#mintedmango

A frightened yell ripped through the large estate, shattering the peaceful, quiet evening like fragile glass thrown against a wall. The blood-curdling scream stopped all the brothers in their mundane tracks for the evening while they all were sitting in the parlor.

Taehyung flicked his paintbrush down on his wooden easel, flecks of green splattering across his canvas, a deep growl of confusion emitting from his throat. Hoseok snapped the book he was reading about hunting large game animals closed, eyes narrowing at the harrowing sound. An awful sour tone rang out, Yoongi’s long fingers slammed on the ivory keys of the piano as he stood abruptly.

A beat of silence ticked, stretching between the princes’, as realization set in.

“Little bird!” Seokjin yelped as he leapt from the news docket and the glass of brandy he was nursing all evening.

They take off into the house like dogs deep in the thick of the hunt. Their legs pushing into the carpet and marble of the home, scrambling for purchase against the ground. Snarls, whimpers, and growls echoed in the mansion as the brothers seemingly moved as one, thundering through their halls. The wolf-boys arms pushing them faster as their nails rake across wooden walls, shredding banisters in their wake. They feel like time is slowing, the clock is the enemy, pushing them back from the only thing they’ve cared about in what feels like ages.

In reality, they move like a flurry of hungry, wild beasts. The wolf brothers fly through their home with quick, superhuman strength. Worry and fright heighten their senses, a kaleidoscope of emotions changing every few milliseconds. 

They needed to get to her. They needed to race her. They yipped and groaned, pushing, clawing their way to her room. Their wolf blood pulsing and flowing with fear scorching through their human forms. 

Nails grew from deep within their human skin. Lips lifted, exposing their gleaming canines and bright pink gums as her room came into view. The prince’s wolf bodies rippled against the soft flesh of their mortal forms. The feral, wild hounds that they really are were threatening to escape as snarls and low growls toppled from their throats. 

Malice, violence, something benevolent they all think as they enter her room unannounced. They wanted to choke, maim, take pleasure in killing something that would hurt her…Make her scream like that.

Seokjin enters first, throwing the wooden doors open. Normally he would knock but he hasn’t a clear thought, wanting to know what or who could have made their little bird react the way she did. 

It’s eerie and quiet inside the guest living quarters. 

The younger princes’ enter next. They pant, shake and sputter, drinking in the smell of sharp terror that hangs heavy in the air of her lavish room. The fire in the hearth is out, moonlight pools through her windows creating a dim glow to cascade across the room…Their mate is passed out in a cold sweat in her bed…

And their youngest brother was in the corner of their room looking utterly ashamed.

A gust of melancholy October wind hit the house, the fallen leaves rustling on the ground and in the trees outside. The windows rattled, the panes shuttered against the cold breeze howling against the walls of the mansion. Silence coated the room, hanging in the still air was the chill of fear from their mate and the scent of shame wafting from Jungkook.

It took the wolf-boys a beat longer until it finally clicked. 

“What is wrong with you, Jungkook?” Seokjin remarks, lips peeling back, white teeth bared at the youngest brother. Rage flashing across his amber eyes. “Revealing your wolf form to her?”

“She was having a bad dream, hyung.” Jungkook sheepishly responded, shaking his head back and forth. “I wanted to be there for her when she woke up.” He bit his lip as he grabbed his cloak, covering his naked form. “She was terrified, hyung. I could smell it through the walls.” 

“Poor thing.” Hoseok cooed as he placed a cool hand across her blazing forehead. His amber eyes roamed over her still face, drinking in every inch of her flushed flesh.  Her hair pooled around her head on her pillow, wrapping herself in a halo of strands and tresses. Hoseok’s nostrils flared as his eyes reached her slightly parted mouth; her split lip she arrived with was almost completely healed. 

How badly did Hoseok wish to press his lips into hers... 

“What if she died on the spot, Jungkook?” Taehyung asked, standing next to Hoseok, watching her attentively. His voice shook with concern, his thick brows furrowed as he studied her like a beautiful painting. “She looks like she has seen a spirit!”

“I-I used my magic on her to make her forget seeing me and go back to sleep.” Jungkook then admitted in a soft, small voice. 

Seokjin gasped softly. 

Another egregious sin they were not supposed to use upon the poor mortal kind. Using their werewolf powers on a regular human was quite shameful. That was something that the creatures beyond the veil would do, nay, not the brothers that rule Bangtan. 

“Magic?” Seokjin snapped and Hoseok yelped at the same time, sharing a look of anger and dismay, respectfully. 

Yoongi heaved a heavy sigh, collapsing into a purple velvet armchair by the hearth of her fireplace. The second eldest licked the edges of his mouth, running his long fingers through his white hair in a defeated manner. “Jungkook, we cannot shift in the mansion. You know how we all feel about this.”

Jungkook couldn’t meet his older brother's amber glare. “I know, hyung. I just—“

Without even looking at him, Taehyung and Yoongi both emitted low, warning growls, their voices deep and huskiest of the brothers. It was quite a scary duo to witness. Jungkook froze, his amber eyes sliding to the ground in obedience.  

Pack order, as well as family dynamic, was something that was established, but changed from time to time. In this room right now, the order was Yoongi, Seokjin, Hoseok, Taehyung, then Jungkook. When all the princes were together, the order was usually eldest to youngest, though that was challenged by Taehyung and Namjoon often. However, Seokjin never failed to be at the top of the pecking order normally due to his birthright. 

“No ‘hyung’ this or that.” Yoongi snarled, head hanging as he rested his elbows on the tops of his thighs, speaking directly to the cold ground beneath his feet. “You shifted…then got scared when she screamed at the sight of your wolf form, so you made her pass back out with your magic!” He got up then, pounded over to the youngest brother and single handedly picked Jungkook up off the floor by his robes. “Why were you in her room in the first place, huh?” The second eldest’s eyes were ablaze, fury seeping out of his pores as he searched the youngest’s own fearful orbs. 

Yoongi had already reprimanded Namjoon today. Tensions were on high alert today because of that. He was so fond of all his kin, he hated being the villain, the bad part about their day. Seokjin and himself very much had to play parent because theirs have since passed. 

“I’m going utterly insane, hyung…” Was all Jungkook could muster before Yoongi let out another deep sigh, his free hand rifling through his white locks. 

“I know.” Yoongi admitted, releasing him gently. Yoongi agreed, solemnly nodding, the fire extinguishing from his words and his sunset colored eyes.  His gaze traveled to the lovely young lady in their guest room who they worshipped the ground she walked on.  His nostrils flared, “We all are, Jungkook…we all are.” 

———-

Soft, featherlight touches upon my cheek roused me from my slumber.  Though I remember fainting, I cannot recall why that occurred. Blinking slowly, I opened my eyes only to see rich amber-coloured orbs peering down at me in the flickering candlelight. Pushing the sheets away, I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my weary eyes. I wasn’t fully awake nor was I registering who was in my room with me in this present moment. The air around me was thick, laced with anticipation and it smelt of fresh linen and morning dew. I stopped moving at once and drank in the human sitting opposite of myself. 

Prince Jungkook.

My mind started to race with questions. Why was he here?  In my room? What time was it? His eyes widened as I stared at him. “Little bird-“

“Prince Jungkook.” I clutch the sheets to cover my chest, my cheeks flushing a bright red hue. Jungkook looked completely sheepish as an innocent gleam flashing across his amber eyes. “W-What are you doing here?” 

“I beg your pardon, my lady.” He sheepishly looked down and away from me. “One of the hunting dogs became loose in the castle, found its way into your room and gave you quite a scare.… I think.”  The youngest prince runs a hand through his curly, richly-colored locks, sliding his palm down to stroke the side of his neck. “I do not wish to frighten you or have you think ill of me, as I know a young lady should never be unattended without a chaperone…”  Jungkook turns the complete opposite direction of me, looking toward the foot of the bed. “It was my turn to put the hounds away and I utterly failed.” Jungkook solemnly looks out the window, his tone grim. “I’m deeply sorry, Y/N.” 

My heart cracks into little pieces.

Prince Jungkook reminds me of my brother Chan at this moment. So sweet and earnest, never truly meaning to harm anyone, a wash of teasing in his tone. He was all but sass and silliness, but he would never bite--lest not bite me.

My stomach lurches at the memory of my brother.  

I lightly touch Jungkook’s shoulder to steady my spiraling thoughts of my family I left not long ago. I lean into the young prince and whisper, “Do not feel ashamed, Prince Jungkook.” He whips his head back around to look at me with his bright, amber eyes. His lips part while his eyes appear glassy in the soft glow from the morning light flickering through the sheer curtains.   

Prince Jungkook opens and closes his mouth several times, reminiscent of a fish gasping for air once plucked from water. His amber eyes flit from my own eyes to my extended hand on his shoulder. Jungkook suddenly clears his throat and gets up off my bed in a fluid movement. He bows deeply and silently exits my room in the blink of an eye. 

And like the breathing out of a candle, he is gone in an instant. 

I look to the end of the bed, a small shudder skates down my spine, a chill of ice flows through my veins, my teeth chatter. That hound from last night was utterly frightening. Its glowing eyes, its huge body, curled up by my feet…I can still feel its eyes upon me, raking over my flesh as if it was cognizant, searching my features as if it was a real person…

“That’s impossible…” I whisper to myself, pulling the covers up over myself, turning to the other side of the plush bed. “A hound cannot possibly be a person!” A chuckle leaves my lips as I nod into my pillow, rationalizing that magic isn’t real and I should probably see a doctor before someone claims I am mad. “What utter nonsense.” 

-

“You' been having bad dreams, Miss?” Sophia asks me, worry clouding her features as she helps me get ready for the day. Lacy, Sophia’s sister, braids the other side of my hair, twisting and folding my locks to look perfect. This is the trend for young girls my age right now--or so they tell me. 

“A few,” I sheepishly admit, shrugging my shoulders. “Can you tell?”

“Jus’ look like you’ seen a ghost, tis’ all.” Lacy worries her brow as she works on the other side of my locks, preparing me for the day. “Tis’ the time of year for goblins and demons and other creatures from the realm below to run amuck on Earth.” 

A small snort leaves my nostrils. “You two don’t believe that,” I say as I study them in the mirror behind me, “...Do you?” They share a look behind me, adding the finishing touches to my hair with their long, hard working hands. My heart sinks into the pit of my empty stomach. I know that sibling look. 

They know something I do not. 

“You’ feel it right, Miss?” Lacy whispers, stepping back, gathering her skirts as she turns and walks out the door. “This time of the year especially.” 

“There are strange things that happen ere’ every day, Miss.” Sophia nods, doing the same as her sister. “But this time of year…” She trails off, looking at the portrait of the prince’s with amber eyes, “is dangerous…even for people they consider family.” She whips around suddenly, throwing me a cautious, soft smile.“Best keep a watchful gaze in front as well as behind you during this time of year, Miss.”

The door announces it is shut with a small click and I am all alone in this big, wide room. 

I look at the painting she was giving the oddest glance at. Sophia was wistful, yet apprehensive in her stare which was odd for her. Lacy and Sophia were usually very warm(and a little neurotic), but maybe they heard me scream last night and I spooked them with some local superstition or something? I get up from the vanity to study the painting a little closer, moving to stand in front of the hearth, looking at the enormous canvas stretched almost the eternity of the wall. The prince’s golden eyes shine and sparkle under the warm morning glow that hits the painting perfectly. They all look so regal, so handsome and yet, so mysterious at the same time, hanging over the hearth just so. 

