Chapter Text
The music at the Flagship was a bit louder than usual tonight. Some of the knights were talking about the angel with the hands of gold, Lohen recognized that nickname, it was you. Like many other knights of Favonius and even Fatui soldiers, the vice captain of the fifth company had visited you before for a sore shoulder.
It was decent service but boring to stay still. Lohen took another sip of fire water, a snezhnayan specialty one of his "friends" introduced him to, the beverage made him dizzy in the best way possible. He then decided to get out to meet his informant near Barrowmoss Barrens.
Who he met however wasn’t a man in a coat but the Angel herself, surrounded by the wild hunt. Lohen whistled as his steps resonated in the lonely woods with a faint echo. Further away, he could see her cornered and terrified.
His vision reacted first, the air grew dry and cold, a sharp contrast to his body heat increasing. The thrill of the battle always had this effect on him, coursing through his veins into his bloodstreams, he felt alive. He felt present. Not even the sweetest fruit could ever compare to that feeling.
Being a knight wasn’t about being a glorious hero to him, it was all about that one feeling, the dance between life and death, being the strongest to survive. It was primitive, he knew it but it was also the most human thing ever. That’s why he chose to become a knight.
What a beautiful opportunity he found there, he didn’t even have to search for it. He would probably be a little late to his appointment but they will understand. Hopefully. Lohen rolled his shoulders back, his cryo vision glinting in the night.
“Ah, fancy meeting you here ! Need a hand ?”
You looked up, your breath catching in your throat. It was him, one of your most eccentric clients. You knew of his reputation, the man who enjoyed reading fairy tales and “playing with slimes" in his free time. He was a nutshell but you were glad to see him tonight.
His lips curved into a wide smile. Too wide for someone standing very close to the wild hunt. Then, he moved in a blur. His spear in hands, he rushed into battle, laughing as he played with the darkness. You took the chance to hide and watch from a safe distance. He was taking his time but moving with a barely controlled excitement.
This man truly is unhinged; you had never seen anyone fight like this before. Like it was a game, a dance with death. And for some reason, the way he danced felt… enchanting. The wild hunt let out one last scream before fading away. You finally seemed to be able to catch your breath falling to your knees, grabbing the grass to anchor yourself. You were safe, you were still here but the fear was heavy and still present.
Your ears picked up the sounds of his footsteps coming closer and you looked up, the first thing in your view being his boots.
“Thank you.. thank you so much.” you said as you exhaled.
You heard him laugh slightly and you raised your gaze higher. You locked eyes for a second too long. You usually kept a strict distance between you and your clients. But tonight he wasn't your client, he was the one who saved your life.
And Oh, his eyes. That slightly dull shade of.. red ? Red pupils and blue iris. It contrasted sharply with his pale skin and in a beautifully unsettling manner; he didn't look human. He looked sweet at first glance but his eyes told a different story. Heavens knew how badly you wanted to know it at this moment. To be involved, to be looked at the same way he looked at his opponents. Wait, why are you thinking…?
Lohen spoke, quieting down your thoughts.
“You’re quiet, still shocked ? Are you hurt ?” All you could do was look away and shake your head.
“I-i’m fine.. I think.” You looked down at your leg, a throbbing pain you suddenly seemed to notice. You must have gotten hurt when you fell. He extended his hand towards you to help you stand up. "Doesn't look like you’re fine. As a knight it's my duty to make sure you’re safe, I'll escort you back home, just lead the way.”
~•~
The rain was falling loudly upon Nod Krai today, covering the sky in heavy dark clouds. You didn't really dislike the rain, it is just that it could be so loud at times.
“Meow..”
Under a tree, you saw an old cat, looking weak and probably famished. “Poor thing..” You pulled out your lunch box from your bag. You had prepared two hard boiled eggs and beans. A simple lazy meal with enough proteins to help you through the day. Being a masseuse could be quite physical since you had to bend and stay up on your feet for long periods of time. You placed the two peeled eggs on the ground. The cat took a sniff, careful at first before relaxing and beginning to eat. You have to leave now or else you will be late for work.
