#corin x reader

At least it was until one of the remaining Hollow Raiders attacked you from behind as you were catching your breath- a mistake, Mister Lycaon always tried to drill into everyone’s heads that the danger should not be deemed as passed until there were no enemies around and the rest of the team had arrived to back you up.

You fell to the ground, hitting the marble underneath with a thump- dazed as you attempted to gain your bearings. Strong hands wrapped themselves around your throat, the pressure putting your brain back into alert mode. Your vision refocused onto a cracked helmet, the image of a Hollow Raider logo shining down on you- unable to move with their weight holding you down. Attempting to pry their hands off- several desperate attempts before realizing it was in vain. Darkness crawled from the edge of your vision as you breathing quickened but became more shallow with the pressure on your airway.

As you desperately looked for the others or something to give you even a few more seconds, you felt an object at the edge of your fingertips. Tapping it closer, you grabbed onto it- something sturdy, the weapon they dropped on the ground before going in to choke you. Harsh grip, you turned as much as you can, swinging your arm and hitting them with the object you grabbed as hard as you could.

Crushing through the glass of the helmet, Hollow Raiders often worse, the weapon hit your target. It was a lot softer than you imagined, as if it was dug deep into something.

Liquid spurted out, splashing blots onto the ground. Their grip on your neck loosened nearly immediately.

Warmth trickled onto your face. The weight of the Hollow Raider that had previously been crushing you fell to the side, limp- and now unmoving.

The world was quiet. Only faintly could you hear a familiar voice yelling before quickly taking out and chasing away the remaining Raiders.

The weapon handle was still in your grip, a worn plastic grip attached to a long steel blade. It was covered in red. Underneath you and the Hollow Raider was a puddle of the same red. The pristine whites of your uniform dyed red, black a shade darker.

Then the world became loud.

Corin had been the first to find you, being stationed closest, she charged in after quickly locking in on the enemies. Chainsaw revving to life, she spun forward, slashing at the Hollow Raiders with the battle cry of, “Ahh! Ge~et awa~ay!!” Blood spewed out- injuries that would definitely hurt but nothing fatal- or atleast with medical attention. It was one of the only good things she could recognize, having been taught how to expertly take out enemies without outright killing them, despite the very real threat her- and every one of their weapons brought.

Finally chasing out the rest of the enemies, she turned to look back at you, “Are you-” she stopped, seeing you with a lost look in your eyes. A look she recognized- having seen it on herself and Ellen before. “O-oh no, uhm,” She quickly stopped her weapon and approached, trying not to just wait for someone else to arrive out of fear of messing up helping you- but still apprehensive due to those very same thoughts.

Gently she came closer, remembering what Lycaon and Rina had done for her when she had undergone the same situation. Remembering what she had nearly done wrong with Ellen before Lycaon stepped in.

“Are you hurt?” “...” She looked you over, not seeing any blood coming out of you. “Can you hear me?” You nod. “It’s not your fault- you did what you had to do.” You stare at her, flashes of the corpse beside you flashing before you. “O-okay, uhm, Mister Lycaon and everyone should be here soon.” You perked up at the mention of the others- with everyone else here and no alive active enemies, you’ll be safe. “What happened was something bad. It makes sense for you to be scared.”

You sat there, heartbeat ringing in your ears as you struggled not to think about the corpse beside you. The corpse beside you. There was a corpse next to you. Their blood was on you. The scent of iron-

“You sit here and we’ll wait for the others. What do you want to do?” “I… want to wait for Mister Lycaon…” “He'll be here soon, it'll all be okay."

And true to her word, the others rounded the corner, prepared to fight. However, quickly Mister Lycaon and Miss Alexandrina assessed what was going on and rushed forward. Nodding to Corin, Mister Lycaon took charge, kneeling in front of you. Corin went to Ellen to inform her of your situation. Alexandrina watched over you, sending Anastella and Drusilla to do a perimeter check. At the sight of them all, you finally broke. It felt as if your whole body crashed and you fully awoke again, tears welling up as you jumped to embrace Mister Lycaon. You were safe. He softly embraced you back, warm muscular body like a shield against anyone outside of Victoria Housekeeping to approach.

"Are you two sure you want to take on this mission?” Lycaon eased into his office chair, lacing his fingers together as he leaned into the table.

