#got7 fantasy

He had dreamed of you before meeting you in person. Yugyeom had seen what fate had in store; as a young woman, your future had been bright until you went to a party, drank too much and ended up in the arms of a man who you would never see again. He left a lasting impression though, soon pregnant with a child you hadn't planned to have until you had finished your degree, and had further years of experience. Yet having your daughter wasn't a curse. She shaped you into a strong single mother and you still managed to work, study part-time and raise your daughter right. There were the nights where you honestly felt at a loss and grieved for the life you once had, but whenever you saw her little face the next morning, you knew you couldn't live without her.

Losing her had been the hardest experience you could ever face. At six years old, your daughter already showed so much promise. She was bright and carefree, yet due to her shaping on earth by you, she sometimes showed a maturity that surprised you for someone so young. Her innocence was robbed of her that day. You had told her to wait in the car as you dashed in to pick up a package from the postal services, and during that time, three men had stolen the car with your daughter in it. It was hard for Yugyeom to see what events would unfold for the girl and as a mother, hearing what those monsters did to her before her life ended, had enraged her more. The guilt you felt for leaving her behind consumed you, as did revenge. The police had identified the killers, yet they weren't doing enough. In your eyes, they had no right to breathe in the same air as everyone else.

So you took matters into your own hands. Yugyeom knew it wouldn't be a crime scene that would be clean. You had stabbed all three of them to death and mutilated their genitalia, hoping that if there was a Hell, they would suffer eternally for their crimes. It seemed to end so soon for you when the police found you, dragging you away and sentenced you to life imprisonment. You didn't have the will to live out your life anymore and a year later, you had died.

Yugyeom had seen you standing at the pearly white gates upon your death and your daughter had come running, screaming out happily from seeing you again. And right as you were so close you could reach out and almost touch her, you were dragged to the fiery depths of Hell, faced with endless atonement for your sins. Yet you couldn't accept your fate here either. You yearned to see your daughter again.

Yugyeom had been surprised all the same when he rose from his slumber to find you before him. Although he knew one day you would come to him, he had still been amazed by seeing someone so beautiful in the flesh. Instead of being annoyed that his sleep had been interrupted by you and your new friends, he had reached out to touch you. To help you see your daughter. Those tears you shed resonated deeply into his soul. He had seen so many things over his centuries, yet it was your life and death that impacted him the most.

And now, from his willing trade to take you to the Heavens and guide the Gods himself for six months at a time, he was dreaming of you alongside his visions.

“Mummy, look! It’s the second sunset!” A little voice cried out, your daughter bouncing up and down on the spot. She turned to see Yugyeom watching you both and gasped. “Oh, you are awake!”

You glanced over your shoulder to see him standing there, your endless smile only growing wider at his appearance. Stepping over to you both, Yugyeom stood behind you and you leaned into him instantly, your small body still fitting into him perfectly. As you all watched the sun set in the skies, Yugyeom thought over how he had not once envisioned falling in love with you. Yet he had.

“Well, you know what it means now, right?” you told your daughter, who groaned heavily. You merely smirked. “Come on, it’s off to bed. The sun has set and you need your rest so we can play together tomorrow!”

Your daughter reached out for Yugyeom's large hand and put on her best pleading face. “Will you tell me another story before bed?”

“Of course! You go wash up and then I will be right up to tell you something wicked!”

Your daughter giggled and you turned in his arms, giving him a reproachful stare. “Nothing too wicked I hope.”

“Kid-friendly, I promise.”

“Good.” You sighed then, your smile faltering. “We only have five days left before our return to Sheol. I don't know how to tell her we have to go.”

“She already knows,” he told you reassuringly. “She is a smart kid. Those six months apart will only make the next six we have together with her that much more special.”

“Have I thanked you enough for all you have done, Yugyeom? You have allowed me to see my daughter again, and brought me here when you didn't have to.” You stopped to toy with the hem of his shirt before looking up at him. “You also allowed me to feel love for the second time. First for my daughter and now with you. I did such terrible crimes, and I would do them again too if I was faced with the same situation. Yet you accept me and see me as worthy of your love.”

“Do you think it’s only you who has gained from our union?” he asked softly, hoisting you up so he could set you on the balcony's railing, bringing your face closer to his. “I have seen so many prophecies for everyone else in this world and yet not once did I think when I watched your fate weave together as it did that I would eventually be holding you in my arms like this. All I have had is my visions and my slumber. But now I have you.”

He leaned in to kiss you, his lips almost touching yours when he let out a small sigh. Without turning, he smiled. “Get up to your bed, little lady, or no story.”

“Aw, it’s not fair how you know everything! Besides, you forgot to say one thing to Mummy!”

“And what's that, munchkin?” you asked, looking around Yugyeom at your daughter.

Yugyeom smiled at the words he heard in his mind before out loud, overwhelmed by the emotions he felt as your daughter spoke. “You have me too! We are a family now, right? I always wanted a Daddy. Now Mummy has even more reason to smile!”

You teared up as Yugyeom helped you down off the railing and then crouched down to your daughter. “Of course, we are a family. And I am so lucky to have you all.”

“Can you tell me the story now, Daddy?”

He nodded happily, a single tear rolling down his cheek at the first time being called that. Grabbing your hand and then hoisting your daughter up into his arms, Yugyeom smiled. “Let’s all go share story time together.”

“And then after?” you asked, smiling up at him.

Yugyeom squeezed your hand. “We'll go discover what fate has in store for us.”

_________________

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there was a legend. a legened of a man who had been cursed. 

once upon a time, there was a kingdom riddled with crime. many of the kingdom’s citizens were starving and sick. there was one family, a family of seven brothers, no parents, no sisters, only the seven men. they faced hardship like the other citizens, but considered themselves lucky, until, the eldest fell fatally ill. the eldest brother was beloved by them all and they were heartbroken. the idea of losing their eldest brother brought the youngest two to desperation. that was where the mistake was made.

Yugyeom had told BamBam that he’d overheard of a witch that lived high in the mountains, and the two decided to slip away one night to find her. when they did, she said she could heal their brother, but she refused. when the two boys begged her, she still turned them away.

it was then BamBam had enough. he left with Yugyeom, but the next night he returned to the witch. as she slept he rummaged through her potions, looking for one that would heal his brother, and then, he took it. when he returned however, it was to late. Mark had passed when BamBam had been away. after much grieving, BamBam confessed too Yugyeom that he had taken the potion, to Yugyeom’s horror. the youngest insisted that he return it to the witch before she found out it was missing, and the two set off to the mountain again.

they snuck into her cave, and returned the potion to its place. however, before they could leave, the witch confronted them. she cursed the boys for trying to tamper with nature and for her stealing. when BamBam confessed he was the one who took the potion and that Yugyeom convinced him to take it back, her wrath fell on him.

“you stupid boy, do you understand what i must do now? you have to be punished for your wrongdoings, otherwise others will then they can just walts in and steal from me.” her voice was sour and wicked, as she prepared to cuse the boy. it was then another brother stood in front of the two cowering boys.

“please ma’am, my brothers are foolish and young, they are blinded by childishness. do not curse them, take me and give me there punishment. i have lost one brother, i can not bare to lose more.” she listened to the elder brother.

“so willing to give yourself for your family. very well then. the punishment for stealling and greed, INTO A BEAST!” her voice bellowed as smoke swirled around the elder brother. 

“JACKSON!” the two boys screamed, tears blurring their vision as their brother’s once tan skin became scally and reptilian. without a backwards glance, the pair bolted from the mountain.

he never saw them again.

(y/n) had heard this story from her mistress. the witch who’d taught her all the magic she knew. her mistress regarded it as an interesting story, not for the two foolish younger boys, but for the selfless elder. she had told it to (y/n) whenever the selfish greed of man blinded (y/n) from their capacity for good. (y/n) had asked her,

“what became of the elder man?” the old witch chuckled.

“he guards my stash. the place i keep my most valubal things.” was her mistress’ answer. 

time passed and the old witch grew wearing. she had desided it was time for her to assend. 

