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Part 2: Embers of Midnight

Early in the morning, you sit across the table from Hoseok, your fingers curling loosely around your coffee mug. Over the last few weeks, this ritual has become almost second nature. The steam rises in lazy spirals, a fleeting illusion of normalcy, but you know better.

This day is anything but normal.

Hoseok studies you from across the table, his dark eyes steady and searching. You feel the weight of his gaze, as if he’s probing for any hint of doubt, though you’re determined not to give him any this time.

“You’re sure?” he asks, his voice quieter and deeper than usual, as though speaking too loudly might shatter the fragile peace surrounding you. “Once we start, there’s no going back.”

You meet his gaze without flinching. “I’m sure.” Your voice is firmer than you expected, but it feels right. After everything – him, you, the angel – it’s the only certainty you have left.

A flicker of something crosses his face, a brief softening of the lines around his mouth. It’s not quite a smile but close enough, an expression that makes him look startlingly human. He tips his head back, finishing his coffee in a single swallow before setting the mug down with a decisive clink.

“Then let’s go.”

The library looks nothing like you remember.

As a child, it was a wonderland of towering shelves, sunlit corners, and the comforting smell of old books. But now, it’s as if time itself has turned against the place. The bricks crumble like brittle parchment, vines snake through shattered windows, and the faded sign above the door hangs crookedly, its painted letters barely legible.

The air feels unnaturally still, swallowing every sound. You hesitate, glancing at Hoseok standing beside you.

“This…I know this place,” you murmur, more to yourself than to him.

His gaze flickers toward you, unreadable. “It’s where you’re starting.”

“Starting?”

Hoseok doesn’t reply, pushing the door open instead. It groans in protest, and you brace yourself for the sight of a ruined interior – rubble, dust, collapsed ceilings – but what greets you instead is something alive.

The walls ripple faintly, as though they’re breathing, the rhythm syncing with something deep in your chest. Shelves stretch into impossible spirals and arches, glowing softly with a golden light. Some hover in midair, defying gravity, while others twist upward into a darkness that shouldn’t exist. The air smells like parchment, leather, and something faintly metallic.

“It’s alive,” you whisper, almost afraid to disturb the surreal stillness.

“It’s the other side,” Hoseok answers, stepping forward with the ease of someone who belongs here. “You’ll get used to it.”

“You call this ‘starting simple’?” You try for sarcasm, but your awe betrays you.

Hoseok finally turns to face you, his expression serious. “Compared to what comes next? It is.”

You move closer to him, avoiding the edge of a floating staircase that definitely wasn’t there seconds ago. “Why can I see this? Be here? I’ve never-”

“You’re with me.” Hoseok says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “I’m your guide on this journey to find the relic.”

“But I’ve never-”

“You’re not ordinary anymore.” The weight of his words settles over you. “Whatever you were before, you’re not just that now. The more time you spend with me, the thinner the veil gets. You’re seeing what’s been here all along.”

You stare at him, trying to process the impossible. “This…has always been here?”

“Yes. To humans, it’s just a ruin. A forgotten building.” Hoseok gestures toward the golden light that streams down like sunlight. “To us, it’s a place of knowledge and power.”

You glance around again, taking it all in, and the beauty of it terrifies you.

“And my parents…they used to bring me here.”

Hoseok doesn’t say anything, but his silence feels heavy, suggesting he knows more than he’s letting on.

You follow him through a labyrinth of spiraling shelves, the golden light dimming with every step. What was once wondrous now feels ominous, as though the air itself has shifted – waiting for something.

“What are we looking for?” you ask, your voice hushed.

“A book.” Hoseok’s answer is clipped, his focus razor-sharp.

“A book?” You glance at the endless shelves. “In here? That’s like finding a needle in—”

“It’s not endless,” he interrupts, his tone calm but firm. “It’s…selective.”

That doesn’t make you feel any better.

He stops in front of an unremarkable shelf – dusty, untouched, and bathed in shadow. As you step closer, you realize the shelf doesn’t quite belong here. It’s carved from a darker wood, and the titles on the spines seem to shift the longer you stare at them.

“There,” he says softly, pointing to a crimson book nestled in the shadows. Its gold lettering writhes like it’s alive.

Instinctively, you reach for it, but Hoseok catches your wrist. His touch is firm but gentle.

“It’s not that simple,” he warns.

You glance at him, frowning. “What do you mean?”

Hoseok looks at the shelf like it can hear you, sense you, even reach out and grab you. “This part of the library doesn’t just hand over what you’re looking for. It demands something in return.”

“Like what?”

He shrugs one shoulder, unnervingly casual. “Proof.”

“Proof of what?”

“That you’re worthy of it.”

Before you can protest, the air changes. It feels thicker, pressing against your skin like unseen hands. The shadows around the shelf darken, and the book begins to glow faintly, almost beckoning you. Your heart begins to hammer in your chest.

“Don’t overthink it,” Hoseok says softly. “Just…walk forward.”

Your heart hammers in your chest as you take a step closer. “And if I’m not?”

He hesitates. “It’ll know.”

“That’s not ominous at all,” you mutter, but you take a deep breath and step forward anyway.

The shadows shift as you approach, pooling at your feet like liquid ink. The shelf seems to stretch taller, the book retreating farther out of reach.

You hear whispers – soft, insidious, like a thousand voices speaking at once. They know you. They know your fears, your doubts, the memories you try to bury.

You’re not strong enough.

You’ll fail.

Why do you think he chose you?

Your steps falter and the voices coil around you like smoke, tugging at every insecurity you’ve ever had. Behind you, Hoseok is silent, watching, waiting. You want to turn back, but something stops you.

If you stop now, you’ll never know.

You take another step.

The whispers grow louder, sharper, until one voice cuts through the chaos.

“Why do you keep going?”

