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Flowers of Fate | Lavender & Thyme
âł UnseeliePrince!Yoongi x Human!f.Reader (ft. x UnseelieGuard!Jungkook x SeeliePrince!Jimin x WoodNymph!Namjoon) ⤠Strangers to Bonded Mates ⤠Rating: MA đ ⤠WC: 20,683 â ď¸ Adult humor, crass language, talk of murdered loved ones, angst, hurt feelings, vaginal sex, cum eating, body exploration, awkward yet endearingly cute sexual moments, jealousy, blood, stab wounds Next Chapterâž â˝Previous Chapter â
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The man looming over you narrows his eyes before he flicks them up to JK, who looks smug behind you. âThey are supposed to be willing. This does not look willing to me. The bitter stink of her fear is burning my nose.â His nose wrinkles as if to accentuate his observation. âCan you not smell it? AndâŚis that,â he sniffs the air, âthe loch I also smell? What the hell happened?â
JK shifts his feet and clears his throat. âShe may have had a slight incident going through the gateway. And, of course I can smell the fear. But what would you have had me do differently? She was unprotected, the first weâve encountered in nearly a decade. I did what I had to.â
That makes the manâs eyebrows rise, and his eyes fall back down to you. âUnprotected? Is that so?â
âMore or less,â JK mumbles.
âAnd that means?â The question comes from a man that steps around the side of the one in front of you. âThat sounds a lot like loophole shenanigans to me.â He is pretty, with sandy brown hair, warm brown eyes, and ears pointed similarly to the man now glaring down at you.Â
âWell, Joon, it means when I first arrived at the gathering, not a soul was without protection. Then, suddenly, she lit up like a dry stick of tinder, and I did the only thing I could think to doâŚI took her.â His placating shifts from the man he called Joon back to the one standing before you. âWeâre losing time, Yoons. We canât keep waiting around as we have been with our thumbs up our asses. This was the break we needed, donât sneer at me over something Iâve done for you.â
The man clicks his tongue and shakes his head. âSeven Hells. I hate that you are right.â Suddenly heâs in your face, crouched down with an elbow resting on a knee. He tilts his head slowly from side to side, those faceted green eyes roving over your face. âWhat is your name?â he finally asks, a long, slender finger lightly tapping your chin.
You jerk back, appalled. âOh, fuck you, man! Iâm not giving you my name! Iâm not stupid. I just want to go home.â
âYouâre stupid enough to get snatched up by a Fey,â JK snarks softly.
The man standing behind Yoons slaps a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh. âDo be fair, JK. It is not like the poor girl really knew what was happening. It seems she may have become a victim of vandalism,â he muses, the words slightly muffled behind his hand. He steps forward and fingers a yellow petal from your wet hair. âHoney bell petals.â
JK snatches the petal from the manâs fingers. âFuck,â he curses. âI saw the damaged crown, but I didnât see any honey bells. Well, she was unprotected when I approached her. Thatâs what matters, right?â
âMmm, technicalities,â Yoons scoffs, swatting JKâs hand, making the petal flutter down and land in your lap.
You pick up the tiny, crumpled, yellow petal. âThis is why Iâm here? Because my God damn flower crown got destroyed?â you ask, incredulously. The petal turns a dark ocher color as you roll and mash it between your fingers in anger. âMonica, you fucking drunk asshole with your flailing hands.â
âJK does have a point, though, Yoons. You are running out of time, and beggars cannot really be choosers. Sure, she is maybe notâŚideal, but she will provide you with what you need.â For some reason, your hackles rise at the idea that youâre apparently not ideal for whatever it is they seemingly need you for. Â
Yoons straightens and brushes his hands along the front of his shirt as if absently ridding himself of the slight touch he exchanged with you. âYes, so it may seem. Wellâ,â he glances at JK before continuing, ââBeautiful, it seems that either way you look at it, you are stuck here for the time being, and I do, indeed, have need of a human mate. Perhaps, we can come to some sort ofâŚuh, agreement?â
All the warnings your grandpa ever gave you about making deals with the fae come crashing down on you all at once. âAn agreement? You want me to make a deal with you, a supposed fae? Do I have âfoolâ written on my forehead or something? Absolutely not!â
You scramble to your feet, backing up and putting as much distance as you can between you and the formidable forms standing around you. Itâs a shorter gap than youâd like as your back bumps into the now-shut wooden door JK hauled you through. A cursory glance around shows a small open space serving as a kitchen, dining area, and living space. There are two doorways on the backside of the space, the doors slightly ajar, but the rooms beyond are too dark to discern.