“my dear, i leave my belongings to you. carry on my legacy (y/n).” and with that, she left. while she had been looking through her old istress’ things, (y/n) had found a map, it was to a small cave cut deep in the heard of a mountain. (y/n) had guessed this was her mistress’ stash. so, she set out to find the place.

it took (y/n) three days to reach the mountain. there was only one path into the heart of the mountain, and it took a careful spell to enter, something only a skilled Mystic could proform. once inside, she walked the dark cave passages, till she felt it begin to get warm.

she found herself in a large open space. there, on the cave floor lay the beast. he was easily the size of a house, even bigger with his wingspan. the dragon opened its golden eyes to look at her.

“hello, i’m (y/n). the witch has passed and left me her legacy. she told me of you, of your story.” the beast looked at her curiously, then with sadness. (y/n) swallowed a lump in her thought, that may not have been the best way to introduce herself. she sighed deeply, an idea popped into her head. she planed to clear out this safe house, and use it as her own living space. while having a guard might be nice, (y/n) would rather acquire her own, then use one from her mistress.

“listen, you’ve been here a along time, and i wont be really be needing you. plus, i prefur to be alone. so, i think it’s time i set you free.” the dragon raised it’s head, looking at her in compleat shock. before it could respond more, (y/n) pulled her magic around her. “INTO A MAN.” she spoke in an authoritative tone as smoke clouded the beast.

when the spoke cleared, where the dragon had been a man sat. he stared at his own hands, patting his body for a moment, before looking up at her. 

“you released me.” his voice was horse and scratchy. she looked down at him. he was a young man, probably in his early twenties, with a strong jawline, and large round eyes. she smiled, and offered him a hand. he took her hand shakly and stood. he was maybe a head or so taller then her.

“t-thank you... thank you, thank you!” he attacked her in a hug, holding her in his remarkably stong arms, and hiding his face in her shoulder. she stiffened slightly. it had been years since (y/n) had been hugged by a human, but... the same was true for him she suposed. she rapped her small arms around him, rubbing his back, running her fingers though his dark locks. she felt him shutter agenst her.

“i haven’t been touched by another person in so long... is this real?” his voice was soft and dreamy. she chuckled.

“yes, it’s real.” she reassured him. his arms hugged her tighter.

“thank you.” he mumbled. she hummed in responce. normally (y/n) didn’t like being touched, but this was... nice. he held her so tighly, as though if he lossened his grip she’d fade away. she felt warm and... relaxed in his arms. he smelled of coles and wood burning fires. after a little longer, he lossened his grip.

“what’s your name?” her question was simply but he blinked in suprise. the witch never asked him his name, whenever she spoke to him he was mearly ‘beast’.

“my name is Jackson.” he said, as if remembering it for the first time. she smiled kindly. 

“it’s nice to meet you Jackson. i’m (y/n).” 

(y/n) told Jackson that he was free to do as he pleased. he insisted upon helping her however, seeing as she wanted to change and move many things in and from the mountain stash.

after she had fully settled into her home, Jackson still insisted on staying and helping her. he would follow her around the halls sometimes, watching her brew potions and write spells. she would sometimes ask him to fetch her things from the nearby forest or market. he was always more then happy to ublige. 

it was when (y/n) had been summoned by the grand coven, she had to leave. 

“the journey is four days by horseback.” she stated, gathering her things for the journey. 

“but what about at night while you sleep? won’t it be dangerious?” Jackson worried as he followed her. 

“no. i prefer to sleep in the day and travel at night.” she reasoned. 

“but that is still dangerious.” Jackson continued to worry. 

“i am a skilled witch Jackson, i can more then defend myself from trouble.” she said with a laugh. he sighed.

“i know... but still... maybe i just don’t wanna be here all by my self.” he mumbled. (y/n) stopped. she hadn’t thought of that. 

“you don’t have to stay here. the place in secure, you can go down to the village market. there are many people there.” she suggested. Jackson shook his head. 

“ya know... it’s be way faster to get there by flying...” she turned to see a plan of some sort forming in his eyes. 

“and how would i fly? the broomstick?” she sassed sarcastically. Jackson laughed.

“that’s one idea, or... turn me back into a dragon.” the idea came so suddenly, (y/n) was stuned. 

“but Jackson, you hated being a dragon. i’m not gunna do that to you again.” she shook her head dissmisivly, turning back around to contine. Jackson reached out and took her shoulders, turning her back to face him and holding her there.

“i’d only be temporary. and you’ve told me about grand coven meetings before, some witches bring there pets. please (y/n)...” he begged.

“you want to be my pet? and do you know how extra i’d look if i show up on a dragon?” she shook her head again, but Jackson grabbed her face this time. his hands rested on her cheeks and he stared into her eyes. 

“i’d be anything for you. and you can turn me into other things. when we’re there, turn me into a dog. you always say i act like a puppy.” he reasoned with a grin. (y/n) tryed to ingore the first bit of what he said, and finally gave in.

“alright.”

the coven meeting went well. it only took about two days to get there instead of four, and puppy Jackson was very well behaved. for the meeting (y/n) turned him into a large black dog, he looked at bit like the grim, but she just had to, for aesthetics. he sat beside her the hole time, and when he got bored, moved to sit infront of her and rest his head in her lap so she could massage his ears.

after the meeting was over, (y/n) turned him back into a man.

“there is a small kingdom not far from here. there are lots of little towns and markets. i was thinking would could spend the day wandering, and then start flying back tomorrow.” (y/n) preposed. Jackson was more then happy to ablige.

the two walked through the small market, all the while (y/n) noticed Jackson seemed destracted. 

“what is it Jackson?” she asked, conserned for her friend.

“i’m not sure, this place seems... familiar.” he wondered, lost in thought. (y/n) looked around for a moment, before noting the mountain that the coven meeted had been held at. 

“Jackson... do you remember the town you lived in? before you... met, my mistress?” she asked carfully. recognision flashed in Jackson’s eyes. he immediately grabbed her arm, and pulled her into a small ally. (y/n) looked up, to see tears in Jackson’s eyes, as he tryed to blink and whipe them away. “Jackson... i’m sorry.” she whispered, pulling him into a hug.

it took him a second to responed, but quickly rapped her in his arms, and hid his head in her shoulder. it was then, just over Jackson’s shoulder, (y/n) noticed a silhouette in the shadows. no, he was a shadow. could it be a spirit? he felt human, so (y/n) guessed probably a ghost. her mistress had trained her in a little necromancy, so she could recognize ghosts when she saw them.

the ghost was a young man, probably killed by illness as there looked to be no trama to his body. he was of a shorter and thinner build, with a kind face, and gental eyes. he smiled when he saw she had noticed him, his teeth white and slightly pointed. his smile was kind and genuine, (y/n) could tell he was a gental and sweet spirit, no negitivety came from him. it was then she remembered something.

“Jackson, what did your eldest brother, the one who died from illness, look like?” Jackson pulled away from her for a moment, shocked by the sudden question. he blinked for a moment, trying to remember as he swollowed thinkly.

“he was shorter then me and our other brothers, with a thiner build...”

“did he have pointed teeth, high cheek bones?” Jackson was taken aback again, but nodded. she smiled, turning back to look at the ghost, who smiled kindly at her again. “did he have a soft smile and kind eyes?” Jackson nodded again.

“yeah... a lot of the girls in town were quite fond of him, the old ladies too.” he chuckled sadly. (y/n) saw the ghost laugh as well. 

“what was his name?” she asked finally.

“Mark.” Jackson said, still with pain in his eyes. he couldn’t understand why she was smiling, looking off into a corner of the ally. when she spoke it send shivers down his spine.

“hello Mark, it’s very nice to meet you! my name is (y/n), i’m a friend of Jackson’s.” her voice was sweet as she bowed respectfully to the empty corner. 

“...(y/n)?” Jackson questioned, voice cracking in the slightest. she turned back to him, still smiling. 

