CHAPTER 20: HUNGRY?

Kai woke up feeling his throat dry. He groaned, shifting a little so he could swallow his saliva.

He stared at the ceiling of the room. A beautiful chandelier hung above him. The ceiling was painted with dogs and abstract carvings. He glanced at the ornaments and walls, which were covered in ancient designs.

He had been in that room before. But why was he there again? He couldn’t remember anything.

His last memory...

Oh!

Kai sat up abruptly, his heart racing. He checked his arms. Both were still there—intact.

He breathed a sigh of relief. Vlad hadn’t cut them off?

He touched his neck and shoulders. There was pain. His head was still spinning, and his body felt incredibly weak.

Kai looked around the spacious room. No one was there. It was quiet.

He looked toward the door that led to the open balcony. The wind made the curtains flutter, but there was no one outside.

Silence. Only darkness. And the moon, hanging beautifully in the sky.

Where was Vlad?

Krruuuukkk... Krrrkk...

Kai frowned as his stomach growled. He placed a hand on his flat stomach. He hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon. The last thing he’d eaten was a cookie from Grace.

He swallowed again. He was starving. So hungry!

But he didn’t dare move. It wasn’t that he wasn’t used to hunger, but he always felt shaky when it came. His lips were dry. He only hoped Vlad would let him eat once he came back.

Time felt like it moved painfully slow.

Kai thought about Hein’s fate. Was that slave still alive? Since Vlad hadn’t punished him by cutting off his arm, maybe he wouldn’t chase Hein again.

He bowed his head. Even though he was afraid, he didn’t regret what he had done. Maybe it was foolish, but he knew it brought peace to his heart.

Just like when he faced the wolves trying to attack Sylas. He knew he could die, but he still stepped forward.

And he didn’t regret it.

Kai kept his head low, then from the corner of his eye, he caught movement on the balcony. He turned quickly. His eyes widened when he saw Vlad standing at the doorway.

Gulp.

Vlad walked in slowly with his signature smile.

Kai’s heart pounded. He quickly moved to the edge of the bed and dropped himself to the floor. On all fours, head bowed low.

Vlad smirked. "You learn quickly," he said, standing right in front of Kai.

Kai swallowed hard. He stared at Vlad’s bare feet. His toenails were sharp and pitch black, as if dried blood had clung there. His skin was pale, almost translucent, like there was no blood flowing underneath.

Sharp claws slipped through Kai’s hair. He felt the cold air on his scalp as his hair was parted.

"Why are you always afraid?" Vlad asked, crouching in front of him, scrutinizing his lowered face.

Kai stayed silent. Who wouldn’t be afraid in front of a vampire who could suck your blood at any moment, strip you naked, make you crawl like a dog, or tear your body apart in an instant?

And this man still asked why he was scared?

Kai could only swallow hard.

Vlad smiled. "Too bad I can’t drink your blood today. You’re so adorable."

Kai lowered his head even more. He was relieved to hear that. But as a slave, wasn’t his purpose to satisfy his master? He didn’t understand why Vlad couldn’t drink his blood.

"You know you should’ve lost one of your arms, right?" Vlad said, lifting Kai’s chin so he could see his face.

Kai’s hazel eyes, wide and innocent, captivated Vlad again. He almost forgot what he was going to say.

Vlad cleared his throat. "I asked you a question," he repeated.

Kai nodded, his heart pounding again in fear. Was Vlad going to cut his arm now?

"You owe me an arm. But I’m not cutting it off, because I see your loyalty. So don’t disappoint me," Vlad said, his voice gentler now.

Kai felt a rush in his chest at the sound of Vlad’s voice. It was so different from the intense atmosphere at dinner earlier. When they were alone like this, he felt calmer.

Kai nodded quickly. "I-I will serve you with my life, Master."

Vlad smirked. Then he heard Kai’s stomach growl. Kai bowed his head, embarrassed.

"Hungry?" he asked.

Kai bit his lip. He was starving. But he didn’t dare answer.

"If you don’t answer, that means no." Vlad lifted Kai and threw him onto the bed.

Kai gasped as his back hit the mattress. He stared as Vlad began taking off his clothes.

"Let’s see how weak you really are in bed," Vlad said, grabbing Kai’s body and kissing him harshly.

Vlad’s soft voice clashed with the intensity of his lust. He devoured every inch of Kai’s body.

Kai moaned quietly, not daring to be louder, remembering his training at Omino. He just kept his body tense every time Vlad bit into his skin with frustration.

His stomach growled several times, but Vlad ignored it.

Kai focused on enduring and serving, no matter his condition. The most important thing was not to faint. He didn’t want to lose a limb by making Vlad angry.

Kai groaned, clenched his teeth, and held his breath as Vlad lubed his opening and pinned him down, pushing inside.

Kai struggled to breathe. Vlad’s movements were fast and rough, and even after half an hour, the man hadn’t finished.

His body was falling apart. His arms felt like they were about to break. Vlad kept gripping him tightly, unaware that his claws were sharp and painful. His strength was overwhelming—his grip alone could shatter bones.

Kai’s body was soaked in sweat. He trembled all over. His lips cracked. His face was pale. But he forced a small smile.

Don’t faint, he told himself. You can do this. Don’t faint again!

Kai gave everything he had to hold on. Vlad had both his hands pinned beside his head. Meanwhile, his hole was being filled and stretched over and over again.

Just when he was about to lose consciousness, Vlad tensed. He squeezed Kai’s arms even tighter and leaned in, groaning in pleasure.

A few seconds passed before Vlad exhaled deeply in relief.

Kai was numb. He couldn’t feel anything anymore. But he was relieved that Vlad had finally finished, thick white fluid dripping out of him.

He controlled his ragged breathing, his heart thudding hard.

Vlad looked at Kai’s trembling body and smirked. He brushed the slave’s bangs aside, now stuck to his forehead with sweat. He nearly pressed his face into Kai’s neck when he caught the scent of blood again.

"Damn..." he muttered, stepping back. His head spun from resisting the urge to drink.

Kai was startled. He curled up and tried to sit up. What had happened? Had he done something wrong?

He looked at Vlad, who now faced away.

"M-Master..."

Vlad inhaled deeply. "Get out," he said.

His tone was cold now.

Kai was startled. What had he done? Why the sudden change?

But he didn’t dare ask. He crawled out, confused and full of guilt. He cursed himself over and over. Why was he so useless? Vlad must be disappointed. The thought made his whole body tremble.

Kai found it easier to crawl down the stairs. But his thoughts were scattered, and he didn’t realize when he reached outside, near the garden.

"Shh! Give me more, I need bread!"

Kai heard a voice. He turned his head. No one was in sight. He had reached behind the flower garden, his eyes now on Obi, who ran past the kitchen.

Kai smiled when he saw the child. But when he stood up, he limped from the pain. Obi turned around and froze, his face pale as he looked at him.