What We Refuse to Lose

The three of us sat in the ruined living room. Everything is either burned or broken, and the house smelled like it's been through hell — which it probably did.

Minjeong's forearm still had spots where the frost has not thawed. Her expression was one of pure terror, no doubt realizing the implications of everything that just happened.

Beside her, Chaewon sat, her face a mirror of shock and fear. Her eyes focused on the frost encrusted arm of her sister.

Nobody spoke — because what can anyone of us say after Minjeong awakens her power as a sorceress to save us from the hellspawns. The one we should save became the one who saved us — but at what cost? When the Night Ladies take her, and they will — what would happen?

We were pulled from each of our trances when Aeri entered the living room with my phone in hand — it was the only phone left because it was in my pocket. The others were left inside the house and were destroyed during the fight. Aeri likewise, erected a barrier encompassing the entire house.

"Called Eunchae," she announced, tossing my phone back to me. "They should be here in about..."

As if on cue, the sound of Eunchae's teleportation cut across the living room. Eunchae appeared, but she wasn't alone. Emerging behind her were Princess Wonyoung's personal aides, Kim Gaeul and An Yujin, still dressed in suits, are they ever off duty?

They were then followed by the Princess herself who wore a bathrobe that mostly covered the black negligee underneath. Looks like Eunchae pulled the princess while she was asleep, or the princess insisted in coming despite her state of clothing, either way, I'm not complaining.

"What the hell —" An Yujin uttered as she registered the carnage that is the Kim residence.

"We have worse problems, Yujin, Princess," Gaeul murmured, like saying it made it true, because it is.

"What do you mean —?" Wonyoung's question was drowned by Eunchae's sharp gasp. The spatial sorceress was staring wide-eyed at Minjeong's arm.

The Princess and her retinue followed the spatial sorceress's gaze. Aeri and I can only dip our heads.

Gaeul's usual indifferent face turned into genuine concern. Yujin closed her eyes and sighed in disbelief. The princess approached Minjeong shakily, "Oh, gods," she muttered before sinking to one knee. "What happened?" She asked, looking at Chaewon.

Chaewon still seemed out of it, and so was Minjeong.

Seeing that the sisters are in no state to reply, Wonyoung turned to me expectantly.

I met her gaze and sighed, "We were ambushed. Sieged. By hellspawn. We prioritized Minjeong's escape. We got trapped at the backyard. We were both about to die — then Minjeong conjured an ice pillar, freezing every hellspawn in the yard and tipping the scales. The pillar is still outside if you want to see it."

Wonyoung covered her mouth in shock.

"We need to report this to the citadel," Aeri whispered.

That got Chaewon to react, "No! Don't —"

"Kim Chaewon —"

"Please, Aeri. Don't. Not yet. Not tonight —"

"I understand you, Chaewon —"

"Aeri," Eunchae spoke up, making Aeri turn to her and raise an eyebrow. Eunchae shook her head, "Not tonight. Please. They both need it... and we both should know better."

Aeri took a few moments to consider and with a heavy sigh, she nodded. "Fine. But we have to report this before the Citadel senses her awakening or we'll be in trouble."

Reluctantly, Eunchae and Chaewon nodded.

Just then — a shadow shifts in the corner of the room. Then a figure emerges, hunched, with a tattered red cloak. It raised its head, and I was met with the pale face of Lee Chaeyoung.

"Death Dealer!" Yujin announced. She drew a pistol from behind her waist and pointed it at Chaeyoung.

Gaeul immediately crouched in front of a shocked Wonyoung, pulling her own pistol and aiming it at the Death Dealer.

Aeri and Eunchae tensed, ready for another battle. Chaewon was late to act while Minjeong turned around in shock.

"No! Wait!" I jumped in front of Chaeyoung with a speed that made Yujin's and Gaeul's eyes go wide. "She's a friend!"

"She's a vampire!" Gaeul snapped back.

"No!" Everyone was shocked when Minjeong spoke up — even Chaewon was momentarily snapped from her trance.

Minjeong rushed beside me while cradling her frosted arm. "She's a friend! Please, don't hurt her. I had enough of fighting already —!" Her voice broke and she fell on her knees. Chaewon was beside her in an instant.

"Hold," Wonyoung commanded while rising and adjusting her robe.

"But Princess —?!" Yujin protested as she moved beside her.

"Hold, I said," Wonyoung insisted, and her aides lowered their weapons.

"You too," Wonyoung turned to the sorceresses, and Aeri and Eunchae relaxed.

Finally confident that it is safe to talk to Chaeyoung, I turned immediately to the Death Dealer. "You're late."

Chaeyoung returned my gaze with a weary smile. She was paler than usual, almost like how Soyeon was when she was losing blood. Then she rose, removed her cloak, and pulled her dragonhide armor a few inches up, exposing the right side of her stomach.

I expected the smooth and porcelain skin that I used to touch every time we were intimate after finishing a training session. Instead — there was an ugly gash, almost a foot and a half in length, running horizontally across her lower stomach. Black liquid seemed to ooze from the wound, like it was infected. Surprised gasps came from everyone inside the living room.

"Somebody wanted us not to get here, Seren," Chaeyoung replied weakly before stumbling back to one knee.

I caught her and she slung her arm over my shoulder.

"Are you okay, Lady Chaeyoung?" Minjeong made to reach for her, but drew her arm back when she realized it was the frost encrusted one.

"What happened?" Chaewon asked as I led Chaeyoung to sit on the one remaining chair that wasn't broken during the fight.

The princess looked at her with awe while her aides and the other sorceresses remained wary.

