Interrogation

"You will," the wolf said in English. Because their upper bodies were grazing each other, Hyeon could feel Fenrir's low voice vibrate in his chest.

"Tell me who you're affiliated with," the top demanded.

*Why does he have to interrogate me in this position?* Hyeon twisted in a failed attempt to free himself.

"I-I'm not with anyone. I'm just here to work and then move on," he stammered.

Fenrir's eyes narrowed with suspicion and his amber irises burned. He wasn't loosening the grip against Hyeon's arms at all; if anything, he clutched tighter to prevent his arms from breaking free. "They wouldn't let someone like you wander around freely. Not with the type of soul you have."

"Who?" Hyeon inquired worriedly. "I honestly don't know. None of this existed to me until a few days ago...Master Fenrir," he added the formal name as a quick add-on.

"Ljúga (Lies). Was it Zeus? Huitzilopochtli? My grandfather?" The third name was seethed with clear hatred. His fangs glistened with intimidation from the hallway lighting. "There's no doubt the potency of your energy is being used against me. There's no one on my side."

Hyeon was at a loss for words as fear slowly seeped into him. The person above was giving off dangerous radiation that also made Haruma squirm somewhat.

In aggravation from the silence, the black-haired beast snapped, "I see. Since you are refusing to reveal whomever you swear your allegiance to, perhaps I should send them your corpse instead? It's been a very, very long time since I've been able to extract energy the way I want to."

Fenrir's straddle locked tighter over his trapped prey and leaned closer for an energy-sucking kiss. His lips were millimeters from Hyeon's. It was close enough that Hyeon could feel a stinging scrape from this wolf's upper fangs against his bottom lip. A small drop of blood oozed out from the minor cut which flowed down the side of Hyeon's cheek.

Before he could go any further, the potential killer paused and propped back up. His strength was great enough to hold Hyeon's arms in place with just one hand. One of his sharp nails pressed hard on the wrist insignia. Master looked to his right.

"I see that a fox is wedging into business he shouldn't be," Fenrir said in an underlying warning tone.

Haruma was squatting right next to them with a dead-panned face. They were both at the same eye level. "My Lord, you're misunderstanding."

"And how so, Haruma? It's quite obvious someone like him would be a mole working under the thumb of a powerful god. He's an infiltrator with enough soul energy to replenish any severely weakened, high-ranking deity. Possibly, he could have the power to take away force, too. It took a whole year for incompetent dýrs to supply me enough spirit force, yet this one could do it in a few touches."

*Wait, is that why he's skeptical of me? Because he received an unusual amount of energy from my touch compared to others? This is bullshit.*

The odd-eyed fox remained in his squatting position. "Yes, you're misunderstanding."

"I questioned how I am not understanding."

"Mr. Descheeni," Haruma simply replied, referring to the Navajo divinity that hired Hyeon. Where was he anyway? Now would be a great time for him to show up!

"And? What about Coyote?" Fenrir said in a low snarl. Haruma's vague answers were taking their toll on everyone.

"He hired him for you."

The black wolf was at his wit's end. "How does that verify this dýr's loyalty?"

Haruma didn't hesitate by saying, "If he was guilty, Mr. Descheeni would've killed him onsite."

What!

"I'm asking you to refrain from absorbing all of his soul energy now, My Lord."

The Master sighed. He muttered to himself, "This fox better be leaving my mansion soon. It's been long enough." Releasing his tight grip, Hyeon quickly slid out from under Fenrir's thighs. He couldn't tell if being almost eaten literally by a hyena demon or dying by the hands of their ruler was more terrifying. He remained situated on the ground and cleaned off the small trail of blood from his face. This was the second time finding himself on his knees in this room.

Fenrir stood up and snapped his fingers. At the sound, the wall torches lit up with dim fire. The wolf features like his tail and ears didn't return this time. Perhaps it had something to do with how much energy he absorbs? After all, the lower quantity of animal characteristics equals higher power.

Master looked down at Hyeon cruelly and said in Old Norse, "Þú hafallrr. Hvernig heppinn." (You have allies. How lucky.)

He then spoke to Haruma strictly, "I expect him to have a better presentation," pertaining to the poorly put-together uniform. "Don't make me wait again. In addition, I do not want to hear my real name escape from his throat. Master only."

Hyeon's trainer bowed. "Understood."

Master Fenrir—well, actually just Master now evidently—walked back to his desk. As he waved his hand to signal dismissal, he halted.

"Why is there an unwelcomed, malevolent feline here?"

Both Hyeon and Haruma looked around until they noticed a small, black soot ball at the door entrance. Its back arched with its fur standing up which resembled something like a hissing, Halloween cat. What the...

Hyeon was surprised to see Nammi there! How did she even navigate her way to this hallway?

Nammi started to feebly spring forward with small hisses at Fenrir. Her delicate body caused the attempting intimidation to be not so successful.

Master seemed to be the only person so far not afraid of the tiny cat.

"Hvernig gerði þat fá inn mansionrinn?" (How did it get in the mansion?)

Worried he would do something to Nammi, Hyeon clambered up and scooped her in his arms. This was more of the reaction he was expecting her to do in the presence of canines, but she never actually charged at one before. Except for Blue, Nammi usually runs away at dogs. Being in Hell must be changing her behavior significantly.

"Damned Coyote brought some dangerous beings this time," Fenrir stated while looking at both Hyeon and his pet.

"Fá út." (Get out.)

Haruma bowed once again and gave a firm glance at Hyeon to do the same. Not wanting to but having no choice, he also bowed with the cat on his shoulders.

When they reached the hallway and Haruma politely closed the large doors, he said to Hyeon indifferently, "This job might kill you."