You plopped down on the only seat in front of his desk, legs over the armrest and arms crossed. “It can’t be that bad, right?” 

Ellen closed the door behind you with a ‘click’, and moved to lean over the backrest of your chair. She looked down at you. “Dude, you can’t even fight. How are you going to guard?”

“Pfft- can too! I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. Besides, they’ll go crying to their mothers once I bare my fangs. I’m just that notorious.” You tossed your hair, ether sparkles emitting with a wave of your hand.

She ignored you in favor of responding to her boss. “Uh, the client said he’ll pay overtime, right? I’ve been saving up to buy something, but if I can get this job over with, I’ll probably have enough for it.” Lycaon furrowed his brows. “This mission isn’t for a part-timer, Ellen. If you exert yourself on the job, I’m afraid we cannot come to your aid. The designated location is at least a city over. By the time we reach you, it will be a few hours too late.”

She pursed her lips, “Respectfully, sir, I can handle myself. It’s summer break and I don’t have anywhere I need to be. Thanks for worrying and all but..” The girl sighed, lowering her head. “Yeah, I guess this is really unlike me, huh..” She looked torn between her desires and her capabilities. It was true that she tired out in the most inopportune moments, but at her full focus, she was able to carry out her duties. ‘But 2 weeks..?’ She reconsidered.

“Ellen, you’re.. Narcoleptic?” You interrupted her thoughts, connecting the dots to her behavior. “Nah, everything just takes too much energy.. Give me sugar and I’ll probably survive.” She removed the lollipop from her mouth to make a point before reinserting it. “Oh! You’ll be fine. You have the greatest villain looking after you. Nothing escapes me!” You declared smugly, partly to her but also to prove yourself to Mr. Lycaon. ‘Another recruit and I’ll have half of the company at my beck and call.’ 

You were eager to make a show of taking over right in front of him, robbing his authority.

“If you agree to be my lackey, I promise to give you my full support. Deal?” You held out a hand for her to shake. She huffed, “We’re supposed to be partners.”

“Hear me out! I’m partly nocturnal, but I can stay awake for business at least. I’m pretty strong too! I’ve trained to lift rubble, so a body is practically nothing to me. You could even call me an artist the way I’ve been escaping my entire life. Rest assured, my dear lackey. ” “I haven’t even agreed yet.” But she shook your hand anyway, favoring the mission over her title of relationship. “I don’t have to call you ‘my lord’ like Corin does, do I?”

“It’s in the fine print.”

“Yeah, yeah, my lord.” You beamed, clearly pleased. “What do you think, Mr. Lycaon?” 

“I expect the two of you to contact me if things go awry.” Without pause, he slid open the drawer beside him and pulled out a flip phone. Despite being an old model, it was pristine and well taken care of, as if it was fresh out of the box. You snatched the phone and flipped it open, immediately scrolling through the contacts. Listed were only the names of your boss and your new servant.

“Pleasure doing business with you, sir!” You grinned and slid the phone into your pocket and stood, as if you weren’t his employee in the first place. The both of your took your leave, leaving Mr. Lycaon in a contemplative mood. The type of mood that warranted one staring out the large window that loomed behind their desk.

Ellen shut the door behind her and immediately pulled out her phone to message her friends. A smile began to form on her lips. “Thanks.” “Cruorem Y/N, but that’s ‘my lord’ to you. If that’s what it took to win you over, I’ll be climbing the ranks in no time!” You sped past her to return to your room, leaving her to her own business.

“Your first mission..!” Corin fussed over you, having returned from her day out. She allowed you to borrow her luggage, clothing and other essentials prepared for your departure. Remembering when Mr. Lycaon had delegated her first mission, she recalled her anxiety and projected it onto your situation. Though, unlike you, she had someone she trusted by her side to guide her. However, you did not know Ellen like she did. She hoped the two of you would get along. 

“Do you need anything else? Teddy?” She offered before you wrapped her in your arms, pressing her head to your chest to prevent her from running around. Corin huffed in surprise, but made no comment. Her face flushed and warmed your cold body.

Corin lightly picked at the hem of your vest as silence washed over the room. The two of you stood in the middle of the room before the only opened curtains, bathed in dusk, heartbeats intertwining. Your shadow amalgamated hers, looming before you and phasing through the dark. A few breaths passed. “Text me daily.” “Okay.”