Chaeyoung groaned in pain as she settled on the seat, "We smelled your blood, Seren. And since Soyeon and Saerom are out of commission, I led a squad of younger Death Dealers to assist. We traveled through the shadows to get to you, but —" she winced when she shifted on her seat. " — when we were about half a kilometer away from the house, something ripped us up violently out of the shadows. Two younger Death Dealers — barely a century old — died after only their upper bodies were pulled up and their lower half was left in the shadows. The rest — five of us — fought — against ghouls."

"Ghouls?!" Aeri remarked in disbelief. She and Eunchae shared a look, and they both nodded.

"This is really weird," Eunchae commented.

"Why?" Wonyoung asked.

"Ghouls — like hellspawn —" Eunchae began, "are summoned —"

"By necromancers." Aeri finished.

"What makes that weird?" I followed.

"Hellspawns attack the house —" Chaewon began.

"And ghouls attacked anyone who comes in to help —" Chaeyoung added.

"This is a coordinated attack," Gaeul realized.

"That's not the worst part," Aeri interjected.

"It gets worse?!" I asked.

Chaewon nodded. "A warlock and a necromancer have teamed up to attack you, Seren."

"They normally don't get along," Eunchae said.

"Yet now they do," Yujin whispered.

"And they're smart about it," Aeri added. "They sent hellspawn to where Chaewon was, effectively nullifying her flame powers."

"And they sent ghouls — one of the few creatures that can pull us vampires from out of shadows to stop us from reaching you," Chaeyoung continued. "They could also respond should the werebeasts be the ones to aid you. This is no random attack, Seren. This was planned meticulously. They know who's with you, they know your allies, they know your friends, and they know how to counter them."

"How did you survive, then?" Wonyoung asked the Death Dealer in a soft and small voice.

Chaeyoung scoffed, "We shouldn't have. We were surrounded, five against maybe fifty, maybe more. If it were Saerom and Soyeon with me, we could have emerged victorious, but younger Death Dealers —" she paused, letting what she meant hang, "then suddenly the air grew cold, then we saw an ice pillar emerge from the direction of this house. Moments later, the ghouls retreated. I sent two Death Dealers each to track the necromancer and the warlock — with orders to prioritize capture, but to retreat if ever they feel like they can't win. No reports so far..."

Chaeyoung winced again. Her hand clutched her stomach instinctively. She pulled it back immediately when it sizzled as it came in contact with the black ooze coming from the wound.

"That looks bad," I observed.

"Necrotic acid," Chaewon said quietly. "Only one thing can counter it," she said as she pushed me aside.

"What?"

"Fire."

Chaewon and Chaeyoung shared a look as Chaewon's hand slowly steamed.

"You're not seriously helping a vampire, Kim Chaewon," Aeri scoffed.

"Do you want me to just leave her here to die?" Chaewon snapped back.

"They're friends, Aeri —" Minjeong murmured.

"Not to me," the Barrier Sorceress replied.

"Then imagine the consequences when the Pale Princess hears that we didn't help one of her personal guard when we had the power to," I said, irritation rising within my voice. I know Aeri hates Night Folk, but to let one die in front of her, it's not like Chaeyoung is Wild Hunt.

"Suit yourself," Aeri huffed.

Chaewon and I turned back to Chaeyoung who now looked so pale. Her eyes sagged, and she can barely open it now.

"I'm going to cauterize the wound while burning the acid, can you handle that?" Chaewon asked.

"Blood," Chaeyoung murmured.

"What, Chaeng?" I asked.

"Blood," she repeated with a heavy breath, "my strength is being sapped. Burning the wound may take more from me than just physically healing the wound."

"Fuck —!" I cursed. Then with no hesitation, I pulled myself up and positioned my neck next to her mouth.

"Seren —" Chaewon, Minjeong, Wonyoung, and Eunchae simultaneously gasped.

"You can't be serious, Vale," Aeri mocked.

"It's not your blood, Uchinaga," I snapped, "you have nothing to lose here."

Fortunately, that shut her up.

"Are you sure?" Chaeyoung asked weakly.

"Go. Joohyun will kill me if I don't do everything I can to save you. Just don't kill me too, please."

The Death Dealer gave an exhausted chuckle, "she would kill me too if I drain you dry."

"Then we're in agreement not to die on each other," I smirked.

Chaeyoung gave one last weary scoff before turning to Chaewon and nodded.

"You sure about this, Seren?" Chaewon asked.

"Just... just do it," I replied. My breath grew heavy at the anticipation of being bit by a vampire. I trust Chaeyoung — and I can only hope that this would go well.

"Okay," Chaewon herself exhaled a sharp breath, "here goes nothing."

And she pressed her now glowing red hands to Chaeyoung's wound. The Death Dealer hissed — then she sank her teeth on my neck and I heard everyone in the room catch and hold their breaths.

My grip on her shoulder grew tight at the initial sting of her fangs piercing my skin. I closed my eyes and muffled a pained grunt before feeling a draining sensation from where her mouth connected with my flesh, and along with it — something cold creeping in my skin from where she bit me.

It felt like a sedative being injected in my body, or some kind of anesthetic. I didn't feel pain, I only felt being drained, like someone pierced a straw in my body and started drinking from it.

My arm went numb. I lowered my head and rested it beside Chaeyoung's cheek while faintly taking in the smell of acid being burned.

"Just a little more," Chaewon whispered.

I gradually felt lightheaded, my breathing slowed, my control of my body slowly fading. And just as I was about to pass out, Chaewon exclaimed, "Done!"

Chaeyoung immediately released her bite on my neck and I collapsed on the floor, heaving and dizzy.

Chaewon and Minjeong were beside me in an instant.

"Hey. You okay?" Chaewon asked. Minjeong tentatively held me with her frost hand, which had now completely thawed.

