Chapter Text
With each step you took, small rocks dug deeper into the soles of your feet. You pushed through the pain, fearing being thrown back into that estate, more than a few scrapes and bruises. This was the third time you ran away from your master. The first time you got caught, you played it off, stating you had gotten lost while out getting appliances. You got punished, but it wasn't as bad as the second time when you couldn't lie your way out of his suspicion. One could only imagine what he'd do if he caught you this time. You ran through the woods, branches scratching your cheek and arms.
The full moon lit the way as you ran deeper in. You could still hear faint sounds behind you. You jumped over a fallen log, wincing when your feet hit the ground again. Tears streamed down your face. You couldn't risk getting caught this time. They wouldn't let you live—not that you minded the idea of dying—but your master wasn't the type to give a merciful death.
You stopped to take a breath, leaning against a large tree. You were so focused on getting away, you hadn't realized where you stopped. You looked ahead, heart beating out of your chest. The Nyx Forest, no sane mortal ever goes into it. It belonged to the creatures of the night. Hunters have gone in, hoping to catch those that dwelled inside, but to no avail. You hesitated; it wasn't the safest option.
The wind rustled the trees, and overhead, you heard a hooting owl. You felt the rough bark under your palm as you tried to calm your breathing. All the times you ran away, you never dared to go in. Now, you didn't seem to care whether you lived or died. The pine trees stood tall, side by side, and the moonlight shone through them. Taking a step, you went in, fearing the monsters that would catch you out here more than the ones inside.
You carefully walked through the forest, looking back every few seconds while listening for any sign of your master.
Nothing.
The sound of the wind in the leaves filled your ears, along with distant wolf howls that sent shivers down your spine. Deeper into the forest, the pleasant sound of a low, bubbling stream caught your attention. You walked towards the sound, stopping before the flowing creek. Water gently moved over the rocks. Knees buckling, you ended up on the grassy ground. A soft whimper escaped your lips, body shivering in the cold air. Sitting on the floor, you pulled your legs closer to your chest, wrapping your arms around them as you listened to the sound of the flowing water.
You weren't safe, but you felt at ease. Your master would never dare go into the Nyx forest. Again, you heard the howling of the wolves. A part of you was scared, but you made no effort to move. Paralyzed from exhaustion. Your eyes slowly shut, wishing to focus only on the sounds of the creek.
Behind you stood a tall figure, watching you. From where they stood, they could smell the blood from your wounds. The sweet metallic scent tickled their nose. They stepped forward, deliberate. A twig snapped under their weight, and they watched as your neck snapped in their direction. Your eyes squinting, trying to make out what, or rather who, stood in the distance. Their gaze fixed on the cut that ran across your face; dark, crimson blood stuck to your cheek.
You stared in horror at the creature that stood before you. He was unlike anything you've ever seen. Tall, muscled, almost the same height as the tree. He only wore a black hakama. Four arms crossed around his chest and abdomen. Your gaze focused on the rough mask-like structure where his right eyes were supposed to be. His left two eyes glowed under the moonlight, dark and intense.
He took another step. You didn't move. Immobilized by curiosity and uncertainty. Was he the one the people spoke of? The demon that lurked at night, feasting on the unfortunate souls that came across him. They stated he possessed teeth so sharp they could cut through flesh and bone, and he lived guided by only his own pleasure and displeasure. Humans and non-humans shuddered at the mere mention of his name. The king of curses.
His eyes remained on you.
Get up.
You told yourself.
But you couldn't move. Even if you did, you wouldn't have gotten far. Your body was torn. Your legs were weakened. Your eyes threatened to shut from exhaustion, but you fought to keep them open. Never blinking, catching every movement he made towards you. The closer he got, the clearer you could see the tattoos that lined his face and body. The pink color of his hair. Tilting your head, you met his eyes. They were filled with hunger; however, there was also a twinkle of curiosity.
"You hold your head quite high," he spoke darkly.
His words reminded you of your master. How he'd punish you for showing any signs of disrespect. Even if it was due to simple exhaustion.