“i can see why those women liked him, he’s very sweet. a little quiet however.” she giggled. Jackson nearly choked.

after a ruff introduction, and with the help of (y/n) acting as a translator, Jackson was able to talk to his eldest brother again. with some guidance from Mark, the pair found themselves infront of a small wooden cabin. the place was all too familiar to Jackson, as he treetered between opposite terror and excitement at seeing his family again. he stood in front, with (y/n) and the ghost of Mark behind him. after taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

the sounds of chatter, and men arguing, died down as footsteps approached the door. it was opened by a young man with a rounded face, large ears, and slightly puffy eyes.

“hello, can i help yo-” he stopped mid-sentence as he stared at Jackson in shock.

“Jinyoung... it’s me, it’s Jackson!” Jackson smiled brightly at his brother, who simply stared back in shock. after a moments hesitation, Jinyoung slammed the door shut. Jackson was shocked for a moment before he began pounding his fists on the door. “hey! Jinyoung! It’s me! OPEN THE GODDAMN DOOR!” shouting was heard from the other side. 

a moment later it was opened by another young man. he also had a rounded face, but his eyes were slightly more slanted then Jinyoung’s. he seemed to be the eldest of the five. behind him crowded four more young men, the youngest two of whom looked to be barely twenty year old. in the back should Jinyoung, still looking slightly shook from the fact that his long lost brother now stood before him. hiding behind the eldest, was a man who had a slightly more angular but still soft face, his eyes were small as he hid slightly behind the other man.

“...hyung?” questioned the hidden man in a small voice, peeking up slightly from the eldest’s shoulder. 

“yes, Youngjae, it’s me.” Jackson nodded, laughing to hold back his tears. it was then the eldest spoke.

“Jackson... you’re alive.”

(y/n) stould back and away to the side with the ghost of Mark as the brothers shared a tearful reunion. while quietly listening, (y/n) caught that the eldest’s name was Jaebum, and the youngest two were BamBam, and Yugyeom.

from the story told to her by her mistress, (y/n) could peice together that it was the younger two who had been the boys she had met, and that BamBam had been the one to steal the potion. he had been to one whom her mistress planed to turn into a beast, but Jackson had taken his punishment instead. 

BamBam also seemed the most nervous upon Jackson’s return, astho ether he himself, or Jackson would turn into some terrible beast at any moment. after some time the brother began to notice she was there at all.

“Jackson, who is this?” asked Jaebum, nodding to (y/n) politely. 

“this is (y/n), she’s the one who set me free of the cures.” Jackson said fondly, walking over to her, and standing by her side. 

“but... i thought only a witch could brake the curse..?” asked Yugyeom in a small voice. (y/n) stepped forwards. 

“that is correct. the witch who curesed Jackson was my mistress, and i was her apprentice. after her passing, she left everything to me, and i desided Jackson had served his time and set him free.” she explaned calmly. the men responed with silence. 

Jackson’s brothers regarded (y/n) with slight cashion. even more when they learned it was thanks to her communication with their dead brother that they had found them. she didn't mind much. she understood there caution and fear, and she was more then happy at seeing Jackson so overjoyed. seeing as the other boys couldn’t see him, Mark was there to keep her company. he told her about Jackson when he was little, and the trouble he would get into with the younger boys, mainly BamBam.

soon it began to get dark. Mark noticed and turned to (y/n). 

“miss (y/n)... seeing my little brothers reunite has been the thing i was waiting for, and now that it’s happened... i was hoping you could help me...” the ghost seemed shy in asking but she understould him. 

“lets step outside shall we?” she whispered in reply. the two quietly snuck outside without the other men noticing. once outside, (y/n) reached out to Mark. “place your hands over mine, and i’ll help you pass on.” she said kindly. Mark smiled sweetly in thanks, placing his shadowed hands over hers.

“are you sure you don’t want to say goodbye?” she asked. Mark shook his head. 

“they are destracted, let them forget about me and that sadness for now.” he replyed. she nodded, understanding. (y/n) channeled much of her energy into her heads, and reached up to hold Mark’s. the pairs hands made contact. (y/n) was too focused that she didn’t hear the door open.

“it’s going to feel weird, and you’re going to see a light, when you do, you’ve got to go towards it, no matter how blinding.” she spoke firmly, her eyes closed focusing on her and Mark’s energy and redirecting it. 

“alright, thank you miss (y/n). please look after my little brothers. make sure they know i love them.” Mark’s voice was soft and kind, she smiled in reply, giving his ghoustly hands a gental queeze. 

the brothers all piled out of the door just in time to see (y/n), holding hands with the ghost of their eldest brother. the two were surounded by a white light, and then Mark was gone. 

“(y/n)! wh-what happened?” Jackson ran towards her. (y/n) stumbled back as her energy feld her body, leaving just enough to keep her standing. Jackson caught her as she swayed slightly back and forth.

“Mark... Mark asked me to help him pass on... he’s gone now.” she replyed, sinking to the ground and placing her hands on the grass, grounding herself once again. Jackson followed her, holding her as though he was afraid she would pass out. “i’m alright Jackson... just tired.” she chuckled at the young man’s consern for her. he nodded but didn’t let her go.

“hyung is gone?” the small voice came once again from Youngjae. (y/n) looked over her shoulder at him and nodded. 

“he said he had stuck around hoping to see his little brothers reunited again, and since it happened he was ready to move on. and, that he loves you.” she clarified. Jaebum nodded. as she tried to stand, Jackson pulled her up, steadying her on his chest. 

“come on (y/n), you need to rest.” he insisted, before he picked her up and began walking back towards the cabin.

“JACKSON! i can walk! put me down right now!” she protested, trying to push away. 

“what was that~ you shouldn’t mumble (y/n) i can’t understand you~” he giggled, holding her tighter.

once inside Jackson sat on the floor with his back to the wall. when (y/n) tryed to crall away he pulled her back to him.

“nuh uh~ take a nap (y/n), you need rest.” he said, pulling her to rest in his lap, her head tucked into his shoulder.

“i’m not a child Jackson, i’m a grown woman!” she protested again. he pulled her closer, and whispered in her ear. 

“please (y/n). i just lost my big brother again, and when you snuck out i thought you were gunna be gone for good. please don’t leave me, not right now.” his voice was sad and sincere. she sighed, but curled up agest him anyway.

as she slept the men talked. 

“so Jackson, are you staying?” asked Jaebum finaly. the other men quieted. Jackson stilled. 

“i...i don’t know...” he replyed. 

“you don’t know? Jackson we haven’t seen you in years, we never thought we’d see you again!” protested Jinyoung. Jackson flinched.

“i know... i want to stay, but...” he looked down at (y/n)’s sleeping form in his arms. “i don’t want to leave her alone.”

“why? what makes her so important?” BamBam spoke. he’d been uncharacteristically quiet while (y/n) had been awake, but now he spoke up. “she’s just like the witch who cursed you Jackson! who was going to curse me...” the younger man hickuped slightly. Yugyeom quickly grabbed onto his best friend and hugged him. it was clear BamBam still blamed himself for the dreath of Mark and the loss of Jackson.

“that’s just the thing, she’s nothing like that witch. that old hag locked me away to be her guard dog, she never even asked my name. (y/n) came looking for me, she set me free, she gave me a home instead of keeping me in a prison.” Jackson tryed to explain.

“a better home then with your family?” countered Jinyoung. Jackson fell silent. after a short paus, he spoke.

“when (y/n) lifted the curse, she told me i was free to go, she told me she didn’t mind, that she didn’t need a guard dog, that she liked being alone...” he began. “i asked her to let me help her, if only for a couple of days. in those days i saw how lonely she truly was. (y/n) has no one, that witch only even sent her on arends, she learned her magic though experience. her family was horrible to her because of her gifts, so she left them before she was even ten years old...” Jackson looked up at his brothers. “all those years i was alone, i couldn’t let her stay in that same loneliness i had endured.” he started finally. his brothers were silent for a moment, before Youngjae spoke.