“Tell me you’ll miss me.”

“I will.”

“You’re mine.”

“O-of course, my lord.”

You rested your cheek over the crown of her head. Out of uniform, her hair was put down, leaving your position undisturbed. Her hair smelled like lavender. ‘..How sweet..’ Fluttering your wings, you moved her hair aside, baring her neck. Her lily white nightgown was shoulder-less, held together by laced straps. Corin shivered as you ran your fingers along her trapezius.

Moving down, you ghosted your lips along her neck. “Is this okay?” You murmured against her skin. “It might scar.” Your other hand ran over the scars on her shoulder. It was as if the girl had been reattached limb by limb. The cherry on top was the jagged line that ran straight across her neck, usually hidden by her collared dress.

Corin nodded against your chest, her hands reaching up from behind your back to grasp your shoulders. 

Your lips parted, and your fangs sank in, piercing through delicate flesh. Your canines tingled as the blood sent signals through your nerve ends. Her blood flowed thickly and left a bitter aftertaste. The taste of rotten blood. The stimulating shock of drawing blood never got tiring to you. The grip on your shoulders grew stronger as your shirt creased between her fingers. “I-It hurts..” She sobbed, but you only dug in further, prodding at her muscle. Moments passed before you retracted. “Good. Remember that feeling.” Blood sludged out of her wound, black and foul. It was as if her body had been turned inside out, left to clot and dry out, leaving her cells bare of oxygen.

“That’s what it feels like if you betray me.” Your sleeve went to wipe at the coagulating wound. 

Corin sniffed, but stayed silent in fear. Her fingers relaxed when you stilled, realizing that you would no longer make a move. “Your shirt..” She started, realizing that she had left your clothing in disarray. The girl paused, and retracted from your arms, a hand placed over her neck where you had marked.

She ran out the door, her feet in a light pitter patter.

You fell back onto the bed, resting an arm over your eyes. The black blood from your sleeves crusted over and flaked off onto your skin. ‘Hah, what did I expect…?’ Licking your teeth, you shuddered in disgust. Corin tasted like a corpse. But she was yours. “M-my lord, your uniform came in..!” Raising your head in surprise, you blinked as Corin returned with a bundle of clothing in tow. Flecks of gold plates clinked together on leather as she stumbled to your side.

“I just remembered..! It would’ve been so embarrassing if I let you go out like this…” You sat up as she placed them beside you, reaching out to unbutton your collar. You smiled. “For me or you?” As a maid did, Corrin helped you get dressed, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the complicated loops and straps that held the fabric together. Your wings unfolded freely, unbounded by cloth as the uniform was accommodating to your figure. She guided you towards the mirror.

Adjusting your cuff and popping the collar which embellished your shoulders, a rush of adrenaline flooded through you as you realized that your uniform had been customized to appear more regal than the attendants of the Victoria Housekeeping usually allowed. The vest acted as a corset to straighten your posture, lengthening behind you into pointed coattails that mimicked a bat’s uropatagium, or tail. It was cut off from your shoulders, though made up by the cropped button down shirt. The combined effort of this design allowed for your back to be bare in order to optimize your flight.

“Mr. Lycaon had that specially made for you. He did that for Ellen too.” Ah, right, her skirt had been divided in order to allow for her tail to slip through. Tucking your phone within your pocket, Corin came closer to chain a pocket watch through the loop of your vest. The accessory was engraved with the branding of the agency, unlike the one Mr. Lycaon held.

“I guess I’m official now.” You put your hands on your waist, standing before Corin proudly. Your wings flared behind you.

“Yeah, officially late.” Ellen appeared leaning at your door frame, left wide open when Corin had rushed in. “C’mon, edge lord. It’s time to leave.”

Softness blanketed around you, bringing a source of unfamiliarity and discomfort. Your body ached lightly while your wings twitched numbly beneath your form on the mattress. ‘…. That's weird.. Why is the ground so soft?’ 

Opening your eyes, you squinted as the coffered ceiling came into focus. The room was dimly lit for your comfort, curtains blacking out the sunlight. The comfort of the situation made you feel fuzzy and warm…’This is wrong’. You jolted up.

