Moving Forward

I woke up without feeling rested at all. My body felt sore all over, like I just ran a marathon without a single minute of exercise. I groaned as I turned on the bed, I opened my eyes to see a dark stone ceiling, a white light bulb providing decent illumination. The atmosphere felt peaceful and friendly enough.

"You're awake," a voice to my left spoke, empathetic but detached. I turned to find Sakura, she seemed to still wear the coat she wore last night, only now it was unbuttoned, revealing a cream top that highlighted her curvy figure despite her petiteness. She also wore black slacks and boots, the combination shouldn't have worked, I thought, but Sakura made it work, in a professionally domestic kind of way.

She stood by a small high window, the sun looked to be high up in the sky. I suddenly thought that I forgot something important — like I should be somewhere else today rather than resting on this bed after an extremely draining rescue mission. I forced it behind my head, hoping not to regret it too much when I finally remember.

"You're Sakura, right?" 

Sakura smirked in amusement, "You also asked that last night."

"Oh, sorry," I said in embarrassment.

"It's fine," Sakura waved. "It's just amusing, that's all."

She walked towards me, pulled a chair that was beside the bed and sat. "What do you remember?"

"I remember that we succeeded," I replied.

"That we did," Sakura coolly confirmed.

"Where am I?" I asked as I finally scanned the room. It was cozy, one bed, a desk with a pitcher and an empty glass on top of it and a chair beside it, the wooden dagger I made was also on top of the desk. Now that I'm seeing it up close and without a Rider of the Hunt trying to kill me, I can see that even though it had the general shape of the dagger Sullyoon handed me, the one I made was a lot less polished, the handle was rough and the blade jagged. That was all there was in the room though, nothing much — nothing that wasn't needed.

"Headquarters," Sakura replied. "The upper portion, the part we allow others to see."

I nodded, "So underneath us —?"

The werebeast nodded, "Underneath us is the catacombs where the Triarchy meets."

The Werebeast Catacombs, I thought. Another object of discussion and theories at campus, its location in particular. No one has ever found it, and those who did and came back alive only do so because the Triarchy deemed it so. And for some reason they are all pretty tight-lipped, never once revealing the location of this fabled werebeast seat of power.

But they're not important to me right now. I took the pitcher and poured on the glass, emptying it in my mouth before turning back to Sakura, "Where are they?" I asked. "All of them."

Sakura sighed as she shifted on her seat. She leaned forward slightly, giving a teasing view of her cleavage. I immediately looked up to her face, which actually didn't help. She was prettier up close, in a serious and elegant cat-like way, there was sharpness in her eyes, but also a friendly gentleness, the contrast was disarmingly distracting — in a good way.

Sakura noticed, of course she did — she's an intelligence operative after all. She gave a quick smirk before answering, "Yuna and Sullyoon are safe at an undisclosed location. The reunion was sombre I was told, though nobody was allowed inside their chambers to respect their privacy."

I nodded, smiling at the thought of both of them wrapped around each other's arms. 

"Do you want to see them?" Sakura asked. "They'll probably be transferred sometime today, and they might also want to see you."

"Transferred where?"

"The Pale Princess was apparently in contact with the Lady of Spring to allow Yuna and Sullyoon asylum in her realm. That might be better considering they're faekind—"

"What about Oberon's court?" I interrupted.

"Handing them to the Court of the Fae King when they served Orion is a bad idea," Sakura replied.

"Oh, right." I replied, nodding my head slightly.

"Would they be safe with the Lady of Spring?" I followed.

Sakura pursed her lips and nodded, "It's the safest place they could be. The Lady of Spring is, generally benevolent, unless provoked of course. She is an enemy of Orion and only Orion, though she was known to hunt down other Night Folk and humans with connections to the Wild Hunt. She was also known to have taken defectors from his cause, even if they're not fae so... it's not exactly a new arrangement."

I smiled and nodded, "Good."

"So do you want to see them? We can have it arranged," Sakura asked again.

I contemplated the thought for a few seconds, then smiled, "No, maybe not today. Let today be theirs and theirs alone. If they're safe with the Lady of Spring, there's always time and opportunity for us to meet again."

Sakura gave a soft huff that might have been a chuckle. I looked at her, puzzled by her reaction, "Why? Did I say something wrong?"

She smiled, gentle and with a hint of pride, "On the contrary, Seren."

I smiled back when the door opened slightly. Sakura and I snapped our heads to find another girl, dressed in a simple white shirt and black track shorts. Her gentle feline face seemed familiar yet I can't quite place it.

Her eyes fluttered and blinked between me and Sakura, as if processing what is happening. "Oh. He's awake," she finally said.

"What is it, Haerin?" Sakura sighed.

"Haerin? The one who drove the minivan last night, right?" I asked.

Haerin took the whole of five seconds and two quick blinks to answer with a simple nod and a vacant look on her face.

Sakura then released a soft giggle. "Pardon her, Seren. She's still young and," she gave another soft sigh, "sometimes it seems that the world moves faster than Haerin can perceive it."

Haerin dipped her head, her eyes seemed to be searching something at the floor, a slight flush blossoming on her cheeks — cute, I thought.

"This is why she's assigned to the Intel and Recon Corp," Sakura continued, "top brass hopes it would... make her catch up with the world without putting her in the front lines."

Haerin started fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "I'm trying my best, Sakura," she whispered meekly.

"I know," Sakura replied. "I can see it. Just... take your time."

Haerin smiled faintly, the blush on her cheeks going noticeably redder.

"So why have you come?" Sakura asked again.

"Oh," Haerin jumped cutely then turned to her side, like she was looking at someone outside the room. "I'm sorry, I... uh... spaced out again, ma'am," she stuttered, bowing profusely, and I heard a familiar giggle from outside the room.

She turns back toward the room, "Uh, a huntress wants to see you, Mr Seren... I mean uh, Mr Vale... Mr Seren Vale..."

"Seren's fine," I chuckled, raising a hand to calm her down. "And who's the huntress?"