“what if you both stayed...?” he sigested. the other five looked at him in suprise. “she might be a little scary, but she’s kind. i trust her.” he staited. Jackson sighed and shook his head. 

“she’d never agree. she stands by that she likes being alone, and she would want to get back to her lare. she can’t practice magic freely here.” he said with sadness. 

“you’re right. it’s not that i like being alone, it’s that i like being left alone.” (y/n)’s voice was steady as she raised her head off Jackson’s shoulder, and stould from his lap. she turned to the other brothers and bowed. “thank you all for your kindness and hospitality. but i must be going.” she staited. Jackson quickly rushed to his feet. 

“(y/n), but-” she turned around and held up her hand, signaling him to stop. 

“i’m leaving because i need to head back to the lare. you are staying because you belong here with your family.” it was a staitment, not a question. Jackson looked utterly heart broken. 

“(y/n), you’ll be all alone. it’s dark and quiet and so huge, and... and you’ll start to hear things... echoing... please (y/n)...” he grabbed her arm and begged, but she refused to turn around. 

“no Jackson. this is where you belong. stay.” he only held her tighter.

“none of us actually belong here.” everyone was suprised to hear BamBam’s voice. he walked over till he was standing infront of her, looking her directly in the eyes. “we’re all strays. not even blood related. but we’re family. none of us had anyone, but now we’ve got each other. we live in this village, but it’s not our home, our home is each other.” he stared, unwavering, unafraid. “Jackson’s home might be with us, but it’s also with you. you can’t just shove him away like that because you’re a selfish bitch who thinks she’ll be fine on her own.” she stared back at him taking his challenge.

“i sertinly hope you don’t think i’m kinder then my mistress. if you’d pulled the same shit to me you did her, i would have put a blood cures on you, something not even i could break. and no matter how many of you brothers came and begged to take your place, i would have mad sure you were the one to suffer.” BamBam swollowed thinkly at her words. she chuckled. “are you scared little boy? you should be.”

“well, i’m not afraid of you.” Jackson’s voice was strong and confident. he pulled (y/n) around to face him. “(y/n), i know the only reason you’re lashing out is because you feel cornered. but please. BamBam is right, none of us ever really had a home untill we met each other. maybe we could be your home to.” there was hope in his eyes and his words. 

“i can’t stay here.” her reply was flat.

“maybe not, but we don’t have to.” all eyes turned to Jaebum. “you can’t stay here because it’s not safe for you to practice magic. okay, when we won’t stay. we’ll follow you. we’ll come and stay with you where you’re safe.” (y/n) was utterly shocked. these men, all but one of whom she barly knew, were willing to pickup there intire lives and move elsewhere just because of her. 

“we can be merchants.” chimed Jinyoung. “we’ll travel to different towns and places, and sell your magic. potions, elixers, charms, anything.” he shrugged. that was actually a really a good idea... (y/n) sighed.

“i can’t ask you to just pickup and leave your old life behind because of me.” Youngjae spoke next. 

“you arn’t. we’re offering.” 

“and we arn’t just doing to for you. we’re doing it for Jackson.” added BamBam. (y/n) turned back to the younger man, holding his gaze again. after a moment she sighed. 

“very well.”

“noona~ look what i found!” (y/n) looked up from her grimoire at the youngest boy. 

“what is it Yugyeom?” she asked, bookmarking the page for later. 

“it’s amber!” he chimed, skiping over to the much smaller woman and handing her the golden substence. 

“Yugyeom, thank you! i’ve been needing some more. you really are so helpful.” the young man blushed at her prase. 

“anything for you noona~” she chuckled streaching up to ruffle his hair. he had to lean down so she could, and he giggle at how small she was. 

“Yugyeom-ah, could you go help Jaebum and Jinyoung please.” Jackson said from the door way. 

“why can’t you help them hyung? i’m bussy with noona~” he wined. 

“because i asked you to do it.” Jackson smirked. Yugyeom wined again, but with a prompt from (y/n) he begrudgingly left. Jackson walked over to her, rapping his arms around her from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder as she went back to reading.

“what do you need Jackson?” she inquired. he hummed, nussling his face into her air. 

“your attention.” he mumbled. she chuckled. 

“you’re a grown man Jackson. why do you need my attention?” 

“because. you’re always playing with the younger boys. play with me~” he tightened his grip around her waist and lifted her off the ground. 

“Jackson! put me down!” she protested. he giggled before setting her back on the ground. she huffed in anoyence.

“please (y/n). don’t you remember when it was just us? we would sit by the fire when it was late, and you’d curl up on my lap like a little kitten. then i’d rap myself around you to keep you warm. we’d fall asleep just like that.” he remaneced, cuddling into her neck. 

“yes Jackson, i remember.” she replyed, finally alowing herself to lean back agenst him. one odd thing about Jackson, was that eversince his time spent as a dragon, he was oddly warmer. especially his breath. he still smells faintly of cole and embers. it was little things like that that reminded her that he was real, and not just some man created by her mind. Jackson was real. all of them were real. 

(y/n) sometimes wondered if she had taken up the role of Mark. she was elder then all the other boys, quiet, but they’d pretty much all do anything she asked. she looked out for them, but Jaebum as undisputedly the leader. they all adored her though. the oone who’d taken the longest to warm up to her being unsurprisingly BamBam. but now she was the first one he’d come to when asking for edvice. however, her relationship with Jackson was special. 

she loved all the boys dearly, finally have a family of her own. but her love for Jackson was unlike how she felt for the other boys. she knew, atho nether of them had ever spoken about it, that Jackson felt the same. 

The princess is afraid that she might get attached to her loved ones when she is slowly dying, knowing that both would be heartbroken when the time comes.

      “...That’s the last one,” 

Aera tightly ties the string onto the scroll, handing it towards Grandma Kim, but this time, she grabbed a hold onto the elderly’s hand - eyes gazing onto the elderly.

“This is specifically for Jaebeom and the others. It’s best if you could give them after I had my last breath here,” said Aera softly, her eyes watching her surroundings although they were in Aera’s study room.

Days passed after the parade, and the ceremony was successful as the citizens took a liking for Jaebeom’s pack - they even liked them more after finding out that they were the ones who saved King Morian’s long lost citizen.

Just like how she predicted that day, Aera didn’t have the availability to spend time with the others, and sadly, she could tell that her friendship with Jaebeom was beginning to drift away - since both of them weren’t on talking terms and the rest found out the true reason.

But they didn’t know who Aera’s heart belonged to, since she didn’t mention any names - except for Youngjae, he knew but he decided to keep it quiet.

“So, I heard words regarding you and the alpha,” Grandma Kim mentioned and Aera quickly groaned, knowing what the elderly was about to say next.

“I’m impressed! You’re the first girl to reject an alpha!”

Aera turned towards the eldery who was chuckling to herself in amusement, with a slight glare.

“Do you want me to write it down in the book of prophecy that I’m the first girl to reject an alpha?” Aera sarcastically offered, seeing Grandma Kim chuckling more. The elderly find this amusing, hearing rumors that the princess rejected the alpha. Grandma Kim had actually seen this coming.

“You knew this was going to happen didn’t you?” Aera questioned towards the elderly, seeing that Grandma Kim slowly went towards her.

“Aera, everything has been written in the book of prophecy. That’s already your destiny,”

“...which includes me dying on a bed..” Aera muttered to herself before sighing loudly.

Grandma Kim and Aera had taken a peek on the book of prophecy early in the morning and it seems the day where she is going to die has already been written.

“The book doesn’t even state which day it is. Isn’t it weird?”

“Well I think it is best if we do not know the exact day. There’s a saying we should live our days as if the next day is our last,” Grandma Kim advised and Aera smiled softly to the elderly words.

She knew she was going to miss the elderly’s sentimental words and teasing ones - but she would dearly miss the White Queen. The Queen is her biological mother after-all.

Grabbing a scroll that was meant for the White Queen, Aera turned towards Grandma Kim.

“Do you know where the White Queen currently is?”