You stop, chest heaving, fists clenched at your sides. “Because I have to.”

“Why?”

You swallow hard. “Because…I’m tired of feeling lost.”

The words hang in the air, raw and honest. The shadows pause, almost as if considering your answer.

The darkness begins to recede, pulling away like a tide. The shelf shrinks back to its normal size, and the crimson book falls from its place, landing softly at your feet. The whispers fade, leaving only silence.

You crouch and pick up the book, the leather cover warm under your fingers. The gold lettering solidifies into a title you can’t quite read, but it feels important – like it’s been waiting for you.

You turn back to Hoseok, holding the book up triumphantly. “That wasn’t so bad.”

His lips curl into a victorious smile, but when he reaches out to take the book, it doesn’t budge.

Hoseok frowns and tries again, still, the book doesn’t move.

“What the hell?” He glances at you, his expression unreadable. “It’s bound to you.”

“Bound to me?”

“It chose you,” he says quietly. “And only you.”

The depth of his words bites into you like teeth, and for a moment, neither of you speaks. You clutch the book tighter, suddenly aware that whatever just happened, it wasn’t normal – even for this place.

“What does that mean?” you ask finally.

Hoseok’s gaze lingers on you, dark and knowing. “It means you’re more important than you realize.”

The warmth of your fireplace wraps around you, the cryptic book resting heavily on the table before you, and it calls to you without making a sound. The room is quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the flames, and the contrast to the eerie chill of the library you’ve just left is almost jarring. Your fingers hover over the book’s cover, taking in the intricate swirls of gold and silver symbols that seem to pulse faintly in the dim light. It doesn’t feel like any book you’ve ever touched. It feels alive. Watching.

“You’re staring at it like it’s about to bite,” Hoseok says, his voice pulling your attention. He’s lounging in the chair across from you, his casual posture doing little to mask the sharpness in his eyes as he watches you.

“Maybe it will,” you mutter, glancing at him. “You’re the one who said this thing could only be taken by me. What if it’s cursed?”

His lips quirk into a half-smile. “If it were cursed, you’d already know. Besides, the library wouldn’t have let it leave unless it wanted to be with you.”

The words don’t comfort you as much as he might think. You swallow, steel yourself, and place your palm against the cover. It’s warmer than when you first held it at the library, the surface almost yielding beneath your touch. The book shudders faintly, and the symbols light up, rearranging themselves in a fluid dance of gold and silver. Slowly the cover creaks open, revealing pages that shift and shimmer like silk caught in a breeze, tantalizing your curiosity.

Hoseok leans forward, curiosity etched into his features. “What does it say?”

Your eyes scan the shifting ink on the pages, a mix of apprehension and awe tightening in your chest. At first, the symbols twist and turn, unrecognizable, and you wonder if you’ve made a mistake in opening the book. But as you focus, the chaotic shapes begin to settle, forming words that spark an eerie familiarity deep within you.

A chill creeps down your spine, but determination takes root, outweighing the fear. This is your path now, for better or worse. But as you focus, they settle into words – words you somehow understand. You read aloud, your voice steady despite the odd familiarity of the text. “‘The path forward lies in the ruins of light. Where the heavens fell, shadows bloom. Seek the mark of the forsaken…there lies the second key.’”

You glance up at Hoseok, a frown tugging at your lips. “What does that mean?”

He tilts his head, his expression thoughtful. “Ruins of light…it’s probably referring to the celestial ruins. An old battlefield where angels fell during the war.”

The mention of a battlefield sends a chill down your spine. “Why would the next key be in a place like that?”

“Because the relic doesn’t desire convenience or comfort,” he says simply, his tone grave. “It thrives in chaos. It was created to bridge light and darkness. The places it left its marks… they’re not places of peace.”

You close the book, your hand lingering on the cover. Its warmth now feels strangely reassuring, as if it’s recognizing you in some way. “So, we’re going to a battlefield next?”

He nods, standing from his chair with fluid grace. “You’ll need to be ready. The library was only the beginning. What lies ahead will demand more of you.”

You raise an eyebrow at him, a smirk tugging at your lips despite the tension. "You really think I’m ready for this?"

Hoseok smirks, that faint glimmer of amusement returning to his eyes. “After seeing you emerge victorious from the library…absolutely.”

The room settles into a comfortable quiet after Hoseok’s teasing remark, but your thoughts remain restless. The weight of the moment, the discovery of the book, and the realization that it all hinges on you feels heavier than ever. You sink into the chair by the table, cradling your head in your hands.

“I don’t understand,” you murmur, the words slipping out before you can stop them. “Why does it have to be me? I thought I was ready, but after the library…I almost ran away. What if I’m not as ready as I thought I was?”

Hoseok’s expression softens, his usual sharpness melting into something warmer. He steps closer, crouching so he’s at eye level with you. “Angel, look at me.” His voice is low, steady, and for a moment, the storm of doubt in your chest calms.

You lift your gaze, meeting his. “The other night, I felt ready. Something inside of me was… released. Now, I’m doubting whether I belong in this world you’ve dragged me into.”

He reaches out, gently taking your hands in his. His touch is firm yet soothing, grounding you. “You think I would’ve come to you if you weren’t meant for this? You’re stronger than you realize. And you’re not doing this alone…I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

His thumb brushes against the back of your hand, a subtle gesture that feels intimate, comforting. The tension in your shoulders eases just a fraction, but not enough. He notices, of course he does, and a faint smile touches his lips.

“Follow me,” he says softly.

The warmth of Hoseok’s hand in yours grounds you as he leads you down the hallway of your own home, each step heavy with unspoken questions. Doubt claws at the edges of your thoughts, whispering warnings about the dangers of trust and vulnerability. Yet, with every glance back he offers – a flicker of reassurance in his dark, steady gaze – you feel a fragile thread of resolve winding tighter within you. You grip his hand just a little firmer, clinging to the promise of safety his presence silently conveys. You don’t question where you’re going – the quiet intensity in his gaze as he glanced back over his shoulder left no room for doubt. But when the door to your bathroom opens, you halt mid-step.

