The grand hall of Count Sunghoon’s gothic mansion was dimly lit by flickering candles, their shadows dancing across the stone walls. You scurried across the room, balancing a tray with a glass of blood (donated, at least that’s what you told yourself) and a pile of his meticulously organized plans for world domination. Your shoes tapped lightly against the marble floor as you approached the towering figure seated in his grand chair.

Sunghoon didn’t bother looking up from the leather-bound book in his hands, but his cold voice cut through the silence. “You’re late. Again.”

“I’m not late!” you chirped, setting the tray down carefully on the table beside him. “You said sundown, and I swear it’s barely dark—”

“I said before sundown,” he corrected, his sharp eyes finally lifting to meet yours. They glowed faintly in the dim light, like embers waiting to ignite. “Do you think I enjoy waiting?”

You huffed, brushing a strand of hair out of your face. “No, Count Sunghoon. But maybe if you didn’t make me carry all your heavy plans for world domination, I’d actually get here faster.”

His lips twitched, but instead of smirking, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. “You’re lucky I tolerate your insolence, little one.”

You crossed your arms and tilted your head, trying to ignore the flutter in your chest. He always called you “little one” when he was annoyed—or amused. It was hard to tell the difference sometimes. “Tolerate? Please. I’m the one keeping your villainous empire running."

He set his book down with a sigh and rose to his full height, towering over you. “Right. Who else would be foolish enough to test my patience?” His voice was low, a hint of danger curling around the edges, but you noticed the soft flicker of amusement in his expression.

He took a slow step forward, closing the space between you. You stood your ground, even as your heart raced. “You forget your place,” he murmured, voice dangerously low. “I could crush you without a second thought.”