He looked over the boys, watching silently. They were all eating quietly, chatting amongst themselves. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on their faces as they hunched over their simple meals. He sat in his usual seat elevated above everyone else, his eight loyal followers positioned just below him like a royal court.

To his right sat Chan, Seungmin, Felix and Hyunjin, their postures relaxed yet alert. To his left were Changbin, Jisung, Minho and Jeongin, similarly attentive. The wooden table creaked slightly under their plates, the only sound besides their murmurs and the distant crackling of the main hall fire.

The eight boys had proved their devotion countless times - bloodletting rituals under the full moon, tracking down and eliminating traitors, risking their lives to expand the community's influence. In return, he'd granted them privileges: softer beds, better food, the honor of sitting closest to him during meals. Most importantly, each bore the symbol of the creed carved permanently into their chests - a mark of true belonging.