"Uh... mistress Lee Chaeryoung... Se — Seren," Haerin stuttered and Sakura and I were now visibly trying not to smile.

"Let her in, Kang Haerin," Sakura said, almost failing to hide a giggle.

"Yes, ma'am," Haerin nodded and opened the door wide. 

Lee Chaeryoung entered, dressed in cute pink pajamas. Haerin closed the door, leaving the three of us in the room.

"She's cute," Chaeryoung pointed outside with her thumb. "In an adorably spaced-out way."

"She's lucky you weren't Ryujin," I joked.

"That she was," Chaeryoung chuckled as the image of Ryujin overwhelming the young werebeast came to mind, the girl's head would implode.

Chaeryoung dipped her head to acknowledge Sakura.

"Do you want me to leave you two alone or...?" Sakura asked with a teasing glint in her eyes.

"If you're just going to tease me about it then stay," Chaeryoung replied in exasperated amusement. 

Sakura smirked and raised an eyebrow.

Chaeryoung rolled her eyes, "She's friends with my older sister," she pointed at Sakura. "Naturally, they gossip. She knows that I... uh..." Chaeryoung paused, her cheeks flushing red so fast.

"I'm an intel corps member. Information is my trade, not my fault you get... attached," Sakura teased, her eyes flitting between me and Chaeryoung.

"I'm not attached," Chaeryoung denied, though we both know she is in her own little way.

"Really?" Sakura doubled down. "You come up here in your pajamas to check on Seren and you're saying you're not attached?"

Chaeryoung stared at Sakura, her eyes blinking twice then lowers down to look at her clothes.

Sakura chuckled, "You're just as cute as Haerin, Lee Chaeryoung."

"That's not —" Chaeryoung tried to protest then caught herself.

"Fine," she finally resigned. "I'll wring my sister's neck later for this though," she said before sitting at the edge of my bed.

"Take a video of it and send it to me," Sakura giggled.

"Deal," Chaeryoung replied with a conspiring grin.

"So," Chaeryoung turned to me, her expression tender and concerned. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I had a hangover without even having a drink," I replied.

Both werebeasts chuckled.

"And you?" I asked Chaeryoung.

"Fine, mostly," Chaeryoung replied. "A little bit terrified of Sullyoon now," she casually added.

It was I who then chuckled, "You and me both."

"Seol YoonAh," Sakura said like she's assessing a person of interest. "She's brave — very, very brave. Some might say that was stupid of her but... sometimes the heart just overrides the mind."

The silence that followed made me remember the things Sullyoon did last night. Guiding us through the forest, her first kill, standing up to Indarin and the Glade Lords, getting hit by a blow from Alderon, giving me the wooden dagger, ensnaring the Riders who would have otherwise overwhelmed us, then passing out after I got Yuna out of the wooden maiden. Impressive was an understatement to everything she did last night.

"She's..." Chaeryoung began then paused as if finding the right word to use.

"Inspiring..." I provided, earning a soft smile from both women.

"How are the others by the way?" I asked.

"Well," Chaeryoung began. "Ryujin had a busted lip —"

"Of course she does," Sakura commented, making me and Chaeryoung snicker.

"Yeji sustained a cut on her side but, she's fine now, her healing factor was always the fastest among us, all she needed to do was sleep. I on the other hand, was fortunately relatively unscathed," Chaeryoung continued, "and Seulgi..." she turned towards Sakura.

"Had a broken leg and four ribs," Sakura responded. "But otherwise, she's fine."

I breathed a smile of relief, I was worried when I saw her bear form limping in front of Alderon. It is good to hear she's fine.

"And the vampires?" I added.

"Joohyun's practically untouched, even after engaging two Glade Lords," Sakura replied. "As expected of a two millennia old vampire princess."

"And the Glade Lords?" I followed.

"Alive, unfortunately," Sakura answered again. "We were hoping to eliminate at least one but, even with the Pale Princess taking on two and a handful of senior hunters fighting one, we were unable to accomplish that objective."

"Those are only secondary objectives though," Chaeryoung chimed in. "The primaries are getting you, Sullyoon, and Yuna out."

I nodded, then asked in hesitation, "Any... casualties?"

"Four hunters dead, about seven missing, also presumed dead," Sakura answered this time. "About a dozen more in various degrees of injury but nothing fatal. I don't have a number on the vampire's side nor do I have knowledge if they lost anyone but..." she gave a sigh of content before continuing, "considering we probably weakened the forces of three Glade Lords, and rescued someone with deep intel to the Wild Hunt's operations, I say we gained more than we lost."

Chaeryoung kept her gaze at me, clearly noticing the discomfort in my expression. She reached out to hold my arm, "Hey, this was a battle, Seren. And we are soldiers essentially, we know the risks..."

"That doesn't make it less... uncomfortable," I responded.

"Don't be guilty, Seren," Sakura added. "You're already a part of this world whether you like it or not. You've seen death, and you've given death. Guilt is fatal in this world."

"Have you killed someone, Sakura?" I asked.

"Why? Did you think that just because I'm part of the Intel Corps I haven't killed yet?" She asked, more amused than hurt.

"The Intel Corps are also trained in assassination techniques, Seren," Chaeryoung squeezed my arm gently.

Sakura's smile widened when she saw my look of surprise, "It's not the same as the precision taught to the Death Dealers. It's more for us to defend ourselves should our cover be blown," she said gently.

"So you have?" I asked again.

Sakura nodded melancholically, "More times than I would have wanted."

"You said not to feel guilty about death," I remarked, noting her sombre expression.

"It's not like that," Sakura smiled which Chaeryoung mirrored. "What I'm saying is... don't let guilt... prevent you from moving forward. Guilt can paralyze, trauma can incapacitate, but you're in this world now, if you want to survive, keep your emotions in check, your mind calm, and keep moving forward — don't let your comrades' sacrifice be for nothing."

I nodded pensively, then turned to Chaeryoung, "Is it the same with you?"