Something catches my eye. My gaze narrows, squinting as I see the tiny, orange and black butterfly in the corner of the painting.

I slowly realize as a thought fills my mind, my eyes widening. “...Just like the one I saw in the garden-”

A knock sounds at my door. “Little Bird?” Prince Hoseok’s voice filters through the wood, startling me from my thoughts. 

“Y-Yes?” I stammer, collecting my dress in my fists to move to the door quicker. “Yes, Prince Hoseok?” I ask, opening the wooden frame with a small smile on my lips.

“Good morning, Little Bird.” The cheery, red-headed prince, bowing slightly. He was already dressed to the nines in his gray wool day suit. The princes’ all dressed handsomely, but I do have a thought that Hoseok and Taehyung sport the most trendy and interesting colors and pieces out of all the princes. “I hope I am not disturbing you, but Jungkook informed us of the-” he pauses, looking for the correct word, his amber eyes roaming my face as he does so. “-incident that occurred last evening.” His eyes seem to flash with acute anger for a split second. “We have all come to the conclusion that we would not want you to be unaccompanied today, if that is quite alright with you?”

His hand extends to mine and I take it almost right away, leaving the comfort of my room. 

“Good girl,” Hoseok purrs softly so only I can hear as he loops my arm to intertwine with his. A jolt of lighting rushes to my nether region and I know my eyes expand at the feeling. That has never happened to me before. It excited me,  however, it also made me feel a small speck of terror stewing in my guts. “Right-o! Shall we?” He happily carried on as if I wasn't going through an internal crisis at this very moment. 

“Ye-yes.” I squeak. 

Hoseok began to walk me down to the dinning hall, the smells of breakfast wafting through the mansion. The prince quipped to me about how he wanted to dance with me right away at the ball as it was one of his favorite activities after hunting. 

Once Prince Hoseok and I stepped down onto the main floor from the grand staircase, the large house seemingly exploded with a flurry of hurry and mild panic. Maids and butlers ran to and fro, the service staff were almost fully complete with their ritual of turning the lavish home into one of pure royalty and splendor. One day more and the Harvest Moon Ball shall be hosted in the Bangtan Castle. Everyone has been in such a state of hustle and bustle, it was making me a little dizzy watching them shuffle around the marbled floor! 

The staff look like worker bees, buzzing about the hive, making it the most spectacular ball I have ever laid my eyes upon. Which might not be saying much as my father never threw such parties and gatherings. He hated that sort of frivolity. 

I thought of my beautiful dress Prince Seokjin had carefully crafted for me and sighed. “I am very delighted I can take part in the ball tomorrow.” I said as beautiful flowers from Jimin’s garden came through in huge golden vases by the tens of hundreds. The fragrant, colorful plumages needed two or more gentlemen of the Bangtan kingdom staff to carry them as the ornate containers appeared rather cumbersome to tout around.   

A wolfish grin spread across Hoseok’s face and he watched her with hungry, ravenous eyes while she took in the wealth and glamor that they have worked tirelessly to transform their den into. “We are too, Little Bird…We are too.” 

Breakfast was simple: sweet fruit, perfectly cooked porridge, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs. The options were less plentiful then when I first arrived, but I imagine the staff very obviously had their hands full and they were busy attending and preparing other facets of the mansion. And rightfully so. A ball seems like it takes weeks, if not months, to prepare for. 

And now I am an extra burden for the brothers to shoulder. 

I must give them my thanks tomorrow. I did not have a lot to give them nor do I believe they are hurting or could ever want anything more. They live a comfortable life, or so it seems. I ponder as I chew my food all the ways that I could thank them as only Hoseok and Seokjin eat beside me. All the other brothers had their hands full with the impending ball happening tomorrow eve. 

I scanned the table as I watched the two princes nourish themselves for the day. Seokjin ate slowly as he read the news docket, his amber eyes roaming row by row, drinking in what he was reading. Hoseok scooped porridge into his mouth quickly and snatched more bacon off his plate, wolfing down his meal as it would be his last. He didn’t eat like a child or like a brute, he just consumed his meal with haste and less tack than his oldest brother. 

It was peaceful. Even with so much movement happening throughout the castle, the dining hall was calm, the demeanor of the room was quite content. I am happy I think to myself, basking in the glow of autumn sun pouring in from the windows. I inhale deeply as I set my teacup down which earns me glances from both princes. 

“Everything alright, Little Bird?” Seokjin simpered, amber eyes gazing at me over the black and white folded paper. 

“Oh, yes, indeed!” I exclaim as the dining staff start clearing away the fine china in front of me. “I was just thinking about how content and happy I am.” I smile at him and Hoseok at the head of the table. “It is the first time I have felt like this in a long while.”

They both smile with warmth and adoration. The prince's grins are genuine, which made my own smile spread across my lips. A thought from this morning crossed my mind and I uttered the question without thinking. “I have a question, if you both don’t mind?” 

They nod in tandem, Hoseok finishing the food on his plate finally. Seokjin folded the docket and set it down on the table beside his teacup. 

“Well, uh-” Nervousness flooded through me, their bright eyes watching me with anticipation made my heart skip a beat. “I was studying the lovely portrait of you all in my room. And I couldn’t help but notice a small butterfly in the corner like a signature an artist gives…” Their faces fell as I continued. “And I saw a monarch butterfly in the garden and wanted to know, I suppose, if your family has a connection to butterflies in some manner?”

“You what?” Hoseok choked, panicked in his query as he coughed and beat his chest with vigor. 

“Are you sure you saw a butterfly?” Seokjin asked me in alarm as he stood from his seat. “An orange and black butterfly?” 

I became puzzled. “Ye-Yes?” I questioned, glancing between the two brothers as they stare at me with shock, worry coloring their handsome features. 

“We do not have butterflies in Bangtan.” Seokjin spoke in a grave manner, approaching me with slow steps. His golden, amber eyes were the size of dinner saucers, looking down at me. I have never seen him behave in such a way. I fear I have said the wrong thing at the wrong time, shattering the peaceful and tranquil morning in the dining hall with my stupid question. 

I spoil everything. 

“They are a bad omen here,” Hoseok stood, walking over to join Seokjin, staring grimly into my orbs. I have rarely seen Hoseok not smile and it was a sight I wished not to see again. His smile was one of my favorite things about him. “Butterflies are the harbingers of death and destruction.” 

An eerie feeling like I was being watched spread across my body, just like in the garden, causing a shiver to climb its way down my spine. I fret I truly made a mistake bringing this up to the princes. My raw questioning and curiosity has gotten the better of me once more. I felt like this was a rabbit hole I did not want to dig around in, lest I fall in.  

BAM!

“Seokjin-hyung! Hobi-hyung!” Jimin cried, flying through the dining hall door, worry and terror clouding his pale face as he puffed, out of breath, “He is here early!”

I whip around behind me to the cause of the noise and see the silver-locked prince shaking. He appeared disheveled in his haste to get to the dining hall as quick as a crack of lightning. Jimin’s always perfect hair was out of place, his breathing labored, and his legs wobbled as he scrambled for purchase, for support on the wooden door. 

A low rumble leaves Hoseok’s throat now as he stands behind me. “How?” He hisses out through gritted teeth, his hot breath tickling the top of my braided locks. 

“Are you certain?” Seokjin asks, all niceties gone from his tone. 

“P-Positive, hyung.” Jimin clamored, knees buckling as he fell to the ground in a heap. Prince Jimin was as still as a statue then. No movement came from his lump of a body on the floor.

I lurch forward, my arms extending in concern toward the silver -haired prince on the ground. I was still, not daring to move as two strong, mighty hands held me back, gripping both shoulders so I could not move. 

“Who is here?” I question in a whisper, not daring to move. The situation was dire it seemed. Jimin needed assistance, a mysterious guest had appeared and butterflies were quite a sore subject in the kingdom of Bangtan. 

My peaceful morning was no more. 

My ears perked at a hearty laugh that suddenly echoed through the halls. All the commotion happening in the halls seemed to die out, like the flame of a candle being snuffed out. Time was slowing, melting around me as if I was trapped in molasses. A cold shiver radiated through my body making me rigid. My back burned but I still dare not move a muscle, still in the confines of the two prince’s grasp. 

A black-gloved hand pushed through the frame of the door Jimin was slumped in front of. The two men behind me inhaled, holding their breath as the easement produced a man in orange and black riding leathers standing before us. The air was tense as this mysterious stranger floated through the door as if he owned the wind he strode through.

“Is this how you treat an esteemed guest?” His voice had an accent to it, definitely not from your kingdom or the one you’ve stumbled into. “And right before the ball too?” He grinned a devilish gleam as he made his way over to the three of you, which you all were as still as statues. 

He flicked a strand of curly, dark brown hair back away from his face, his warm, chocolate gaze was locked onto the men behind you. This man was handsome. The type of man that would make women swoon and make men jealous. He was neither too large nor too short. He was neither too feminine nor too masculine looking. This stranger was a nearly perfect man, seemingly sculpted, handmade from the gods. 

Though, you couldn’t help but think the princes’ would be the ideal personalities you’d like to be courted by...as if that would ever happen to someone like you…but, maybe one day.   

Prince Seokjin and Hoseok were utterly quiet as this man fluidly strode toward the three of you.

“Thank you so much for the snack after the long journey.” The stranger continued, surveying the beautifully ornate dining hall. “Next time could you provide me with a virgin, you know how much I prefer them over--”

“Chris.” Seokjin practically snarled, disdain rolling off his tongue. “Why are you here?”

The man shrugged, his riding leathers crinkling, cracking the tense air around the lot of you. “You didn’t get my RSVP?” This Chris fellow tilted his head, smiling as he did so. “My creature said it found someone in the garden.”

“You. Are. Early.” Prince Seokjin said, ice dripping with every syllable he uttered. The Prince gripping my shoulder tightly glazed over Chris’s question. “Today is not a good day.” 

“And you are uninvited until tomorrow.” Prince Hoseok growled over my other shoulder. 

“Gentlemen, please.” Chris chuckled, plucking a strawberry from the tray of colorful fruit, examining it in his long fingers. “My brothers and I came to spend an evening with you, for old times sake.” His brown orbs glow red in the sunlight hitting his face in the dining hall windows. 

“We do not have time to entertain guests until tomorrow, good sir. I suggest you leave.” I blurt out. I jump with the sound of my voice, startling myself. 

I blush, flushing a crimson color I am sure, and look to the floor immediately. “We” I said...I do not truly live here. I am nothing more than a visitor here. What gives me the right, the gall, to say any of this at all?

“Is this your ward I’ve been hearing about?” Chris said, bending so our eyes could meet. “My, you are a pretty thing, aren’t you?” His nostrils expanded as he leaned down to stare into my orbs. At this angle they look ravenous, mad with desire or hunger…I cannot tell the difference nor do I wish to dwell upon the thought any longer. “Now, this is the type of snack, nay, meal I’ve been hunting for.” 

My brows furrow as Chris’s devilishly playful grin deepens. 

“Christopher Bangchan.” Prince Namjoon’s deep timbre cuts through the tense air. He helps pull prince Jimin to his feet as he comes-to. The silver-haired prince grabs his face in his hands, groaning like he just woke up from a long, restful slumber. “Let us talk in the parlor or library, perhaps. That way we do not disturb our ward any further.” Namjoon grins, dimples popping out of his cheeks and I swear I think swoon every time he so much as smirks at me. “Now, shall we? We have much to catch up on.” He steadies his younger brother like nothing even happened, righting him upright to his feet with a few pats on the back. 