"Yep," I groaned, clutching my temple to steady myself. "How about you, Chaeng?"

Chaeyoung inspected the cauterized wound, "That stung," she quipped. "But I'm alright." She then faced Chaewon, "Thank you, sorceress. I, and the Verrathi Coven won't forget your kindness, despite having all the reasons not to be."

That may be the most elegant way for Chaeyoung to thank Chaewon while also inadvertently throwing shade at Aeri – and I was too exhausted to give a snarky follow up.

"How did my blood taste?" I asked.

Chaeyoung smirked, "I was too busy trying not to die to notice... but... it was... bittersweet, for lack of a better term."

"The mixing of the two bloodlines, probably," I chuckled and so did Chaeyoung, feeling Chaewon and Minjeong's grip in my arms tighten.

"Bloodlines?" Wonyoung asked curiously.

"Later," I said, "your Highness," I added when I realized who asked, although Wonyoung didn't seem offended.

Just then — the wailing of police sirens were heard from the distance, and everyone in the room perked their heads.

"So what's the plan?" Eunchae asked. "We can't have the Princess and Minjeong be here once the police arrive."

"Why not?" Wonyoung protested. "I have reason to be here. This is the house of one of my sorceresses."

"Not dressed like that, Your Highness," Gaeul states matter-of-factly as she rose to her feet.

Wonyoung looks down on her body. White bathrobe reaching only an inch below her hips, exposing her smooth thighs, black negligee underneath, revealing a generous portion of her generous chest should the robe shift just a few centimeters, and finally — cute, pink slippers. I focused on the slippers — because she's still a princess and I'm sure Yujin and Gaeul won't hesitate to shoot me if they catch me ogling her — not to mention the sorceresses.

Wonyoung, suddenly self-conscious, pulled her robe to cover more of herself. "So, who faces the cops, then? I'm the highest authority here, shouldn't I —?"

"No," Aeri stopped her, "only someone who was here during what happened should stay. So," Aeri then looked at Eunchae, "can you send the princess and her aides, Seren, Chaewon, and Minjeong back to the palace?"

"I could —"

"Wait," I exclaimed. I tried to stand but was too drained that the sudden movement made me dizzy. "What about Chaeyoung? Are you strong enough to —"

And two more figures emerged from the shadows, black cloaked, hooded, and masked, in contrast to Chaeyoung's red. Death Dealers, younger ones, part of Chaeyoung's squad. Everyone's heads turned. Yujin and Gaeul tensed and nearly raised their firearms by instinct.

"Report," Chaeyoung barked as she struggled to stand.

"We lost the warlock's trail by the urban district. Last we saw was an infernal portal by the rooftop of a corporate skyscraper," one Death Dealer said.

"And we lost the necromancer on a graveyard south of the city. The only traces that were there were the number of unearthed graves. Sixty-six in total," the other one reported.

"Okay. We'll send a larger group to investigate. In the meantime, I'm too weak to shadow travel, do you girls mind letting me piggyback in yours?" Chaeyoung asked, her usual teasing tone returning.

"Not a problem, my lady," the first Death Dealer responded. The two approached Chaeyoung and both place an arm behind her waist.

"Thank you, Chaeng," I said.

"Thank you, too. We'll be in touch as soon as we learn more," Chaeyoung nodded — and the three vampires dissolved into shadow.

I turned back to my companions, "So, Aeri remains here?"

"And my aides —" Wonyoung butted in.

"Princess —" Yujin objected immediately.

"You'll both be here to assist Aeri," Wonyoung said as she raised her hand. "And we're going back to the palace, Yujin. If I'm not safe there without you and Gaeul, then I'm not safe anywhere."

I can see the reluctance in both aides' faces when they nodded and holstered their pistols.

Wonyoung sighed, "Thank you." Then she turned to Eunchae, "Will you do the honors?"

Eunchae sighed, a little heavier than the princess's. She then turned to Aeri, "You sure you'll be fine?"

Aeri nodded, "Just... take care of Chaewon and Minjeong."

"Who's gonna take care of Seren?"

"It's fine," I said, "I'm apparently the least important thing," I quipped, referencing an exchange we had before the fight, earning a begrudging smirk from the barrier sorceress.

"Stop bickering and let's go," Wonyoung hissed in irritation as the emergency lights strobed in the house's broken windows.

"Alright," Eunchae then flourished her hand sideways, and we heard the familiar sound of wind being sucked in.

"Are your portals always invisible?" I asked.

"Only I can see them, or if someone has particular abilities involving sight, then they can... perceive it. That's why when transporting people, I keep my hand pointed towards the direction of the portal." True to her word, Eunchae's hand remained raised sideways to her left.

"So, who first?" She asked.

"The sisters first, then Seren and I," Wonyoung answered.

Eunchae nodded. Chaewon rose and took her sister's arm. Minjeong followed absently, her eyes locked on the floor as she allowed her sister to lead her through the portal.

When they disappeared, Wonyoung extended her arm out towards me. I stared at it, then at her beautiful face with confusion.

"This is your first time passing through one of Eunchae's portals, right?" She asked gently.

I nodded.

"Then you'll need a hand to steady you, the first time could be particularly... nauseous."

Eunchae chuckled, "She was retching in her bathroom like a drunk person the first time she did."

Wonyoung gave her a sharp look — which actually just looked like a kid pouting and sulking, and I resisted the urge to laugh — again, for fear of her aides, Yujin particularly.

I took her hand and allowed her to lead me towards the direction Eunchae's arm was pointing to. The contact was electric, Wonyoung's palm was smooth and soft. And she recoiled when our skins touched, she didn't pull away though, instead, her hand tightened its grip upon mine.