Chaeryoung nodded, "We deal with it each in our own way. But the important thing is," another soft arm squeeze, making Sakura raise an eyebrow, "is you don't face it alone."

"Seems like you're fine on that end, Seren," Sakura teased, grinning mischievously with her eyes focused on Chaeryoung's hands on my arm.

"Miyawaki Sakura!" Chaeryoung pulled her hand off of my arm, making Sakura laugh heartily.

Then the door opened a second time, Haerin's wide-eyed and surprised expression was then drowned when Hwang Yeji, dressed in all black like the one they wore before the operation last night, waltzed unbothered in the room.

"You're awake, good," Yeji said with a huff, closing the door on a very confused Haerin. Then her eyes went from Sakura to Chaeryoung, her gaze focused on her teammate, taking note of her pajamas. Then a conspiring grin curved on one side of her lips. "Oh, you're deep into him aren't you, Lee Chaeryoung," she teased.

Sakura scoffed, "You're one to talk, Hwang Yeji," she bit back, making Chaeryoung's head and mine snap to Yeji.

"Don't, start, Miyawaki," Yeji growled, her eyes narrowing.

"Do you always just... never lose?" I asked Sakura cheekily.

Sakura shrugged, "I have dirt on them, they don't have dirt on me," she replied nonchalantly.

"Remind me not to open up too much to you," I quipped.

"Too late," Sakura quipped back. "I already know enough."

"Can we come to an understanding, a deal, perhaps?"

"Depends, let me think on that," Sakura replied with a grin.

"Cute," Yeji remarked dryly. "Can we get on track?" Chaeryoung on the other hand was pursing her lips, trying not to laugh.

Sakura nodded, "Why have you come, Yeji? Not just to check on Seren, apparently."

"Well, I was sent to fetch you actually," Yeji replied.

"Me?" Sakura said, pointing to herself.

Yeji nodded, "Lady Choi wants another... accounting... of the events last night," she answered with a not so subtle eye roll.

"But I already did my report two hours ago!" Sakura protested.

Yeji shrugged, "Orders from above. Well, from below since they're underground..."

Silence... awkward and deafening silence...

"Was that a joke, Hwang Yeji?" I asked.

"It was to her," Chaeryoung replied, her shoulders shaking.

"Explains why it's a bad one," Sakura finished flatly.

"Yeah. You're all really great friends, aren't you," Yeji said sarcastically, finally making everyone laugh.

Sakura then stood after we settled down, mostly, Chaeryoung's shoulders were still shaking. "Anyway, Lady Choi's known to be... well, she's a character... and I'd hate to keep her waiting."

"In the same way you hate repeating yourself," Yeji chuckled as Sakura passed behind her.

"Who doesn't?" Sakura replied before opening the door. She made eye contact with Haerin then ruffled her hair, causing the young werebeast to smile and blush. She turned back towards the room, "You coming, Hwang Yeji?"

"Yeah. Be there in a sec," Yeji replied then turned her attention back to me. "I called Jimin —" she said, and my eyes widened in alarm and I felt my heart beat quicken in anxiety.

"— I told her to take over for your shift at the Archives today —"

"Shit. Right, it's a Sunday," I groaned, placing my hands to my forehead. That was the thing I forgot. This means I have to take Jimin's shift with Minjeong this weekend.

"You forgot?" Chaeryoung asked with an amused grin.

"Isn't it obvious?" I replied, making her grin wider.

"Well," Yeji continued, "she said she'll cover for you —"

"But?" I asked, sensing that this favor won't come free — even if it's Jimin.

Yeji grinned, a playful glint in her eyes, "but Jimin expects you at the Archives this afternoon with a full retelling of everything that happened."

I closed my eyes and leaned back, nearly banging my head on the headboard as I groan in frustration. Chaeryoung smiled sympathetically and I turned to her, "I don't suppose you can join me?"

"Nope," Yeji answered for her. "Our reports are due this afternoon to the Triarchy."

Chaeryoung gave me an apologetic look, "Sorry, Seren."

"It's fine. I'll just face her wrath head on, probably with Yizhuo's commentary on the side."

"I'm sure Jimin will understand."

"She will but, she'll chew me to death first."

"There are worse ways to go," Yeji joked.

"Good one," I teased.

"Shut up," Yeji snapped back, making Chaeryoung giggle. "Anyway, I should go. Are you coming with, Chaeryoung?"

"No," Chaeryoung replied softly, her eyes fluttering to look at my lips. "I'll keep Seren company."

"Fine," Yeji replied as she turned towards the door. Then she turned back, her eyes containing the same teasing glint that Sakura had, "Try not to be too loud, both of you," she winked then left the room and closed the door before any of us can protest.

Chaeryoung turned to face me, her cheeks burning red.

"So," I began, "you're not attached, huh?" I teased.

"Oh, not you too," Chaeryoung sighed in frustration.

"What?" I shrugged, grinning widely. "You're cute when you're flustered."

"Shut up, Jimin will kill you," she quipped.

"She'll kill me either way," I quipped back, making us chuckle together.

A pause... a silence... familiar... warm... Chaeryoung's eyes were on mine... affectionate... gentle.

"Your speed served me well," I whispered.

She tilted her head, brows furrowing in confusion.

"Remember that incubus theory?" I asked.

Chaeryoung nodded, "That you assimilate the abilities of the women you have sex with, yes." I can see the gears turning in her head, "And you think you assimilated my speed after we did it?"

"Mhmm," I hummed my reply. I can feel the temperature slowly rise in the room.

"Do you think..." Chaeryoung inched closer. "That the effects would stack if we keep doing it?" She asked, low, hesitant, almost seductive.

"You mean...?" I whispered breathily.

"Would it make you even faster if we do it a second time?" She draws her face closer, her breath warm upon my lips.

"I don't know," I raised my head, moving closer to her lips, she smelled like she just woke up, like she truly went to check on me the moment she rose from her bed. "I haven't tried yet."