Jimin stands on his own two feet, however they wobble like a newborn calf. The prince finds the nearest chair and slumps over in it, giving a slight moan of pain as he does so. 

I find Prince Namjoon’s amber-colored orbs and hope he can feel my many words of thanks and cunning praise I am sending him with my gaze. He gives a small wink in my direction, turning his back to the group of us and exits the dining hall. Christopher retreats with a salacious grin upon his face, gliding to follow behind silently.

A chill runs up my spine as his orbs flash red for a split second before he fully vanishes from view. 

Another wash of awkward silence ticks, time seems to come back into focus for me. Birds chirp and chatter outside the windows, the staff chatter amongst themselves as they are hard at work preparing for the ball tomorrow. The world begins to spin again and I feel like I am coming out of a year-long slumber. 

What an odd fellow. I think as I exhale a deep breath I never even realized I was holding. I shall try and stay clear of him tomorrow.

“Y/N…” Hoseok says, spinning me around. A large smile sat upon his face, gazing at me with so much adoration. “You can be quite the powder keg, can’t cha’?”

“My little bird.” Prince Seokjin strokes the side of my cheek with the back of his long, comforting hands. He looks at me with his kind, rich eyes. “Well done.” 

I smile wide, grinning from ear to ear. I don’t know that talking rudely out of turn was deserving of so much praise, but nonetheless, I am happy once more. I am content with these brothers I have come to live with. 

“But, please Little Bird…” Prince Seokjin furrows his brow, his smile slightly falling. “Please do not go anywhere unaccompanied without one of us from now on.” I’m sure I give him quite the puzzled expression as he continues. “The Harvest Moon Ball, while magnificent and splendid as it is, also brings with it some…unsavory characters to the castle. Do you understand?”

I nod.

“Good.” He claps his hands. “Wonderful, wonderful, yes.” Prince Seokjin nods back to me. “Now, let us go fetch some things I need in town. I believe they should all be finished.” 

“What about Prince Jimin?” I ponder, giving his brother a worrying glance. “Is he quite alright?” 

“I have got him.” Hoseok exclaimed, walking over to the silver-haired prince and ruffled his hair about. “You two make sure the ball will be fantastic for tomorrow. I’ll manage things here.” 

“Marvelous!” Seokjin took my hand in his and led me to the door as footmen rushed and worked to dress the oldest prince in his outside attire. “We have much to do in town, Y/N. Much to do, yes.”

There must have been an accident in the kitchen or maybe with a decoration? Several staff members were mopping and cleaning a giant spot of dark-colored liquid near the door. They always work so hard, I hope the princes give them enough time off. And especially after the Harvest Moon Ball. The substance was both liquid and gooey at the same moment; chunks of possible beef or pork were being scooped up with haste, the castle staff meticulously restoring the ground of the threshold of the grand entrance way. Did one of the staff drop a stew of beef on accident?

 “Shall we wait for Paisley?” Another query finds my lips as we walk outside to the gleaming black carriage that was getting ready to go into town for the day. Two beautiful tawny work horses snorted, stamping their feet onto the ground, their hooves large and heavy in the mid-morning light. I noticed Jongbak was nowhere to be seen on this morning either, which was rather odd. He would do everything in his power to be in the presence of Paisley. 

Seokjin paused, stilling his movements as a footman opened the door for both the prince and I. He was a few steps in front of me and I felt his aura darken with my question. My heart was beating wildly, trapped behind my sternum. I haven’t seen Paisley this morning…or come to think of it, last night Sophia and Lacy have been attending to me. They often rotated in their care of me, but it was not normal to go this long without seeing my friend. 

“I am sorry that I didn’t inform you earlier,” Prince Seokjin walked to the carriage door, spinning on his heel, holding out his hand to assist me into the  carriage. “Paisley is no longer with us.”

A small gasp climbs from my throat, my eyes widening with surprise. “You mean she left? She no longer works in the castle?” I find his gloved hand in mine as I step closer to the carriage door. He helps me climb into the wheeled device, seating on the other side of me as Sophia silently follows, sitting next to me with a grim expression on her face.

Seokjin shakes his head, a sheepish smile springing up upon his pillowy lips. “I’m afraid not, Little Bird…I’m afraid not.” 

“Do you know where she went off to?” I query further. “I will miss her so!” Growing up with brothers was fantastic and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but in recent weeks I have grown close to Paisley, considering her akin to a sister to me. I felt utterly shameful. I didn't know she was planning to leave Bangtan Castle. I would have done everything in my power to make her stay. 

Prince Seokjin shakes his head, his rich locks swaying with him as the carriage begins to move. “She didn’t say anything except I know she went somewhere far, far away.” 

-

Riding into town, it was exceedingly calm and quiet today, which is out of the norm. Usually the village is swimming with life. Everyone outside, the shops full, restaurants buzzing with customers, the park always packed with lovely couples and families playing. The weather was not a deterrent as it was indeed chilly, but altogether sunny. I’d be remiss not to say that it was a beautiful autumn day!

Seokjin visited the butcher, which he told me was no place for a lady, so the Prince had me wait in the coach. Footmen carried crates full of items in glass, storing them above and below the carriage. I wished to know more about what was in the containers, but I held my tongue. 

I had enough outbursts and speaking out of turn for the day, I thought. 

Next, the carriage strode to an apothecary where Prince Seokjin let me pick a delightful, sweet yet mild tea. He said he was very fond of my choice. We received bundles of dried herbs, containers of what looked to be sludge, and colorful powders in vials. The prince paid the apothecary a hefty sum, a sack of coins exchanged for these small items seemed like the shopkeeper was ripping Seokjin off, but, no haggling was made, so I said not a word. 

We stopped for tea and sandwiches in a restaurant which was inside of an enormous green house located in the heart of the town. Fragrant flowers, leafy green vines, and tall tropical plants inhabited the glass dome. The air was warm and the atmosphere was relaxing as we made polite conversation. There were only a small handful of other patrons in the dining hall, making it feel as if I was shouting to the prince sitting across the table from me. 

“Y/N.” Seokjin addressing me by my name made my cheeks flush. I do hope he doesn’t notice, I shall just play it off if he does! The warm air in the greenhouse must be affecting me so! “Are you most excited for tomorrow's event?” Seokjin queried, finishing his meaty sandwich. 

I nod, wiping my mouth with the edge of my napkin. “Indeed.” I smile at him. “I am most looking forward to wearing my sparkling, glittering gown Madam Hwasa has created for me in little-to-no time. My mind wanders away from itself as it thinks of the dressmaker pointing to the middle of my back, to the small, bird wings-like birthmark I’ve carried with me since I came into this world. 

“I do hope you save me a dance, Little Bird.” Prince Seokjin purs, looking at me with a glimmer of desire in his eyes. I am sure my cheeks have only grown more pink by the minute. My fleshy center in between my legs jolts with electricity and I blink rapidly, trying to think about morphing away from my ever changing thoughts. “...Possibly two dances?” 

I melt at his velvety, swoon-worthy words. “Y-Yes, of course.” I stammer. 

“Good.” A wolfish grin spreads across the prince’s face. His amber eyes glint as he lightly touches the top of my hand. “Very good.

-

“Why the fuck are you here early, Chris?” Hoseok thunders, throwing the wooden library doors open. His amber orbs flash red, anger seething out of every pore. “Who invited you in?” 

“The cute little maid with the freckles.” Chris stated, a coy smile on his lips. “She was quite the snack.” Chris smuggly looks over his glass of brandy. The outsider was sitting on the red velvet couch in the library, looking comfortable in his orange and black riding leathers.

“Monster.” Yoongi’s deep timbre growled, baring his pearly canine teeth.  The brothers, Yoongi, Namjoon, and Jungkook, all stood facing the man adjacent to them, scowls on their faces, brows knit in frustration. 

“Come now,” Chris chidded as Hoseok strode across the room, standing in the menacing line with his wolf brethren. “We cannot help what we are. You all should understand better than mortals, no?” 

“There is a contract in place. You cannot harm one of our staff during the ball.” Namjoon frankly states. 

“But, it is not quite time for the ball, now--is it?” Chris snickers.

“You never sent a calling card, which is something you are supposed to do as well.” Jungkook folds his arms across his chest, a loathsome attitude souring the merriment of today. 

Chris gives a fake gasp, putting his free hand across his smirking mouth. “I did,” he said, feigning innocence, “my butterfly said someone saw it who lives in the castle.” He shrugs. “I thought you boys knew.” 

“Y/N saw it, but she didn’t know it was one of your…creatures.” Hoseok sneered down at the man sitting down, sipping his brandy casually. 

Yoongi slams his hands on the coffee table, splintering the wood on the cherry-wood table, sending pieces flying. Spittle flies from Yoongi’s peeled back lips, snarls erupting from his throat. “You are not welcome here this evening.” Prince Yoongi decides, the collection of wolf-men nod their heads in agreement. 

“Tell me about your ward.” Chris chuckles, his accent coming out in full force now that he is becoming more comfortable, ignoring the question. “She is awfully pretty.” The wolf-brothers snarl, feral noises emitting from their lips. “Keeping her all to yourselves, huh?”

“Don’t. You. Dare. Think. About. It.” Jungkook riles, enunciating his words with dark, animalistic noises. His wolf form rippling under his human skin, threatening to burst free. 

“Once you finish your drink, you need to leave.” Hoseok snaps. A darkened look glazing across his usually happy-go-lucky features.  

A small snort leaves the stranger’s nostrils. “You haven’t marked your territory very well, boys.” Chris takes a small sip of his brown colored alcohol. “Anyone, or anything, could gobble her right up.”

“I’m going to get my hunting rifle.” Hoseok angrily says as he spins on his heel to retreat out of the library.

“I’ll go with you.” Namjoon agrees, his lip lifted in disgust. 

“Alright, alright.” Chris stands, draining the last drops of the strong drink from his glass. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He stretches, smiling as his fangs poking out from his top lip, smiling at the angry group of wolf-men. He makes his way to the window, climbing through the frame, and disappearing into the daylight. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” His words echo in the library. 

Hoseok lets out a wild howl, informing the pack what just happened here and who they need to watch out for. 

-

The next day, I was told I should keep to the guest room as the princely brothers were very busy preparing for the ball happening this evening. 

I was rather confused as to why. Did they not wish me at their side all the morrow? Do the princes not deem me fit to be in my company? Do the princes of Bangtan wish me not good enough company? Do they loathe me now for speaking out of turn yesterday?

In these moments, I deeply missed my brothers. I fear I would never be a solitary creature, preferring the company of many over being alone. I craved their smiling faces, their boisterous laughs, the way they teased me so. 

I wondered about why I was in solitary confinement all morning while I ate breakfast of buttered toast, sausage, and eggs. My mind raced as I read through the latest news docket, my eyes scanning other the black and white text, never actually reading anything. I pondered as I was scrubbed from head to toe, being rubbed raw as if I was poultry, going to be prepared to be eaten as the ball later. Thoughts of confusion were all that hovered in my brain all morning and afternoon. 

I couldn’t concentrate on anything. My mind is springing back and forth like a ball on a wire. And to top it  off, my two attendants were no help to my restless mood. 