And with a heart beating as fast as the sirens of the police gradually pulling up on the yard, I entered a portal hand in hand with a princess.

Stepping into Eunchae's portal for the first time felt like those times when a person misses a step while going down the stairs — except the next step seemed to be at the bottom of an abyss.

I felt my body fall — or at least my body believed that it was falling. Then solid ground, my body stopped falling — but my brain and stomach never did.

I felt my brain command my knees to go weak. As it was about to fold, I felt a pull in my hand — Princess Wonyoung. I felt her free hand catch my shoulder to steady me while mine grasped at her waist.

"Easy, Seren," she whispered gently as she held me upright. I felt dizzy, like my mind was just realizing that the fall was over.

I blinked my eyes and shook my head to shake away the dizziness. My vision blurred for a bit, and after a few more blinks, my sight finally cleared — then my eyes narrowed in confusion. I felt my cheeks flush before I realized what my eyes landed on, and it widened in alarm when my brain finally registered what was happening — one of my hands holding hers, the other gripping her waist, and my gaze — was staring directly at the Princess's cleavage. The robe must have slipped down her shoulders somehow, exposing the negligee and everything it failed to cover from her chest up.

I immediately averted my eyes as I felt blood rush to parts it shouldn't rush to at a situation like this. I tried to break free from her grasp and immediately regretted it. Her hold was the only one keeping me steady, and when I was released of it — my brain finally realized that I'm standing on solid ground — that meant my stomach braked to a screeching halt and the whiplash threatened to push the beer Chaewon, Aeri, Minjeong, and I drank out of my mouth.

I was about to retch, but I tightened my throat, realizing that I might lose my head if I throw up at the princess.

"Seren —" Wonyoung said in concern, her hand holding me moved smoothly to my shoulder, making my spine tingle. I held a hand up, the one holding her waist, and turned my head away from her as the bile threatened to break free from my throat.

Just then another hand holds me by the small of my back. Then I felt something warm press against my stomach. I turned to see the soft and warm eyes of Chaewon — and nausea was immediately replaced by nostalgia. All those times I did something stupid when we were kids, she would fix me this look of concern before she remembers that she has a temper and an image to maintain then quickly switches to her irritated and annoyed mode.

"Better?" Chaewon asked, pressing her warm palm tighter against my stomach, and I felt the bile slowly retreat as my stomach relaxed.

"Yeah. Thanks." I turned to the princess, who was wearing the same look of concern. "To you as well, your Highness."

Wonyoung let go of my hand, allowing Chaewon to lead me to a small table. "Where are we anyway?"

"Our room here in the palace," Chaewon replied. "Well, Aeri's, Eunchae's, and mine whenever Minjeong doesn't sleep here."

I took in the sight of their room. Three beds that looked thrice the size of my own, three closets that looked like it could fit my bathroom, a mini kitchen with a fridge twice the size of mine, and a living space with a 64inch television. The only thing in my apartment that I think rivals this room is my couch — and it was purchased by the Pale Princess, Bae Joohyun herself.

"Damn," I whistled. "This looks more like a luxury apartment than a 'room,' don't you think?" I commented dryly.

Eunchae scoffs, "You should see the Princess's room, then," she smirks, looking at Wonyoung who just blushes.

Chaewon and Eunchae chuckled lightly, and that's when I noticed Minjeong sitting quietly on the edge of a bed with red and white covers. I turned to Chaewon who seemed to understand immediately what I was trying to say when I tilted my head towards her younger sister.

The pyro-sorceress nodded and rose to approach the recently awakened frost sorceress. She sat in front of her and took her hands on hers.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" Chaewon asked gently.

"I..." Minjeong hesitated. "I don't know..." and the room's temperature dropped. Frost slowly formed and crept along the surface of the bed where she was sitting.

"Calm down, Kim Minjeong," Chaewon said sternly but gently. "Control your emotions... breathe..."

Chaewon herself steamed a little, and the temperature in the room gradually stabilized.

"Look at me," Chaewon whispered softly.

Minjeong looked.

"I'm here... I'm not leaving you..."

"But... the Night Ladies... they'll take me, just like they did to you —"

"I'm not letting them —" Chaewon replied, and Eunchae and Wonyoung couldn't hide their surprise.

"Chaewon, the Citadel —" Eunchae began.

"I know," Chaewon said coldly.

The room grew hot, the frost on the bed thawed, leaving a wet spot which quickly dried up.

"Then why defy it?" Wonyoung asked cautiously.

Chaewon's gaze turned towards me, an unspoken understanding crossed between us.

"Jieun's words..." I said.

"Jieun?" Eunchae asked in confusion.

"A seer... of the siren cove..."

"The sirens have a seer?!" Wonyoung asked in shock.

"She's a hybrid. The daughter of a human mage and a female siren," I replied.

"And what did she say?" the Princess followed.

"She said..." I took a deep breath before continuing. Minjeong now looked at me, she was there at the amphitheatre, but she walked out before Jieun could say everything, or Jieun already saw her walk out that's why she said everything she said.

I looked at Chaewon and asked an unspoken question — "Don't you think it's you who should say this and not me?"

Thankfully, she understood and nodded. She took another deep breath and the room's temperature balanced out once again. "She said that you'll awaken your potential tonight," she began, turning to meet Minjeong's eyes. "And she said... she said that whatever happens, I shouldn't let what happened to me happen to you."

Minjeong covered her mouth in shock. Eunchae closed her eyes in disbelief and Wonyoung stumbled, leaning against the room's couch to steady herself.

"And you think that means —?" Eunchae can't even finish her thoughts.