"Do you want to try?" Chaeryoung's hands found their way back to my arms. Goosebumps rose from my skin, making her grin when she felt them.

"Rhetorical question, Lee Chaeryoung," I replied and Chaeryoung closed the gap, crashing her lips on mine.

I took her by her waist, pulling her close so she straddles me. Her hands flew to my chest, crumpling my shirt.

"And if..." Chaeryoung gasped after pulling away to take a breath, then immediately crashes her lips back to mine. "And if it works... would you... do it... with me... again?" Chaeryoung asked, completing her question every time she pulls away for a breath.

I wrapped an arm around her waist, making her gasp as she does one slow grind on my hips. She pulls away, positioning her face a few inches above mine while her hair cascades and covers both our faces.

"I'll do it again even — if it does not work, I'll do it with you again," I replied with a smile as her eyes look down on my face.

Chaeryoung's lips reciprocated then leaned down for another kiss. My palms squeezed on her waist, hers rose to grip my shoulders gently. Her lips press deeper on mine as she utters a low and soft moan.

I felt her smile as she pulled away slightly, our lips still brushing each other. "You're always good at that," Chaeryoung whispered.

"Must be the incubus blood," I joked.

"You're embracing it now?" She grinned.

"I'm embracing you," I replied with a soft smile.

Chaeryoung blinked, blood rushing to her cheeks. "Seems like you've grown a silver tongue, Seren Vale," she cheekily muttered, her hands moved from my shoulders to my hands on her waist.

"Come and taste it again," I answered, grinning wickedly. 

Chaeryoung gave a huff that might have been a chuckle. She pressed her forehead on mine, "I'd rather have it someplace else," she whispered. Her hands then guided mine, underneath her pajama shirt, she shuddered and gave a quick exhale when my palms touched the toned flesh of her waist.

She guided my hands higher, until I felt the familiar swell of her breasts — no bra. I enclosed them in my palms, kneading them softly, feeling her nipples harden underneath, and hearing the soft hums of her breathing.

"I want your tongue right here, right now, Seren," Chaeryoung breathed, her face moving to the side of mine, her breath warm across my neck.

"I'd love to," I whispered, my own breath warm against her ear. "But your shirt is on the way."

I felt her grin and heard her giggle against my ear, then she whispered sweetly, "We can do something about that."

Chaeryoung pulled away then placed her hands on the hem of her pajama shirt, she pulled it off her torso, making my breath hitch as she gave me a view of her toned body.

"Stop staring, and start using your — hnnggh..." Chaeryoung's grin was wiped off her face as she whimpered when I planted my tongue flat on one of her nipples. She then sighed softly as she ran a hand through the back of my head, "I missed this. You're so good at that." 

I glanced up as I held Chaeryoung's arching body. Her eyes were closed while she bit her lower lip. I gave her hardened bud a slow flick of the tongue then sucked hard. Chaeryoung herself sucked in a breath as her body shuddered in pleasure, her hand pressing my head tighter, yearning for more contact. "That's it. Don't stop," she whispered inaudibly, almost to herself.

I then gave the other tit attention, but instead of focusing on her nipple, I focused on the soft flesh, kissing and lightly sucking while both my hands twirled and pinch her hardened nubs.

The effect was instant, Chaeryoung's whimpers are now ascending into full blown moans.

"Someone might hear, Lee Chaeryoung," I said as I pulled away.

Chaeryoung looks down at me, cheeks flushed, chest huffing as she pants. Then she gives me a mischievous grin, "Don't act like you don't like it," she replies giggling.

"Guilty," I smirked then went back to worshipping her body, but instead of going back to her chests, I dove down to her stomach, tracing the lines of her toned abs.

"Fuck—" Chaeryoung gasped. Her body rises from straddling me and into a kneeling position. Her hand goes to the top of my head while the other joins one of mine while I grope her breasts. She's trying to push me lower, but I stubbornly resisted as I moved my kisses to the side of her waist.

"Lower, Seren..." Chaeryoung sighed.

"Say please," I teased.

"Please..." Chaeryoung replied with no hesitation.

I can't resist the urge to smile. I withdrew my hands from her breasts and moved towards the hem of her pajamas. Chaeryoung then stood, making me pull her pajamas down and exposing her bare wetness right in front of me.

Chaeryoung leaned her body without preamble, crashing her pussy directly into my mouth. A long moan came from her as her body shuddered when I instinctively pressed my tongue on her clit.

A little flick here and a soft lick there, and Chaeryoung was grinding her hips on my head. Soft gasps and the occassional twitching of her body told me that she's getting the pleasure she wants — that, and her hands pulling on my scalp as she pressed me upon her dripping heat.

Chaeryoung's moans intensified when I inserted my tongue inside her. Her hips grind erratically and I had to wrap mu hands around her ass to steady her. This also meant that my palms are full of her cheeks, which only made me carress and grope the soft flesh, earning more moans from Chaeryoung.

Her grip on my scalp slowly tightened while her thighs threatened to squeeze me between. Her juices drip more copiously. One hand goes to cover her mouth as she tried to muffle her moans that are now growing louder.

Then, without warning, her hips twitched and her upper body stiffened. I looked up, Chaeryoung was biting rhe back of her hand, her head was whipped back, and muffled gasps tried to claw their way out of her mouth.

Her pussy gushed, filling my mouth and dripping down to my chin. Her knees buckled and she fell forwards, pushing my head towards the headboard while her forehead presses against the wall.

I removed my mouth from her pussy as her eyes opened and she met my gaze. Her chest was heaving, her hardened nubs drawing my attention momentarily. Then she smiled — genuine, tender, almost loving.

"You're really good at this," she breathed.

"How many times do you have to say that?" I chuckled.

"I'm not a poet," she said, disengaging from me then sitting across me on the bed. "I don't know how to say it in any other way," Chaeryoung's gaze shifts downwards, towards the tent that already grew on my shorts. "Although," she bit her lip then looked back at me, eyes filled with want and desire, "I hope to return the favor."