Aera was told that The White Queen was having her walk-abouts with the generals. She was about to call the Queen when she decided to lay herself low - after seeing Jaebeom and the others with the White Queen.

It seems they were having a serious discussion, seeing Bambam and Yugyeom having their eyes downcast while listening to Jinyoung basically talking to the Queen.

I wonder what they are talking about.

Not wanting to disturb them, Aera turned her back.

“Oh! Princess Aera! Good timing for you to be here!” 

      〖 AERA’S POV 〗

Oh no.

I slowly turned towards them, with me hiding the scroll in my layered dress.

Smiling sheepishly to my own mother who was having the biggest smile on her face, my eyes wavered towards the others who were smiling softly at me - except for Jaebeom who was avoiding my eye contact.

“R-right.. So.. what’s going on?” 

“I had a serious discussion with Jaebeom and his pack that I had given them an official job in the royal house,” The Queen said while smiling towards the others. 

Judging from the others, it seems they were happy about what the Queen had told them which I can’t help but frown sheepishly.

“What’s the job then?”

“Protector of Morian’s castle!” The White Queen said happily and as soon as I heard her answer, my smile immediately faded. 

“....Which means they have to move to Morian?”

“My dear Aera, their hometown is Morian.” 

I nodded slowly as my eyes moved towards each one of them, reading their thoughts.

All of them were relieved to go home, it seems they were more comfortable in Morian rather than here - according to Yugyeom.

I know it is selfish of me if I wanted them to stay forever in Aerina’s castle - a place which is different than their hometown. 

“So when are the 7 of you going back home?” I asked the 7 of them, as they avoided my eyes - not wanting to answer.

“Tomorrow,” Jaebeom answered simply and I frowned at his words.

How could he say it so easily?

“Pardon me? How could you….” I frowned deeply and there was a soft sigh coming from the Queen, seeing the exchange of words between me and Jaebeom. 

“Tomorrow, princess.” said Jinyoung this time, slightly loud and I tilted my head towards my mother - kind of sad that why didn’t they tell me earlier, at the same time I can’t blame them.

“I’ll note that.” I smiled slightly towards Jinyoung, before turning my back towards them - leaving them in taken-aback to see me walking away.

     〖 YUGYEOM’S POV 〗

“Did you see the princess’s face?” Bambam whispered towards me as we were leaving our rooms. 

“Of course,” I answered softly.

The White Queen had given us official jobs which were being the protector of Morian’s castle, but what the queen didn’t mention to the princess was that we were also the protector of Morian Kingdom.

It’s a tough job but I am happy that we were given a job in the royal castle, which means we could see the princess easily!

But it seems Aera wasn’t too happy of us working in the royal castle.

“But why does she look… unhappy?” asked Bambam as he was frowning. 

“..I don’t know.. Maybe she doesn’t want us to leave her all alone in Aerina’s castle…?” I assumed, and Bambam’s expression turned sad, realizing that we had to leave the princess.

Smiling slightly with positiveness, I pat his back as an encouragement. “I’m sure she understands. It’s the only way to protect both kingdoms, Bam.” 

Bambam nodded with a smile, and we were about to go down the stairs when a group of maidens were running towards a certain direction. We were about to go down when they suddenly stopped us.

“Sir Bambam! Sir Yugyeom! Here you are! We were looking everywhere for you!” One of the maidens called us, and I looked towards Bambam in confusion.

“Why are you ladies rushing for? Did something happen?” asked Bambam, his voice sounded worried - seeing as they looked rushed.

“It’s Princess Aera! She fainted in the middle of horse-riding!”

My eyes went wide after hearing the servant’s response, turning towards Bambam who looked taken-aback.

“Take us to her!” With my answer, Bambam and I, along with the maidens guided us to where Aera was.

     〖 BAMBAM’S POV 〗

As soon as Yugyeom and I arrived at the hallway where Aera’s room was located, there were already some figures walking out of her room, with deep frowns on their face.

Somehow, I grew anxious since the deep frowns were coming from Jackson and Jinyoung, but what got me having cold sweats were seeing the pale expression from Jackson himself.

I didn’t even realise that Yugyeom and I were just a few steps away from the both of them.

“What happened to the princess?!” Yugyeom was the first one to question both of the older ones, as they looked from me to Yugyeom.

“..I don’t know what to say..” Jinyoung muttered to himself, as he turned towards Jackson, wanting him to say whatever was going on.

“I don’t even know what the heck is going on till Grandma Kim said the princess has fallen ill and what’s worse is that there were no cures to treat it!” Jackson rambled in anger and annoyance. 

I gulped while turning towards Yugyeom, whose eyes were widened twice after hearing Jackson’s words.

“Where are the others? Do they know about this?” I asked, thinking that the others must be informed about this - even if one doesn’t want to know, they had to know. 

Aera is our childhood friend, and a future crowned princess to my kingdom and Aerina’s kingdom.

“Youngjae is currently in the garden, finding plants to cure Aera while Mark is searching for Jaebeom in Morian, to let the alpha know as soon as possible regarding this.” Jinyoung informed us and I let out a sigh.

“Can we—

Before I could even ask, Yugyeom already knocked on the door before pushing the door open to see Grandma Kim and the Queen on both sides of the princess’s side.

My eyes fell towards a pale body on the bed, and my eyes immediately went foggy with tears.

“Grandma!? What’s going on? What’s happening?” Yugyeom was already running to his grandma’s side, not caring to bow to the older ones as his eyes attached to the princess, who looked peacefully sleeping.

“My dear, I need you to calm down—

“How can I calm down, Grandma?! The princess doesn’t look well!” Yugyeom yelled slightly, his voice sounded shaky. 

As his best friend, my hands already reached for his shoulder - gesturing him to calm down before the presence of the Queen and his own grandmother.

Looking towards Grandma Kim then towards the Queen, I can’t help but frown a little.

Why do they look calm?

“What’s going on, your majesty? Why does the princess look so pale?”

“Aera has never been this pale in our years we have spent with her. Is there something wrong with her, Grandma Kim!?”

More voices were heard in Aera’s head, and to her, the voices sounded annoyed and concerned. Her head began spinning and she could feel herself frowning to the pain she felt.

Couldn’t bear the feeling, Aera’s eyes started to flicker open, her vision starting to focus - then to see a few figures on both of her sides.

Aera slightly groaned as she moved, seeing all heads snapping towards her.

The first person she saw was Jackson, as she then sees Jinyoung, Bambam and Yugyeom with the White Queen and Grandma Kim.

“Princess!” Jackson came rushing towards Aera’s side, sitting on her bed while reaching out for her pale hands. Aera smiled softly, seeing how worried Jackson was. She could only grip onto his hand slightly, feeling her energy getting weaker.

“I’m not dead yet, you know.” 

“Don’t say that!” answered Yugyeom a little loudly, making Aera turn towards the taller one. His eyes were watery while his nose was red, indicating that he may have cried.

    〖 AERA’S POV 〗

I knew what had happened before I passed out.

I was, as usual, horse-riding and one moment, I felt the same throbbing pain on my chest, the same feeling I felt in Morian - and that’s when I fell into darkness.

This time, I felt twice as painful as before. 

“What’s going to happen to me now?” I asked, turning towards Grandma Kim, who was somehow staring at me.

The elderly turned towards the Queen, as she gave a nod towards the elder one.

“You will need to rest more, your highness. Which means bare minimum of movement.”

“What!?” I yelled while frowning. 

There was no way I would be staying in bed for almost every time. 

I still have so much to do, so much to write on the scrolls for the future - knowing I would be gone anytime.

I can’t be sitting still.

“But—

‘Aera, listen to me. You have to lay down for now. I’m afraid to tell you that your body is slowly weakening. I see that each part of your body will be paralyzed, as days pass.’

My eyes slowly widen, hearing Grandma Kim’s voice of thoughts while trying to move my legs, which unfortunately, and to my horror, I can’t even move my legs.

My eyes started to get watery in fear, turning towards the Queen as her eyes were already clouded with tears.