You turned around, indifferent to the man who had the power to tear you limb from limb. In a different circumstance, you would've been on your knees, head bowed, begging for your life.
"If you wish to kill me...You'd best be on with it." You stared at the gentle water, knowing you'd never see it again. The man behind you made no movement, so with the remaining strength you had, you stood on your feet, back to him. If the water was deep enough, you would've jumped in, allowing the waves to carry you wherever they pleased.
Your body tensed when his hand roughly went around your neck. You shivered under his icy touch. He forced your head back to look at him. Your back pressed against his chest.
"Your kind usually put up more of a fight than this," he grumbles, disappointed as he looks down at you. His finger pressed on the open wound on your neck, causing you to wince as fresh blood seeped from it.
He no longer looked at you. All he could focus on was the blood that trickled down your neck to your collarbone. His eyes glowed as dark veins appeared under them.
You were given no chance to react before he forced your head to the side. Sharp fangs pierced your neck. Biting back a scream, you shut your eyes, feeling the blood get sucked from your body.
The rustling of the leaves grew louder as the wind grew stronger. You opened your eyes, stared at the glowing moon above, before your consciousness left you.
You woke up to the putrid smell of iron and spices. Along with your sore body, freezing cold. Lifting your gaze, you screamed when you met the dead eyes of a frozen body—no…You looked around, breath caught in your throat. This room was filled with dead, frozen bodies. Some were leaning against the wall while others lay discarded on the wooden floor. You pushed yourself up, quickly backing away just to bump into another. The flickering candlelight wasn't enough to light the whole room, casting a shadow on the pile you hadn't noticed behind you. Your hands flew up to cover your mouth.
Where the hell were you?
Memories of the past night filled your thoughts. The man in the forest…He bit you. You reach to touch the bite mark on your neck, wincing when your fingers went over it. You thought he killed you. Why hadn't he killed you? Looking around at the bodies that lined the floor, you didn't know what to think.
You tried to stand but stumbled from the sudden movement. Vision, dark and spotty, you sat back down. Taking a few breaths, you didn't know how much blood you lost, but it was enough to weaken you.
How unfortunate. You ran from one monster just to end up in the hands of another.
The sound of the door sliding open catches your attention. You expected to see the man from before, but instead, you're met with someone who bears no resemblance to him. White chin-long hair, with a pink line running horizontally across the back of it. They wore a plain dark blue monk robe that was white in the innermost layer. They possessed the physical characteristics of both male and female, making it difficult for you to determine their gender. Your eyes lowered to the cup and the small blade in their hands. When they lifted their head, they spotted you sitting in the far corner of the room.
"You're awake," they said bluntly.
You neither replied, nor moved.
They took a few steps, then crouched before you. "Your hand, please."
"Who are you?" Backing away, you clenched your hand to your chest.
"My name is Uraume, Master Sukuna's attendant," they say, holding out their hand, waiting for you to hand them your palm.
They were a servant like you. Working for whom you assumed was the man you saw.
"What do you want from me?"
Ignoring your question, they grab your wrist and hover it over the cup. Frightened, your eyes widen. They brought the blade to your palms, giving you no warning before they cut a line in the middle. You wince, turning your head away. When you look back, you see that they're filling the cup with your blood.
The cup fills to the brim, and they release your hand after gently cleaning and wrapping your cut. Showing you care in a way you've never experienced before. Holding your wrist, you watch as they stand to leave, cup in hand.
You heard them locked the door shut, taking away any hope you had of escaping. You curled up on the cold floor. Lips trembling as tears slid down the bridge of your nose.
This could be worse. You told yourself.
The horrid smell in the room grew stronger, making you nauseous. You shut your eyes, not wanting to see the lifeless bodies any longer. Your body shivered on the hard floor. Seconds, minutes, and hours passed by; you still made no effort to move.
Someone nudges your shoulder, waking you. You turn, head pounding, as you squint to look up at Uraume.
"Come with me," they say, waiting for you to stand up.
You try your best to stand, but you end up stumbling into the wall behind you. They hold their forearm out for you to hold on to. Hesitantly, you do, whispering a weak 'thank you'.
