The Hunted | Taekook | ENG

34. FALLING STAR

The young vampire sat on the floor, leaning against metal bars, feeling the cold stone floor under his legs. The room was enveloped in impenetrable darkness, but his vampire genes could handle it. Despite the darkness, he was able to see the outline of the room's equipment. He didn't even need it. Being trapped in this cage, he stared ahead for hours. He knew every crack in the wall, every chipped piece of floor, every rust stain on the bars. He was able to determine exactly what and where it was even with his eyes closed. He knew the smell of humidity and mustiness in the air that irritated his lungs with each breath, so he learned to hardly breathe, even though his lungs still remembered that reflex and sometimes he involuntarily sucked in the air as if he needed it.

Now also sitting in the dark, he knew exactly that it was enough for him to stretch his hand out to the side and hit the metal structure. The cage he was in became his home. At first he thought that he was completely alone here, but after a while his sensitive ears caught noises that confirmed the presence of other prisoners. Every now and then he heard the twang of the chains or, worse, the moans of pain. It wasn't until some time ago that Jin brought a young boy and threw him into his cage. The boy was also a vampire and certainly just created. He was scared, hypersensitive, constantly covered his ears. When Jin threw him a sachet of human blood, he almost torn it to shreds to drink it faster, dirtying his bright shirt.

Smelling human blood on the delicate fabric, he felt nauseous from hunger. Jin has been visiting him less often, making him feel the need for blood more and more. His stomach was shrinking at the thought of this wonderful, sweet taste, but he tried his best to stop his desires. He was afraid that the attack of his vampire instincts could cause Jin's anger, and he was more afraid of this than anything else. He had the opportunity to hear the screams tearing apart the darkness of the basement and that was enough to keep him awake for several days.

He couldn't sleep now. He sat on the ground, staring blankly at the wall opposite him, occasionally glancing at the young vampire who was sleeping huddled in the corner of the cage. He seemed even finer when his body was shrinking surrounded by slim arms. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the metal bars. He tried to recall the image of his boyfriend's smile. It was the only thought that somehow kept him alive. He didn't know if he would ever see him again, but he wanted nothing more than to be able to see that smile live again and those wonderful lights in his eyes as he looked at him.

Suddenly, a loud bang, like a gunshot, snapped him out of his thoughts. His slim body almost jumped in surprise and his eyes opened wide. The young vampire who had slept in the corner so far also jumped up sharply and looked at him in horror. The elder listened for a few more sounds, trying to identify what could have caused the noise. It took a moment for him to realize that it was most likely a strong slam of the door, as if someone had punched or kicked it with all his might. They both looked at each other for a moment in total silence, as if they were afraid that even the slightest noise would betray their presence. After a moment, the sound of footsteps that only elegant shoes could make, tapping the stone floor, crept into their sensitive ears. These steps had such a familiar rhythm that the elder had no doubts about who they belonged to. This time, however, the step was not dignified and calm as usual, today the steps were faster, more chaotic and nervous. He was sure something bad has happened. Almost reflexively, he shrank, trying to squeeze his body into the corner of the cage to make it less obvious.