She pulled my pants, my boxers along with it, until my cock popped out, almost hitting her face. It twitched, and Chaeryoung smiled. "I missed this," she whispered, almost to herself as she stared as if hypnotized by my cock. Then she looked up at me, "I missed you."

And again without preamble, Lee Chaeryoung grabbed the head of my cock, and gave my shaft a long, slow lick that made my head whipped back and my eyes rolled to the back of my head.

"Fuck, Lee Chaeryoung," I gasped. Chaeryoung giggled, then gently stroked my shaft. Her mouth meets my head, her tongue playing with the slit of my tip. She then sucked my tip gently, the pressure made my hips buck upward, trying to plunge more of my length inside Chaeryoung's warm mouth.

My hands balled into fists when I felt her tongue swirl slowly on the underside of my shaft, like she's savoring it. Then she started moving her head, slowly at first, from base to tip. Her tongue presses flat upon the underside of my cock while her cheeks squeezed the sides and it seemed like she was also sucking my hips with the way it followed her head, seemingly wanting not to part with any part of Chaeryoung's mouth.

The werebeast continued her blowjob, changing pace as if at random. One moment she's sucking hard and loud, the next she moment — she drags her mouth and tongue slowly upon my shaft — all the while not breaking eye contact.

She then releases her mouth with a satisfying pop, her hand still stroking me gently. "Was that good?" Lee Chaeryoung asked with a devilish grin and a wicked giggle.

"Why do you keep asking rhetorical questions today?" I quipped.

Chaeryoung's lips curved into a playful smile. Her answer was a simple shrug before she moved to straddle my lap, her hand that was previously stroking my cock now aimed it towards her dripping heat.

She sank slowly, her pussy swallowing my cock smoothly and snugly. We both released a strangled moan, trying not to sound too loud. Chaeryoung's grip on my shoulders tighten when her pussy reaches the base of my cock, her breathing heavy but with a satisfied smile on her face.

"Damn, you're really big," she murmured breathlessly, slowly grinding her hips back and forth, making me bite my lip in order not to moan too loud.

My hands tighten on her hips, guiding Chaeryoung as her pace rises. Her mouth finds my shoulder — and I gasped when she bit down hard, her muffled moans escaping as the bed creaks with how fast she's moving.

"Fuck, Lee Chaeryoung!" I exclaimed, then felt her hand on my mouth. I feel something wet drip down my shoulder from where she bit me, whether it be her spit or my blood, I have no idea. What I have an idea though, is how good Chaeryoung is riding me right now. Her pussy seemed wetter and tighter than the last time we did it. It feels like I can feel the ridges of her caverns a lot more than before — and it's almost sending me to the edge.

I focused on the slight sting of Chaeryoung's teeth on my shoulder, but even it slowly morphed into pleasure, adding to my arousal and tightening the pull in my gut.

"I'm close," I tried to say, but it only came out as a muffled whimper with Chaeryoung's hand over my mouth.

Chaeryoung's rhythm suddenly became erratic, making the bed creak louder — which I'm sure Haerin can now hear outside. I can only hope she proccesses what is happening slowly.

Chaeryoung then slammed her hips hard, then her bite tightens over my shoulder as she stops a scream from tearing out of her mouth. Her pussy tightened, choking my cock and forcing my orgasm out of me. I felt my eyelids closed, my eyes roll to the back of my head, and my hips buckle up, rolling ang grinding out of sync with Chaeryoung's as we both ride our highs together.

Chaeryoung slowly relaxed, her teeth retreating from my flesh. Then I felt her tongue flick across her bitemark, then her soft lips pressed on it, making me shudder slightly. She felt it — and I felt her lips curve on my shoulder.

I opened my eyes to look at the damage she's done. The mark was not that deep, but blood was drawn, dripping down mixed with Chaeryoung's own spit.

I chuckled while I pant, "You sure you're not a vampire, Lee Chaeryoung?"

Chaeryouny giggled in exhaustion. She rested her head on my shoulder, her eyes on me, glazed and half lidded, satisfaction evident in her soft smile. "You're just too good, Seren Vale."

"You too," I replied.

"You think someone heard?" She asked.

"Haerin might have."

"Hope she doesn't realize what happened."

"Me too," I replied grinning.

I wrapped an arm around Chaeryoung's naked body, my cock was now flaccid but still inside Chaeryoung's warmth.

"Let's stay like this for a while," Chaeryoung whispered, her breathing evens out as she closes her eyes.

"My thoughts exactly," I replied, leaning in to kiss her lips again.
------------

"You could have died, Seren Vale!" Yu Jimin's exasperated voice echoed across the empty halls of the Archives building.

"But I didn't, and I was unscathed... relatively," I replied meekly, my gaze avoiding hers.

She and Yizhuo were seated on the chairs by the reception area while I leaned on the desk, the younger girl's gaze fixed on me with a look of concern. Minjeong was also there, sitting on the desk and swinging her legs.

"She's been threatening to kill you all morning," Minjeong said.

"And even well after lunch," Yizhuo added.

"Hey, I'm alive. And we got Yuna and Sullyoon out, isn't that what matters?" I tried to justify, though Jimin's expression told me that it had close to no effect.

"Good, because I'm going to kill you," Jimin grabbed a pen and flexed it threateningly at me, her knuckles going slightly white. I flinched out of reflex. She looked cuter when angry, though I don't think I should make it a regular occurence.

"Okay, okay," I still had the nerve to laugh. "If I decide to go into a side quest I'm going to tell you next time."

"You better!" Jimin's expression softened a little as she dropped the pen back on the desk.

The next half a minute of silence allowed Jimin to fully calm down, her eyes were still adorably staring daggers at me though, and I can't help but chuckle in spite of myself.

Then, Yizhuo sighed, "I can't imagine going through what those two went through."

"Would you go through the same thing if it happened to me, Yizhuo?" Minjeong teased.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" Yizhuo replied, "when you know I get scared by the most mundane of things?"

