𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 | 정원

22

The man seemed to be oblivious to Ji-ah's presence. She held her breath, scared to make even a sound.

Ji-ah slowly backtracked to the door. She needed to get help, immediately. She had no idea what the man was doing, and she didn't want to know. 

Without seeing where she was going, she knocked into a tray of medical supplies, sending the contents clattering to the floor. Like an animal, the man's head snapped instantly and turned around.

Ji-ah couldn't move, her scream is lodged in her throat, refusing to escape.

The man's eyes were glazed and unnatural as he absently stared at Ji-ah, with the woman's blood dripping from his mouth.

Before the man could react, Ji-ah bolted for the door, shoving the plastic curtains out of her way.

As she reached the doorway, her escape was blocked by another figure, casting a shadow over the hallway's light. Ji-ah almost skidded to a stop, her head slamming into the man's chest, pain shooting through her skull.

Another man she had never seen stood before her. His eyes regarded her with curiosity, but something darker lies behind it.

An eerie aura clung to him. He looked to be in his thirties, with a rough face. His nose was long and crooked, and his skin had a sickly, unnatural grey tint, as if he were sick.

"Who are you?" The man's voice was low but gentle, almost disarming.

Ji-ah hesitated, unsure if she could trust him, but the urgency of the situation left her no choice.

"Please, can you help? There's a man-"

"Richard," the man behind her interrupted.

The man lifted his head and acknowledged the man behind her. "Ah, Kuro. I see you're having your dinner," the newcomer said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Ji-ah felt her heart drop. They knew each other. The man who was called Richard stood between her and the door, blocking her way.

"This girl just barged in," Kuro said, his eyes returning to Ji-ah with a chilling smile.

Richard's eyes returned to Ji-ah, an unsettling smile on his face. "Are you new here? I've never seen you before."

"I.." Ji-ah words faltered, frozen by panic.

"Are you a volunteer? If so, would you like to be my partner?" Richard licked his lips, hunger in his eyes.

"No," Ji-ah managed to reply, her voice trembling. Whatever they meant, she knew she needed to get out now.

"Why?" He looked her up and down, and Ji-ah tried not to panic. She had a sinking feeling he wouldn't let her go easily.

"Are you one of his toys, then?" he sneered. He grabbed her arm, his grip tightening around it. Ji-ah's eyes darted to the open door, desperate for someone to pass by and help.

"She could be," The other guy snickered, showing his teeth stained with blood.

Ji-ah cleared her throat. "I don't understand what you are talking about. Let me go."

"The prince, of course. I wouldn't be surprised if he had multiple women by his side, letting him feed whenever he wanted." Richard said with a twisted grin.

Ji-ah felt like her head was going to explode. She clenched her fist, a wave of anger overtaking her fear. She didn't see herself as a violent person, but at that moment, she wanted nothing more than to punch Richard in his face.

Perhaps she could fix his crooked nose.

His grip on her arm was tightening even more, to the point it was hurting her. Ji-ah tried to wring her arm away, but to no avail.