âIf you could just listen to my proposal, you may find yourself a bit more amicable to agreeing,â Yoons explains softly, gesturing behind him to the wooden dining table with benches to either side. âPlease, sit and let me explain as much as I can. If you do not like what I have to say, then you will be free to walk back out that door, and we will not followââ
âYoonâ!â
Yoons holds up a hand, silencing whatever protest JK is about to spew. âYou have my word,â he says to you, slowly and deliberately. His eyes are wide and sincere, even though theyâre still quite jarring to look at. They glimmer in the light emanating from the few wall sconces and the fire humming in the hearth across the room, the green shifting to soft gold and back again.
âThe fae canât lie, right?â
Yoonsâ lips twitch, the corner tugging up into a slight smile. âRight.â
You sigh. âEven if you could lie, you probably wouldnât admit it. God, maybe I really am a fool. Okay, okay, Iâll hear you out, but just so you know, Iâm about two-point-five seconds away from just running out that door and never looking back.â
âRight back to the kelpies,â JK mutters. You catch Yoons giving him a stern look that makes him drop his eyes to the floor and take up a guarded position by the door, his hands behind his back and his feet shoulder-width apart.
âDespite his seemingly irresistible need to be so harsh with his words, JK does present another point to consider. Outside of this home and the clearing it sits in, you would be at the mercy of the creatures and beings of the Hollow Lands. Though we are closer to the Seelie Court, perhaps if you choose the right direction to run inâŚâ he trails off, rolling his lips between his teeth. You can see how his prominent canines stretch the fullness of his upper lip.
The other man, Joon, gives you a gentile smile and gestures to one of the benches. âPlease, have a seat. Oh! You must be freezing,â he titters, moving across to a large woven basket beside the fireplace. âHere.â He grabs out a large, thick woolen blanket and promptly drapes it over your shoulders. âIf you decide to stay here, I am sure I can rustle up some garments that will fit you while yours dry properly.â
âThank you, my friend,â Yoons places a hand on Joonâs arm as he passes by, heading toward the sink in the kitchen area. âMy thoughts are scattered. I am grateful for your courtesy.â Those flickering green eyes shift to you, and you can see Yoonsâ shoulders sag a little as he sighs. âApologies, truly. I am normally not soâŚlacking in hospitality.â
Yoons takes a deep breath and settles on the bench across the table from you. The wood is smooth, dark with age, and worn from use. A steaming pot of what smells like lavender and thyme tea and empty teacups are set on the table between you by Joon. âLemon sugar and sweet honeysuckle cream if you want it,â he says softly, placing small lidded ramekins and a tiny wooden spoon beside the pot.
You eye the steaming pot of tea, tempted but shake your head, keeping your hands fisting into the soft woolen fabric of the blanket instead. âIf you are worried about accepting food from a Fey, thinking it will leave you ensorcelled or trapped here forever, you need not worry about that with Joon. He is not a Greater Fey. He does not possess the ability to entrap a human with his food or drink,â Yoons explains, helping himself to a cup of steaming tea. The fragrant brew is a light plum color, deepening as he adds a spoonful of lemon sugar. âFor the sake of transparency, JK is not a Greater Fey either.â
âAnd you?â you ask when he doesnât offer up that knowledge as well.
Yoons blows gently over the lip of his cup before taking a slow sip. The silence stretches, broken only by the occasional pop of a log in the fireplace and the soft sound of Joon now kneading dough on the kitchen counter. âIâŚam,â he finally says, setting his cup back down and cupping his hands around it as if seeking its added warmth.
âWhat does that mean exactly?â you ask, tentatively, eyeing the steaming pot of tea again. Your throat is dry, and you are awfully cold, even with the wool blanket and heat coming from the fire. Can you trust his word?
Yoons shift uncomfortably on the bench, his eyes staring into yours as you assume he thinks of how to respond. Instead, though, Joon comments, glancing at you from over his shoulder. âHe is right. I am a simple woodland nymph. I barely have the magick needed to encourage my garden to grow and protect my home, much less entrap a human here in the Fey Realm. JK is but a simple Seelie guard. His prowess is more related to the thickness of his muscles than the ability of his glamor.â
JK scoffs from his position by the door. âYes, letâs tell the human everything.â
âHalf-truths are not the way to receive her trust. You, better than anyone, should realize that after the foot you have started her off on,â Yoons admonishes JK, waving a stern but dismissive hand in the air.
âCan you not talk about me like Iâm not here?â you grumble, cutting your glance between Yoons and JK.
Yoonsâ lips press firmly together before he gives you a slight nod. âRight, apologies again. It has been some time since we have had company other than those who know about this glade.â
âLetâs just get on with whatever this proposal is so I can decide whether or not Iâm actually going fucking mental.â You finally relent and reach out to pour yourself a cup of tea, if only to have something to hold for extra warmth.