Minjeong chuckled and Jimin sighed heavily, "Can we not talk about getting sexually and emotionally abused by the fae? It makes my skin crawl even thinking about it."

"But you have to admit," Minjeong chimed, "what they went through, it took a lot of strength just to survive."

"They survived, but not unscathed," I said melancholically, remembering how Sullyoon collapsed and how Yuna looked devoid of life. "Some part of them died that day. Sullyoon killed her first two Riders..."

We were quiet for a moment after that — then Jimin spoke. "Is this how you felt? When you struck that Rider during the attack here a few weeks ago to protect me?"

I felt all their eyes on me, waiting expectantly for my reply. I recalled that moment, when we were boxed in by a Rider when they attacked the Archives. He was about to strike Jimin with a spear, but I punched his armor, unconsciously using the strength I assimilated from Seulgi, sent the Rider flying across the hall, killing it. 

"It was... a spur of the moment, Jimin," I finally replied. "I didn't know that the blow would be powerful enough to kill that Rider — all I was hoping for at that moment was to buy some time for either of Yeji's team to help us. I didn't really registered that I killed the Rider until after the attack and all the adrenaline was swept off my body."

Jimin nodded and Yizhuo spoke, "So you weren't able to properly process it," the girl said softly.

"Yeah. In a way, that Rider I stabbed in the neck during Yuna's rescue was my first real kill, in defense yes, but with the intent and the knowledge of the consequences." Sakura's words then echoed in my head — "You've seen death. You've given death."

"Guilt is fatal in this world," I murmured my thoughts.

"That's a bleak thought," Jimin said.

I huffed softly, "Perhaps. It was something someone from the werebeasts intel corps told me."

"It feels like we'll only understand it once we killed someone ourselves," Yizhuo muttered.

"Yep," I scoffed. "It really is a bleak thought."

Minjeong then sighed, "I've been thinking," and we all turned to her, "about helping you. Joining the College's band in order to get closer to the siren cove —"

"Minjeong, if —" I began.

"I want to do it," Minjeong turned to me, her eyes were resolute but I can sense a hint of fear underneath it.

"Kim Minjeong —" Jimin and I said.

"I want to be brave too," Minjeong interrupted. "Like my sister, who's far away training to be someone I will never become. Like you, being someone other people rely on for help."

"But this means risking... probably your life," Jimin said.

"Seren risked his life last night. And I know my sister would in the near future once she completes her training. Why shouldn't I?" Minjeong said defiantly.

Jimin and I looked at each other, a silent conversation brewing within our eyes. Jimin's eyes were defiant at first, then slowly softened to resignation. She looks back at Kim Minjeong.

"You've thought this through?" Jimin asked.

"Yes... maybe," Minjeong replied, making Jimin raise an eyebrow. "I know it's probably a bad idea..."

"But you're doing it anyway?" It was Yizhuo who asked.

Minjeong took a second, then a deep breath as if steeling herself. She then gripped the desk a little too tightly before answering —

"— Yes." She replied almost with finality.

Jimin's eyes closed in resignation then she relaxes on her seat. "Fine, but be careful, Kim Minjeong," she says in almost sisterly manner.

"Don't worry," Yizhuo quirked before Minjeong replied. "She won't be alone."

It took three seconds and three pairs of eyes staring at Ning Yizhuo before the world started spinning again.

"What are you talking about?" Minjeong asked in confusion.

Yizhuo shrugged, "You weren't the only one who got scouted. I got scouted by the choir while you got scouted by the band."

"Yeah, we know that," I closed my eyes, trying to wrap around the idea that Yizhuo is implying.

"Are you saying, Ning Yizhuo..." Jimin leaned in closer to the chinese girl, "that you're going to join Minjeong in infilitrating the Choir?"

Yizhuo just stared and nodded at Jimin like she's saying something obvious.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Jimin exclaimed.

"Ning Yizhuo!" Minjeong followed.

And I can only place my hands on my forehead in exasperation.

"Why? What's wrong with what I said?" Yizhuo seemed genuinely clueless as to why we reacted how we did.

"Yizhuo," I turned to face her. "You do realize what's at stake here right?"

Yizhuo nodded, "We find a way to get you in the siren's cove, get in contact with the seer they have under their control so that you can find out what you are," she answered flatly.

"And you still don't see the problem?" Jimin followed.

"I can't just let my roommate go on this mission alone," Yizhuo said once again like it's a very obvious thing.

Her comment made us dumbstruck.

"This isn't about you, Seren... well, maybe a little bit," Yizhuo continued earning a curious look from Jimin. "But mostly it's about Minjeong. I can't just let her go somewhere dangerous if I can help it..."

"But..." Minjeong began.

"But I want to be brave too," Yizhuo threw Minjeong's words back at her which effectively shut her up.

"Can you think it through?" Jimin interjected. 

"I did thought it through..."

"When?" I followed.

"Just now," Yizhuo answered.

"Minjeong had days to think about this," Jimin said.

"I don't see why that matters," Yizhuo replied flatly.

Minjeong, Jimin, and I sighed simultaneously. "There's no stopping you, huh," I said, "both of you."

"No, but..." Minjeong began, gesturing at her roommate.

"There's no stopping me too," Yizhuo said stubbornly, her mouth set in an adorable pout.

Minjeong released a heavy breath, "Fine, but we'll talk about this later."

"You're not changing my mind."

"I know. I know how stubborn you can be."

"You sure about this, Yizhuo?" Jimin asked one more time — and Ning Yizhuo nodded defiantly.

Jimin looked at me and I shrugged, "We're being bad influences to our juniors, Jimin." Jimin huffed and Minjeong and Yizhuo laughed.

"Seren," Jimin called and I turned towards her. "Can you ask the person you know in the werebeasts intel corps to give these two," she gestured playfully mocking at the two sophomores, "maybe a few points in infiltration?"

Minjeong and Yizhuo's eyes lit up like kids at the suggestion. I considered Jimin's words — I could talk to Sakura, I don't think she'll mind. And I think getting Haerin to meet other people might be good for her.