Chaewon nodded in understanding. "Yes, I think she means Minjeong should not be taken by the Citadel."

"Chaewon, that's..." Eunchae breathed sharply. "The Citadel is an institution older than us. And there is no precedent to this, at least, not that I know of that succeeded..."

"What if we say that a seer told us to?" I asked.

"You said she's half-siren?" Wonyoung responded.

I nodded.

"Then they'll use that against her word."

"Can't you help, princess?" Chaewon asked, almost in desperation towards Wonyoung.

"I don't know," Wonyoung admitted. "This would set a precedent, if other states hear of this, they would try to do the same, it would threaten the Citadel's political position — and they won't allow that. Plus — I know my father won't approve of this."

"Damn it," Chaewon cursed under her breath. She leaned in and rested her forehead on Minjeong's lap.

"Chae —" Minjeong's voice broke and what came out was a voice so tiny it solidified my resolve to find a way.

"I... may have an idea..." I raised my hand and Chaewon perked up to me immediately. Minjeong turned slower, her eyes glistening with both sadness and hope.

"But... I need to talk to the Princess first..." I looked at Wonyoung, then at the three other girls, "... in private."

A beat passes, then two, and Wonyoung nods slightly.

Eunchae nodded back, "Okay, I'll go back for Aeri. See if they need any help back there." She took two steps back then disappeared before the third landed on the floor.

"Well..." Wonyoung pursed her lips, "we'll leave the two of you for the moment."

Chaewon nodded gently and said a soft "thank you."

"Shall we, Seren?" Wonyoung asked, gesturing to the door of the room.

I rose with a heavy sigh and followed the Princess out of the room. Once the doors were closed, I followed her down a dimly lit hallway decorated with paintings and portraits that I could surmise each piece costing more than my apartment's rent and my annual honorarium at the Archives combined.

"Do you really have a plan?" Wonyoung asked as she walked. Her bathrobe is still off of her shoulders, and it's taking everything I have not to look at her bare shoulders that are glowing in whatever light the hallway has.

"I said I have an idea, Princess."

"Does it..." she hesitated for a bit, "does it really need you to talk to me in private?" She asked in a voice almost as small as Minjeong's, like she was — flustered or — nah... why would the Princess be flustered with me? I'm just a broke college guy with a cosmically troubled origin story — and that's an understatement.

"Uhm... truth be told, I'd prefer to have Chaewon with me. But I won't subject her to any more stress, considering everything that happened today."

And it's true, in one night — we've been in a fight at the amphitheatre, along with revelations that shattered both of us in different levels, then there was the talk to reconcile her and Minjeong at their house, and just when we all thought everything would be fine, the attack happened — followed immediately by Minjeong's awakening. Chaewon's been through too much for me to burden her with this.

"And how about you?" Wonyoung asked softly, taking me back. "You've also been through so much. Dare I say the same level of stress as Chaewon."

"I... uh..." I never really registered it. It suddenly felt like everything I did since the amphitheatre were done in a trance, or in a state of pure adrenaline. I never really "cooled down", so to speak. The moment with Minjeong at Chaewon's room was the closest thing to a respite, but then it was broken by the hellspawn attack.

Wonyoung huffed as she stopped in front of a polished white door almost as big as the Archives' own. "You're human too, Seren — or whatever you believe you are. You still tire, physically, mentally, emotionally, you need to rest."

"After I solve this problem."

"There'll be another one after that."

I huffed weakly, "How do you know? You're a princess."

The Princess smiled softly, and I swear I could have melted right then and there with how simply beautiful she looked.

"It's precisely because I'm a princess that I know all too well," there was a hint of exhaustion in her voice when she opened the door and entered. I dragged my feet on the carpeted floor, following the Princess of Verrath inside.

If the sorceresses' room was big, Jang Wonyoung's room was enormous. It looked more like a luxury condominium, or maybe a penthouse suite. It was dimly lit, probably because she rushed towards Chaewon's house.

The small hallway led to a living space, then a kitchen adjacent to the left. To the right were two doors spaced out evenly across the length of the room. The wall was covered by a soft white curtain, — which I realized was not a wall at all but a big glass window when the Princess opened it a little to let the moonlight shine in.

The moonlight made her look ethereal. Long, wavy black hair, glistening shoulders, the robe hugging her body tightly, smooth thighs and legs — I didn't even notice her remove her slippers, now I don't have anything else to distract myself with how beautiful the Princess is.

I averted my gaze again as I felt my body heat up. This is different — I thought. We're alone, in her room — this seems more intimate than what I meant by speaking with her privately. I looked around the room, everything looked luxuriously royal — yet everything pales to the real royalty in the room, and naturally, my eyes gravitated towards her.

"So," she leaned against the window and rolled one sleeve of the robe up her shoulder, just one, keeping the other shoulder bare for the moonlight to shine on, and I don't know if I'm just too tired, but my brain short circuited at the sight. "What was your idea, Seren?"

"Uhm... my idea?" Like I said, my brain was fried momentarily.

"Yeah. Or have you forgotten already?"

"Well... uhm... the thing is..." I paused then sighed. "Can I be honest, Princess?"

"Of course," she replied innocently.

"Can you... uhmmm... cover yourself up?"

The moon reflected the flush in her cheeks as she hurriedly pulled the sleeve up her remaining bare shoulder. It didn't really help though, because although it covered her upper body, the robe rolled up, exposing the flair of her waist and the black pair of panties underneath.

"Uhmm.." my eyes snapped lower, her eyes followed, and both of us awkwardly averted our gaze as the room's temperature rose even without Chaewon's presence.

"So... uhmm... I'll, uh..." the Princess stuttered, which I found kind of cute. "I'll get changed. Can you wait for a minute?"

