The Compound (1/1)

A shadowy figure entered the compound, silently creeping across the floor toward the leader's room. He reached the door and looked around quickly to make sure he hadn't been noticed before trying the handle. The leader, Lee Minyoung, was sound asleep, but opened his eyes when he heard the doorknob creak. He sat up in the darkness of the room and reached for his weapon, but by that time the shadowy figure had a hand over Minyoung's mouth. Looking into his eyes, the figure cut the leader's throat before he could utter a sound of alarm or even struggle at all. His work done, the figure left the compound as silently as he had come.

The next morning, Lee Taehee found his father's body, drained and stiff with death on his bed. Beside it, there was a note written in blood, and Taehee lifted it carefully.

'The rest of your family is next. Payback's a bitch, isn't it?'

Taehee moved to crumple the note in his hand, grief written all over his features, but he felt another's grip stop him. His best friend Yooseung tood beside him, his face stoic as he refued to look at the body on the bed, and after a moment Taehee consented and handed him the note. Yooseung read it, his face never changing, then he carefully slipped the note into a plastic bag to keep it safe. It was now evidence, and they were intent to carry on Taehee's father's work even though it could be dangerous. Someone was out there targetting hunters, and they would be after anyone else connected. Yooseung looked at Taehee, an eyebrow lifted as he said, "Hyung, we need to find your dongsaeng. They'll go after him next."  Karam rushed out to meet Injun and Hyunmin. They had called him and told him here had been an accident. He now saw the danger, as they were carrying Jay. Hurrying to help them, he was at a loss for words, which was rare.Hyunmin glanced at him. "He was attacked by a demon while we had our backs turned...Where's Mika?"Karam shook his head, stroking the unconscious boy's hair. "He's inside getting somebandages ready. He is also going to try and heal him."Hyunmin nodded. "I see. I think he will need something more. It's likely poison."Karam did not say another word, but ran in the house ahead of them. "Mika, the healing won't be enough. We need to get him to the Lee compound. It's poison, and he won't make it if we don't."Mika sighed. "No. I can do it here. We don't need them."By then, Injun and Hyunmin had come in with Jay. He did not look good at all. Karam began checking his vitals to see how fast his blood was running. At this rate, the poison would make its was through his body and kill him within the hour. "Mika, I don't care what kind of mistrust you have with them...or Jino. We need to take him now, or he will die. We're going."Mika was staring at Jay. "Fine. I guess it would be the best for him. You guys go ahead. I am going to track down the bastard who did this."  When Karam and his dongsaengs reached the compound, they were met by two men they did not recognize. They also had a stretcher with them. Karam pasted a smile on his face and the men glanced at him. He moved out of their way as they took Jay and placed him on it. One of the men turned to Karam, Hyunmin and Injun. “Your friend will be okay. We are going to take him to Red, one of the healers here. He is also an alchemist and can draw the poison out.”  Karam brushed Jay’s hair away from his forehead, kissing it. “Take care of him, okay?” He looked at Hyunmin and Injun. “You guys will go with him, won’t you? I’ll be there soon. I need to speak with someone, if  I can find him.” His brothers must be around here somewhere, and he needed to speak with one of them. Hyunmin glanced at the men, then Karam. “Sure. We’ll go with him.”   Karam licked his lips nervously. “Thank you.”  Injun did not smile, which was rare. “Of course.”  Once they were gone, Karam began walking toward the leaders’ quarters. He was hoping to see Taehee or Yooseung, also. They could help clear some things up. When he was almost there, he saw a familiar man in black pants, a white tee shirt and red scarf. Karam smiled, and the other man returned the smile tightly. It was not Taehee or Yooseung. “Hi, Karam. I need to inform you of something before we go in and see everyone else.” Karam nodded, glad he had seen someone. “Okay. What’s up?”  The man sighed. “Yesterday morning Taehee’s father was found dead in his bedroom. His throat was cut.