“Ahh! Please lay down, my lord!” Your servant from beside you sat up from your bedside and pushed you back into the mattress. “You're still injured from before,” she sniffed. The memory of cold hard metal returned to you, leaving your chest pulsing and aching. “...My dear lackey..” You began by clearing your throat, staring back up at the ceiling, “Just where have you brought me?”

“Uhm, you're at the café the Victoria Housekeeping Co. uses as their front.” She rambled, hoping to satiate your curiosity. You didn't interrupt, favoring to listen instead. “We’re a human resource dispatch agency… We do normal housekeeping, but sometimes we venture into the hollows if we're asked to! The aristocrats like our cafe, and it gives privacy for our clients when they want to hire us. Mr. Lycaon is the boss around here, but Ms. Sebastiane is like the second boss. Ah, wait, you haven’t met her yet..sorry..”

“Hmm.. really?” Corin made a noise of agreement, though it sounded like a squeak instead. “You guys sound like mercenaries. Or like. Assassins. Does that mean you.. can't serve me?” Corin silently helped you sit up as you leaned forward, piling more pillows behind for you to lean on. She opened her mouth to respond, but three knocks on the door interrupted.

Corin pursed her lips, pausing, and turning to answer the door. From behind her, you could make out the intimidating figure of the wolf-thiren from before. “How is he?”

The girl twiddled her fingers nervously. “Mr. Lycaon! They're awake. Would you like to talk to him?” Without answer, she moved aside to let Lycaon through the door. “If that is alright with them,” He responded stiffly.

Corin looked at you, and you looked away, but you still nodded. This wasn't your territory, but his. 

He walked forward to your side. Each step he took against the tiled floors made you want to curl in on yourself again. As the distance between you two shortened, you had to forcibly keep your hand from shaking beneath the blanket. “Master..” He tried, but you only bit your lip harder. 

“Y/N.” You corrected him, not willing to accept the title. Though you boldly said so, you refused to make eye contact, staring at the blanket below you. Somewhere in thought, you realized that they had changed your clothes. Gone was the ragged sleeveless bodysuit you wore, replaced by a pristine white button up and black shorts. You couldn't tell if you liked this change or not.

“Sir Y/N, do you have anywhere to return?” 

“Hmph. I don't need anybody else but Corin by my side. Those loser batholes don't deserve me anyway.” You crossed your arms in defiance, attempting to look smug, but that only put pressure on your chest. You wheezed lightly and uncrossed your arms.

From Lycaon’s eyes, you looked like a kicked puppy instead, ostracized and left alone. Corin perked up and tugged at his sleeve, gesturing for him to bend down so that she could reach his ear. The two whispered back and forth, Lycaon clearly hesitating, but giving in with a sigh. He did not put up much of a fight. Corin beamed, blinking away the tears that had formed from her pleading.

She gently grasped your hands, “Why don’t don't you join us, my lord?” 

The longer you stared at her, the more she grew puppy-eyed, lips trembling in embarrassment. “That is.. if you want to..” She trailed off, flushing at your lack of response.

You were torn. Would you stoop as low as to become a servant yourself? “But.. how am I supposed to be seen as a top-notch villain when I'm out there serving others? No one's going to see me as imposing!” Corin side-eyed her boss before looking back at you, letting go of your hands. “S-so you don't want to stay with me? I'm- I'm so sorry for assuming! You probably don't want to be with someone like-”

Before she could completely let go, you held on tighter. “Now, hold on!” She stopped. “If the corporate pyramid scheme is truly a pyramid, then there's absolutely nothing that’s stopping me from climbing it. Your company will be my stepping stone to success! Therefore, you will have me.” Declaring your plans, you clenched a fist up, as if solidifying your emotions.

“So.. you will join!” 

“Yes, my dear lackey. That’s what I just said.”

Lycaon- Er, I guess Mr. Lycaon now, cleared his throat after allowing the two of you to have your moment. Seeing as you weren't truly a harm to the agency, he decided to allow you to continue your theatrics, though it would have to be toned down when you were inevitably allowed to interact with the clients. The two of you paused and stared at him, blinking owlishly. He felt as if he had interrupted something between you two.

“Then, in the meantime, we shall have you accommodated. After you're deemed healthy enough to move out and about, your training will begin.”

You nodded at your new superior. Corin raised her hand from beside you, “I can help you.. if you'd let me..”

You swung your arm around her, forcing her to lean closer to your bedside. “I wouldn't have it any other way, my dear servant.”