Sophia and Lacy flit and flounce about the guest room, rushing in and out all day. They brought me breakfast, the news docket, and all other petty gossip that was brought up from downstairs. The women are usually on edge, but I have never seen the sisters in such an anxious state. 

This just added to the tense air of the guest room, making me feel desperate to leave. I felt like a trapped, caged animal in this wide room the princes have provided for me. I felt both ungrateful and agitated with the same thought. I am grateful I have a place to live, a home that has welcomed me even though I am a complete stranger. However, I am rather displeased because they are telling me I need to be shut up in my room all day, never getting to help or see what the ball will look like. I felt as if I was in my role of little sister once more, being told what I can and couldn’t do. I feel like  these thoughts were unfair, but true at the same time.

The only moments I was allowed some respite from my whirling thoughts and oppression room was when I needed to relieve myself. 

Staring at myself in the mirror of a cold, private bathroom on the second floor where the guest room I stay in resides, I wonder why the princes have shut me out this morning. My brow wrinkles and I raise an arm to the ceiling, turning my head to my armpit. No, I don’t suppose I smell, but perhaps one's own smell doesn’t affect themselves?

I look rather odd, I think, clothed in a very casual and modest dress of thin, light blue colored silk. It was chilly this morning and I had chosen to skip wearing socks on my journey to the lavatory. I feel like I have rings under my eyes, sleep torturous from the nightmares of large wolves and dogs that meet me when I shut my eyes.  I shall give my face a good wash before Sohpia and Lacy apply makeup the princes have purchased and wished  for me to wear. It was almost time time for me to step into my beautiful-

Run.

I still, sucking in a breath. I was mid-rinse of my face with cold water, feeling a shiver run down my spine. A dreadful feeling was crawling down my back, making every hair on my body stand at attention. My body is crying out that I am in danger. My heart was beating quickly. I need to flee! 

Water drips down my chin, as I hang over the marbled wash basin. I am too afraid to look up as I hear a shuffling sound behind me. I had not heard anyone come through the door and I was worried that the man from yesterday would be making another unexpected appearance. I gulp. I am alone. Sophia and Lacy are at the opposite end of the hall…Would they hear me if I screamed?

Would I even be able to scream?

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” A smooth, buttery voice wafts from behind me. I jolt, though, still not brave enough to look up at the reflection in the mirror. A man’s voice. This was not the same accent the man, Chris, had from yesterday. This voice was new, more playful, more devious--if that was even possible. “Such a pretty ward.”

I should run. I plead with myself. I think about a few weeks ago, a scowl forming on my moist face. I am not helpless. I remember the red spray from my fathers wrinkly throat. I will not run anymore.

“This room is occupied” I say, not glancing up, my tone cold and not friendly. “Do you have no manners that you do not knock when a door is closed?” 

“Oh-ho!” The man behind chuckles, his fingers lightly brushing across my exposed shoulder blades. I shudder. It felt like this man reached into my body and caressed my soul with a simple stroke of his warm fingertips. “You are a feisty one, aren’t you?” 

“Who are you?” I clench my fist, whipping my head up, my fears dissipating with his jeer.

My eyes blew wide as I stare into the reflection, wildly looking behind me in the mirror. There was no one in this dimly lit, cold room. No, that’s not right. It can’t be. His fingertips trail down my clothed spine, the silk making it easy for him to trail down lower and lower. I have never been touched like this and I have never been touched without permission which makes me feel queasy. 

“What, pet?” The man with the rich baritone was still behind me, taunting me. “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

Enough of this nonsense! I turn suddenly, punching the man square in the face. He stumbles backward, a loud crack emitting from the middle of his face. “Unhand me, you heathen!” I shout, bellowing as loud as one possibly could, hoping someone would come and assist me with this ruffian in the lavatory. 

“Fuck.” Shiny, bright red rubies drip from his broken nose, falling on the beautiful white marble floor. His eyes flash red with anger as he cradles his bloody face, staring daggers at me. My tight fist throbs, hurting from the force I just used on this stranger. “I’m going to kill you, you filthy human.”

Human? I don’t dwell on his weird descriptor of me. “Try it.” I sneer, adrenaline flowing through me, making me speak before I think clearly. 

This evil man lunges at me, giving a loud shout as I glower at him, my fists coming up defensively to my chest, ready to hit him again. I’ll show you who has killed a man.

“Y/N!”

It happened so fast, I feared if I was blinking too fast, I would miss it. 

In a flash of black and white, Jungkook, who is dressed rather smartly in a posh tuxedo, races into the room, kicking this man in the face. This sends the stranger flying, hitting the hard, marbled walls. A loud thump He lands with an, “oof” sound, his head lulling to his chest. 

“Are you okay?” Jungkook’s amber eyes search mine, sparkling in the dim light. He lightly grips my shoulders, looking me over to see if I’m alright. 

I quake, my body shaking with pent up fear coursing through my veins, adrenaline dying down. But I nod. “Y-Yes.” I manage. “I am fine.” I look at the man slumped over, knocked unconscious. “My fist hurts a little…I suspect I broke his nose.” 

He blinks slowly, jaw dropping down, my words sinking into his skull as he processes what I uttered. “You what?” His sunset-colored orbs expand. The youngest prince stares at me with a mix of admiration and awe. “You what?” He repeats. 

I can’t help but give a small laugh at that, my frown flipping into a small smile. “He touched me inappropriately,” I sighed, “…So, I punched him.” 

Jungkook snaps his jaw back in place, hastily removing his hands from my shoulders. I notice how cold it was without his warmth there. “I was coming up to tell your attendants that the ball was kicking off soon and I heard you yell.” 

“Thank you.” I shiver, looking back at the man as Jungkook guides me out of the room. “Thank you, Jungkook.”

“I know today must have been agonizing for you.” The youngest prince ushers me into the hall, closing the large lavatory door behind us. It groaned on the hinges, making a loud thud as it clasped shut. “I am sorry we had you stay in your room all day.” Jungkook nodded to the door, "We didn't want riff-raff like that to find its way to you.”

A thought crossed my mind now that I was more rational, more-level headed. “Prince Jungkook, I didn’t hear him enter.” He blinks at me as I continue. “I had the door shut and locked.” I shake my head, brow furrowing. “He had no reflection in the mirror…” Jungkook continued to blink slowly at me as I finished. “And…he called me a…human? Isn’t that all…rather odd?”

A beat of silence and I feared I was going to be burned at the stake, accused of witchcraft or something akin to that for saying a ridiculous thing. A person with no reflection! What a queer thing to suggest! Maybe I was losing my mind, maybe I was seeing things and needed to be locked away, living away from others until the end of time. 

“Indeed, rather odd.” Jungkook nodded, leaning down to place the back of his hand on my forehead. “Are you feeling poorly, Y/N? I know that man gave you quite the fright. Are you sure you would like to attend the ball this evening?”

A wave of calm fluttered over my body at his touch. I reveled in the feeling of this soft, light sensation traveling through my body. It was a tingling feeling like butter melting on a hot stove or chocolate in one's mouth. I felt my worries float away on a fluffy cloud with his touch. “I feel fine.” I respond, feeling like I’ve been rejuvenated. 

“Wonderful.” He grins, gently guiding me back to my room to be placed in the eager hands of Sophia and Lacy. “One of us will be here to escort you to the ballroom when you have finished getting ready.” He says as he shuts the door softly in my face. 

The youngest prince gives a low snarl, Hoseok and Taehyung stalking upstairs in tandem, scowls painting their handsome faces. Jungkook rolls his shoulders, his wolf form rippling under his human skin as he marches to the lavatory. The brothers growled, throwing open the door as the strange man moaned in pain on the ground. Jungkook snickered as he hoisted the man up by his lapels. “We have vampire trash to take out.”

-

Author's Notes: Wow, has it really been two years since I worked on this story? That's crazy to me! Thank you for sticking around if you have been waiting for this story to continue! I have a portion of the ball written out, so hopefully it won't take me years to complete and upload the next bit! Haha. Anyway, a comment, like, or reblog is always appreciated but not necessary. Love you all and thank you again for reading. 💕

-

“I’m not doing this.” You sigh, standing from the futon nestled in the study.

It was just after dinner and your spirits were low. Not to mention, you just wanted to go to bed as soon as possible. You listen to the sporadic pounding of the rain against the brick of the house, distant thunder rolling in the velvet throes of night outside. 

With a grunt, your father glances from the various papers he’s reading, a wooden pipe in his mouth with and a disapproving glare your way. He removes it from his mouth, as he narrows his eyes, finding that you were void of wearing any of the skirts your sisters like to frock around in. Instead, you are in a pair of trousers. Specifically, your hunting trousers. You’re really making a good impression on your stubborn father, aren’t you?  

“Yes. You are.” He grumbles, placing the pipe back into his mouth, fixing his gaze on his scribbled papers again. 

You grip the handle of the door to the study firmly before turning around on your heel. You furrow your brows, the air in the usually calm and peaceful study becoming suffocating with what is silently stirring in the air. 

“No. I’m not.” You snort, shaking your head a little.

“Yes. You are.” Your father responds in a dry manner, not looking at you this time. 

Your nostrils flare, emotions heating up past the point of no return. Stomping your boots across the carpeting, you huff over to your father's desk, folding your arms across your blouse in defiance. “I’m not marrying anyone and I’m not marrying the likes of him, pa.”

“Y/N-“ He sighs, taking his pipe out from under his mustache once again, pinching his brows in between his fingers with his free hand. 

“Listen to me!” You burst out yelling as you slam your hands on his desk. The ink for his pen and your father himself jump at the harsh action. There's a fire in your eyes and your palms sting a little. You are clenching your teeth, while your eyes are brimming with tears, and your stomach in knots and your heart is breaking because your family is basically selling you off to a wealthy family in exchange for estate money. “You can’t make me, pa!” You scream, the tears now escaping your sockets as they travel down to your hot cheeks as you try and fight for your last chance for freedom in your home. “I have a life to live and things to do! I-“ 

“I’m not talking about this anymore, Y/N!” Your father yells back at you, standing to his intimidatingly full height. Lightning illuminates his looming, tall figure in the windows behind him. His eyes bore down on you and your mouth parts in shock. “You’re marrying into the Kim family tomorrow and that’s final.” That’s the last thing he says before you leave the study in an emotional flurry, slamming the door to not only the study but to the last night you have of freedom. 

This has to be the worst day of your life, you think as you fly up the stairs. The house might be asleep from the storm outside, but they would surely be shaken awake from your feet pounding up the wooden stairs and the heavy, short screams that fly out of your mouth. You feel like a child not getting its way, but you really had never felt so insignificant in your life before. 

- A Month Or So Before - 

“A letter came for you today, Lady Y/L/N.” The young butler of the house, Mingyu, calls to you as soon as you enter the house. You just returned back to the house from going on a ride on your trusty horse. The chill of the bitter, cold January wind makes your blood race in your veins as you explore the countryside on your loyal steed, Midnight. The trees, this time of year, weren’t the prettiest - completely bare even - but, nevertheless, you enjoyed the open skies and clean air the beginning of the month brings to the wood. Your family hates when you ride so you saddle up your stead when they are conveniently out of the house. But you know that Midnight enjoys it just as much as you do: the freedom, the chilly stinging wind whipping your face as he gallops down the muddy path toward god knows where. 

