Chapter 9. Back Alley
Screech.
Yael jolted awake at the sound of the hinges. She quickly sat up and spotted the figure stepping into the room. It was her respected leader.
"Leader, you're back?"
He gave a small nod as he looked at her.
"Did I wake you?"
"No, I was just studying until now. Haven't slept."
"Yeah? Then get some rest."
Ji-hyuk stripped off his clothes one by one. Yael caught the thick scent of blood. A sudden wave of unease surged through her. Is he doing something bad because of me?
"Um... Leader."
"Yeah?"
"If it's because of me... you don't have to push yourself so hard. ...I can endure it."
The leader smiled faintly.
"Not pushing myself. Don't worry."
"Then... why do you smell like blood?"
"Ah, just some business. Not the kind you're worrying about, so quit fretting. ...You don't trust me?"
"No, it's not that I don't trust you, just..."
At that moment, Ji-hyuk pulled something from his inner pocket. A leather pouch she'd never seen before. He held it out to her. She accepted it politely with both hands, looking up at him with wide eyes that asked what it was.
"Meds."
"...Pardon?"
"Open it and check."
Ah— Yael's hands trembled. Saliva flooded her mouth; she swallowed hard, over and over. She stole a glance at the leader, then opened the pouch and unfolded the paper packet inside. The amount matched what she'd gotten initially. For her dosage, that was about ten servings. She was dying to pop one right then and there. No, can't. Leader's right here... What kind of imposition is that? Summoning immense willpower, she carefully repacked the drugs, stuffed them back in the pouch, and tied the drawstring tight.
"...Looks fine."
"I'll snag one more tomorrow. That should hold you for a while, right?"
One more like this? A sharp twinge shot through Yael's groin. Excitement overtook her. She couldn't refuse. "...Y-, yes..." Even after answering, shame at her own baseness kept her from lifting her head. While the leader shed blood to get her fix, she sat pretty like a princess, just gobbling it down. Humiliating. Disgraceful. How deep can the bottom be for me to sink this low?
"Hit the sack. I'll kill the light."
Ji-hyuk said it casually as he headed to the candle. Yael hurriedly stashed the pouch deep in her luggage and slipped back under the covers. Snuff. He pinched out the flame with his fingers and lay down on the bed. Yael's heart pounded. I have to... do something for him... There was only one thing she could do for him right now.
"Leader..."
"Yeah."
The only thing she could...
"Um..."
...do was one thing.
"...Good night."
"You too."
She chickened out again. ...No, truth be told, she was scared. Of rejection.
· · ·
The next day, Ji-hyuk headed back to the blood arena. This time, he signed up as a fighter right away. He smashed five skulls without breaking a sweat, then pocketed the prize money and tips. After the house cut, about a hundred and fifty gold coins remained.
Fuck, easy money— Yesterday it was a hundred and twenty; today thirty more. The tips had spiked that much. He bought another packet at the apothecary and brought it to Yael. Her eyes lit up with raw excitement. ...Junkies, alright. She was still mild compared to the real hardcases, though. The ones deep in it were untouchable scum—would sell their own lives for a hit.
Ji-hyuk hit the arena again the following day. The blood scent fired him up more than before. He chuckled at his changing self. Can't really rag on junkies myself. He dove straight in, pulverizing more fighters' heads. This time, he threw in some flair. Not for the cash—today was his last run anyway. Just wanted to relive the old thrill. As always, he cracked five skulls, then headed to the staff room for payout.
But a new face waited there. The vibe had shifted. The payout guy stood rigid against the wall like a rookie. In his spot sat a stranger with a massive scar running from forehead to cheek, sharpening his already vicious glare. Perfect back-alley thug mug.
"Sit."
The man gestured to the chair opposite. Ji-hyuk dropped into it.
"Got skills, from what I hear. The nobles say you're flashy."
"...What's the pitch?"
"Like booze?"
"Business only. Time's tight."
He was already wired from the blood; nerves on edge.
"This fucker's got balls."
A cocky underling stepped up, itching for brownie points. The scarred man shot him a savage glare.
"Hey... I say move?"
"...Sorry."
The punk slunk back empty-handed. The man switched back to a grin for Ji-hyuk.
"Boss wants to meet you."
"...Boss?"
"Lucky break. Rare invite."
The scarred guy meant the alley boss, obviously. Ji-hyuk hadn't expected that. His arena rampage must've caught eyes. ...Fifteen straight headshots in a row wasn't child's play.
"Sure, why not."
No downside to meeting the boss. Might as well make an impression—could pay off later.
The man stood. Ji-hyuk followed, thugs flanking him. The halls emptied; silent goons posted at intervals. Mood flipped in seconds. After snaking through the maze-like corridors, they reached a lavish archway door. Solid gold. Peak money flex.
Here at last. Ji-hyuk knew this spot well. He'd claimed it after crushing the boss in a turf war.
"Mind your manners. He's top dog here."
Ji-hyuk nodded: no worries. The doors parted smoothly. Inside was even gaudier—like a palace throne room. Gold pillars lined the walls; a jade throne loomed ahead. The alley boss lounged there, cradling a cat.
Ji-hyuk strode up and bowed.
"You summoned me."