This isn’t your bathroom.

The walls are adorned with intricate mosaic tiles that shimmer like a kaleidoscope, catching the light of dozens of candles placed artfully around the room. Pools of wax create abstract designs, as if painted by time. In the center, a sunken bath rests, steam curling from its surface. Lily pads and lotus flowers float on the water, their petals glowing faintly, dancing and swaying like artistic swimmers. The air is thick with the soothing aroma of lavender and vanilla, wrapping around you like a gentle embrace.

“Hoseok,” you start, your voice trembling with confusion. “Where…how…”

He steps closer, his hands settling gently on your shoulders. His gaze is soft, reassuring, but behind his calm exterior, there’s an intensity that sets your pulse racing.

“You’re safe,” he says simply, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from your face. “This is my realm. My home.”

The words send a shiver down your spine. Your mind reels, questions tumbling over one another, but before you can voice them, he leans closer, his forehead resting against yours. “Trust me,” he murmurs, his breath warm against your lips. “Just this once, let me take care of you.”

For a moment, you waver. Doubt whispers in your mind, reminding you of the risks, the uncertainty of surrendering to someone you barely understand. The weight of everything you’ve seen – what you’ve learned – tightens in your chest, making it hard to breathe. But then, there’s Hoseok. His eyes hold no deceit, only a quiet resolve that pulls at something deep within you.

“What if I can’t?” you whisper, the question slipping out unbidden. "What if trusting you is a mistake?"

His expression softens, and he steps closer, his hands cupping your face with such tenderness it silences the storm in your mind. "Then let it be a mistake," he says, his voice low and steady. "But it’ll be ours to make together. You’re not alone in this, Angel. You never have to be."

The sincerity in his words disarms you, and despite the hesitation lingering at the edges of your heart, you find yourself nodding. It’s not blind trust – it’s a choice to believe in something beyond fear. To believe in him.

You hesitate, the weight of his words pressing against your uncertainty, but then you nod, the depth of his gaze anchoring you.

He guides you toward the bath and begins to undress you, his movements slow and deliberate. “You just need to relax,” he murmurs, his voice a balm to your frayed nerves. “Today was difficult, so let me help you unwind.”

You don’t respond. Whether it’s the surreal transformation of the room or the calming effect of his presence, words fail you. You let him guide you, his touch careful and respectful as he peels away the tension with every article of clothing.

Once undressed, he takes your hand and helps you step into the bath. The moment your skin touches the water, a sigh escapes you. It’s unlike any sensation you’ve ever felt – warm and soothing, yet invigorating, as though the water itself recognizes you.

Hoseok begins undressing with the same unhurried precision. When his body is revealed, your breath catches. Every inch of him is proportional, powerful, and undeniably beautiful. Your body hums at the sight, a reaction he seems to sense as his lips curve into a knowing smirk.

Hoseok kneels at the edge of the tub, his hands gliding over your shoulders and down your arms, the touch both calming and electrifying. As he leans in, his lips brush the curve of your neck, soft and teasing.

“You’re so tense,” he murmurs against your skin, his voice a low rumble that sends heat pooling in your core.

He slips into the water behind you, his arms wrapping around your waist to pull you against him. The feel of his bare chest against your back steals your breath, the solid warmth of him a stark contrast to the liquid softness surrounding you.

“Let me help you let go,” he whispers, his lips grazing your ear, his words both soothing and provocative, a gentle coaxing that matches the rhythm of his hands on your skin.

The teasing brushes of his lips along your neck and shoulder make your pulse race, and yet his movements remain unhurried, deliberate. His hands slide down your sides, his thumbs tracing the curve of your hips before slipping lower, his touch both exploratory and reverent.

When his fingers find you, a gasp escapes your lips. His touch is soft at first, a gentle pressure that has you arching into him, craving more. He doesn’t rush, taking his time to learn every reaction, every shiver and sigh.

“Look at you,” he breathes, his tone laced with admiration as though the sight of you undoes him. “So beautiful, so perfect.”

The words make your chest tighten, but before doubt can creep in, his fingers press more firmly, drawing a moan from your lips.

“Don’t hold back,” he says, his voice low and rough now, a plea wrapped in a command. His breath tickles your ear as he adds, “I want all of you.”

He turns you in the water, his hands guiding your thighs to straddle him. The look in his eyes causes your heart to palpitate and skip beats – a mix of hunger and tenderness, as though he’s been starving for this moment but refuses to let it slip by without savoring every second.

When he enters you, it’s slow, calculated, and so intimate that tears prick at the corners of your eyes. The stretch is almost too much, the sensation overwhelming, but his hands grip your hips, grounding you, encouraging you.

“You can take it,” he murmurs, his voice thick with restraint. “You’re mine, Angel. You were made for this.”

The words send a shiver through you, and as he begins to move, the world shifts. It’s as though the connection between you unlocks something deep within – a portal to a part of yourself you never knew existed.

Each thrust is deliberate, measured, designed to make you feel every inch of him and every emotion he pours into you. It’s not just physical - it’s transformative - as though he’s unraveling every thread of doubt and fear you’ve ever held and weaving them into something new.

Your fingers dig into his shoulders as the pressure builds, your body arching into his as his pace quickens. His name falls from your lips like a prayer, and he responds with soft groans and whispered encouragement, his hands guiding your movements as though orchestrating a masterpiece.

When the release finally comes, it’s greater than the first time with him. The pleasure is all-consuming, but beneath it is a profound sense of liberation, you truly feel your body release the doubt and free yourself.