You realized that it would take you a while to get adjusted to not only the new etiquette of the agency, but to not being constantly out and about as well. Instead of hunting for critters, you were granted packets of thiren-specialized… food, your taste buds unable to cope with the palate of homemade dishes that Rina served you. Lycaon allowed Corin to tend to you especially, Rina encouraging this so that Corin could gain more experience as well as confidence.

“It’s just this way, my lord…!” Corin guided you, your hand on her shoulder as she led you towards the kitchen. You slumped your head over her shoulder dramatically, careful not to put pressure on your bruised ribs. “Ueheuhehh.. I’m so hungry...I could eat a..” Corin nodded. “Yes, Ms. Sebastiane told me that recovering can take a lot out of the body, s-so she said that she would cook up a special remedy for you.” Corin had a good feeling about this dish in her heart, though in her head.. She feared that you would not last. “Um.. if you don’t want to eat it, it’s okay. Don’t force yourself..!” The two of you made your way through the velvet carpeted floors which blanketed the checkered tiles, passing through the beams of sunlight which streamed through the window. Your shadows phased and glided across the floor, dancing between each fleck of light.

Past the double doors was the dining room, where Rina glided to and fro, her skirt swishing delicately as her bangboo spun past, delivering cutlery to their designated places beside the engraved charger plates. “Ah! Corin, little lord. You’ve arrived on time.” “I’m not little.” You replied on reflex. “Wow, this place is super fancy. I’ve only seen stuff like this in movies. Do you all normally have lunch together?” You questioned as you sat, the little bangboo with braids pushing in your chair. You watched the puppets curiously as they twirled about the room, not unlike fairies. The blonde bangboo pushed the dining cart closer as Ms. Sebastiane lifted the lid to the pot, stirring the ladle, the braided one bringing her more plates. “No, unfortunately not. Lycaon will not be joining us because he will be preparing for the arrival of our next client. Ellen is out with her friends at the moment. Sometimes, we all have shifts at different times, according to our clients. This is a special occasion.” Corin spoke up from behind your chair, “Miss..Is it okay if he tries a small serving? I think he should see if he likes it first..” “Well, if you say so~” Rina gently placed down the plate before you, pointing at the specific cutlery you needed. “Remember, outside inwards.” “Right…” You began to sweat. “Nothing that the likes of me can’t handle! Ahaha..” The soup appeared downright unappealing, the broth swirling like purple miasma. It bubbled with unidentified ingredients, shifting around the soup on their own. The soup actually lacked a distinct smell despite its appearance, but seeing as it was soup, that was worrying. You gulped. Corin was practically shaking behind you in fear and worry. If you listened closely, you could hear the beating heart of her bear plush speed up to match its owner’s.

Quickly, you placed the spoon into your mouth, gulping down the soup. 

Immediately, shivers ran down your spine, and you dropped the spoon back onto the plate with a clang.  Complex flavors flooded your senses and the texture of the liquid was indescribable. Your mouth tingled and your throat numbed as the spices left its aftertaste, the particles roughly sliding down. You’d never tasted anything like it. A gasp was heard behind you. “How is it?”

“G-goosebumps..” You hung your head in shock, though Rina took it positively. You could still feel the warm soup make its way to its destination, burning through your gut. In restrained excitement, she prattled off the exotic list of ingredients she had acquired for the recipe. You recognized none of the herbs or spices used, but Corin seemed to grow paler and paler. “Ms. Sebastiane..” You weakly began, though she corrected you. “Please, call me Rina. We’re soon to be co-workers.” And perhaps her new taste-tester, seeing as you had reacted so strongly.

“Rina… I don’t think anything you listed off is healthy for me..I’ve never been fed those things.” Her dolls giggled behind her, mocking your reaction. One of them hung their head like a limp doll while the other exaggerated you by choking on air and falling over. “What a shame. I’ve heard many call this recipe reenergizing, but I wouldn’t want to force it upon you if you cannot stomach it. It’d only be worse for you in the long run.” She turned to Corin, “Dear, would you like to help me finish off the soup?”

Said girl stuttered and quickly shook her head, headband almost coming loose in the process. “N-No thank you! I’m not hungry.”

Later, Corin would bow to you repeatedly as you downed nutritional packets that you had found in the back of the cupboards, promising to cook for you the next time as an apology. “I get to try your cooking?!” Your head shot out of the compartment in surprise.