The boss's lip curled faintly. Half-lidded eyes gleamed with mild interest. Palahino's alley boss. ...And dark fairy. Vüdel.
Dark fairies had the standard fairy traits, save for their dusky skin—including that venomous beauty. After victory, Ji-hyuk had doped her into a pet. Trophy style. She'd trailed him naked on a leash, crawling on all fours. The number of guys who'd jerked to that sight? Easily triple digits.
The memory flickered. All ancient history now. His gaze drifted to the massive display behind her. Any clueless dude would've shat bricks. Vüdel had another moniker: dick collector—
Dozens—no, hundreds—of cocks, balls intact, preserved on the giant rack. Sizes, shapes, colors galore. Ji-hyuk had gawked at first. Knew the world had psychos, but a chick taxidermying dicks? Beyond imagination. Her crazy matched demon cult levels.
"Heard good things. He's stingy with praise, so I figured I'd see your face."
"Honored."
Vüdel hummed through her nose, propping her chin. Her sharp eyes scanned him top to bottom.
"Not bad... for a human."
She hadn't clawed to boss by joke. Real deal, sharp as hell.
"Too kind."
"I don't bullshit. Call it like I see it."
Fair enough. No bootlicking on her throne.
"Got a spot open. Come work."
"Apologies. Got my own gig."
"...That so?"
No clinging vibe. She didn't clock his true worth yet.
"Fine then. Not the type to force it."
"Regret not repaying your boundless mercy."
"...Flatterer."
Vüdel smirked. Ji-hyuk bowed deeper, silent. Know when to enter, exit. Shut up when needed—chatter kills cred.
"Alright... off you go."
He bowed again to leave. Then she stopped him.
"Hold up."
"...Yes?"
"Closer."
Vüdel grinned meaningfully.
"Drop trou. Lemme see that dick."
Bitch's habit kicking in. Tricky to refuse. Pissing her off now? Bad move. Had to anyway. He yanked his pants down without hesitation. His hefty cock flopped out, limp.
Vüdel eyed it leisurely, chin-propped, smirking.
"Good. Beat it."
Ji-hyuk pulled up, bowed once, and left.
...Not the best mood.
· · ·
Yael was high. Couldn't hold back anymore. Her restraint had bottomed out long ago; she'd just been faking it.
Leader, Leeeader—
Recalling that ecstasy, she plunged her fingers into her pussy like mad. But it wasn't the same—wrong owner. Her skill couldn't bridge the gap.
Why... fucking why—!! Something gnawed at her. Maddening regret. The more it itched, the more she craved him.
"Leeeader..."
She yanked his clothes from the basket, mashed her face into them, inhaling his scent deep. All while stabbing her hole relentlessly. Pussy juice streamed onto the floor. High, she turned into someone else entirely. The prim, diligent academy TA became a sleazy slut pawing strangers' laundry. A whore chasing phantom finger-fucks, guilt-free.
Leader's coming—gotta finish, finish—ahhhhh!!
Mid-frenzy, footsteps approached outside. Her sharpened senses caught Ji-hyuk's stride from afar. Terror hit; heart dropped. Shit—big trouble. Real trouble. She scrambled. Wiped the floor juice with his clothes, scrubbed her crotch, crammed it all back in the basket, threw on garb. By then, Ji-hyuk loomed at the door.
Yael flopped onto the bed—no time for covers. Door creaked open.
Ji-hyuk paused entering. Something went down just now. He glanced at her sprawled blanketless, then hit the window. Cracked it open. ...Room reeks of slut.
Yael nearly died hearing it. Knew exactly why. Mortified to suicide levels.
...But worse followed. The high lingered. Her body quaked on the bed. Ah, ah— That scene replayed. The sensation. The pleasure. Just need Leader. With him, again, again—! Fading reason scorched her flesh in futile resistance. Doomed to crumble.
"Yael?"
Ji-hyuk called. No. Don't call. Don't—NOOOOO—!!
"Cover up and sleep. Huh?"
No reply. He approached. Stay back. Stay back. Can't come. Can't—NOOOOO— Teeth chattered. Limbs spasmed. Limit reached. Done holding.
Ji-hyuk stood bedside, bending to tuck her in. Yael's torso sprang up. Arms locked his neck. Tongue lashed his sealed lips wildly. Reason gone.
Slurp slurp smooch. She lapped his mouth and jaw. Tears and snot streamed.
"N-no, no more, h-hold, hooold—!!"
Then slurped his jaw and lower lip again. Like a babe at the teat. Ji-hyuk gripped her shoulders, prying gently. She thrust her tongue out, begging more. ...Eyes say she's gone. Crotch soaking through, trembling. Puddle of juice.
Fuck, once you start, she'll shove her pussy at you every hit— He'd avoided fucking her, but this was the line. Tough for him too. Skipped the brothel straight home, and now this horny stench begging? Torment for any dicked male. ...Even Gorsh couldn't resist.
"F-fuuuck meee..."
Yael slurred, pleading. The proud, haughty woman shattered by one drug.
Fine. Begging? Give it. She was spreading wide already; no declining. Bloodlust stirring old instincts lately anyway.
Needing something in her mouth, she gnawed his fingers, sucking. But better waited. He dropped his pants. The cock he'd flashed the dark fairy earlier. Fingers are fine, but this'll taste better.