Hoseok holds you as you tremble in his arms, his lips pressing soft kisses to your hair and forehead. His own breaths are ragged, his body taut with the effort of holding back, but his focus remains on you, his hands soothing over your back.

He presses a lingering kiss to your temple, his voice a soft murmur against your skin. “You’re safe here, Angel. Always.”

When you step out of the bath, Hoseok wraps you in a thick, plush towel, his hands lingering on your shoulders before guiding you out of the bathroom. The cool, earthy scent of the enchanting forest beyond greets you, but it takes a moment for your senses to catch up. This isn’t your home.

A wave of wonder sweeps through you as you take in the expansive open space before you. The polished stone walls and floors glow faintly with an otherworldly warmth, and the ceiling stretches high above, giving the illusion of endless space. In the center of the room stands a magnificent double-sided fireplace, its flames dancing languidly on either side of a glass partition. The crackle of the fire blends harmoniously with the soothing sound of rushing water, and as you follow the sound, your eyes are drawn to the view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The world outside is breathtaking – a magical forest bathed in the shimmering glow of twilight. A waterfall cascades down the side of a mountain, its mist catching the soft light of an aurora borealis that stretches endlessly across the sky. The colors - vivid greens, purples, and blues - seem to pulse and shift as though alive, and you feel the pull of their beauty deep within your chest. For a moment, the sheer wonder of it all is almost too much. You reach for the grounding presence of Hoseok, your thoughts tumbling in awe and disbelief.

“Where are we?” you whisper, your voice barely audible, caught between astonishment and uncertainty.

“My home,” Hoseok replies, his voice steady and grounding, yet carrying an edge of pride. He steps behind you, his hands settling on your waist. “A realm of my own creation, outside the constraints of your world.”

The enormity of his words settles over you, and you glance at him, a thousand questions swirling in your mind. Who is he, truly, to wield such power, such beauty? Yet the calm conviction in his gaze quiets the storm within you, replacing it with awe.

His fingers trace soft circles against your hip, tethering you to the moment. “Do you trust me?” he asks, his voice soft yet firm, as though the answer holds the weight of worlds.

You nod, the depth of his question mirrored by the calm conviction in his eyes. “I do,” you say, the words carrying a resonance that surprises even you.

He guides you through the space, the warmth of the stone beneath your feet contrasting with the cool air that drifts in through the open windows. The transition from the bath to his world feels seamless, as if this moment was always meant to happen.

Finally, he leads you into his bedroom, and it feels like stepping into a dream. An enormous canopy bed, draped in layers of soft fabric, sits at the center of the room, its carved wooden posts blending seamlessly with the natural lines of the space. The walls, made of smooth stone, seem to hum with quiet energy, and the view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows is captivating.

The magical forest stretches endlessly, the trees bathed in an ethereal glow as though kissed by moonlight. Above, the sky is a masterpiece of swirling colors, a neverending aurora borealis that casts shimmering hues across the room. In the distance, the sound of the waterfall echoes faintly, a soothing melody that seems to sync with the beat of your heart.

Hoseok steps behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist as he rests his chin on your shoulder. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmurs, his voice like a soft caress that mingles with the serenity of the scene.

You nod, unable to tear your gaze away. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Hoseok lifts you effortlessly into his arms, carrying you to the bed as though you weigh nothing. The world around you seems to fade as he lays you down, the mattress cradling you in comfort. He climbs in beside you, his body warm against yours, his hands steady as they explore every curve, every inch of skin.

The intimacy begins again, slow and deliberate. Each touch, each kiss, feels like a silent promise, a confession of everything he’s yet to say aloud. As he moves within you, the connection deepens, the pleasure mingling with a profound sense of belonging.

When the moment reaches its crescendo, it’s as though the universe itself holds its breath, the stars above shining brighter, the aurora pulsing with vibrant intensity.

Afterward, Hoseok pulls you close, his arms encircling you as though he never plans to let go. The sound of the waterfall outside lulls you into a tranquil haze, his quiet words grounding you in a way nothing else ever has.

“You’re everything,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.

And as sleep claims you, you find yourself leaning into his presence, no longer fighting the pull.

The sun hovers low in the sky as Hoseok’s car finally arrives at the edge of the city’s old warehouse district. It is massive, stretching along the riverbank, a labyrinth of decayed buildings and rusting structures that seem to hum with an unnatural energy. The water nearby glistens unnaturally under the fading sunlight, as though it holds secrets far beyond the mundane.

Hoseok stops, scanning the surroundings with a critical eye. “This is it,” he says, his voice quieter than usual.

You hesitate. “How can you tell?”

He gestures toward the river. “The celestial realm draws its power from water, and this... this place reeks of it. Feel that hum in the air?”

You nod, suddenly hyper aware of the faint vibration beneath your feet. You swallow hard and step closer to him, the weight of the moment pressing down on your chest. Each step into the district feels heavier, as though the very air is resisting your intrusion.

Hoseok suddenly comes to a halt before the largest warehouse, its rusted doors barely hanging on their hinges. A faint glow seeps through the cracks, pulsing like a heartbeat. Hoseok pushes the doors open, and the sight inside leaves you speechless.

Inside, the warehouse floor is covered by a vast pool of shimmering water, golden light rippling across its surface. Patterns of celestial geometry reflecting on the walls, creating an ever-shifting tapestry of light and shadow.

Hoseok steps forward cautiously, his movements fluid yet tense. “This is a gateway,” he says, looking back at you. “Once we cross, there’s no telling what we’ll face.”

You nod, clutching the strap of your satchel. Together, you wade into the glowing water. The moment the liquid touches your skin, the world tilts, and the warehouse dissolves in a cascade of brilliant light.