“A letter?” You ask the taller butler, taking off your cloak, riding gloves and handing them to the smaller one, Jihoon, who takes them silently with a small smile gracing his features. “For me?” You rarely got mail, and if you did, it was from your grandparents overseas, not from anyone remotely close in distance to you. You couldn’t feel more shocked when you can’t place where the crest was from? Was it a secret admirer? You wonder as you run your fingers over the wax bird, seemingly waiting for the creature to reach out and speak to you.

“Yes,” He nods with a wide grin, handing you the closed scroll with a raven crested wax seal you don’t recognize, and you are about to break it when Mingyu says this: “It was sent directly from the Kim Manor.” 

Your blood that is now pumping, fiery hot freezes to the ice in your veins. Your eye sockets expand, breath hitching as you stand, unmoving, in the foyer of the giant home. 

“Wha-Which Kim Manor, Mingyu?” You puff out a shaky breath, not meeting his gaze.

“Lady Y/L/N?” Jihoon asks up to you as you stare at the raven in the seal. You say nothing as you wait for the taller’s reply.

The blood-red colored wax you are staring at makes you uncomfortable, the little hairs on the back of your neck standing at attention for some reason. The raptor is glowering at you. It’s beady eyes menacing and distant pressed into the wax. You fear it would turn to life and peck your eyes out, as you know the contents of the letter are inherently evil. 

“Kim Manor on Ravenwood Hill, my Lady.” Mingyu nods as he watches your face morph into one of pure terror now. 

“Why would he send me a letter?” You whisper, hands starting to tremble as you slice open the seal with your bare hands. Ouch. Paper cut. “Tsk.” A trickle of blood slips down your pointer finger as Jihoon voices a grunt of concern, handing you his handkerchief. Your timid yet hungry eyes scan the letter and you immediately want to vomit.  You see the words COURTING, MARRIAGE, ESTATE, AND MONEY scribbled in beautiful penmanship and you immediately know that you are doomed. You drop the letter and scamper away to your room whilst the butlers try not to pry during the day too much, until your father comes home the next day and wonders why you are huddled up in your room. 

You never expected this. Not from any man and certainly not from one as well known as he is. 

Kim Seokjin, the Baron of Ravenwood Hill Manor wanted to be your husband and he wanted the marriage post-haste. 

———-

You stand corrected. Today - Valentine's Day - is the worst day of your adult life. 

The heavy chatter and laughter rings throughout the grand, gold ballroom of Ravenwood Manor, filling your head already dizzy with each cackle your mother makes or each drunken toast your father hiccups. The pins your maid Anna has shoved in your hair are making your skull throb from the headache this night is giving you. It was far too tight and stuffy. Your white skirts were far too tight, your breath hitching with every gross restriction of your corset under your elaborate blouse. Your body was so uncomfortable you could barely think, let alone have a proper intelligent conversation with anyone in this room. 

Not that you would want to.

The men and women here you barely know or know nothing about. You could care less about what anyone has to say or their insight on anything. You barely could smile at all the single women in here, as they were shooting daggers at you with their sharp eyes. You hate that you are standing out, wearing this ghastly bright white color. 

A waiter passes by and offers the men beside you champagne, and you bristle whilst you snatch a glass off the gold leaf tray. They eye you with concern as you down the bittersweet drink down your parched throat. 

With a shift from foot to foot wrapped up in heels that rub the skin on the back of your ankle, you sigh, slinking away from the party that was thrown for you. Well, let’s be honest here. It was mostly for him… your husband. Oh, how you loathe that word. Husband. 

“Y/N,” comes the soft, melodious voice of the town's biggest playboy to the side of you, slipping his cold fingers into yours. 

You can’t help but stiffen with a sharp inhale. 

Kim Seokjin, the man who makes men jealous and women weep in his wake, wraps his arm lightly around our waist, guiding you gently to the middle of the ballroom, towards the sea of unfamiliar people. All your body wants to do is run away right now, slip out of this room and find some place to hide. But you do not know this house, nor do you know the people inside of it so you remain trapped in between these four walls with these abhorrent people. 

Not mention… husband. 

He was beautiful, there was no doubt about this. God knew what he was doing when he played a part in creating such a broad-shouldered, puffy-lipped, tall, and charismatic human. You hadn't given him much thought though, because every single woman in the country knows who the dark-haired beauty is and wants a piece of him or his money. There were several Kims in the surrounding area (the Kim’s of Southaven (Namjoon was the closest child they have to you in age) and the Kim’s of Stone Bridge (Taehyung has invited you a few social gatherings as well) but, none was more wealthy, more powerful than The Kim’s of Ravenwood Hill. Their presence was mounting and overwhelming. The men were powerful and entrepreneurs and were to be feared. At least, your father did. Even the women of the family name are influential and that was compelling for you.

But, if you were a man this wouldn’t be happening. If you had a penis, you would get to choose who your bride wanted to be and that was final. If only you had that power, the power to choose for yourself. If only...

You gulp and nod. You can’t meet his piercing gaze though you feel his rich eyes boring into your skin, creating a hole in his wake. “Y/N, come and meet my brother.” You realize right away, it wasn’t a question. 

It was a gentle demand. 

You give another small nod as the pins in your head are starting to push against your skull further, or maybe the throbbing of your brain against its skull was reaching its peak. The music playing from somewhere in the room swells, the laughing increases and you seriously want to faint. It’s too loud, too bright, and the smoke from all the cigars smell too sour in here. 

“Are you feeling ill?” The baron asks you quietly. 

To anyone watching the newlywed couple of Seokjin and yourself, it would seem like a tender moment of him leading you through the crowd. With his arm around your waist, slightly leaned over you with a smile of adoration upon his face. Women might coo and men might nod their heads as they watch you trek through the sea of people. 

But, that wasn’t the case. It wasn’t as loving and as sweet as it may look from afar. 

Your palms were sweaty, blood incredibly icy and stagnant in your veins. You know that Seokjin hasn’t been able to take his amber-colored eyes off of you. He’s been staring, boring a hole into your head this whole day. Sure, it’s been your wedding day as well as Valentine’s Day (plus your first, real interaction with him), so it was only natural that he would be infatuated with you. But you know his eyes aren’t holding you in that regard. They aren’t shining with adoration or affection. 

It was something else. Something misplaced. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it though. 

“Seokmin,” The baron of the estate chirps behind you casually, breaking you from your thoughts. “This is Y/N. Seokmin, this is my wife.” He uses his free hand to sweep the empty air, brandishing you off to his younger brother. 

His brother looks like him with the raven-colored hair and puffy-lipped smile, smaller in frame and not as broad, but he still looks like his older siblings. “How do you do?” He smiles with a small bow and you are inclined to give a small grin one back. “It’s exciting to finally meet you.” He turns his body to the woman with her back turned to him, tapping her shoulder as she laughs, turning to face the group. “This is my wife, Mary.”

She’s beautiful, stunning and charming, with long blonde curls and thick fluttering lashes and by the looks of it, she looks like she is bearing a child. 

“Pleasure,” Mary smirks, looking up and down at your white get up. Those judgmental eyes...

Your cheeks heat in an instant: this is not where you want to be right now. 

“How are you finding Ravenwood Manor in comparison to your former home?” Seokmin asks softly, as Mary threads her fingers in between his. 

“It’s huge.” You chuckle, trying to find an intelligent thing to say to these self-righteous people. “I haven’t had time to see much of it but the outside is just as impressive as the inside is.” You smile, trying to fake your way through this. “The halls and artwork are so elaborate, I’m sure you paid a hefty sum for the big floral vase by the staircase.”

Seokmin’s eyebrows hit his forehead as he watches you talk. “Oh, are you passionate about the arts, Y/N?”

Seokjin’s grasp tightens around your waist ever so slightly. You gulp, still feeling his sharp gaze upon the side of your face. “O-Oh yes!” You chuckle. “Nothing makes me happier than an impressionist painting.” You smile, revealing a small piece of your heart to the family you were shipped away to. 

Seokmin nods as he smiles, earnestly listening to you speak. “So, who is your favorite for that era-“

“When can we expect a child?” Mary quips from next to her husband, who shoots her a curious gaze. You stiffen. The “C” word makes you stiffen once more. That’s the last thing on your mind and also the last thing you wanted to do with… him. Does he even want that? His fingers grip your hips and you shift on your heels uncomfortably. How many women has he had under him already? And why did he pick you of all people? When you look back at Mary, her orbs are full of malice for some reason, throwing a drawer full of sharp knives at you. “That’s more important than art, you know, having a whole lineage of children-“

“I don’t think that’s an appropriate question, Mary.” Seokjin cuts her off, tone pointed at her as her eyes bug out of her head. The aura is dark above you, the stiff and suffocating air around you feels like its tightening its grip on your head. You can feel the grip he had on your arm tighten and you gulp looking back up to him. He’s frowning with such disgust at his brother’s wife, amber eyes sharp and focused on her as if to say back off. Instead he rebuttals rather calmly, “Did anyone ask you that on your wedding day?” 

She says nothing as she moves away from the group to go mingle about the crowd. 

Seokmin sighs as he smiles apologetically at you. “I apologize for her brash behavior. This is our first, so she has children on the brain.” He chuckles and it sounds uncomfortable and forced. 

You shake your head. “I understand.” You don’t, smiling through a lie that you roll with. 

A certain pair of eyes doesn’t miss the way you grin and bear it. He couldn’t stand anyone talking to you like that. And for his brother to just brush off his wife’s distasteful behavior, it makes his skin crawl, his blood boil trapped under his skin.

Seokjin would take care of them. 

You don’t deserve the scum of the earth, the harlots and undesirables looking at you, let alone talking to you. You are good and light and follow the beat of your own drum. You are pure, especially today, dressed from head to toe in the finest of fabrics Seokjin could find. He would do anything for you. He would cleanse the earth five times over just so he could get rid of vile humans who are full of garbage and deceit. Just like those pathetic men who gazed upon you in ill will at parties or talked bad about you in social settings. 

Seokjin would take care of them. 

Seokjin DID take care of them. He had had enough when he had learned she had a young admirer from Bridgestone named Park Jimin. He had to. Seokjin just had to cage you, a beautiful songbird that only craved freedom. He would give it to you of course, in moderation. He decided to do what he could with his power and status of the baron: hide you away from the world, make you his, his one and only. 

You are a queen. He knew this as soon as he saw you fly by on your horse down the dirt path months ago. You were only meant for your king which was of course Seokjin. A bird so rare, so stunning he had to have you as his prize. 

And he made sure all the people of this town knew it.

You were his, for better or for worse, you were Kim Seokjin’s.  

-

The celebration continues into the rest of the night, making you grow weary from not going to bed at your usual time. You haven’t realized that the clock was about to strike midnight when the last few people leave the Ravenwood Manor at such a late hour. Seokjin and a butler escort them to the front door, giving you another moment of freedom for the evening. The maids and butlers of the house all come to collect the dishes and trays and take them back to the throes of the kitchen, probably a tad angry it was so late for them as well. 

You slump on an ornate chair, shoes coming off as you rifle through the gems of your skirts, knowing the heel had sliced your ankles. You may be a sweaty, smelly mess, the fireplace just about snuffed out, but you loved the warmth of the flames in the hearth all the while. 

You close your eyes as the staff whizzes around you silently. It’s hard to keep your eyes open. You are just so sleepy. 

Oddly, you didn’t mind that Seokjin stood by your side most of the evening. He only left when he was saying goodbye to his brother and his wife, escorting them out of the room and not returning some time after that. For some reason, you missed him during that period of time. It made your face flush and butterflies roll around in your stomach as you thought about him during his absence. 