I nodded, suddenly finding the engravings on her couch's backrest interesting.

"Yeah... thanks... just... take a seat while you wait... please... oh gods, this is so embarassing," she hurriedly and awkwardly made her way towards the door closest to the window. She slammed the door a little hard in her haste — a few seconds later, it creaked open slowly, and out popped Jang Wonyoung's head. "Sorry..." she said in a small voice.

I nodded in reassurance. She smiled back at me, and I chuckled as she slowly closed the door, leaving me in a room thrice as big as my apartment.

I walked around towards the couch and as I sat and sank immediately down the cushions — my eyes did the same.

I snap awake as I felt light seep through my eyelids. I looked around in alarm as I noticed the unmistakable shade of dawn creeping through the windows.

"Good morning," a sweet voice calls. I turned to see the Princess by her kitchen counter, munching on a bowl of cereals with the box and a pitcher of milk beside it. She now wore white pajamas, her hair tied in a messy bun, and wearing wide-rimmed glasses. She still looked gorgeously intimate, but now in a more subdued and domestic tone.

"You didn't wake me up?" I asked.

"Seems like you needed the rest."

"Sorry."

"Why? You did nothing wrong."

"I slept in your room."

"You slept on my couch while I slept in my room, there's a difference. Although I think Yujin won't see it," she chuckled. "Anyway, breakfast?"

I looked at her skeptically, "You're not taking my head off if I take you on on that offer?"

That got a genuine laugh from Wonyoung, a pleasantly normal sound from a more than normal girl.

"If I wanted you dead, I would've done it when you fell asleep on my couch. Now come here and eat with me, talks are better when there's food around." She rose from her seat and took another bowl and a spoon from her kitchen counter before sliding it opposite her.

"Well, if you insist," I said, standing up and making my way towards the seat. I reached for the box of cereals while she slides the milk towards me. I poured cereal first, then milk next.

"Chocolate, nice," I remarked, and the Princess smirked while she chew.

I took a mouthful and chewed tentatively, the crunching was the only sound in the room.

"Hmmm," I smiled.

"How is it?"

"For being the royal cereal, I admit... I expected more... royalness."

Another laugh escapes her, "cereals are cereals and milk is milk. Just because I eat it doesn't mean it tastes different."

"Forgive us commoners, your Highness," I curtsied playfully, making Wonyoung laugh again with a full mouth.

"So," she began after swallowing. "What was your... idea?" She immediately placed another spoonful to her mouth.

"Well," I said in between munches. "I was thinking... to involve Eclipse Garden in making sure the Citadel does not take Minjeong. Like a... petition or something."

Wonyoung tilted her head, "How do you plan to do that?"

"Well, a show of support, maybe, from the different races."

"You know that won't be enough, right? You're still students."

"Do you have any other ideas?"

"No."

"Then the least we can do is try. We have your backing, that should count for something."

"Not if my father has anything to say about it."

"And if negotiations fail? Which is higly likely."

"We find another way. Either way, Minjeong stays."

We were silent for a few minutes. Wonyoung finished her bowl but then poured seconds while I was still halfway down my own.

"Eclipse Garden is still unofficial," Wonyoung whispered. "I can probably expedite its... institutionalization as a legitimate organization in the college. That would at least give you some... legitimacy."

I smiled in gratitude, "Thank you. We'll probably need all the help we can get."

"Then spill," Wonyoung said, "what else can I help with?"

"Well," I began, "every organization needs a headquarters, right?"

"You have somewhere in mind?"

"The campus rooftop."

Wonyoung smirked, "of course."

"Nobody goes there, only me and my friends. I don't know why, rooftops are cool," I shrugged.

"Okay. I think that can be arranged," Wonyoung nodded. "You'd also need an advisor, a member of the faculty to... supervise... you and your... activities."

A name immediately came to mind, "Professor Zhang."

"The Night Folk history professor?" Wonyoung narrowed her eyes.

"Apparently he was part of a specialized combat magic unit... serving as a combat medic, Yizhuo told me — and an exceptionally powerful one at that. I figured he can understand our... circumstances... more than any other member of the faculty."

Wonyoung's head once again bobbed in contemplation, I can see the gears turning in her head. "I think I can pull a few strings," she pursed her lips before taking in another spoonful. "Anything else?"

I tapped a finger on the tabletop as I think of other things we may need, "None so far. But if I think of something else —"

"Don't hesitate to tell me," Wonyoung finished with a beautiful smile.

"Thank you, Princess."

"Please, call me Wonyoung."

"That would take some getting used to, not to mention your aides will probably raise an eyebrow or two."

Another laugh, and I swear I'm about to go soft on her like how milk softens cereals.

"Did Aeri and your aides return already?" I asked, finally finishing my bowl of cereal.

"Mhmm. Just about an hour ago, they all passed out immediately in their rooms."

I nodded absently.

"So how many members does Eclipse Garden already have?"

"Well, there's me and Jimin. The werebeast huntresses. Yuna and Sullyoon. The three sirens," I reluctantly said that last part since they still don't have my full trust. "And since the sirens are joining as well as recent... developments... I should probably count in Minjeong — Yizhuo comes with her as a package so... twelve, so far."

"Not a bad number," Wonyoung remarked. "Anyone of them who can probably lead negotiations with the Citadel?"

"Yuna, probably, she's fae..."

Speaking of Yuna, my phone suddenly rang, and when I checked, it was indeed, Shin Yuna.

"Speaking of the devil," I chuckled. "Do you mind if I take this?"

"Go ahead," Wonyoung replied before pouring another bowlful of cereal — seriously? That's her third, that I know of, she may have had more while I was asleep.