When your vision clears, you find yourself standing in a place that defies logic. Bone-white structures jutting from the ground like the skeletons of ancient giants, their surfaces glowing faintly in the ambient light. The air is thick with the scent of ozone, and beneath your feet, the ground seems to hum with restrained power. Rivers of light flow through deep channels, crisscrossing the landscape in intricate patterns.

“It’s beautiful,” you whisper, though unease prickles at the back of your mind. The beauty of this place feels hollow, as if the light is concealing something darker.

In the distance, a golden orb floats above a jagged pedestal of stone, its light casting long, twisting shadows. A strange pull begins to gnaw at you, drawing you toward it despite the growing dread pooling in your stomach.

Hoseok reaches out, his fingers brushing your wrist. “Wait,” he says firmly. “This feels... wrong.”

But the orb’s allure is overpowering. As if in a trance, you step closer, the world narrowing to the golden glow before you. The moment your fingers brush the orb, the light explodes outward, swallowing everything in an instant.

When the light fades, you find yourself standing in a familiar place – a dark country road, rain pounding against the windshield of a car. Your heart clenches as you recognize the scene.

“This can’t be real,” you whisper.

Yet every detail is vivid, from the harsh glare of the headlights cutting through the downpour to the frantic voices of your parents in the front seat.

Suddenly, the car screeches to a halt, and brilliant lights surround you, blinding and pure. Figures emerge from the light – angels, their presence chilling you to the bone.

“Your parents defied their purpose,” one of them says, his voice devoid of warmth. “They chose weakness, and now they pay the price.”

You freeze, the words pierce through you like a blade.

“They’re gone because of you,” another says, their glowing eyes locking onto you.

The memory of their deaths floods back, and for a moment, despair threatens to consume you. But then, a spark of defiance ignites within you.

“No,” you declare, your voice trembling but resolute. “My parents fought for me because they loved me. Their strength lives on in me.”

As you speak, a spark ignites within you and a light bursts from your chest, growing brighter and brighter until it shatters the vision completely.

When you awake, you are back in the ruins, but the orb is gone and replaced by a glowing sigil carved into the ground. A group of angels emerge from the light, their forms cold and imposing, surrounding and taunting you.

“You are the daughter of the unworthy,” one growls. “You do not belong here.”

The ground beneath you begins to tremble violently, as if on the verge of collapsing, leaving you with the terrifying image of being swallowed whole by the earth.

"You’ve wandered too far, daughter of the unworthy,” another snarls, his voice dripping with disdain. “You will come with us.”

Hoseok surges forward, tackling one of the angels out of the way just as they move to strike, his body a shield between you and the looming threat.

The angels begin to attack, their divine weapons slicing through the air. Hoseok fights back, his shadows clashing against their light, but the odds quickly turn against him.

Just as an angel lunges toward you, a torrent of crimson flames erupt around you.

The demons burst into the celestial realm like a thunderstorm unleashed, their ferocity shaking the very ground you stand on. They tear through the angels with primal intensity, wings of shadow slicing through radiant light. The air explodes with the clash of forces, sparks of divine and infernal energy illuminating the battlefield. The angels regroup, attempting to hold their ground, but the demons’ sheer power is overwhelming, forcing them to falter. The struggle grows fiercer, a chaotic dance of light and darkness, giving you and Hoseok the precious seconds you need.

“Go!” one of the demons roars, his voice booming above the fray.

Hoseok doesn’t hesitate. His hand wraps around your wrist as he leads you away from the battle, his movements quick and deliberate. The celestial realm trembles as if it too was desperate to trap you. But with one last glance at the chaos unfolding behind you, you follow Hoseok through the thinning veil of light and shadow.

The vibrations of the celestial realm linger even after you are back in the car, the faint hum coursing through the tires as Hoseok speeds down the road. Only when the sensation fades completely does he slow, pulling into a dimly lit truck stop by the side of the highway.

He parks in the farthest corner of the lot, the neon lights of the diner casting strange reflections on the car windows. For a moment, neither of you speaks, the weight of what just happened pressing down on the silence.

Finally, Hoseok exhales, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. “That was...close.”

You nod, your voice caught in your throat before you manage to speak. “The angels... they blame me. They call me the daughter of the unworthy.” You look at him, your chest tightening. “What do they mean?”

Hoseok’s jaw clenches. “They’re trying to mess with your head. Angels aren’t as pure as you’ve been led to believe, though not all of them are bad, still the majority are treacherous beings. That’s why they try to break you, to make you question yourself.” His voice softens, a rare vulnerability creeping in. “But you don’t break.”

You stare out the window, the glow of the truck stop lights blurring in your vision. “I don’t understand any of this. The book... my parents... me? Why would the angels want me so badly?”

Hoseok hesitates, as if weighing how much he should reveal. “Because you’re more important than you realize… to both sides.”

Before you can press him further, the sound of an approaching vehicle breaks the silence. You turn to see a sleek black SUV pulling up beside you. Hoseok’s posture shifts immediately, tense but not surprised. The passenger door opens, and a familiar figure emerges – tall and commanding, with molten gold eyes that catch the light like fire.

The demon leans casually against the car door, his sharp smile returning. “You’ve been busy.”

Hoseok crosses his arms, his stance rigid. “What do you want?”

The demon’s smile doesn’t falter, but his tone turns serious. “The magic book is a trap, rigged to lure her into their hands. We follow its essence to her house,” he says, nodding toward you. “When you aren’t there, we think we’ve lost you. But then she calls us.”

You blink in confusion. “I call you?”

The demon’s gaze flickers to you, his amusement returning. “That burst of light back there? Your power. It cuts through the realms like a beacon. It leads us right to you.”

You glance at Hoseok, the unease in your chest growing. “If the book is a trap,” you ask, “how do we find the relic now?”

The demon straightens, folding his arms as he regards you both. “The oracle,” he says simply. “She’s the only one who knows its true location.”