Kim Seokjin. A playboy figure huh? He didn’t seem that bad, but this was really the first time you had interacted with him. Everything you heard about him seemed to be gossip and slander at this point. Seokjin was attentive and kind to your desires. He took control of most of the awkward conversations, but always let you speak and never talked over you. It was endearing. Alluring even. You figured for someone of his caliber he would be ignoring you for the rest of his life, not watching you or fetching you drinks, not checking up on you throughout the night or dancing for a few moments in the middle of the ballroom.

Of course, this could all just be an act, a show, for all the lords and ladies he is the Baron over. 

But, you didn’t think it was. You didn’t think he was as low of a guy as everyone around you claimed him to be. 

“Lady Kim?” Your stomach pits at your new last name. You peek an eye open. “Shall I draw you a bath?” A small maid asks you, concern on her face. 

You shake your head. “No, thank you though.”

“Lord Kim insisted though...” she trails off, looking into the doorframe where your husband was last seen. 

You sigh getting up. Time to see with how much I can get away with Lord Kim, you chuckle to yourself in your head. You wince once you stand, your feet hurting immensely. “Please, just show me to my room and I’ll take one in the morning.” You give a wry smile as another maid rushes by with some slippers for you. 

“V-Very well.” She mumbles as she leads you with an oil lamp up the darkened staircase in the east wing of the building, rushing you to the other end of the house. 

It’s certainly huge in here. You should have known Ravenwood Manor would be grand and wide with ornate decor placed perfectly all over the home. Pieces of art of all forms from portraits to paintings hand on the maroon walls. The dim light from the oil lamp makes the large home seem eerie like something was going to spring out and startle you clean out of your skin. You wonder if there were haunts or dark secrets of the home? Sometimes big houses, as grand and proper as they are, hold a vast amount of knowledge about the inhabitants of the house. Past and present. 

“Just down here, my lady.” The maid says quietly, and you wonder if there were more people in the home than just Seokjin, the staff, and yourself. 

Speaking of Seokjin, you briefly wonder if Seokjin has the same tastes as you do? Does he like honey on his toast or does he prefer jam? Does he like the violin or does he prefer the piano? Does he like ragtime music or was he still a fan of the classical genre? Did he enjoy novels or was he a dreamer of a grander life? Was he progressive and enjoyed picture shows or was he a live performance kind of man? Was he into the electric light or was he stuck with these oil lamps and candles for the rest of his life? Did he prefer bitter candy or sweet things? Or was he a man who wasn’t so cut and dry - not so black and white? What was he like? 

Who was the real Kim Seokjin? 

“We are here, my lady.” The quiet maid whispers as she opens the door to a marvelous bedroom that had an oil lamp already running next to the bed, illuminating the stunningly decorated space. You walk into the dim room, eyes drinking in the lavish silks of the curtains. There’s even a small couch and chair close to the vanity in here! You were loving the way your new space was decorated with reds and golds, reminiscent of the raven seal he sent you with the letter asking for your hand in marriage. “Lord Kim has asked you to wear what is on the bed.” 

Your eyes widen, mouth parting in shock, heart dropping to the ornate carpet on the hardwood. The maid closes the door softly, leaving you to stew in the wake of your realization. 

You’ve forgotten what happens on the night of your wedding day. 

You shake your head. You don’t want to do this, but you want to get out of these white garments as soon as possible. You gulp with a shaky breath, feet leading you to the bed to scope out the silk peach slip. You look back at the door, finding it void of a lock which worries you that someone will burst through it and catch you in a vulnerable state. Your hands start to tremble as you reach for the back of your blouse, untying the strings that hold the fabric, binding it together. Luckily, you can get yourself out of the white dress and easily shimmy into the night slip without any help. Just as you fold the white as snow dress over the chair in the corner, there is a soft knock on the wooden door. 

“My lady?” The melliferous voice of your husband voices through the door. 

You stiffen. 

Oh no. Your jaw hardens, biting down on nothing. It’s time. 

“Y/N?” He asks again through the wood, concern laced in his tone. 

“Y-Yes?” You nearly yelp as he opens the door with the confirmation of your voice. 

He opens the door is his own dressed down nightwear, mostly black, making his skin and eye color pop. Seokjin’s features and demeanor are non-threatening, soft and pleasant as he just shuts the door to the room. He smiles softly, those puffy lips pulled in a genuine curve of his lips.

“I just wanted to see you were alright this evening.” He nods to the vanity, pointing to the top of his head. “You want me to...” You cock your head to the side, furrowing your brows with the slant of your mouth. “Your… hair?” 

“Oh! Um… yes!” You awkwardly walk to the vanity as you visibly see his smile growing wider down at you. 

He pulls out the plush red velvet seat, waiting patiently with those gentle eyes that pierce through your rough exterior. You sit, wondering if he has another motive? Not that you can do a thing about your situation, so you nervously fight with your hands, looking at Seokjin through the mirror of the vanity. 

“You looked beautiful tonight.” He practically purrs as he delicately removes the pins that are stabbing your head, gently. “Well, from what I’ve heard about you,” his smile curves further up his flawless face, “you are always beautiful, my lady.” Seokjin’s eyes are not focused on you for once but are intently staring at your twisted up strands as he works to remove the torturous devices Anna slotted into your locks. “These must have been uncomfortable for you huh?” He asks, amber-colored eyes flickering up to find yours in the glass and you nod slightly. 

“Y-Yes.” You agree and he snorts a squeaky chuckle.

“You won't have to wear these again if you don’t want to.” There’s a slight pause and you miss the smirk his pillowing lips curve into as you are gazing the pin he places on the vanity top next to you. 

“What?” Your eyes nearly bug out of their sockets with how large they have expanded. He silently continues to take your pins out of your hair and place them on the marbled counter as you start to gather your thoughts. “S-Seokjin, I-“

“Pardon my intrusion, my lady, but you are free under my care.” Your hair starts to fall as he talks directly to you, making your heart flutter. “You are free to roam, to ride on your horse, to do as you please. But,” most of your hair is falling out of the pinned twists you have shown off all night. You want to scream and shout, your husband was a good person. You knew he wasn’t a terrible person. Oh, phooey to that gossip and slander that is not true. “In exchange,”  Seokin’s voice dips an octave lower, “you can never look at another again.” Your heart stops beating, eyes widening. “I won’t allow it.” His voice is low, commanding you to be focused solely on him and the dark aura that seemingly rises off his body. “You have to love me.” He pulls the last pin and your hair falls to pool around your shoulders. His long, pale fingers trail over your freed locks, letting him run his warm hands through your hair. “And only me.”

“...Indeed…No funny business from either party involved after we shake on this, I presume? I want this matter swiftly resolved.” The deep baritone questions as he darts his icy gaze between the two creatures clad in their human forms standing before him. 

The woman laughs. “We have nothing to gain from swindling you, good sir.” Her eyes glow a soft purple and her voice is like rich wine retains her stance on the matter. 

“And, we agree! We feel the same as you and-- of course--” she gestures her arms open wide, “all these good creatures here.” 

The tall man takes slender drinking flutes off the blood sampling table, glamoured for a certain pest amongst them tonight. The red liquid sloshes against the glass, melting down the side, bubbles forming on the top. It was delicious, making his mouth water at the sight. The liquid treat smells strong and rich with iron. His favorite. Perfectly fermented blood.

“Very well.” The baritone man in the black and white mask nods as he accepts a drink from the tall man. “Let us shake on this, then.”

“And a toast-- to your good fortune! Being almost rid of such a vile thing should have you feeling elated!” The woman’s eyes shine with that eerie, lavender glow, nearly squealing as she lifts her blood wine up high.

“...Quite.” The baritone says solemnly as he clinks his glass against the other two creatures of the night. 

-

“Miss.” Lacy sighs, looking at me with stars radiating in her eyes. “You look perfect, you do.” Tears well in the corners of her eyes, her wrinkled corners crinkling with a bittersweet expression. 

It makes me blush. I’m not used to nice compliments from a more mature crowd. 

“That feels like an overstatement.” I smile shyly in her direction. “But, thank you.” Indeed, I do feel like a goddess in this shimmering, glittering gown. It fits perfectly. Madam Hwasa’s legendary handiwork is evident with the dozens of gems affixed to the stunning fabric, the details to the trim on the edges, and the fact that it was lightweight, but still looked heavy and expensive. This dress is truly a work of art. 

“The princes are going to eat you up when they see you!” Sophia squeals, moving to a small-sized square box, pulling out a gold and silver tiara. Everyone keeps saying that to me lately  I think. “Prince Taehyung suggested you wear one of the Mistress’ crowns for the ball as it would complement your outfit nicely.” 

My smile falters as I stare at the beautiful silver and gold piece of jewelry Sophia is bringing closer to me. “Are you sure?” I ponder. “It looks quite expensive and I would hate to somehow ruin it…Afterall, I am rather clumsy--or at least that’s what my brothers told me--”

“Hush now, child.” Lacy coos as she and Sophia sit me back down at the vanity mirror. “You are meant to shine. Become what you’ve always meant to be.”

“A star!” Lacy chimes in as the sisters begin weaving and pinning my hair.

I grin a true, genuine happy smile at their kind words.

The sisters work to fix the opulent crown of braided, intricately woven metal upon head. For this evening, the sisters have decided for a half up, half down style. Apparently, it is all the rage--this is how most of the young girls are wearing their hair, or so I have been told. (Also, the cleavage I am sporting this evening per this tight corseted dress is making me feel like I am not my true self. I usually stick to modest clothing and designs where I am not spilling out of my chest area…However, this dress is beautiful and all the girls are wearing a ballgown in this style per Seokjin…how could I simply refuse…?) Clear crystals that are hooked in the middle of the crown so they dangle when I move. The tinkling sound they created when they hit the side of the metal frame made me giddy for some reason. 

For the first time in my life, I feel like a real and true princess. 

A rasp of knuckles on the wooden door knock in soft, rhythmic taps that I recognize immediately. Prince Yoongi. It’s from the piano sonata we have been working on together.

“You are almost ready, love.” Lacy whispers as the sisters work like busy, buzzing bees around my head.

“Should I tell him that?” The inquiry comes from my lips as a whisper. They both nod, smirks spreading across their faces. “I am almost ready, Prince Yoongi!” A grin finds my decorated lips as Lacy spreads clear gloss across my them. The gloss appears to be laced with freckles of gold glitter. 

A star! Her words echo in my skull and I feel like the whirlwind of me arriving, getting ready for the ball with the princes, the man I punched in the bathroom and then this gown…It finally hits me. 

I am giddy for this event…however, I am also feeling mentally drained…I miss my brothers dearly…

“You need your mask.” Sophia grins as she quickly ties the white and gold trimmed cat-and-bird-like mask to my face. She snaps me out of my daze, pushing me to my bedroom door. It only fits across my eyes and the slope of my nose, drawing attention to my lips, thus the gloss they have smeared across my mouth. “I hope someone courts you tonight.”

“Oh, no…” I shake my head softly, looking at my reflection in the mirror. Dread fills my body as I remember the monster I am…In the flesh that is not my own, but my mother’s. My father’s blood on my hands, the nose I just broke of that strange man, my beloved brothers… “I don’t believe I would ever be.” 

“Nonsense, love.” Lacy chuckles, drawing me from my swirling, dark thoughts. “Any man here is going to be gawking from miles away.” 