‘I can’t move my legs! Don’t do this to me! I have so much to do, Grandma! Help me!’ My thought of voice came out as a scream, without knowing that I let out a whimper, which caused the others to be taken-aback.

Only Grandma Kim, and my mother could hear my honest thoughts, as they could look at me with the saddest eyes I have ever seen. 

This is it.

“Aera, princess. Look at me, hey.” Jackson called me out, making me break eye contact with my mother. His hands were cupping both of my cheeks, forcing me to directly look at me.

“You can get through this. We will take care of you, we will stay here until you are better, right guys?” Jackson pleaded to me, turning towards the others who were nodding, supporting Jackson’s answer.

Chuckling while sobbing, I shake my head slowly while holding onto his hands, staring into his eyes that had so much hope.

Not knowing that I was staring at him, my eyes filled with hope that wasn’t even real. Jackson and the others were trying hard to read me, since I had blocked others to read me deep - and I was too into gazing towards Jackson, that the door busted open.

To reveal Mark and Jaebeom, they looked like in a rush as they were breathing rather heavily. 

My eyes somehow met with Jaebeom, his eyes went wide and for a second, I could see his eyes went teary but he immediately hid it with him clenching his jaw, seeing what Jackson is doing. 

“Aera!” Mark called me, his voice filled with worry while running towards me.

Instead of him, Jaebeom exited the room and I could already feel his jealousy even when he was just outside.

“I’ll talk to him and—

“No. You don’t have to, Jackson. Leave him be. He’ll come around,” My hands are already grabbing for Jackson as he was about to leave. 

‘Stay, Jackson. Stay with me, please.’

Jackson’s head snapped towards me, his eyes widened slowly as he heard my voice of thoughts - which sounded desperate and rushed. 

Cursing to myself, I had just accidentally let out my honest thoughts in vulnerable moments.

I really need to work out on that, or I would be in trouble.

“Okay, lovebirds. Do in mind that we are in the same room, and Mark just got here! Give him some love!” Bambam broke my thoughts, complaining about me and Jackson - as I turned towards Mark who was slightly pouting towards me, causing myself to giggle.

‘I don’t have much time with them and I’m already worried that I might get attached to them, just like how they are attached to me,’

𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓  ⇿  𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫  

Continuing on, until reaching a curve in the wall. You slip beyond this. Hurrying down a stone-damp hallway, glancing over your shoulder as you leave. You’ve known your way around Quinque’s castle since the time you could walk. You know the in’s and out’s, know this path will lead past the kitchens. It exits into the gardens – which lead you back to Senary.

Rather than deter you, Jinyoung’s words have given you hope.

Tonight, you find your shadows.

Tonight, you find Mark.

And tonight, he tells you. Everything.

You slip from Quinque, edging the path in the garden so as not to disturb the gravel and stones beneath your feet. The sky is clear, aside from a sprinkling of clouds on the horizon. The light above you is gentle, made softer by the fact that tonight there’s no moon. Your body thrums with the energy of the night, savoring the fervor of magic and darkness around you. 

As you round the corner, you can’t help but recall Jaebum’s revelation – his magic. The Prince of Unum has the same, for lack of a better term, symptoms as Jinyoung. It’s odd, Jaebum, with his magic and Jinyoung with his. What could it mean? Jinyoung with foresight, Jaebum with will, Youngjae with healing. Unable to see a connection, you wonder what else you’re missing.

Tiptoing across the lawn, you move quickly so the guards don’t catch you - breath catching, as you dart along the wall. You clutch the worn and weathered stones with your hands, small frown appearing on your lips. Perhaps you’ve been looking at this all wrong. Perhaps it’s not how Jinyoung, Jaebum and Youngjae are different – but how they’re similar.

All of them are princes, all of them are from the seven Kingdoms. All of them are gifted in magic, two in the same kind. All born after the curse took place, next in line for their thrones. Brow furrowing, you reach a break in the wall; the same one which leads to Senary and hesitating, you glance up the lawn to Quinque. It gleams before you, a hazy jewel in the night. Frown deepening, you consider Bambam and Yugyeom.

Wasn’t it just the other day, Yugyeom spoke of Bambam’s talent? His discernment of truth, understanding of people, the way he gathers information close to him. What if – here, you hesitate, mind leaping. What if it’s not just natural disposition, but something else? Slipping quietly through the hedge, your thoughts being to spin. You’ve heard of a power called Clarity. Only whispers of it, since it’s rare, but it’s said that the user cannot hear lies. More so, they can see to the very truth of the world, the absolute reality of things. They’re said to be incredibly powerful, especially in positions of leadership.

If Bambam had such a gift – but then you stop, shaking your head. It’s impossible. Bambam would know, if he were so inclined. Although – Jaebum didn’t know he held magic. Only Jinyoung knew, and only because his power is most the obvious of them all, the most strong. Even with this though, he denied the occurrences for months. Bambam is younger than Jinyoung, perhaps his power hasn’t begun to manifest yet.

Grasping hold of the idea, you nearly turn around. You almost return to the hill, head back to the party – but then you stop, shaking your head. That can wait. That can wait, because right now Bambam and Yugyeom are concentrated on the Knot. There will be time enough tomorrow to discuss but the one thing you’re certain of tonight, is Mark.

Senary is close to Quinque, near enough to walk and so, moving quickly, you mentally rehearse what your story for if you get caught. You were feeling unwell, left the party because you didn’t want to bother the others. You’re heading to Senary now, with the intention of sleep.

At the stables of Senary you stop though, glancing around the smaller courtyard to duck hastily inside. Here, you stashed a small bundle of cloth, the dress of a serving girl, a cloak and twin, plain slippers. That much you’ve learned from your first encounter with Mark.

Removing the silken gown and gloves from your body, you place these and your tiara in a burlap bag to stick behind a barrel of hay. You’ll come back for those later. Adjusting your hood so it shadows your face, you exit the stable and look up at the sky.

All you have to guide your search is Jinyoung’s words. That night of the ball he had a vision, one of darkness swallowing you whole – and later that night, you met Mark. Mark’s presence hid you from Jinyoung, his shadows cloaked you from Jinyoung’s power and tonight, Jinyoung saw you covered by shadow once more.

Steeling your thoughts, you set down the path towards the village. You have no Jinyoung to guide you, so you move at a much slower pace than before. In this regard, you’ve also learned: keep to the shadows, don’t talk to any merchants. People tend to ignore you for the most part, their gazes slide past, melt into the shadows as you feel a small glimmer of pride.

You’re getting better. Straightening slightly, you consider asking Jaebum for help with future expeditions. He’s grown up in the army, would probably have a pointer or two in terms of deception but then there’d be the awkward question of why. How could you explain the real reason – that you wish to sneak away? You wish to abandon your post, shirk your duty, ignore your responsibility.

All because you wish to see Mark. 

Footsteps slowing, you reach the place the two of you first met. The center of town is surrounded by shingles and drainpipe – tonight, there is no Midnight Market though. There are aren’t many vendors either, no townspeople dancing. You stare out at the brown expanse of stone, and wonder what the hell you’re doing.

You have no future here, with Mark. At the end of this charade – however long that might be – you need to choose a husband. One from a very select group of people and Mark is not one of them. Thinking this causes your stomach to drop, because seeing him is pointless. Even as you know this, you continue to wander. Ducking down a side alley, you wander aimlessly, not sure what you’re even looking for.

The night is dark, streets humid, feeling like summer but also not. The air itself is alive, a lurid warmness as something, someone pulls you on. You tell yourself you need answers, tell yourself that’s why you’ve come. It’s so much more than that, though. You want to see him, feel him, want everything Jaebum spoke of, earlier when he talked about the woman he loved.

Because when he was describing her, when he was describing his Katherine – you kept on picturing Mark. The realization makes you stop, lifting your head to the night. The sky is cool, detached above you. It’s not htat you love Mark. No. But you could – stomach sinking, you know that you could.

“What use is a hood, if you’re going to expose your face entirely.”