The maid nodded meekly as you chewed on the plastic, your teeth piercing through. “Well why didn’t you say so? You’re mine right? Make that an everyday thing and we have a deal!” You pointed at her from halfway within the shelf, your other hand continuing to unwrap the prepackaged meals. “Ahh! D-deal! Please slow down..” 

You were granted a small wardrobe of your own that fit the aesthetic of the company. Not quite the uniform, the clothing given to you was both flowy in order to appear elegant, and form fitting at certain points to allow for mobility when you wanted to be more active.

Active, as in.. “Sir Y/N, please come down from the ceiling, or I will have to call Rina to fetch you.” Lycaon sighed as he found you perched upside down on the chandelier, swinging lightly. From beside him, Ellen stood uninterested, tapping away at her phone while leaning on the side of the guest sofa. You clicked your tongue disrespectfully, “Well, you’re no fun, Mr. Lycaon. Rina only captures me because you tell her to. Why don’t you just come up here instead? Didn’t you tell me I had to watch? I can see the whole room from here!” You taunted him, watching as he narrowed his eyes. You wrapped your wings around yourself in a cocoon as your knees bent around the metal frame.

Though he was upset at your behavior, Mr. Lycaon took no action to move you, nor did he raise his voice. “When our client comes, it is your agreed duty to maintain the reputation of our establishment.”

“Fine, fine.” You scoffed.

Just at the delivery of your remark, the door to the foyer swung open. Rina walked through, stopping to acknowledge the person following. “After you.” She bowed her head and folded her hands, awaiting their entrance. 

With a silent ‘swoop’, you appeared to the right of Ellen as Lycaon side-eyed you, sparing no more than a glance. You winked and mouthed the words ‘eyes and ears’.

Your boss stepped forward to greet the client. As if a hidden cue played, the attendants of Victoria Housekeeping Co. bowed simultaneously, minus you. Ellen sighed inaudibly and pushed your head down so that you were unable to make eye contact with the aristocrat, or embarrass them.

“Thank you for using the Victoria Housekeeping, where your wish is our command, Master. Please, make yourself comfortable.” Lycaon greeted the client, and only sat when the client did so. From beside, Rina poured out tea, her bangboo delivering the cups.

From behind the sofa, you could tell the guy was oddly young. His coat looked elaborate, yet colorfully pleasing, and his rings glimmered from his fingers, the gems in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Though, his most noticeable feature was his long purple hair, which was tied into a low side ponytail. In fact, he looked so regal that if he had sat still enough, people would assume the scene to be a portrait of an unnamed historical figure. 

All in all, this person seemed very unreal to you.

“Let’s.. skip over the pleasantries, shall we?” The client began, placing both hands on his decorative cane. “I’d like to request a few of your attendants to work as temporary bodyguards for my daughter. I’m afraid that one’s a bit too rambunctious for her own good, always sneaking out somewhere.”

He exaggeratedly sighed, like the noble he was. “That girl will probably go and get lost somewhere, and I really need to keep an eye on her. I’ll be away for two weeks, so it’ll probably be in that timeframe.” From behind the man, you silently mimicked his sigh, placing a hand on your forehead in mock worry. Ellen pinched your arm. “Is that something you can do?”

Lycaon nodded in understanding. “Yes, our services do include protection. Is there anybody you would like to request, in particular?”

The man leaned back into the sofa and gestured a hand to his side. The side that you and Ellen were standing at. You began to sweat.

“How about these two?” The butler hesitated. “Master, I’m afraid that will not be possible. Those two are not full time workers. Furthermore, I have yet to train the other. He is simply here for observation.” The man waved a hand in dismissal. “Bah, it’s fine! I’ll just pay extra for the overtime. Young workers like that, right? Besides, people who are a little feisty are perfect for my daughter.” He leaned forward and picked up the teacup, placing the rim of the cup against his lips to test the temperature. “The girl always complains about how stiff her personal maids are. Those two look like they can keep in line enough.” Lycaon hardened his eyes. “Master, no amount of payment shall sway me to jeopardize the completion of the commission nor the safety of my workers if I do not believe them to be ready.” “Can’t he just have training on the job? There’s nothing like on-the-field experience, so I’ve heard.” The man grew increasingly agitated at the resistance, though he smoothed it away with a sip of the tea. “How about just the shark girl?” Lycaon looked to the both of you for your opinions on the matter. Even if he was your employer, he prioritized your decisions first. You and Ellen looked at each other. 