You had six clients today and barely any breaks, thankfully most of them were nice to work with. After all, if they were here in the first place it was mostly to relax their stiff muscles. When you reached the end of your shift, the last client was none other than Lohen, the vice captain from the knights of Favonius and also the man from yesterday. Sometimes clients requested you to travel to meet them directly. It was a bit of a hassle but the pay was higher. Lohen was one of those clients.
The room was rather small but it looked comfortable enough. You did the usual, wash your hands for at least a minute, prepare the oils, hot stones and you were ready. When you arrived you found him sat and topeless, a book in his hand and a fork in the other. How did he get such an expensive dessert here ? You were pretty sure they only did those pastries in Fontaine… Lucky.
You shook your head and began to work. The impact of your small lunch was starting to show. Then again, the cat from earlier needed it more than you. You’ll just have a bigger dinner tonight. Maybe a generous plate of french fries ? You could almost hear your younger self scolding you for indulging in “junk-food”, especially at night. Lohen turned another page of his book and spoke. “The boar princess truly is a classic of Teyvat’s literature. What do you think of this book ?”
“Um like most people I found it rather.. disturbing ? I can’t believe it was written for children. To think The boar princess fed her friends to the… wolf.. ? Wait, it was a wolf right ? So he wouldn't die of starvation I think?” He chuckled, his eyes wrinkling in a way that made you slightly uncomfortable . “Is that so ? Mh, I thought you’d like dark stories like these. After all, you did seem to enjoy the show I put on for you last night.” Your eyes widened and you froze, your hands hovering his bare skin. This time, he turned fully looking up at you. Oh Celestia, not those eyes again. “I…I don’t enjoy violence or cruelty if this is what you are trying to say.”
“Perhaps you don’t want others to be in pain but it doesn't mean you don’t want to…” With an inhuman rapidity, his hand moved up and caught your hair to forcefully pull you down at his level. “Recieve it.” Your breath hitched, his smile only grew wider. It felt like he had found a path to your mind and decided to read every single of your thoughts. You were very aware of the proximity, The heat of his breath against your neck. The door was closed, you were alone and this fact made you all the more weak. He tilted his head. “For such a sweet girl you sure are deranged. Did you feed the stray to give yourself the impression that you are still a good girl ?”
“The stray ?”
He nodded “yeah, the little kitty this morning ? I saw you give it half your meal ! That was cute but you must be craving a sugar spike now.” He dug his fork into the cake and raised it to your lips. “Want a bite ?” You quickly leaned away “I..! That’s not professional, I'm fine, thank you.” He frowned, looking annoyed. “Ugh, I thought we were past that already. I mean I saved your life, no ?” he said, “That was just you doing your job, sir.” you replied, He rolled his eyes and threw his head back. “Ugh fine if that's what you want. I poisoned it anyway.”
“Uh ? But.. but you are eating it.”
"I'm immune, I take small doses of poison every day.”
Somehow, it doesn't surprise you much but maybe he’s joking ? Oh wait it doesn't look like he is. He took advantage of your distraction and parted lips to shove the spoon in your mouth. His other hand moved to pinch your nose, preventing you from breathing. “Swallow~” he hissed amused. You tried to move away but he was stronger. By reflex you swallowed the food and he released you.
You stepped back, coughing. “What the.. what is wrong with you ?!” He burst into laughter. “Oh my ! You should have seen your face ! Easy there, it’s not poisoned, I was just messing with you.” This was it. Without hesitation you rushed to the door ignoring the lingering pain in your leg from last night. The air suddenly grew cold and he moved before you found the knob, slamming both his hands on the wood near your face. "Relax." He whispered. “Like I said, It wasn’t poison. Just a little… syrup of my making. Are you feeling it yet?”
Your body began to grow warm, too warm your heart was racing, your core throbbing and you felt out of breath. “An aphrodisiac..” you whispered. He laughed. “Bingo~” He stepped back and you fell down on your knees. “Thanks for the massage I feel great ! How much do I owe you ? 800 moras right ? Here take a thousand.” He dropped a pouch of mora on the table and left you there, still burning with lust.