Hoseok’s jaw tightens further, but his voice is calm. “Then we go to her next.”

The demon’s sharp smile widens, his gaze lingering on Hoseok as he steps back. “Good luck. You’re going to need it.”

As the demon retreats into the night, the air grows still again.

You watch Hoseok’s face, searching for any hint of what he’s feeling, but he remains a fortress of unreadable emotions – at least, that’s how it seems.

“Angel,” he finally breaks the silence, his voice softer than you’ve ever heard it, “there’s something I need to tell you... I-I just don’t know how.”

When his eyes meet yours, you don’t see the confident, alluring Hoseok you’ve grown used to. Instead, there’s something raw, almost vulnerable, in the way he looks at you – like his eyes are holding back a sadness too heavy to share. Yet, his aura shifts, and you can feel it – a swirling mix of hesitation, protectiveness, and something deeper that makes your chest tighten.

“I think it’s a little too late to play coy,” you tease lightly, trying to ease the weight in the air. “Hoseok, you can tell me anything.”

But your attempt at humor doesn’t break through. He breaks eye contact instead, his shoulders sinking as he stares down at his hands. A deep sigh escapes him, like he’s carrying the weight of the celestial realm itself.

“I-I…” He hesitates, his fingers curling tightly against his lap before finally continuing, “I just don’t want anything to happen to you. So, I’m thinking… maybe we should stay at my place from now on. Only I can enter my realm or allow others in, so it’s the safest option. If, and only if, that’s okay with you.”

The words come out in a rush, like he’s afraid of what your response might be.

You reach over, placing your hand on his. Your thumb traces soothing circles across his knuckles as you offer a small, reassuring smile. “Honestly? I think that’s the most practical decision we’ve made since we met.”

His lips twitch upward into a faint smile, but his eyes betray him. There’s more he isn’t saying, and deep down, you know it. Still, you decide not to push him. He’ll tell you when he’s ready. The connection between you has always been inexplicably strong, and now, you can feel something strange radiating from him – lingering traces of fear and worry mingled with anger and something similar to passion brewing within.

Hoseok remains paused in the moment before nodding. He gently pulls his hand from yours, starts the car, and turns onto the empty road. The low hum of the engine fills the silence as the truck stop disappears in the rearview mirror, and you can’t shake the feeling that Hoseok’s thoughts are elsewhere.

The journey to his realm is quiet, the kind of quiet that feels heavy rather than peaceful. When you arrive, his home seems different – still beautiful, still otherworldly, but tonight, it feels like a sanctuary desperately trying to shield you both from the outside chaos.

That night, when he wraps his arms around you, his touch feels different. There is a new intensity in the way he holds you, like he’s afraid you’ll vanish if he lets go. His body is warm against yours, but his breathing betrays him – steady, yet just a little too deep, as though he’s grounding himself.

You don’t say anything. You don’t need to. The quiet between you speaks louder than words, the weight of everything unsaid pressing gently against your chest. You nestle closer, your head resting against him, and for a fleeting moment, you feel safe.

But the questions linger in your mind, along with the undeniable sense that tonight has changed something between you.

The morning comes too quickly, and with it, the next step of your journey. The oracle waits, and though you don’t know what answers she might hold, you can’t escape the gnawing feeling that they will change everything once again.

As the car moves through a landscape shifting from the familiar to the extraordinary, you once again feel the weight of silence between you and Hoseok. The road stretches endlessly until the terrain begins to morph. The skies shimmer in unnatural hues, and the air seems to hum with energy. By the time you arrive at the oracle’s realm, it feels like stepping into the pages of a sci-fi novel.

Towering structures pulsate with glowing light, and pathways crisscross the sky, suspended by invisible forces. Beings of every shape and size move through the streets, some humanoid, others unlike anything you’ve ever imagined. Hoseok guides you through the bustling city to a nondescript door nestled between two towering spires.

“This is it,” he says, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a flicker of apprehension.

Inside, the world is alive with music and chatter. The oracle’s domain is a club that seems to defy the laws of physics – floating platforms hover midair, and the walls shift colors and shapes in time with the music. In the center of it all stands the oracle, her presence commanding yet ethereal. Draped in shimmering fabrics that appear to move like liquid light, she greets you with a knowing smile.

“You’ve come,” she says, her voice resonating in a way that seems to speak directly to your soul.

The oracle wastes no time. Her gaze, sharp and unyielding, locks onto yours, as though she can see straight through your skin and into the very essence of your being. Her lips part, and her voice – low, melodic, yet weighted with an otherworldly power – begins to weave a story you haven’t known you were ready to hear.

“You carry their light, you know,” she says, her eyes narrowing slightly as a faint glow reflects in her irises. “Your parents. They knew this day would come, though they feared it more than anything. The whispers of your destiny haunted them, even as they tried to shield you from it.”

You blink, startled. “They…they never told me anything like that.”

“They didn’t have to,” the oracle replies, tilting her head. “They saw what you were – what you are. You are no angel, no demon, but something far more dangerous to both. You are balance itself, child. A tether. A bridge. The kind of being that can tip the scales of the universe with a single choice.”

Her words send a shiver down your spine. “What does that even mean?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

“It means,” the oracle continues, “that your existence is a thread in the great tapestry of the realms. Angels, demons, mortals – all of them tug at it, desperate to shape it to their will. But you…you were born to hold the threads together. To keep the chaos and order in check.” She leans forward, her gaze softening slightly. “It’s why the relic calls to you, why you can see things others cannot.”

Her words strike like lightning, illuminating truths that feel both foreign and deeply familiar. You struggle to breathe under the weight of it all, a sense of dread gripping your chest as a flood of emotions surge – disbelief, confusion, fear. Yet beneath it all is a strange sense of resonance, as though pieces of a puzzle you didn’t know you held were clicking into place. A connection to something greater than yourself, and the idea lingers, pulling at threads deep within you, stirring something primal, something you can’t name.