"I'll try talking to them," I replied. Jimin nodded and Minjeong and Yizhuo pumped their fists, excited at the prospect of meeting a werebeast intel operative.

"Your sister's going to kill me if she learns about this," I told Minjeong.

"That's fine," she replied dismissively, "she's far away anyway," grinning wickedly like a little kid.

"So," I then turned to Jimin. "Are we good?"

Jimin's eyes narrowed, "No, not by a long shot."

"How can I make it up to you?" I asked, a teasing glint in my eyes.

"Hmmm," Jimin hummed almost flirtatiously. "Let me think about it."

"Oooh, sexual tension. I like it," Yizhuo teased.

"Should we get some popcorn?" Minjeong followed.

"I don't want to miss anything they might do though," Yizhuo replied with a knowing grin.

"Shut up, you two," Jimin admonished, making all of us laugh.

"And you," Jimin pointed at me. "I expect compensation for covering for your... shift," she said, her tone now openly flirting.

"Anything to express my gratitude," I replied, making a show of bowing down to her.

Jimin responded with a smile that almost terrified me. Whatever she had in mind, I'll wager I would either love it, dread it, or both.
----------

Monday morning at campus came with an announcement:

"All Students Must Proceed to the Main Hall for an Important Announcement"

"What do you think the announcement is?" Jimin asked as she fell to step beside me.

"No idea," I replied.

I looked around, students were all shuffling towards the main hall. Some wore faces of curiosity, some were at their phones trying to gleam some information as to what the announcement could be, and some just couldn't care less.

"Word from our intel corps is, the Verrathi Royal Family is making the announcement," Yeji brushes a little bit ahead.

"Now I'm intrigued," Jimin muttered.

"Any idea?" I asked Yeji.

The blonde werebeast turns and shrugs her shoulders before turning her back against us. Ryujin followed behind her wrapping an arm around my shoulder. "Sup, Seren."

"How's your lip?" I asked.

"Healed," she replied, "I'd kiss you but... your sweetheart's staring daggers at me."

I turned to see Jimin raising her eyebrows at Ryujin and chuckled. "Better remove your arm on my shoulder or your lips will be busted again before the day is done."

Ryujin chuckled before removing her arm and walking ahead beside Yeji. Chaeryoung then trailed from behind.

"You rested well?" She asked softly.

"Well enough, you?"

Chaeryoung nodded. "I see Jimin didn't kill you."

"I'm still debating it," Jimin quipped, her eyes narrowing between Chaeryoung and I.

Chaeryoung chuckled then turned towards Jimin. She gave her a subtle nod which Jimin reciprocated before she catches up with her team.

"What was that about?" I asked.

"Girls' lingo. You wouldn't understand," Jimin teased with a smirk.

"Do I have to worry?"

Jimin faced me with a conspirating look, "Maybe."

"The hell," I exclaimed, making Jimin snicker.

We entered the hall. Chairs lined the floor divided in half. Seniors sit at the front rows while we juniors sit behind them. The sophomores are seated on the left side bleachers while the freshmen are seated on the right.

We took our seat, as the hall was filled with talks ranging from what the announcement could be to the menu at the cafeteria for lunch later. Jimin sat to my right while the werebeasts sat in front of us.

Someone then sat to my left, a girl, wearing a simple white tshirt that hugged her curves and tight jeans that emphasized her hourglass figure. I stared at her both in amazement and confusion — "Shin Yuna!"

Jimin and the huntresses' heads swiveled quickly, all of them wearing an expression that mirrored my own. Some boys also gave me curious looks, definitely giving me a "why are a lot of beauties sitting beside you, you bum," vibes. Yuna just smiled softly, her usual make up heavy face now bare.

"Hey," she greeted almost hesitantly at us.

"What are you —? Sullyoon?" I asked.

"She is at the sophomores area. She said she'll search for Kim Minjeong, she said she's the only one who may understand her among the sophomores."

I nodded in understanding.

"But... why are you here?" Jimin asked. "Shouldn't you be... I don't know, recovering?"

Yuna nodded then pursed her lips. "I should... we should, YoonAh and I." I noticed her use Sullyoon's proper name rather than "Seol" — her family name. "And we decided that the best way to do that is to be of assistance to you, Seren. Orion wants you for something, we'll do our best to find that out and prevent him from taking it..." she then hesitated for a moment, "from taking you."

Before I could respond though, the speakers rang the familiar campus chime, an overused and monotone melody that grew old on the first week of my freshman year. A pot bellied bald man with a white mustache which I recognized as the campus director, though I never bothered on knowing his name, walked up the podium. He tapped the microphone thrice, making the speakers thump across the hall.

"Uhhh... good morning, college of Verrath." He greeted with uncharacteristic anxiety. He's usually confident and loud mouthed, earning a reputation of being a hard man to those who violate school rules. This time though, something rattled him, which the whole student body probably noticed considering that they hushed up a lot quickly than when the director was speaking loudly. As for the reason, I guess we're about to know what.

"So, uh... you were called here for an announcement. And for that..." he paused, clearly not for dramatic effect but it unintentionally raised the suspense and anticipation. "... and for that, allow me to give the podium to the crown princess of Verrath, only daughter to our King Arthur Jang," Jimin's eyes and mine widened though I can't see the same surprise on Yuna or the werebeasts. As for the other students — phones were put down, heads were raised, and mouths opened in shock.

"Please welcome," the director spoke like he doesn't know how to announce royalty, "Princess Jang Wonyoung."

The hall erupted in murmurs as I lunged towards Yeji, "You said royalty —" I whispered urgently.

"Even I didn't know how high up the ladder, Seren," she hissed back.

"Any ideas —?"

"I told you, I don't."

I turned towards Yuna who gave the same response Yeji gave when I asked her first — a shrug.