‘What do you think?’ You raised an eyebrow. 

She nodded her head in the direction of the man. ‘Do you wanna do it?’ She seemed to signal back. The two of you looked back at Mr. Lycaon. 

You nodded and grinned while Ellen shrugged uncaringly.

Ellen looked back at you and also nodded in agreement with you, though still shrugging.

Lycaon looked back at the man, him tapping impatiently at the rim of the cup, his cane lay leaning against his leg. “So?”

Lycaon held back another sigh. “Your selected attendants shall do their best to carry out your wishes.” His response pleased the man. “Wonderful. I expect them to be ready at this address by tonight.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a thin business card. Lycaon received the card with both paws and stood to bow. This time, the entirety of the Victoria Housekeep bowed along. “Thank you for reaching out to us. We hope to meet your expectations throughout the duration of our partnership.”

“As promised, I’ll send over a check for half of the commission.” The man stood with his cane and gleefully sauntered out the room, Rina escorting him out.

Lycaon looked back at the two of you, signaling you both to follow him. It seemed like your smooth recovery at the household would be briefly interrupted.

“Stupid brothers.. always thinking I’m a burden..” You grumbled, kicking a stray pebble from atop of the hill of rubble and stone benches you sat upon. It fell with a pitter patter, bouncing off somewhere into the abyss.

There you lied in wait, on the outskirts of the hollow as the Ballet Twin Towers loomed behind you in the distance. It had been approximately 20 minutes since your cauldron of brothers had left you behind to guard the “throne” you had built, them playing along in order to ditch you at the last minute. With no carrot and little assistance, you were stranded, left to die alone.

“Hmhm..” You smirked to yourself, placing a hand over your heart. “Maybe it’s time I start my villain arc!” In a growing voice, you began to announce, “After playing the role of the ‘runt’ for so long’, I, Cruorem (y/n), shall have my vengeance! No longer shall I be seen as ‘little shrimp’ or ‘dull-fanged’, for as long as I shall live, from this day forth, I shall be known as a true predator!” You cackled, conjuring sparks of ether behind you to mimic thunder Your wings splayed out in a show of dominance, the shadow allowing a ring of light to halo around your head. Your non-existent followers began to cheer and applause, your name being chanted over and over.

“Wow.. that’s so inspiring..!” A voice had called out from below. Confidence began to swell within your chest.

“But of course, my dear! Truly an ambition worthy of my prowess!” You smugly responded back to the voice… that didn’t come from your head?! You shot up from your seat, gliding down to confirm the source of the new voice. Lightly bouncing down the layers of rubble, you descended from the heavens like a fallen angel, though with bat wings instead.

There, a pale girl in green twintails awaited, gaping in awe of your presence. She stood speechless at your arrival, before realizing that she had interrupted your speech. More shaken than you, she stuttered out an apology, tears welling up from her eyes. “I’m- I’m- I’m so sorry!” Biting her tongue in the process, she bowed down, clutching her apron.

‘A maid? This must be fate! I must recruit her!’ You thought to yourself on opportunity, before you had smelled the scent of blood, though it was a little rotten. “Hey, look at me.” You gently grasped the girl’s chin to observe her injury, pulling out a clean handkerchief from your breast pocket. Lightly prying her mouth open, you placed pressure on her tongue with the cloth while she sniffed pitifully. The little maid grasped the cloth herself. “Thffank yu..”

You gently placed a hand on her head, careful not to ruin her hair. “No problem, my lackey! If I’m going to have you by my side as a servant, I’d have to treat you well!”

“Corin! Where have you gone?” A voice shouted in the distance. Said girl jolted in surprise, biting down on the cloth before removing it to respond. “I’m over here, Mr. Lycaon! I found a girl!”

“Girl?!” You shouted in bewilderment, shaking the maid’s shoulders. “Man! I’m a man!” Actually, you were neither, but you had decided that presenting masculine would help you fit in with your brothers more, so you identified as so.

“Oh.. I’m so sorry, I had thought..-!” She cried out in response, but her words were interrupted as a kick came barreling in, aimed at your abdomen. The maid shut her eyes at the force, frost blown against her eyelashes. “Please refrain from touching my employee!”

