspicions to himself. Now, with the truth laid bare, his doubts about Viken's authenticity were unmistakable. Still reeling from the shock, Terry quickly stepped in.

"He saved me," he insisted, trying to defuse the situation.

Lucien's eyes sparkled with amusement as he released Viken, who stumbled back, gasping for air. Taking a step back, Lucien raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

"Oh? He saved you, did he?"Terry's expression was a mix of frustration and concern.

"Yes, he did. And you're going to let slide, right?"

Lucien's smile widened, though his gaze remained sharp.

"Well, I suppose I can let it slide this time. It's not every day we come across a human among us, especially one caught up in our affairs."

He chuckled softly, his voice tinged with irony.

"But remember, Terry, vampires are taught not to trust humans. It's in our nature."

Without another word, he moved to the kitchen, his movements smooth and purposeful. Terry guided Viken to the sofa, helping him settle down. Lucien soon returned from the kitchen with a small bag of blood, which he handed to Terry in silence. Without hesitation, Terry sank his fangs into the bag, draining it in mere seconds. Viken, watching intently, shivered at the sight, his discomfort palpable.

"Oh right, where's Cassian?" Terry asked, muffled.Eugene shrugged, exhaling a plume of smoke.

"He went out." "He left a while ago. Didn't mention when he'd be back." Lucien said settling down beside him.

"Scotland Yard raided the Midnight Crypt before I could uncover anything useful about the High Priest."

Terry confessed, frustration evident in his voice. While the brunette finished his meal, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, Viken's thoughts raced. The High Priest... I did create him as a key figure, but that was in my manga. Now, this world- my world- feels so real. I need to tread carefully; I can't raise any suspicions. But if the High Priest is as perilous as I depicted him.. 

 Taking a deep breath, Viken cautiously asked, "What's a High Priest?"

Terry shared a knowing look with Eugene before responding, his voice steady."The High Priest is still a mystery. No one knows his true identity or his intentions. Yet, every month, without fail, children vanish. Then, as if part of some grotesque ritual, we discover vampire corpses crucified in the town hall."

Eugene nodded, his expression growing grim.

"This has been going on for years. Whoever he is, he possesses tremendous power and is a real threat. The fact that no one has managed to stop him... it's as if he's beyond reach."

Viken felt a heavy burden settle in his chest as he absorbed the news. I created this... but I never imagined it would take such a vivid and twisted form. He kept a calm dace, nodding as if he were hearing the details for the first time.Lucien leaned against the sofa, his crimson eyes shimmering in the dim light.

"Whoever the High Priest is, he possesses considerable power and influence. He's not someone to be underestimated. But if you're determined to uncover his secrets, be prepared for whatever you might find."

As the discussion unfolded around him, Viken sat quietly on the sofa, his thoughts spiraling into a dark void. He could hear Terry, Lucien, and Eugene engaged in conversation, but their voices seemed distant, muffled by the heavy weight of regret that gnawed at his conscience.

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p/s: if you guy forgot who is who, i recommend going back to the introductions.