I excused myself and walked towards the window. I marveled at the view of early morning Verrath with the fog still hanging low over most of the city. It's hard to believe I was involved in two battles in just one night in this city.

I answered the call and was immediately met with Yuna's concerned voice.

"Seren! We heard what happened! Are you okay?! Is Minjeong okay?! We heard of an ice pillar, and... and... hellspawn... and ghouls..."

"Calm down, Yuna," I heard Sullyoon's voice behind her.

"I'm trying, YoonAh!"

"Calm down, Shin Yuna," I chuckled. "We're fine. Minjeong is... shaken... a lot... but otherwise, she's safe. Chaewon's with her."

"Good," the relief in Yuna's voice was palpable, "Where are you anyway?"

"We're at the Royal Palace."

"So, are we still going to train today?" She asked in a hopeful voice.

"Right, training," I slapped my head. It's a Saturday already, and it is my schedule to train with my friends. The week was so hectic that I lost track of the days.

"It's fine if you want to rest," Yuna said, "you had an... action packed week."

"That's an understatement," I heard Sullyoon mutter.

"No, no... I'll uh... be there, same place?"

"Yep."

"I may be late for a bit."

"Take your time."

"Alright, I'll see you there."

"You take care, Seren."

"Yeah, you too."

I hung up the phone and proceeded to return to Wonyoung who was now washing both our dishes.

"You wash dishes?" I asked incredulously.

"You make it sound like your first impression of me was that of a spoiled brat," she chuckled.

"Well, it's not that far off," I admitted, making Wonyoung laugh again.

"Was that Shin Yuna? The fae enchantress?"

"Yep."

"May I ask why she called?"

"May I not answer?" I quipped.

Wonyoung chuckled, "Of course, what do you think of me? A nosy spoiled brat?"

"Uhmmm..." I walked till I was beside her and leaned against the countertop. "Do you want an honest answer or an honest answer?"

"What kind of answer is that?" she chuckled.

"An honest one," I replied grinning.

"Fine," she shook her hands to dry them. She looked at me, angling her body to face me with one hand on her hips, "fire away."

"I think you're very beautiful, Princess... I mean, Wonyoung." That sounded a lot cooler in my head — and I just had to stutter.

Wonyoung dipped her head, a slight flush slowly speading in her cheeks.

"And your kind... and... uhmm... intelligent..." I blabbered on, thinking I've said something wrong.

"Stop."

I stopped.

"Get out."

I blinked. "Pardon me?"

"Out, I said. Now."

And she lunged for my shoulder. She turned me around and pushed me towards the door.

"Wait, why? Did I say something wrong?" I protested.

She opened her door and pushed me outside before I hear it slam behind me. Puzzled, I activated aero sense to, well, sense, what she's doing inside. I felt her standing against the door, hands clutching her chest, her heart beating in an almost erratic rhythm.

I turned aero sense off, then walked absently across the hallway with no clue what I said or did to elicit that reaction.

Chaewon, Minjeong, and Aeri were fast asleep — with the two sisters snuggled in each other's arms. Chaewon held her sister's head around her arms while Minjeong wrapped hers around Chaewon's waist as she nuzzled her head against her chest. Fortunately, Eunchae was awake, I found her sitting on their couch, reading a black tome with gold engravings ethced on the edges, though there seemed to be no title on its cover.

"Morning," I greeted as silently as I could.

"Morning," Eunchae greeted back, she only had an oversized shirt on, her knees were tucked inside, exposing only her toes that wiggled above the plush cushion.

"Heard you just got back," I sat on the couch beside the one she's sitting on.

"Hmm, about an hour ago. Found those two in a deep sleep with tears streaming down their eyes," she gestured towards the sisters, "Aeri collapsed immediately, complaining of more paperwork while she snored."

"And you? You're not resting?"

"I'm not sleepy yet."

"How're things back at the Kim's house?"

Eunchae sighed, conjured a bookmark printed with little yellow chicks, and placed it in the book before closing it.

"Wrecked. Smelling of brimstone. Still with traces of infernal magic. Even the streets still had some dormant summoning circles. We deactivated them of course, too dangerous to leave them there."

I nodded. So even if we reached the streets, it still wasn't a guaranteed escape. This was indeed meticulously planned.

"We also searched the area where the Death Dealers were intercepted by the ghouls," Eunchae added, and I perked up.

"Looks like your vampire friends got there first. They cleaned the site of any vampiric traces, if I hadn't known that they were there because of what your Death Dealer friend said —"

"Chaeyoung. Her name is Chaeyoung..." I interrupted.

"Yeah. Her," Eunchae continued. "If not for what she said, I would've only seen traces of necrotic magic. Ghoul blood splattered all across the area was the only indication left that there was a battle — or rather, those were the only evidences the Death Dealers wanted to leave. They no doubt wanted us to see them — no bodies though."

"And were their parents informed?" I asked, my eyes drifting towards the sisters.

Eunchae nodded, "The Princess talked to them personally once we got back. They're worried, obviously. Princess chartered a plane and promised to call them back once Chaewon and Minjeong wake up."

I sighed and leaned against the couch, "Heck of a night."

"Two battles in one night. I don't envy you, Seren," Eunchae hugged her knees.

"Not the first time, although I don't want it to be a regular occurance."

"What's the first time?" Eunchae's eyes fluttered curiously.

"Remember that day when I and the werebeasts fought the Hunt at the park?"

"That was like... two days ago — same day the Hunt attacked the College."

"Yep. That same night, I was attacked by a Glade Lord. It took me, the huntresses, and three of the Pale Princess's personal guard to take it down — one of them was the Death Dealer last night, Chaeyoung."

