Chapter 9: The Monster's Claim
Akin sat on the edge of the massive bed, staring at the tray of food in front of him. A plate of eggs, toast, and fruit, steam rising from a cup of coffee. It looked better than anything he'd eaten in weeks, but his stomach twisted with nerves. He glanced up at Droko, the man who'd brought it. Those red eyes watched him, cold and unfeeling, like he was guarding a prisoner, not a person. Akin picked up the spoon, his hands shaking, and started eating. He didn't realize how hungry he was until the first bite. He shoveled food into his mouth, barely chewing, like his life depended on it.
Droko stood by the door, arms crossed, silent. Akin swallowed a mouthful, his throat tight. He looked up, wiping his mouth. "How long am I gonna be here?" he asked, his voice low, almost afraid of the answer.
Droko's eyes narrowed, his face as cold as ever. "I'm not the one to answer that," he said, his voice flat. "You ask too many questions, kid."
Akin's hands clenched around the spoon. "I deserve to know something," he said, his voice sharper. "You can't just keep me locked up like this!"
Droko stepped forward, his boots heavy on the stone floor. "You don't get it, do you?" he said. "You're Mr. Night's now. Stop talking and eat."
Akin's jaw tightened, but he didn't say another word. What was the point? He forced down the rest of the food, his stomach full but his heart heavy. Droko walked over, grabbed the empty tray, and turned to leave. "Stay put," he said over his shoulder. "Don't make trouble." The door clicked shut behind him, the lock snapping into place.
Akin sat there, alone, his hands trembling. The room was too big, too dark, the air too heavy. He hugged his knees, trying to calm his racing heart. Just then, the door swung open, and Rolex Night walked in. Akin's breath caught. Rolex's eyes were different—wilder, hungrier, not the cold stare from before. Something about the way he moved, slow and deliberate, made Akin's blood run cold.
Rolex walked toward him, his boots echoing. Akin scrambled back on the bed, his heart pounding. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice shaking. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Rolex stopped right in front of him, so close Akin could feel the heat of his body. He smirked, his eyes gleaming red, and placed his hands on Akin's face, his fingers rough but deliberate. "Finally," he said, his voice low, almost a growl. "I can feel you."
Akin's eyes widened, confusion mixing with fear. "What are you talking about?" he said, jerking his head back. "Get away from me!"
Rolex's smirk vanished. He grabbed Akin's shoulders and shoved him down onto the bed, pinning him with his weight. "You don't get to talk," he said, his voice sharp, commanding. "You belong to me. You don't have a say."
Akin's heart raced, fear choking him. This wasn't the Rolex from before. That man was cold, cruel, but this one was different—wild, like a predator. "You're scaring me!" Akin shouted, struggling under Rolex's grip. "Get off! I'm not yours!"
Rolex leaned closer, his face inches from Akin's. "Oh, you are," he said, his voice low, dangerous. "I've waited too long for you. Everyone's gonna know you're mine." His lips brushed Akin's neck, and Akin froze, a chill running through him.
"Stop it!" Akin yelled, pushing against Rolex's chest, but it was like pushing a wall. "Please, just leave me alone!"
Rolex's lips pressed harder against Akin's neck, his breath hot. Akin's hands shook as he tried to shove him off, tears burning his eyes. "I don't want this!" he cried, his voice breaking. "Get off me!"
Rolex growled, a deep, animal sound, but then he froze. His body tensed, his hands loosening on Akin's shoulders. He pulled back, his face twisting like he was in pain. "No," he muttered, his voice different now, strained. "You won't take control."
Akin scrambled to the edge of the bed, his heart pounding as he watched in horror. Rolex fell to his knees, clutching his head, his eyes flickering between red and black. "I won't let you!" he shouted, his voice raw, like he was fighting someone inside him. "Stay back, Rex!"
Akin's breath hitched. Rex? Who was he talking to? Rolex's body shook, his hands clawing at the floor. "You can't have him!" he growled, his voice breaking. "He's not yours!"
Akin pressed himself against the wall, tears streaming down his face. "What's happening?" he whispered, his voice trembling. "What's wrong with you?"
Rolex's head snapped up, his eyes still flickering. He groaned, his body slumping, and then he went still. Slowly, he looked up at Akin, his face different now. The wild, hungry look was gone. His eyes were dark, but not cold—not like before. They were sad, angry, almost human. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice rough, quiet.
Akin stared, his chest heaving. "What… what was that?" he asked, his voice shaking. "Who's Rex? What's going on?"
Rolex stood, his movements slow, like he was fighting to stay in control. "You don't need to know," he said, his voice low. "Just… are you okay?"
Akin wiped his tears, his hands shaking. "No, I'm not okay!" he shouted. "You pinned me down! You're keeping me here like a prisoner! How am I supposed to be okay?"
Rolex's jaw tightened, his eyes flickering again. "I didn't…" he started, then stopped, like he didn't know what to say. "Just stay here," he said finally. "Don't make this harder."
Akin's voice broke. "Harder? You're the one making this hell! Why won't you let me go?"
Rolex turned away, his shoulders tense. "You wouldn't understand," he muttered. "Not yet."
---