The oracle watches you closely, her piercing gaze reading the turmoil in your heart. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you?” she asks, her tone neither accusing nor gentle but steeped in certainty. “The pull. The connection to something greater than yourself. It’s not a coincidence. You were born to walk this path.”

“But…what does that mean? What am I supposed to do?” you ask, your voice trembling under the weight of it all. “Who am I supposed to trust?”

The oracle tilts her head, her expression unreadable but not unkind. “Trust,” she says slowly, “is a fragile thing. You will find it where you least expect it and lose it in the places you believe it to be safe. But that is not the question you should ask.”

“Then what should I ask?” you press.

“You should ask yourself,” she replies, “who you will be if trust is betrayed. If you are strong enough to walk this path regardless of the hands that reach for yours.”

You open your mouth to respond, but she continues, her words shifting like silk over steel. “Your future is not a single thread, child. It is a web of possibilities, branching out in ways even I cannot fully see. Which thread survives will depend on the choices you make.”

She pauses, her expression darkening as she speaks of the relic. “It is a source of unimaginable power, capable of restoring balance or obliterating it entirely. In the wrong hands, it will bring devastation to all realms – angelic, demonic, and mortal alike. Even those who seek balance must beware their own temptations.”

The room seems to dim as her voice grows quieter, darker. “You were born to hold the balance. The relic calls to you because it knows this. But power…power always demands a price. Will you pay it?”

Her words linger in the air long after she finishes speaking, leaving you with a feeling of unease you can’t quite shake.

Finally, she reveals the relic’s location, speaking its name like a hidden key that unlocks a door in your mind. It feels both distant and perilously close, a destination that will mark the next step in your journey. Her warning is clear, her gaze sharper than before. “Be sure you are willing to pay the price before you claim it,” she says softly, her voice almost a whisper but carrying the weight of a scream.

The oracle steps back then, as if retreating into the shadows of her domain, her words a haunting echo in your mind as you stand on the precipice of a destiny you never sought to claim – born to walk this path.

After the intensity of the oracle’s revelations, Hoseok suggests taking a moment to explore the peaceful realm. It is a rare sanctuary, a place where violence is forbidden, and the energy of the realm soothes frayed nerves. As the two of you wander through the narrow streets, the grandeur of the city gives way to quieter corners, where the hum of activity softens into a tranquil buzz.

“Did you know about all of this?” you ask hesitantly, breaking the silence as you walk beside him. “The balance, the relic, my… role in all of it?”

Hoseok glances at you, his expression guarded. “I had my suspicions,” he admits after a pause. “But it’s not something you just… bring up in conversation.”

You frown. “Suspicions? You’ve been guiding me through this chaos, and all you had were suspicions?”

“Would you have believed me if I’d told you everything from the start?” he counters, his voice calm but laced with frustration. “You barely believe it now.”

He isn’t wrong, but his words don’t ease the unease twisting in your chest. “It feels like everyone knows more about me than I do,” you mutter. “Like my whole life has been leading to something I didn’t even know I’m a part of.”

Hoseok stops walking and turns to face you, his gaze steady. “Your life is still yours,” he says softly. “No one can take that from you – not angels, not demons, not anyone.”

His words carry a surprising sincerity, and for a moment, you feel a flicker of reassurance. Before you can respond, the two of you reach a small pub tucked away in a shadowed corner of the street. Its wooden sign sways gently in the breeze, and the soft glow of lanterns spilling from the windows makes it look almost out of place in the grand realm.

“Come on,” Hoseok says, nodding toward the door. “Let’s take a break.”

The pub’s interior is cozy, with warm lighting and a scent of spiced cider that immediately wraps around you like a comforting blanket. The two of you settle at a corner table, where Hoseok orders drinks, his choice of a deep red wine once again catching you off guard.

As you sit in the tentative quiet, you can’t help but ask, “Do you ever get tired of all this? The secrecy, the danger?”

Hoseok’s lips quiver into a small, humorless smile. “You get used to it. But tired? Yeah. Sometimes.”

“Then why do it?” you press. “Why keep helping me if it’s so exhausting?”

“Because someone has to,” he says simply. “And because… I believe in you.”

Your heart falters at his words, but before you can say anything, the moment is shattered by a voice cutting through the pub’s warmth.

“Demon Prince,” the figure says, their tone reverent yet bold as they approach your table.

You stiffen at the title, your gaze snapping to Hoseok. His jaw clenches, and a flicker of annoyance crosses his face. “I told you not to call me that,” he says sharply, his voice low but firm.

The figure hesitates, their expression faltering for a moment before they bow their head slightly. “Of course. My apologies.”

Your mind races, the stranger’s words echoing over and over. Demon Prince. The title carries a weight that can’t be ignored, and the way Hoseok reacts – defensive, irritated – only adds to your growing unease.

As the figure moves away, you lean toward him, your voice a hushed whisper. “What is that about? Why would they call you that?”

“It’s just a nickname,” Hoseok says quickly, his tone casual, though his eyes refuse to meet yours. “An old joke from another time.”

You don’t believe him for a second, but the intensity of his expression makes it clear he isn’t going to say anything more. The rest of your time in the pub passes in strained silence, the warm atmosphere doing little to thaw the tension building between you.

By the time you leave, the words Demon Prince linger in your mind, impossible to dismiss.

The drive back to Hoseok’s realm is unbearable. The silence stretched taut, every moment amplifying the questions you’re too afraid to ask but can’t keep inside any longer. Finally, you break. “Is it true?” you ask, your voice trembling. “Are you the Demon Prince?”