Whirling around, you nearly hit the wall when you stumble. “Mark,” you gasp, squinting into the dark.

He’s leaning against the side of the alley, watching you warily; but unable to keep from smiling, when you take a step closer. Your hands reach out for his forearms, fingertips sliding over his own. Mark’s gloves are back, hood shading his head – but his expression seems lighter, looking at you.

“Mark,” you smile – faltering, the moment you remember. You recall the feel of his skin beneath your hands, the second he removed his gloves.

Seeing you gaze, noting your change in expression, Mark stiffens. “I,” he starts, then stops. “How did you find me?”

Frowning, you look up at him dazedly, “How did I find you?”

Mark nods. “I’ve been searching for you since that night,” he confesses, tepid. “I’ve been coming here, roaming the streets to find you. Did you,” he breaks off, suddenly hesitant. “Did you… try and find me?”

His question hangs before you in the air, heavy with uncertainty. It’s darker now. The night sky above is heady, the clouds closer than when you first walked into town. It’s chillier, too, and you find yourself stepping closer. Subconsciously you seek the heat of his body – breath fogging in the air between you.

“What happened that night,” you ask. Letting go of his arms, you stare down at his palms. “What did you do to me?”

“I,” Mark seems frozen, pressed to the wall – as though he’s trying very hard to be part of it. “I wasn’t, it wasn’t –"

“Don’t say it wasn’t you, since I know that it was.”

Mark stops, jaw tensing. “I shouldn’t have come,” he responds, eyes hard. “This was a mistake.”

When he treis to leave, your hand flies out. It surprises even yourself, when you shove him back to the wall. It takes all of your strength to keep him there, moving until you’re within inches of his face. Mark doesn’t seem to notice, hardly expending his effort. 

“No,” you counter, tilting your head. “You shouldn’t have. You shouldn’t have come into my life at all, Mark. Shouldn’t have found me at Bambam’s party, shouldn’t have come to the ball, shouldn’t have danced with me.” Stepping even closer, you shove a finger against his clothed chest. “You did, though,” you declare. “You did, you made me feel this – and now you don’t get to walk away. You don’t get to leave me, don’t get to disappear. Now, you explain what the hell is going on.”

Mark stares at you for a second, then nods. “You’re right,” he admits – which is surprising.

“I know I am,” you nod, taken aback.

Mark looks away, air between you somehow gentler. “What do you want from me?” he asks, uncertain.

“The truth.”

A smile twists his mouth. “What an awful thing to wish for.”

“It’s not a wish,” you explain. “Just an ask.”

Mark thinks for a moment, then nods. “I don’t know where to begin,” he admits, eyes darkening. “There’s so much to say, things I’ve never told anyone. Things I’m not supposed to tell.”

“Well,” you hesitate. “I don’t want to make you break your promises.”

Mark laughs, the sound harsh. “I’ve been broken enough times to warrant such things, I wager. It’s about time I did the breaking.”

When he says this, a shiver trails your spine. Mark’s eyes are hard, expression too close and when you realize you’re still touching his chest, you lower your finger. “The truth,” you remind, softer than before.

Mark swallows. “Well. Why don’t I start with my name?”

“It’s not Mark?” you ask, lifting a brow.

He shrugs, letting this shoulder fall. “Yes and no. The name given to me at birth is Marcus.”

“Marcus,” you consider, turning it over in your mouth. “I like Mark better.”

Mark’s lips twitch. “Me, too.”

As you stare at him, your smile slowly disappears. “Why did your name change?”

Mark swallows. “I didn’t like what it meant,” he responds slowly. “Didn’t like hearing it, didn’t like being reminded who I was.”

“Who is?” you ask. “We’ve been standing here for nearly ten minutes, and I still feel no closer to the truth.”

“I – Y/N, gods. Will you just,” Mark huffs, pushing a hand through his hair. His gloves slide between the blonde strands, falling wild about his face. “I don’t know how to tell you this,” he blurts.

“Well, tell me something,” you demand, whrling around. Stomping in the same direction you came, you seem to forget you were the one who sought him out in the first palce. “Or I’m leaving.”

“My name is Marcus,” Mark calls out from behind.

Legs coming to a halt, you remain facing the street. Thunder rumbles in the distance and between its strikes, you can hear the pad of Mark’s boots walking closer. Leather on cobblestone, a swish of his cape though you don’t turn around to see him.

“My name is Mark,” he explains, still not visible. “I am the Seventh Prince of Morsus, heir to the throne of Septum.”

Though you continue to stand, the world becomes a sudden blank. All around there’s just the clear, cold pulse of night and Mark – who steps around you and meets your gaze.

“Say something,” he begs, shaking words loose from your lips.

“You – what?” 

The idea is... impossible. Wholly unbelievable, he must be lying. Either that, or crazy; or some combination of the two. 

Mark’s eyes, though – his eyes stop you. He seems sad, almost desperate and this, more than anything else, which makes you believe him. Clutching your cloak tighter, you stare Mark in the eyes – and you don’t leave.

“I,” he clears his throat. “I’m the sole Prince of Septum.”

“Septum,” you repeat, barely audible. “That’s impossible. The last Prince of Septum died the night of the curse.”

Mark’s gaze remains haunted. “I didn’t die.”

It’s this – a small, simple sentence – which hardens your resolve. There’s so much anguish behind the words, such contradictory meaning. Yes, Mark is alive. But no, he isn’t because his parents – his parents. With sudden understandng, you realize what this means. Mark’s parents pretended he was dead, have lied to the Kingdoms for all these years.

Pieces shifting, you stare at the risen man before you. “Why,” you whisper, eyes large, “would your parents pretend you’d died?”

Mark doesn’t move, hands twisting over each other. “Because I’m cursed,” he explains, gaze wild. “The witch gave me a curse, along with the Kingdom. She was in love with my father, and he chose another. She became crazy, mad with the pain and grief of it all and when I was born – my birth was the final straw.”

You don’t respond to this, just watch as Mark hastily tears off his glove.

“My mother explained it to me,” Mark mutters, staring down at his hand. “Just once, but I never forgot. She told me I was young, barely more than an infant when the witch came to our castle and threatened my mother. When my father stood between them, siding with his family, the witch sought revenge in response.”

Staring at him now, you don’t interrupt. You sense this  story is hard for him. Pieces of what Mark has said come floating back, and you recall this is the first time he’s confessed this aloud. This is the first time he’s admitted who he is – which means that the way you respond will be very important.

It’s hard. It’s hard to place this man, your mysterious stranger with the dead Prince of Morsus. Because that’s who the seventh Prince of Morsus is to you. A dead man, a future gone by, the one who disappeared and left your Kingdom to chaos.

But to find out he’s alive and not just alive, but he’s Mark. The King and Queen of Septum lied, all this time. Not just to you, not just Senary – they lied to their people. To the other city-states, other royals. They lied to everyone – and for what? A curse? Swallowing your anger, you return Mark’s gaze.

Mark exhales. “She cursed this Kingdom. She wanted to break the rule which forced royalty to marry other royalty.”

“Ah,” you respond, a small noise. “Which is why the curse produces only male heirs.”

“Exactly,” Mark nods. “That is why. That was not the only curse she bestowed, though.”

Thunder claps, a timid stirring in the corridor between you.

“No? What else?” 

Mark stares at his hands, splayed in mid-air. “She cursed me,” he explains flatly. “She gave me power, handed me this weight. ‘A curse,’” he quotes, looking back up. “’A curse, where you’re as hated and despised as I am.’”

You blink back at him, not understanding. “What is that?”

“What she said to me,” Mark admits quietly. “My mother repeated the words to me often enough. I was given magic like the witch’s. Darkness, like hers. The witch gave me this curse, knowing it would hurt my mother – knowing I’d be a blight, each time she looked at me.”

“I,” the words die in your throat, shaking your head. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“No?” Mark arches a brow. “Which part, exactly?”

“That you’re a blight,” you scoff, suddenly angry. “I don’t believe anyone could feel that way about you.”