I slumped down on my seat as the hall  slowly quieted down when a figure gracefully waltzes into the stage. Where one might expect her to wear a long gown with an even longer train, she instead wore a sleek black suit, slacks, and heels, not the kind you would expect from a princess. The only things indicating she was royalty were the seal of the Royal House of Verrath pinned on her right chest, a silver cape flowing down from her shoulders to her ankles, and a thin silver tiara on her brow.

And she was beautiful — royally youthful in a way that Joohyun isn't. With Joohyun, you know that she isn't human, but with Princess Jang Wonyoung, you know that she's human, and that makes her beauty look all the more unfair because — how can a human freaking look like that??

She stepped up to the podium and the hall gradually quieted, like a gust of wind gently blew from the princess that shut our mouths. She scanned the hall, gave a quick but political smile then began speaking, "A pleasant morning, college of Verrath," her voice sounded young but heavy, carrying a deceptive weight despite the lightness in her tone. Most of the students probably weren't able to notice this — but once you've spent enough time with Joohyun, you'll easily pick up that "royal" cadence.

Wonyoung's was more... unpolished, than Joohyun's though — which might be expected considering Joohyun has been alive for two millennia and Princess Wonyoung seemed to only be about my age, maybe a year or two younger.

"The Royal House of Verrath always had the well being of the College as one of its priorities," Princess Jang continued, "we endeavor for better quality education because we know that you will be leading the future of the city with us."

"Typical royalty speech," Ryujin muttered in front of us.

"It's what keeps them in power," Yuna replied.

"The speeches?" I asked.

Yuna shook her head, "Providing the illusion that the people and the royalty are equal sides of the same weighing scale."

"Shouldn't they be?" Jimin followed.

"In a dream world, yes," Yuna replied.

"And for that, we have rules," the Princess continued. "Rules that keep you, our students, our future safe. Rules that allow you to learn in relative comfort and safety, away from the dangers of the Night."

"I don't like where this is going," I murmured. Jimin's hand clasped mine while Yuna's squeezed my arm gently. I also noticed Chaeryoung and Yeji turn their heads subtly towards me.

"And it has come to our attention," the Princess's voice now turned stern, "that one of our students was engaged in a... hostile engagement... with the Wild Hunt sometime this weekend."

The hair in my arms stood on edge, Jimin and Yuna's hands tightened on my hand and arm respectively, and Ryujin's head joined her team's in turning subtly towards me. Gasps and murmurs permeated across the hall as students asked the basic questions — who, why, and how?

Princess Wonyoung raised a hand and the hall instantly quiets. She lowered the hand before continuing, "Investigations and initial reports show that this student acted honorably and with good intentions however," she paused, this time I think for dramatic effect, "we expect that the Wild Hunt will not take this lying down. They're sure to want their vengeance."

Yuna scoffed beside me, "She's right on that part."

"Comforting," I quipped, and she gave my arm another soft squeeze.

"So, because we... protect our own," Jang Wonyoung continued, "the Royal House of Verrath has requested the assistance of the Night Ladies in order to ensure the continued safety of this institution in the event of an assault from the Wild Hunt — and they were kind enough to provide us with three of their apprentice sorceresses."

"Only apprentices?" Jimin remarked. "That wouldn't be enough."

"It's also a political maneuver," Yeji responded. "The Royal House is probably hoping... or expecting, these sorceresses to have a hard time in repelling an attack from the Wild Hunt —"

"This would force the Night Folk inside the college to act —" Yuna continued.

"Exposing them and giving the Royal House reason to expel them from the College," Jimin finished.

"Excellent insight as always, Jimin," Yeji beamed proudly.

"Nerd," I quipped, earning a slap to my arm from Jimin.

"On that note," Princess Jang powered on despite the escalating murmurs and conversation. "Allow me to welcome the sorceresses who will be assigned for the protection of our... hallowed institution."

Cheers came, mostly from the boys. Yet my stomach churned at the implications given by my friends.

Princess Jang then motioned as three figures entered. The first one wore a black robe with stars, the second wore a plain grey robe, while the last one wore a red robe with flaming accents. Each of them also wore a mask not too different from their robes.

"Can you please introduce yourselves, ladies," Princess Jang beckoned.

The first sorceress comes forward then removed her mask to reveal a youthful face with an awkward but gummy smile. "I am Hong Eunchae," the girl said enthusiastically, "and I, uh, specialize in spatial magic, mainly portals." She then threw her mask to her side, and the air seemed to suck it to nothingness. Eunchae then extended her other hand sideward, and the mask seemed to appear out of thin air, zooming towards her outstretched hand. Claps and cheers of amazement followed as the sorceress bowed with a wide smile on her face.

"A spatial mage," Ryujin remarked, clapping her hands, slightly impressed.

"A utility mage," Yeji added, "the others would be a defensive and offensive type."

The second one moves forward, removing her grey mask and revealing a face with sharp features, a confident smirk, and vibrant pink hair. "My name's Uchinaga Aeri," she waved her hand and a mirror like thing manifests in mid air, "a barrier soreceress."

To prove her point, the third sorceress extends her hand and flames burst out of her palm. Most of the students flinched but the flames were stopped by the barrier Uchinaga Aeri summoned. Another series of claps and cheers rose louder with the recent demonstrations.

My heart however, clenched. Fire — I thought. Could it be? No, she's not the only pyro-sorceress around, surely she was not the one who was sent here. My grip on Jimin's hand tightened and she turned to me with a look of confusion.

Then the last sorceress moved forward, her hand goes to her mask, "And as you can tell," her voice was muffled by the mask — yet I know that voice. My stomach did a double flip and I felt my palms slowly go damp with sweat. "I am a pyro-sorceress."

She then removed her mask and my breath hitched for a second, hoping that a different face gets revealed. Of course, the world just had to disappoint me. 

She looked older, more mature, yet the mischievious look in her eyes remained. Memories of her smile flooded my mind, of her cute tantrums, of her teasing Minjeong of being a shut in, and a cake bursting into flames.

"Hot morning, Verrath," the sorceress greeted with the face of my first love. "My name is —"

"Kim Chaewon." I whispered at the same time as she introduced herself.