Stepping outside the room, you immediately felt the temperature shift. The warmth felt good on your once freezing body. You closed your eyes for a second, taking in the smell of old wood. There was the faint smell of copper that you figured was coming from you.
You limped down the corridor, sore muscles making it difficult to walk. Your eyes glanced over to Uraume, whom you held onto for support. They held no expression as they walked alongside you, matching your pace. You shifted your focus to the andons that hung on the wall, lighting up the path.
Uraume stopped in front of one of the doors after turning down the corridor. Inside, your eyes landed on the wooden tub filled with steaming water. Your body craved to feel its warmth. You've only ever prepared such baths for your master, never having the pleasure of taking one. The river was where you usually cleaned yourself, along with a few other women in your area. You release your hold on Uraume, unsure if this truly was for you.
They handed you a silk robe before leaving you alone in the large room. You hadn't moved from your spot as you stared at the material in your hands. Confused, you began to undress, trying hard not to put much strain on your injured hand.
Stepping out of your torn clothes, you settle into the warm water, careful not to wet your bandaged hand. You leaned back, enjoying the way the water felt against your skin. You thought of what I'd feel like to let go. Letting your body sink. For a long second, you stared at your bandaged hand, then, using the other, you unwrapped your wound, tossing the bandage aside before submerging in the water.
You remained under, holding your breath until your body fought to breathe.
There was a sharp, knife-like pain in your chest as water began to fill your lungs. Memories of your painful childhood flashed through your mind. You mercilessly suffered at the hands of men and women for years on end. You never knew what you did to deserve such treatment. You worked to appease those around you, but they were never satisfied. There wasn't a day that passed where they wouldn't strike you across the face. Your mother, whom you futilely cried out to, appeared for a second before fading away.
Your chest began convulsing as your lungs fought for air. Your tears blended into the water. Soon, the pain disappeared, and all you felt was solace as you lost consciousness.
There was a pure silence before oxygen filled your lungs again. Your eyes shot open, and you turned over, coughing vigorously as air flowed through your lungs. Taking away your freedom.
You were so close. For once, you knew what it was like to be at peace. To leave behind a life that never cared for you. As you stared at Uraume, you felt nothing but anger. You watched the rapid rise and fall of their chest. The sleeve of their robe was wet from yanking you out of the water. They stared back at you, brows furrowed. You wanted to push them aside to finish what you started, but you knew it'd be pointless. They'd just pull you back out again. You lay on the hard floor, body drenched, as you stared up at the ceiling. Your chest ached from the forced Uraume had used. Anger. It was all you felt. They saved you and for what? To live as a blood source for their Master?
They stood up, staring down at you in disdain. "Get dressed."
You do as they ask, sitting up to put your arms through the plain robe that was over you. When you finish, they lead you out to another room that you now realize would be your chambers for as long as you remained alive.
"Master Sukuna does not like to be kept waiting," they say before turning around, leaving you to get dressed.
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Your heart pounded as you followed behind Uraume. The palm of your hand stung, making you aware of the freshly bandaged wound. Stopping before one of the connected rooms, Uraume slides the door open, revealing a large man wearing only his hakama. He sat on a cushion, one knee raised while the other leg folded beneath him. His zen table had an assortment of well-prepared meats.
The man made no effort to look up at you, too focused on the food that decorated his plate. You and Uruame bowed in sync. When they left you remained standing by the door. You lifted your head, watching as he took a bite out of the meat on his plate. You had very little experience with meat, never even tasted it since the killing of animals was prohibited. Something that clearly didn't matter to him.
You stared down at his plate, wondering if the meat that decorated it was from a human or an animal. There was another individual table in the room with food that would've made your mouth water if you weren't so nauseous.
Standing by the door, you focused on the garden outside. It was dark out, so you couldn't see the details of the plants, but they were still beautiful.
"Sit." He commanded.
Heart pounding, you move to kneel on the cushion, resting your clasped hands on your lap. You stared at your plate, unable to get the images of those bodies out of your mind. Reaching for the rice bowl, you began taking small bites. Never daring to look up.