Eunchae's hand covered her mouth in shock. "So you're the Glade Lord Slayers I've been hearing whispers about yesterday," she exclaimed.

I nodded.

"Impressive," Eunchae clapped her hands softly.

"I nearly died, or got an eye skewered out of its socket."

Eunchae scoffed and chuckled, "Rookie numbers."

I gave short huff at her comment. "What was yours? Like the moment you're sure you're about to die."

"Honestly, none," Eunchae replied. "My power allows me to escape almost everything that can harm me. Even if it doesn't, one of them covers for me," she pointed with a thumb to where Chaewon and Aeri were snoring softly.

I nodded as a comfortable silence settles. Eunchae was about to open her book again when I asked, "Do you think it'll work? What Chaewon intends."

Eunchae paused for a millisecond, then placed the book on the desk where it disappeared like it fell into a portal. "Honestly, no. There are a lot of things to consider. Politics for a start, the Citadel is strong, its rules and laws are established and recognized by almost every nation and race in the world, it would be difficult arguing against them. Of course, you can try to fight your way but, there are a lot more sorceresses more powerful than the three of us, we are still, technically, apprentices."

"Do you... support it?" I asked cautiously. I don't know Eunchae too well, and discussing this to her where her loyalties might be with the Citadel might be precarious.

To my surprise, Eunchae sighed sadly. She glances behind her, to the sleeping forms of her fellow sorceresses, and a gentle smile full of memories creases her lips.

"They're the only family I have. My real one was... lost... in a car accident the same night I manifested my powers," a single tear rolls down her cheek.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

She smiled again as she wiped the tear off her cheek. "I only survived because my power... pulled me out of the car just before it fell down a cliff. The Night Ladies tracked me after a week, and I was the last to join our cell. Since then, we were inseperable. You know Chaewon's story, probably more than I do, but don't judge Aeri too much, even she has her shadows that she's battling."

"Would she support Chaewon though?"

"That's what bothers me," Eunchae rested her chin on the back rest of the couch. She blinks once, eyes flitting between her two sorceress sisters — with a new sister that just got added.

"You know Aeri. All institution and structure. She'll object, that much I'm sure of. And only Chaewon can convince her otherwise," she said in a wistful tone.

"And whatever they decide shall also be your decision?"

Eunchae nodded, "I can't lose another family, Seren."

I can feel the pain in her voice — because I myself know it. Orphaned, taken care of by a grandmother I thought was normal but hid my cosmically troubled origin story from me. Then she dies, the only family figure I had.

Years later, I found a new one, right here, right now, and like Eunchae, I do not want to lose it. But unlike Eunchae — I'll fight for it.

"So how do you think they'll settle it?" I asked.

"A talk..."

"If that does not work?"

"A fight."

"And you won't stop them?"

To that, Eunchae had no answer.

"It's cruel but, either way, you'll have no choice but to choose," I said as gently as I can. "This is Chaewon's blood sister we're talking about, and we both know when her mind's set, she won't back down. She'll never bend to Aeri, even if it comes to a fight. And knowing Aeri, she's as rigid as her barriers."

"What exactly are you saying?" Eunchae whispered, her voice sounded like someone who's already given up. And from someone with powers like hers, it was a bit frightening.

"I'm saying," I responded after a heavy sigh, "if you don't speak up, Chaewon and Aeri will surely shatter. Aeri will side with the Citadel, and Chaewon will maintain her stance, and I will fight with her for it — me and Eclipse Garden —"

Eunchae scoffed, "You'll lose —"

"At least we lost fighting for something bigger than ourselves. Yet you'll return to the Citadel with one less sister, and every relationship you have is forever changed."

"Are you recruiting me?" Eunchae huffed in mild amusement.

"No. I'm just saying, take a stand. Make a choice. It may make a difference, maybe not... maybe it will preserve the family you found, maybe not. Maybe you'll lose this family, but gain a new one. I don't want to fight you, but if I have to, I'd prefer it if you're fighting with all your heart, not just because it was the easy way out."

"And you think letting them settle this on their own is the easy way out?" Eunchae's head now dropped on the backrest.

"You said they're like family to you. Then if they feel the same, they'll listen to what you'll have to say. If they don't, then you were never family in their eyes. I know Chaewon, she's not that kind of person. And Aeri, for all our... disagreements... I don't see her as that kind of person as well."

Eunchae remained quiet. The only sound in the room were the soft breathings and occassional snores of the sleeping girls.

The first of the sun's rays finally pierced through the room, and I stood. "I... need to go. I have somewhere to be."

Eunchae turned her head, she didn't seem the young, cheerful sorceress I knew. She looked like someone who's thinking how to keep her family from breaking apart from cracks only she can see yet.

Then she smiled, softly, gently, not the gummy smile we've associated her with, but it is smile nonetheless. "Take a shower first, you've been through two battles in a night," she pointed at a white door across the room. "There should be a few men's clothes in the closet, this should be a guest room for diplomatic delegations after all."

"Do I look that bad?" I tilted my head.

The sorceress chuckled weakly, "You look like you've been through hell and back."

"Touchè," I chuckled back. "Well then, I won't take long."

I turned to make my way towards their bathroom. By the second step, I felt something wrong. My feet fell into the abyss — my vision spun and rolled as the room's features suddenly shifted into a tiled one with white lights. I could also vaguely make out a mirror, which showed a distorted reflection of myself.

When my feet touched the floor, I was bombarded with dizziness and nausea. I cursed as I struggled towards the bathroom sink. I tried to hold the milk and cereals trying to crawl their way up my throat. All the while, one thought filled my mind — I'm gonna wring that sorceress's neck for teleporting me to the bathroom.