Mark’s expression softens. “Thank you. I appreciate the sentiment”

“It’s not just sentiment,” you snap. “What happened is terrible, that witch cursing you is terrible but what’s worse, is that your parents let you think you’re a burden.”

“I.” Mark pauses. “They don’t say that, not exactly. It’s just that the witch’s powers are darkness, are awful – and since I’ve inherited them, so am I. It’s why you’re right, I shouldn’t have come here tonight.”

Rather than be appeased by this, he sets fire to your veins. Anger burns bright in your veins, hot enough to cast aside doubt because here, you know Mark is wrong. He’s so wrong, so blind – the dark is not inherently bad. “What powers did she give you?” you return, fierce in meeting his gaze.

Mark looks up at you, startled – as though amazed you’re still here. “Many,” he shrugs. “Even I’m unsure of them all. I can command the shadows,” Mark tells, crooking a finger. All around, the night seems to waver, shimmering closer as your eyes widen – the dark flows to Mark, as though sensing an equal. “I can destroy it, as well,” he adds softly, closing his fist.

The shadows wrap around a brick for it to disintegrate, turning the stone to nothing but a fine, dark powder. This falls listlessly downwards, drifted away on the breeze. Mark stares as it goes, his expression half-broken.

“I have pain, too,” he finishes, the words barely audible. Pressing two fingertips together, he stares down at his skin. “I can cause pain.”

You remember. You recall that bleak, awful agony the touch of his skin brought. It speared you entirely, left you gasping and helpless. It tried to keep you, tried to drag you under. You remember this struggle, remember only Youngjae’s warmth able to pull you back from the edge.

“Have you tried controlling that?” you respond, also staring at his hands.

Mark tugs back on his glove. “I have.”

“And?” You arch a brow. “Has anything worked?”

Mark stops, fabric half-on while he gives you a look. “If it had,” he waves said hand, “would I be standing here pulling on my gloves, for fear that I’ll hurt you?”

These words make you smile.

Mark notices this and frowns. “Why are you smiling?” he demands, incredulous. “You shouldn’t smile. I just said I’m a liar, that I’m cursed and quite literally cannot touch you. Not without severe pain to you or dying – and here you stand, smiling at me. Stop that!” he demands, when you continue.

Lifting a shoulder, you let this fall to your side. “Yes, well. You also don’t want to hurt me.”

Mark’s jaw drops. “That’s it? That’s all it takes to gain your favor? May I request,” he huffs, taking a step closer, “that you gain some higher standards.”

“In the entire time we’ve known each other,” you muse, as though he hasn’t spoken, “you’ve been nothing but good. Maybe a bit of an ass, but that’s not the same thing as evil, Mark. It’s my opinion,” you start, hesitating. “I think your parents are wrong.”

Mark goes still. “What?”

“Listen,” you exhale. “This is all… very new, to me. I’m trying to understand, but,” you shake your head. “It seems to me that in hiding you, the King and Queen made you think you have something to hide.”

Mark’s gaze flickers, and you know you’ve hit the nail on the head.

When you reach for his hand, he doesn’t move – though his gaze darts lower, widening at the sight. “Why hide who you are?” you ask. “Why hide your powers? Since when does a name make a person?”

“Y/N,” Mark manages to respond. “I hurt you. It was selfish, because I wanted to see you. I wanted that more than I’ve ever wanted anything before in my life– and that was selfish. I shouldn’t have come at all,” he whispers, shaking his head. “I should have saved you from myself, but I didn’t. I saw you and wanted you, and look what happened. I hurt you,” he responds, gaze fierce. “My hands, my power. It was me, all me!”

Looking back, your gaze hardens. “You wanted me?”

“Is that,” Mark breaks off, eyes wide. “Is that all you heard? I tell you I’m cursed – you don’t care. I tell you I hurt you – you don’t care. I tell you my parents literally lock me in the tallest room of the tallest tower – and you don’t care. All you care, is that I want you?”

“Yes,” you return, looking fiercely up. “Because I want you, too, Mark.”

Mark stares back at you, dumbfounded. “You… want me?”

You nod. Only nod, since you’re just now realizing he has yet to respond. Seconds pass – maybe years, honestly – while Mark just looks at you, dark eyes wide and fearful.

“But,” he swallows. “Aren’t you afraid of me, of what I could do?”

“No,” you respond, steadily. “Are you afraid of me?”

“Yes,” he nods, rather timid. His hands reach, shaking where they touch you. “I’m terrified of this.”

“Good,” you whisper, tilting your head upwards. “Perhaps that’s why I’m not, then,” you explain, as his expression softens.

“You want me,” Mark repeats, somewhat incredulous.

“I want you.”

Mark just stares, warm gaze tracing over your skin. His shadows disentangle from the alley, pooling around the skin of his ankles.

“How,” your gaze moves down, distracted. “How did I not notice that before?”

“Oh,” Mark starts, somewhat guiltily and the shadows retract, though not very far. “I can bend the shadows easily. It’s how I move between places, how I sneak into unattainable spaces. I blend into the darkness, become the shadow itself.”

“So,” you frown. “Why is it so hard with your other powers, then? With the pain, with destruction?”

Mark’s expression falters. “I don’t know. With my skin,” he inhales. “It’s kind of hard to experiment with. It’s not something I care to subject others to.”    

A lightbulb dawns. “Youngjae,” you blurt out. Wincing, you remember your promise not to tell but now it’s too late, so you continue. “Youngjae has magic.”

“He what?” Mark seems taken aback. “Of what kind?”

“Healing,” you hasten. “I think. He acted like it was more, though I don’t know the extent.”

Mark pauses. “I see. He’s my opposite.”

“In power,” you respond, “perhaps. In person, I think you’re remarkably similar. He’s a tad louder. Less sarcastic, more kind.”

Mark arches a brow. “Me? Sarcastic?”

“Never,” you tease. “But Youngjae also has a mentor. A tutor, helping him control his magic. Youngjae said it was difficult to harness. That it can’t be harnessed, without practice and training. Mark,” you implore. “What if that’s it? What if this destruction, this pain – it’s just because you can’t control it?”

Mark hesitates, wavering. “It sounds too good to be true.”

“What’s worse,” you challenge, lifting your chin. “Accepting things the way they are out of fear? Or trying to change the way things are and potentially failing?”

Mark doesn’t move, before his hands slide down your arms. Shifting his weight, you feel the warmth of his body. He doesn’t touch you further, though – never more than this.

“Why,” he exhales. “Do you say one thing, and I suddenly feel as though change might be possible.”

“Because I’m incredibly intelligent,” you respond, raising both brows.

Mark smile – a gesture which changes his face. It lightens his features, smooths over his brow. “You,” he whispers, bending until he hovers a half-centimeter from your lips. “I wish I could kiss you.”

You stare up at him, feeling the grasp of his hands on your waist – when did that happen? – and struggling to control your racing heartbeat. You struggle to control your hands, which tremble like butterflies. “I want you to do something for me,” you murmur.

He nods. “Anything.”

“I want you to learn.”

“Anything in particular?” he asks, eyes gleaming. “Or...?”

You blush at the implied tone. “Learn to control your power. Learn to control your magic. After all,” you arch your brow. “I’m supposed to marry a Prince.”

“Interesting, that.”

“I hear,” you stand taller, almost on tip-toes, “there’s a Prince I’ve yet to consider.”

Mark stares back, a hint of a smile to his lips. “Very interesting. I have heard,” he leans, hand finding the wall behind you –

As light, clean and bright, sweeps across the alley.

“Who goes there?” a voice yells. Male – deep.

You whirl, eyes widening – and freeze, when you turn back to the wall. It’s empty. Nothing before you, nothing behind, nothing around. No one else is in the alley. Only the shadows, as the slide away into darkness.

Slowly, you turn to face the palace guards. “It is I,” you sigh, removing your hood. “Y/N, of Morsus.”

The guard’s face whitens, dropping his sword. “Princess?” he gasps.

[Master List]