You hadn't noticed when his gaze finally lifted to look at you. He looked displeased as his eyes scanned your face and neck.
When you looked up you found hungry, blood moon eyes staring back at you. You shuddered. With trembling hands, you reached for the cup of tea. The strong, warm, earthy liquid slid down your throat. You briefly closed your eyes, savoring the taste. All your life, you've only ever drank water, unable to afford luxuries like tea or sake.
His gaze dropped to the untouched meat on your plate. The top of his lips twitched.
"Who were you running from?" He asks as he stares at your lowered face.
You glance up at him for a split second before quickly lowering your gaze. "My lord."
"Why?"
"He wasn't a good master," you reply vaguely.
"I am no better," he says
Staring down at your lap, you mumble, "so far, you are."
His eyes squint.
"Would you say you've succeeded?"
A question you didn't know how to answer. Success for you was found in death. If Uraume had told him about your previous attempt, then maybe he already knew your answer. Still, you would lie.
You nod.
Sukuna flung one of his utensils near the side of your face, and it stuck to the wall behind you. You realized he cut you when you felt blood slide down your face.
"Trying again," he says, twirling the other utensil in one his hands.
"I don't know what you want me to say," You answered, voice a whisper.
"Will another bath help you?" He asks tone laced with sarcasm
He knew. You suddenly grew irritated.
"What I do with my life doesn't concern you."
Something dark flashed in his eyes, in an instant, you went from kneeling on the cushion to being pinned against the wall by the throat.
"Your life," He began in a low voice, squeezing your neck slightly. "Belongs to me."
"Only I can take it."
His grip around your neck tightens. You hope he didn't stop.
Looking at him, a soft whisper escapes you. "Then take it."
Tears line the rim of your eyes as your hand went up to wrap around his wrist.
His eyes narrow, chest rumbling from his soft chuckle. "Eventually."
"For now, you will amuse me."
Baring his fangs, he moves your head to the side, exposing your neck. His fangs pierce into your jugular vein. You shut your eyes as a small cry breaks from you.
Your legs grow weak, and his arms wrap around your middle, holding you in place while his right upper arm moved from around your throat to cradle your cheek.
You remained motionless in his arms.
Greedy, he continues to drink almost every last ounce of blood from your body. If he focused, he could hear your heart grow weak. He smiles against your neck, pulling back with a satisfied groan.
Staring down at your unconscious body, he licked the blood from his lips. Annoyed, he adjusts you against him then bit one of his inner wrists and places it in front of your mouth. The crimson liquid stained your lips. All it took was a drop to reach your throat to heal your wounds. You still remained unconscious. But the soft beating of your heart rings through Sukuna's ears, confirming you'd be well.
The soft futon shifts under you as you turn with a soft groan. You open your eyes it was still dark out. Which wasn't unusual for you since sleeping through the night wasn't a luxury you had. Ruining your hands down your face, you made an effort to move but stop when you felt no pain. Moving your neck around, along with your arms you realize they weren't aching or sore. You look down at your bandaged hand before carefully unwrapping it. Nothing, your palm looked as if Uraume hadn't sliced it open just yesterday. Was this sorcery? You wondered brows furrowed, contemplating what could've caused such a speedy recovery.
You tried to recall the events of the previous night. Sukuna had gotten angry with you then he bit your neck. Without thinking your hand reached up to touch where a bite mark should but wasn't.
One of them healed you and took you to bed. You figured it was probably Uraume.
Why had they been so kind to you? The warm bath, the chamber—they could've left you in that cold room with the corpses— Instead you were healed from head to toe and given a treatment you'd only ever witnessed others receive.
Had your life been that miserable that a single act made you so appreciative?
You chuckled, bringing your knees up to your chest, turning to the covered windows. You weren't going to leave. Not yet. Being here so far wasn't too bad, and you honestly had nowhere to go. When you initially ran you knew you'd be homeless for a while, but you were okay with it. A cave was better than living in your master's estate.