He doesn’t answer right away. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, knuckles pale against the dark leather. For a moment, you think he might deny it – dismiss the stranger’s claim as baseless. But then he exhales, his voice low and weighted with regret. “I didn’t want you to see me that way.”

Anger and hurt surge, breaking through the thin veil of calm you’ve been clinging to. “If you can lie about this,” you say, your voice cracking, “what else are you hiding? How am I supposed to trust you now?”

Hoseok flinches at your words, the flicker of pain in his expression only amplifying your frustration. He tries to explain, but his answers feel evasive, and every word only widens the chasm growing between you. By the time you reach his house, the argument has spiraled into a storm of emotions you can’t contain.

“I need to go home,” you say firmly, your voice leaving no room for debate.

Hoseok’s eyes darken, the calm mask he’s worn earlier now completely shattered. “You can’t,” he says, his tone almost pleading. “It’s not safe for you out there – not until we finish this.”

But you shake your head, overwhelmed by the oracle’s revelations, the looming danger of the relic, and now this crushing sense of betrayal. “I can’t stay here. I just… I need space.”

Hoseok looks as though he wants to argue further, but after a long pause, he relents. “I can force you to stay here…but I won’t. At least take this with you,” he says as he hands you a glowing dagger, “if you run into any trouble, it’s been enchanted with a magic that can harm any celestial being.”

You accept the dagger, “Fine, now can I go home?” You try to sound stern, but your heart aches as you ask him.

His shoulders slump, and with a wave of his hand, the bathroom door shimmers and shifts, revealing the familiar sight of your apartment beyond it. The magic is seamless, but the ache in your chest is anything but.

As you step through the portal, you can’t bring yourself to look back. You tell yourself this is what you need – that space will bring clarity. But as the door closes behind you, severing the connection to Hoseok’s world, you feel the hollow ache of uncertainty settle deep in your chest.

The days pass in a haze of monotony, the kind you used to crave when life felt too chaotic. You go back to work, immersing yourself in tasks that once made you feel accomplished, but now, everything feels hollow. Your coworkers invite you to dinner, drinks – anything to pull you out of whatever funk they think you're in. You politely decline each time, excusing yourself with a smile that doesn’t reach your eyes.

At night, the silence of your apartment feels heavier than before, and the city noise outside your window does little to fill the void. Sleep becomes elusive, your dreams haunted by visions of Hoseok. In them, he reaches for you, his eyes filled with desperation, but every time, just as your fingers are about to touch, he disappears into the shadows.

You startle awake one night, the image of him crumpled on the ground etched into your mind. His face pale, his body broken – it feels so real, too real to ignore. Shaking your head, you push the thought aside, blaming it on the stress of everything you’ve been through.

In an attempt to calm yourself, you shuffle to the kitchen and set a kettle on the stove for tea. The rhythmic ticking of the stove timer is interrupted by a sound that sends a chill down your spine – a heavy thud against your front door.

Your heart races as you reach for the weapon Hoseok had insisted you take with you. The handle feels foreign in your grip, but the weight of it gives you a strange sense of comfort. Slowly, you approach the door, your breaths shallow.

When you swing it open, the sight before you makes your blood run cold. Hoseok collapses into your entryway, his body battered and bloodied. “Hoseok!” you gasp, dropping the weapon and rushing to his side.

He groans, barely conscious as you hook an arm under his shoulder and struggle to drag him inside. The door slams shut behind you as you half-drag, half-carry him to the couch. His wounds look deep, blood soaking through his torn clothes, but as you clean them, you notice something strange. The gashes are closing before your eyes, knitting together with an almost supernatural speed.

With everything you’ve been through, it’s another magical occurrence that only keeps you astonished for a brief moment, before reminding you that life will never be normal again.

Hoseok’s eyes flutter open, and he gives you a weak smile. “I… couldn’t stay away,” he says, his voice strained but steady. “I tried to get the relic on my own, but…”

His words trail off as your emotions surge – relief that he is alive, anger at his recklessness, confusion over his sudden reappearance. “You shouldn’t have gone alone,” you say, your voice trembling. “What if you hadn’t made it back?”

“I had to,” he murmurs, his hand reaching up to cover yours. “I can’t do this without you.”

As you stare into his eyes, the weight of his words settles over you. “Why, Hoseok? Why do you need this relic so badly?”

He hesitates, his expression torn. Finally, he answers, “Because I want to be free. I want to live as a mortal again. To feel what it’s like to truly live – love, marry, have children, and grow old. I’ve spent centuries trapped in this endless cycle, and I can’t do it anymore.”

His voice breaks, the raw vulnerability in his tone catching you off guard. For the first time, you see him not as a guide or even a demon, but as a person – someone carrying the weight of lifetimes of pain.

Your anger softens, replaced by a mix of empathy and uncertainty. “Hoseok…” you begin, but the words catch in your throat. You don’t know what to say, and deep down, you’re not sure if anything can make this easier.

He reaches for your hand again, his grip firm but gentle. “I lied because I didn’t want you to see me as just a demon. I wanted you to trust me for who I am, not what I am. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

The vulnerability in his words stirs something in you, but the ache in your chest reminds you of everything that’s happened – the oracle’s revelations, the stranger’s words, the secrets he has kept.

You sigh, leaning into him, placing your forehead against his. “I still need time,” you say softly as you look sorrowfully into his eyes, before gently pulling your hand away. “This is all just too much to process.”

That night, you watch over him as he sleeps, the rise and fall of his chest steadying your frayed nerves. His wounds are almost completely healed, but the scars they leave on your trust will take longer.

The silence of the room is broken only by the faint sound of the city outside, but inside, the air is thick with unresolved tension. As dawn begins to break, you can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning – that the choices you make now will ripple far beyond anything you could foresee.

And somewhere, deep in the recesses of your mind, you know the journey is far from over.

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