Ryeowook's lungs were burning, he stumbled forward in a panic, he wouldn't be able to last much longer. He tasted the coppery tinge of blood rising like bile in his throat and felt his legs give out from underneath him. He planted his palms against the cold ground and pushed himself up. Stand! Stand! Stand up, goddammit! His legs shook painfully as if he were a toddler learning to take his first steps – one foot up, then another, one wobbly step, then another. He surveyed the chaos around him, it was never supposed to be like this. Sungmin and Jongwoon and... Kyuhyun. Please Live!

 

Kyuhyun was outnumbered and Ryeowook could tell by the look in the young vampire's eyes that he didn't care, but Ryeowook cared – very much so. He never had much time to begin with, but if his short life was going to end he could at least choose when. Ryeowook lunged forward in order to shield Kyuhyun and it didn't hurt half as much as seeing Kyuhyun's grief-stricken expression. Ryeowook felt himself fall, his body floating as if suspended in slow motion. Kyuhyun caught him and screamed in agony.

 

Ryeowook brushed the back of his cold hand against Kyuhyun's pale cheek, “It's okay to live, Kyuhyun-ah. You should never feel guilty about that.”

 

Kyuhyun felt his soul shatter when Ryeowook went limp. Everything went eerily still and a sardonic laugh filled the air. Jongwooon looked on grimly while holding Sungmin back.

 

“What's happening, Jongwoon?” Sungmin asked quietly while a huge field of energy emanated from their lanky friend.

 

“The brat actually has powers,” Heechul interrupted with a sneer. “Powers that make him one of the strongest vampires in the world.”