The kick connected, digging into your spine. Your body flew back against the concrete, slamming into the ridges of the hill you had made of rubble, knocking the air out of your lungs. As you tumbled to the ground, your wings fluttered weakly. Pain shot through your spine as you jerked on the ground from the pain, a sob forcing its way through your lips. The assailant from before picked you up by your collar as you struggled to open your eyes. “State your business here, bat.”

The wolf-thiren held you above the ground, cutting off your air. In defiance, you bit his paw, though that only made him clutch your shirt harder. He recognized your kind, and he did not appreciate it one bit.

“No, Mr. Lycaon! They didn’t do anything!” Corin weakly tugged at his sleeve. “You’re bleeding.” He gruffly responded, glaring down at your form as you weakly pried at his grasp. “I bit my tongue..!” She raised her voice at last, which made him drop you in light surprise at her volume.

She immediately dropped to her knees, scraping them in the process in order to hold you up. Though at this point, the lack of air had rendered you half-unconscious. Your vision tunneled as your ears rang, unable to make out her following words as she held you. In fear and instinct, you weakly pushed away from her arms, rolling onto the floor. “N-no!” Your wings shielded your face as you curled into a ball, the same way you would hang upside-down.

“I won’t..” You sobbed out, “I won’t do it again, sir… Please! I’ll do anything..”

Realizing his mistake at Corin’s response to your form, the wolf-thiren kneeled down, though that only made you tremble harder. He hovered a hand at the small of your back, below your wings. The heat emanating from his palm warmed your back against the frost spilling from his legs. “I.. apologize, little one. I have treated you wrongly. Please, allow me to make it up to you.”

You forced yourself to stop shaking, though pain still pulsed through your core. You were alone, and outnumbered, and with no escape, so you planned the only way you knew how.

“Then.. escort me out.” You uttered meekly, the confidence blown from your body from the kick.

Corin watched sadly as you lost the character you had formed when she had first seen you. She blamed herself, for if she had never bitten her tongue, then maybe her boss wouldn’t have harmed you. Instead of being the person she wished she could be, she had only lowered you down to her level, or what she saw herself as. Corin bit her lip, watching you struggle to stand, knees buckling.

Pushing away Mr. Lycaon’s extended reach, she gently scooped your figure into her arms, careful not to let her shackles dig into your wings. “Please..um, my lord. Allow this servant to carry you out!” Corin tried to appease you so that you wouldn't shy away..

‘My lord’, she had called you. Her reference to your new title made your heart swell up with joy, and you relaxed in her hold, clearly pleased. Your head lay nestled in her arms as you chuckled weakly, keeping your head tucked so that the wolf from before did not appear in your peripheral. “Ha.. ha.. okay.”

Lycaon silently stood, allowing Corin to coddle you as you clearly trusted her. He didn’t want to agitate you any further. “Then let us return to the others.”

Corin treated you with the same tenderness that you had treated her injury, holding you against her chest as she followed along. If it were any other situation, she would’ve been proud of herself for being able to serve you like this, but it was her fault that she had caused your situation in the first place, so she swore to do her best to make it up to you. Her strides were smooth, careful not to jostle you as she and Mr. Lycaon made their way through the rocky terrain of the Hollow, to where the others were waiting at the exit.

“They’re back.” Ellen bit into her lollipop as she saw her co-workers return, getting up from her crouched position on the ground. Eous bounced up at her feet. “Lycaon, who is that?” Phaethon questioned, seeing the bat-thiren in Corin’s arms. The little bangboo pointed its stub at your limp figure.

“Shhh!” Corin lightly pleaded in a whisper. “They’re sleeping.”

“Please, allow me.” Rina hovered over attempting to lighten the load, but Corin only stepped back, shaking her head. “I can do it, really!”

Lycaon shook his head at Rina when she looked at him in query. “Prioritize the client first. I will inform you both at the debriefing tonight. Ellen, Corin, you two return back first. Alexandrina and I will meet up with the client to return the requested item and complete the commission.” Eous hopped into his arms. “Master Proxy, I will stop by later for your compensation.” The little bangboo nodded. “Okay, but you’ve gotta spill the tea later.”

Corin meekly followed behind with you in her arms.