“The ladies too!” Sophia chuckles as she shoos me out the door. 

A shy grin crosses my face as they escort me to the wooden door. “You are too kind, my dear ladies.” I take a deep breath, trying to release my nerves from the devastating events leading me to the kingdom of Bangtan. Tonight, I shall be carefree and potentially be a star! I think as I open the old, wooden door. 

“Ready?” Prince Yoongi smiles his wonderful gummy smile as I exit the room. I am in awe of the royalty of this household. He wears a black with white Rococo-inspired trimmed wolf-like mask. He holds out his hand to me as I curtsey as best one can in such a gown as I wear. The second-oldest prince, kneels down on one knee, kissing the top of my sheer gloved hand. “You look divine, Y/N.” His deep, low voice simpers up to me.

I blush, glancing away at his words. A hot rush of electricity strikes my core and I hope he cannot hear my heart beating rapidly. What a truly wild night this has turned out to be--and it has barely begun!

A wolfish grin spreads across his face as he stares up at me, holding my gaze with his beautiful amber orbs. “I am happy to know I have the honor of seeing you first in your gown tonight.”   

“She has no idea, huh?” Sophia looks down at her sister with a sad expression once they are out of earshot. 

“Naive, that one, she is.” Lacy says, looking at the girl who is going to have one of the hardest nights of her short life. 

“This will be our best ball yet.” Yoongi continues, leading me down the marble staircase. My arm feels just right, nestled in his elbow of his brilliant black and white tuxedo jacket. “The Harvest Moon Ball will be perfect now that you are here, little bird.”

I blush, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. The intensity of his gaze is more than I can bear this evening! I scramble for a modicum of a topic to stir a conversation.

“Why do you celebrate this Harvest Moon?” I inquire, looking at the prince with curiosity. “We always believed full moons were to be met with uncertainty."

He looks at me puzzled, his amber eyes searching mine as we continue to walk the corridor in silence. Another silent beat passes before he asks with disappointment, “Like a bad omen?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Not a bad omen. Just to be heeded with caution and care.” A soft grin finds my gold-flecked lips at the memory. “My father believed it was bad though, if you were met with a wolf cry on a full moon. He thought a werewolf or wolf person would come and claim you and eat your heart in the middle of the night.” 

“And, did that ever happen?” He simpers, a touch of teasing in his deep, pleasureful voice at my father’s old wives tale. 

“A wolf eating my heart?” I giggle at the thought of my father’s old story and how my brothers would tease me on nights of full, pregnant moons, pretending a wolf was going to barge into my room. “No, but I swear I could hear them sometimes on nights when the moon was full.” I sigh wistfully, looking around the darkened castle, candles lighting our path down the stairs, to the ballroom. “I always felt like they were out there though. In the distance…beyond the wood and past the deep ravine…”

All at once, a cacophony of sounds in the usually calm mansion floods my ears as I descend the staircase, prince in tow. Sounds of violins, cellos, flutes, clarinets, pianos and harps floating throughout the mansion as we trek to the ballroom. The echo of people chattering and laughing joyfully carry through the air as we get closer to the other side of the giant home. Savory smells of creamy cheeses, buttered breads, salted delicacies and cured meats waft throughout, hitting my nose, making my mouth water. Sweets and chocolate from far away kingdoms I have never even heard of linger in the air, creating quite a delicious mix of savory and sweet. However, there is an underlying scent that I can’t identify hovering under the other smells like perfume and flowers, but I cannot quite put my finger on what it is. 

“I hope the music is up to your standards.” Prince Yoongi grins as we start to breach the outer rims of the throes of the buzzing gala.

A wave of nervousness washes over me as we start to see the first groups of people exiting and entering the ballroom. I cannot see anyone’s eyes well behind the masks they wear but I feel their eyes upon me. Watching the hem of my gown, the placement of my arm intertwined with the prince’s, my breasts heaving, my hair swaying as I continue on the path Yoongi has chosen. 

A star! The voice of Lacy echoes in my mind, rattling around like a small ball, banging against the sides of my skull. A star!

I shake my head, trying to lift these crazy thoughts from my head. “Oh, I adore your music on the piano so dearly!” I say as we make our way through the masked crowd. My stomach is in a tangle of intricate sailor knots and balls of tightly woven yarn. The corset of the gown is not helping this scenario as it is already a struggle to breathe since Lacy and Sophia put this sparkling beast upon my body. Lightheadedness wafts over me and I feel slightly dizzy, but I will endure this evening. I will not shy away like every fiber of my being is telling me to run away. I owe the princes that much. “I am sure I will very much enjoy whatever you have planned this evening, Prince Yoongi.” 

“Do tell me if you have any requests for me this evening, little bird.” Prince Yoongi says, his voice sounding like the softest leather and electricity floods from the apples of my cheeks, traveling down to my nether regions. 

“I-I shall…” I say sheepishly, averting my gaze. I am happy to be at the entrance of the loud and busy ballroom, my jaw going slack at the sights I behold here.  More people pass, their masks obscuring their faces. I simply don’t know which person was who and from what in this colorful masked display of eleganza. 

The band was on the second floor of the ballroom, leaving the rest of the opulently decorated room to be occupied by the hoard of people invited here today. Millions of candles set the room aglow with their flickering flames, illuminating the enchanting every corner of the room. Mask wearers in different suits and gowns of every color under the sun hold champagne flutes, gossiping amongst themselves in the corners of the giant ballroom. A huge mass of people dance joyfully in the middle of the marbled floor. They take their places for what looks like a line dance. Ladies on the left and gentlemen on the right, meeting in the middle to push their elbows against each other and then turning in tow. I believe I have spotted prince Hoseok and Jungkook among the crowd of lively, giddy dancers but I cannot be certain. 

The masks are making this crowd impossible to make out just who is who. 

I am in a state of awe and wonder. I hope to spot all the dedication and hard work the Princes of Bangtan have placed into making this Harvest Moon Ball the most splendid yet. 

Seokjin’s attention to the food he helped prepare was very much unrivaled, everyone seemed to be digging into whatever creations he concocted with the cooks in the mansion. The music was perfect. I cannot fathom Yoongi’s musical choices being any less curated and designed well for this elegant occasion. Jimin’s fragrant flowers decorate the room in giant vases; garlands of the beautiful autumnal flowers and plants hang from the ceilings and banisters. Taehyung has curated and crafted all the artwork along the walls and the busts of his statues placed on short pillars to decorate the room. Hoseok and Jungkook were leading the line dance, smiles of gee spread across their faces. And last but not least, Namjoon was busy mingling with a whole flock of guests, conversing seemingly to be one of the many talents of his. He is shaking hands with a tall gentleman and what looks to be a petite woman. 

How odd. It is strange to see a man shake a woman’s hand in such a way. Perhaps it is a business negotiation of some kind? I forget that these balls, these galas, are more like a networking event than a social or leisurely one sometimes.   

All the brothers had the same wolf-like mask on, showing off the crest of the Bangtan household with pride. The black and white Rococco-inspired elegant masks couldn’t hide their beautiful amber eyes.

“Would you like something to drink?” Prince Yoongi grins wide as he watches me gawk at the splendor of this ornate scene. 

“I would, yes.” I nod, watching the masked people twirl and spin around each other on the dance floor. “I cannot believe this is the same empty ballroom I have passed several times before.” I chuckle as Yoongi passes me a champagne flute off a tray from a masked wait staff. The golden liquid was fizzing and popping just before the rim, smelling sweet and fragrant of alcohol. 

It’s been many moons since I have had the bitter, sour tasting liquid. My brothers would jest and tease me that I could not handle any liquor, Though I hardly drank at my old kingdom, the princes have never coaxed me into savoring any of their own alcohol. I wonder why that is.

Yoongi chuckles, “Quite!” He rumbles a laugh. “We have completely transformed this space. I think it’s come together rather nicely, wouldn’t you agree?”

A small sip of my drink is all I can muster before I answer, “Oh, yes. I quite agree! Everyone who had a hand in this ball has really worked to put on a beautiful, otherworldly show!”

The prince cocks an eyebrow, taking his own sip of his drink, softly smiling over the rim of the delicate glass. “Otherworldly, you say? What a good description of what this evening has in store.”

“Prince Yoongi?” A woman asks as she slinks up to the pair of us. “May I have a word?” She appears to be older than Seokjin but not quite as old as my father. Her voice was like rich honey smothered on buttery bread. I admire her mole next to her upper lip and her very large bosom that was threatening to spill out of her red and black satin dress. Her eyes are fixed solely on the prince, never wavering.

“Absolutely.” Yoongi says straightening up, voice hardening, expression falling. He sets his empty glass on a waiter's tray that quickly darts by.  “Y/N, I will return shortly.” A small smile quirks up his lips as he turns toward me, tugging one corner of his mouth as he does so. His amber eyes seem to glow, piercing through his mask as he says, “Please save me a dance this evening.” 

“I shall.” I curtsey as he bows deeply, his white hair falling over his eyes. He turns to take his leave and I feel a sickly feeling creeping up from the depths of my heart. 

Jealousy. 

I scoff at myself. Surely, I cannot be jealous of a woman I have never met! Besides, to think I would have all the princes undivided attention as I usually do is utterly absurd! Why, I already am asking too much as it is! I am but a humble guest in their home. Envious is something I am not! Right…? I look down for a brief moment at my chest and sigh. I finish the rest of my golden liquid in a polite swig. Maybe, I do covet for a size a little larger than what I have now…

Cheering noises erupt upon the dance floor interrupting my slightly envious thoughts. 

Prince Jungkook had a woman in a pink rabbit mask as his partner for this next dance. His hands fit around her waist, holding her as he flits through the crowd of other dancers. The woman giggles and smiles as he guides her gently through the dance, laughing and stepping tandem as the music picks up. They look like figures spinning upon a jewelry box, twirling in a sort of elegance that only certain people possess. 

I grab another drink of the liquid-gold looking drink off of a member of the staff's tray. This drink is so tasty!

A pang of guilt slices my heart as I look away, taking a sip to distract myself. Remembering my brothers I left in my home always feels like a fresh knife wound to the heart. They were all such lovely dancers…especially Soonyoung, Minghao, Junhui, and Chan…

All my brothers were…I miss them…I miss Yoongi…I miss all the princes... 

What is the matter with me! Why am I thinking like this? This is not like me at all…

I watch the way Jungkook’s fingertips rest upon the woman’s hip, gliding her through the fray. The people dancing look like they are having the time of their lives. I imagine myself as the woman his long fingers rest upon, hoping I could feel the warmth, the strength that the youngest prince yields. His smile was infectious as he never took his amber-colored gaze off of her.   

My eyes catch a flash of red hair and I spot the third oldest slightly behind his younger brother. Hoseok fits around with a woman in a mouse mask, dressed in a grey satin-like material with white lace adorning her outfit. He moves them together with ease, swaying and sweeping across the dance floor like a beautiful pair of swans doing a special dance only they know. Hoseok’s hearty laugh carries above the din of the music and chatter of people in the large ballroom.

They both look so happy.  

Realization dawns upon me. I am jealous. Purely and truly envious. 

I grab another champagne flute off the tray of a floucing waiter and drink a rather large gulp. I am no lady with my swift action, but the ton is not admiring me. My stomach turns sour with only the golden liquid sloshing inside. 

A prickle goes up my spine. I feel eyes upon me, but that is impossible. Nobody would be gazing at me. I am nobody. I am just an impersonator. A monster in this skin, in this body, that is not mine. I am a monster….Not even a very good one at that. But, still…that feeling persists. 

I look behind me and find nothing but people I don't know, mingling and talking and laughing and--unsurprisingly--not paying me any mind. 

A twinge of loneliness stirs in my heart and I set my third cup of fizzing liquid down with a soft sigh. 

“My darling, little bird.” Seokjin simpers as he moves with stealthy precision around a group of ladies. “Come dance with me!” He exclaims, taking my hand gently, leading me to the dance floor.

“How did you know I needed a dance?” I giggle, falling into line on the dance floor. Luckily, I know this step sequence. My brother Hoshi drilled it into my brain when we were barely knee-high. It’s an old one, like a waltz where you exchange partners part-way through. 

I don’t mind the exchange of dance partners, though. My feet feel so light as we step round and round with one another. My head feels like candied air was puffed inside. I feel like complete bliss.

“I didn’t know!” He laughs a hearty belly laugh. “You just looked so beautiful, I had to give you your first dance here.” Seokjin grins down at me, the wolf mask fitting his features perfectly. “My little bird.” He says through slurred speech, holding onto my waist with a gentle grasp and my free hand in his other. 

I am sure I am blushing a deep red as we step out and twirl before coming back together. 

“That dress is divine on you.” Prince Seokjin whispers to me, pulling me slightly closer than before. My chest is upon his, his breath tickling my ear. “You look like a fallen star.” 

A star! 

“Prince Seokjin, why do you celebrate the Harvest Moon?” The words tumble out of my mouth before I have the chance to think about them. “I inquired with Prince Yoongi and he never told me the reason why.” 

The eldest prince frowns, his happy expression falling as he guides me across the marbled dance floor. “Why do we celebrate?” He asks, seriousness coloring his tone. Seokjin is silent for a beat before he hiccups then, causing him to erupt in a fit of laughter. “We celebrate the harvest coming to an end.” He slurs, turning me in his hands to hold onto my hips. “It’s a beautiful, orange, pregnant moon.” He breathes in my ear. 

I breathe in sharply. Molten-hot heat shoots to my core and I feel myself pulsing around nothing. I ache for something in between my legs at that moment, wanting pleasure. I want to be pleasured…I want to give pleasure… I want one of the princes…I want Prince Seokjin…

I’m cut off from my thoughts when the eldest prince says, “Off you go now.” Seokjin laughs as he pushes me to the next partner. “Be good, little bird.”

No! I wasn’t done dancing with him yet! I think as I come-to reality and see my next dance partner. 

A tall, big man in a blue horse mask was waiting with arms wide open, wolfish grin spread across his lips. “What do we have here?” He asks with a hearty, raspy voice. He inhales and a shiver goes down my shine as our fingertips touch. The man pulls me closer to his hips, my heaving chest rubbing against his chest. “Human…” He ponders this for a moment before his green eyes pierce my own orbs. His grin extends up his jowls. “Ahhh, you are the dessert this evening, I see, I see.” He nods, twirling me around.

“I-I beg your pardon, sir?” My brows furrow as I try to follow the conversation, but pull away from his cold, yet sweaty, grip. I feel incredibly uncomfortable under this man's watchful eyes. “Human?”

“Yes, that’s right.” He sniffs the air deeply again, his belly protruding onto my dress. “No….” His green eyes light up with an eerie glow. My hands start to shake under his leering vision. “Half-human, half-demon.”

He twirls me out from his grasp again and my feet move on their own, exiting the dance floor without looking back. 

My skin is crawling! I feel like I’ve swallowed dozens of slimy insects and they are crawling around inside of my organs! I have never been spoken to like that. Like I am a snack. And a demon? What ever could one possibly think I am a demon? Do I have a likeness of a hellish creature? In this body that is not mine but my own mothers? I barely even knew my mother and my father was a mystery to me. How am I supposed to respond to a person saying these things to me? 

I reach for more sparkly, gold liquid off of the wait staff's tray and gulp down some feverishly. 

How incredibly uncouth. I am not being very polite to the prince's guest, walking away from him like that…but, I hope they will understand if it is brought up in conversation. I search for the unknown man in the crowd of dancers but I lack finding him. Prince Seokjin too has seemingly disappeared as well. 

Should I even tell the princes about this man? If they are all here in the ballroom, doesn’t that mean they are friends or at least acquaintances to some capacity? I ponder what I should do, staring at the dancers on the marbled floor moving in beautiful tandem, stepping in and out of their chosen partners arms.

With a few more gulps of the fizzing alcohol, I finish the drink with a sigh, setting the empty glass on a wait staff tray. 

“Would you care for a dance, Y/N?” The deep velvety voice of Prince Taehyung, breaks me from my spiraling thoughts and worry of eyes upon me.   

I smile wide. My hero! “Finally! A familiar face!” I grab his free hand which seems to startle him. “You really are a charming prince, coming to rescue me!”

Stunned into a beat of silence, he laughs a deep, boisterous laugh. “How much of this have you had?” The prince points to the empty champagne flute on the table next to me. 

“Three…Four?” I giggle, a flush finding my cheeks of embarrassment. “I beg your pardon.” I cover my mouth quickly. “I never drink such a bubbly livation.” A sheepish grin breaks on my gold-flecked lips as Taehyung smirks down at me.

The prince shakes his head with a wide smile and a deep chuckle. “No matter. Nothing to be ashamed of!” He beckons a waiter by the wall in our direction. “Please, Samuel, bring us some fresh water. From the cellars preferably.” 

“Yes, sir.” The blonde man says, rushing off and through the ton.

“Little bird,” Taehyung says, placing his thumb on my chin and his pointer finger just underneath, leading my gaze up to him. “Please only drink water provided by Samuel this eve. You understand?” 

His thumb brushes against my flesh as he tenderly touches me. I feel like my skin is on fire, like my soul has been set on ablaze. Nothing matters, only Taehyung’s gentle, warm fingertips against my skin and his beautiful, glowing amber eyes. Molten-white hot heat sears my core, making me nearly melt as the prince looks at me with such intensity with feather-like caresses. I feel as light as a cloud on a breezy day, floating away, into the ether. 

“Hmm?” He questions me. “You understand, don’t you? Our good girl.” His hot breath hits my face, his wolf mask coming closer to my own bird-cat-like one. 

“Y-Yes…” I pant out breathlessly, my eyelids fluttering closed.  

This is completely inappropriate. I know this. This is the most unlady-like thing I have done in my life. Well, besides my journey that has led me to this castle of course. 

“Very good, little bird.” Taehyung pants. I feel the weight and heat of him pull back from me. “Here, Y/N.” He says, handing me a glass of fresh water brought back from Samuel. 

He was so close to me! I think as I relish in the cool liquid hitting my throat. I thought he was perhaps going to kiss me just then…

“Drink up.” Prince Taehyung demands, amber orbs glowing through his mask. “I don’t want your head to be clouded with that nonsense when it happens.” 

“With what nonsense?” I query the second youngest prince, finishing the glass with glee. “When what happens?”

He gestures his long fingers to the ton around us. “This lot.” He chuckles darkly, lip curling. “These creatures of the night. The infernal crowd that delights by dancing with the devil. The witches, vampires, succubi, and werewolves you see before you.” Prince Taehyung’s usual amber eyes flash a bright green before he continues, “The demons being the worst of them all.” 

More talks about devils and demons tonight? I step back instinctually. The little hairs on the back of my neck stand straight at attention as the prince glowers at me with dazzling green orbs. “Prince Taehyung, you are worrying me.”

“I can save you.” He leans in catching my wrist with his free arm, the other has a glass of alcohol in it. His deep voice made me tremble under the strange words he was saying to me. “Let me save you from them.” 

“From w-who?” I stammer, moving back, unsure of what is happening around me. 

“The princes.” Taehyung’s grip intensifies, crushing me under his aggressive clutches. “They are going to kill you.” Taehyung says, breaking his champagne flute in his fist, slicing the fresh glass against my skin. He created a small gash, opening my flesh with the sharp edge of the broken glass. “Let me end your suffering first.”

Red blood oozes out of the wound, tickling down my palms, gliding off my fingertips. 

I gasp, eyes blown wide by why he was suddenly hurting me. This is not like him at all! What is happening!? “What is going on, Prince Taehyung?” I demand, tone deadly. I look at my slowly bleeding wrist. It doesn’t hurt all that much. Just stings. 

People around us have gone silent. The whole of the ton on this side of the ballroom was watching us, nostrils flared, mouths watering. 

I realize he isn’t bleeding. Glass was sticking to his skin, embedded in his hand, yet he was completely fine. He watches me, green eyes glowering, trained on my every move. 

“What are you?” I query with malice now. “You are not Prince Taehyung.” I try to yank my bleeding hand away from his. This person is unwavering, digging his fingernails deeper into my flesh.

“You’ll never know, demon.” He chuckles, lifting his glass-embedded hand up to show the glass being absorbed into his bubbling, moving flesh.

I feel sick. I wish to vomit. I start to shake, my body quakes with a quiet tremor rippling through me. 

“Y/N!” Prince Jungkook bursts into the ballroom then, holding something massive and swollen by what looked like threads in his hands. The other princes were behind him, filing into the ballroom, looking at the scene before them. 

Oh, thank the Gods they are here! I think, relief washing through me. Please save me!

“Get away from her, you fiend!” Prince Hoseok shouts, coming to stand at the base of the ballroom steps. A series of snickers and laughter arise from around me and all I think is  please save me over and over and over. 

“Taehyung, catch!” With a smug grin, Prince Jungkooks sends the thing he was holding onto flying through the air. 

In the dim candlelight of the ballroom, my eyes widen as I finally realize what Jungkook has thrown through the air. 

That wasn't thread he was holding onto…It was hair…

It…is a head…

I…I-I…know this profile…I know this head…

I cover my mouth with my free hand. 

I know this hair and that once gummy smile…

The head rolls, lolling and slumping over and stops at my feet. The person that claims to be Taehyung laughs maniacally, using his boot to turn the face toward me. 

No…

A star!

I am shaking. I am moving by my own volition. Steam is rising off my back, my dress is melting off my skin... Anger, grief, sadness, frustration, heavy heated emotions flip through me.

No… It can’t be.

The thing that has Taehyung’s face hisses. My flesh closes the wound he inflicted upon him, burning him in its violent wake. He growls at me before he turns into an orange and black butterfly and disappears into the crowd. I am being consumed by murderous thoughts.

A star! A fallen star!

It cannot be….

Someone calls my name and I see red.

It cannot be my brother Jihoon’s severed head lying on the floor…

My rage fully takes over all thoughts. I become engulfed in radiant orange and red flames, consuming my body as my beautiful dress melts away, turning into glittering, sparkling ash leaving me naked, my body still steaming, radiating with heat.

I grab the glass off the floor, crouch down, and take off like a beam of light into the crowd. I hack and saw at everyone and anything I find in my violent wake. 

I do not need any prince to save me. I can and will always save myself. 

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Author's Notes: Happy Spooky Month, sweet beans! I am still here! Always thinking about my stories! I hope you will accept this humble offering as I know it's been a while! Thank you everyone who has read this story and kept up with it! Sorry it's been so long! This year has been NUTS! I love you all and have the most wonderful day/ night! <3

Feedback is appreciated but not necessary.

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