The lavender and thyme scent is comforting, reminding you of your grandpa. The heat and warmth suffusing through the porcelain cup seep into your hands, helping pull back a fraction of the chill from your tumble into the loch.
âI will try to speak as plainly as possible,â Yoons begins. âHowever, there are things that you still may not understand. For starters, it may be hard to believe, but you are indeed in the Hollow Lands, the expanse of land that sits between the Seelie and Unseelie courts. We are outside of your realm. JK brought you throughâŚa portal of sortsâone that we have been using for centuries when the veil between our worlds is thin enough. You see, the myths and stories you may have heard all have at least a little truth about them. Do faeries kidnap humans? In a way, perhaps. Though, there are safeguards that humans have been using for just as long to make their desire and status known to the Fey. The honey bell flower is a ward, protecting any and all who wear a circle of it against the glamor of a Fey. Anyone not wearing a circlet of the honey bell is seen to be willing.â
âThat doesnât seem to make much of a difference, though, now does it?â you question.
Yoons sucks a breath between his teeth. âIt does, but this seems like a very unusual situation we have all found ourselves in. You see, JK is sworn to me as a protector. He was acting on my behalf, trying to find the key I need in order to stop something bad from happening to my people.â
âThatâs not cryptic at all,â you say, laying the sarcasm on as thick as you can. âI thought you were going to speak plainly?â You wet your lips with your tongue, so tempted to take just a tiny sip of the tea.
There is a momentary pause as Yoons takes another sip of his own tea. âI think this might be your best brew yet, Joon,â he murmurs softly. âPlain. Okay. I have been banished from the Unseelie Court. If I do not find a human mate before the next full moon, I will be permanently banned from crossing into the border of my homeâŚlocking away all of my people and my family in endless darkness with the one responsible for the turmoil that has befallen my court.â
âWhy have you been banished? Banishment usually means you had to have done something to earn it. People donât just get banished for no reason.â The last thing you want is to be fooled into thinking you are helping the good guy, only to find out later that heâs really the bad one.
Yoons shifts, again looking mildly uncomfortable by your question, which makes you glad you asked it. âIt is believed that I killed my father and my brother.â
A chill slithers down the nape of your neck with that admission. âIt is believedâbelieved but not true?â
âI would sooner take my own life than that of my kin. I loved my father dearly for what he did for our people; my brother was my best friend. I did not want nor seek their deaths.â
âWhatâs so important about the next full moon? Why is that significant?â Every piece of the puzzle he provides will help your decision-making. You just have to be sure to ask the right questions.
Tapping his fingers lightly against the outside of his cup, Yoons explains, âThe longer a Fey is away from their origin of magickâfor me, that would be the Unseelie Court Moon Stoneâthe less connected we are to it. It has been nearly a decade since I last was within the borders of my home, since I last felt the cooling mist of the lunar winds on my face. I can already feel how significantly depleted my magick is, how much weaker I grow by the day. If I do not secure a way to access the inner well of my power before the end of my tenth year away, I will lose touch with it completely. So, having a human mate is not only crucial to me being strong enough to defeat the one that started everything, but it also means Iâll retain my ability to touch magick at all.â
âWhat does a human mate have to do with any of that? How can that help? Couldnât you bond with anyone?â Youâd be lying if you said you werenât at least somewhat intrigued nowâif this is indeed the truth. The idea that youâre on a different plane of existence seems to be unquestionable at this point. How youâre not completely coming apart at the mental seams is beyond your understanding. There is a small glimmer inside, though, that you recognize as the same feeling you once got listening to your grandpaâs stories.
Yoons spreads his hands out in front of himself in a placating manner. âEverything. The reason there are tales of Fey taking humans is that they have taken willing participants as mates because humans can open the inner well of a Fey, unleashing their full potential of magick.â
âSo, I woulâ I mean, a human would allow you to access a secret well of power thatâs just supposed to magicallyâŚwhat? Make the bad guy go away?â You hope they donât read too much into your slip-up of words. Itâs not like youâre actually considering his offerâŚwhatever it is, as he still hasnât truly laid that out yet.
Heâs nodding before you finish asking. âHumans are like a conduit, an open channel for magick. They can amplify the strength of existing Fey magick and allow more to be harnessed safely. Having a human mate is the only way I can access enough of my power to save my people.â
âAnd you havenât had any luck finding a human mate so far, so you send your muscle bunny over there to kidnap one for you?â
JK steps forward, intent to protest, but Yoons holds up a hand, silencing him. âLook, I know you did not come here of your own free will, and for that, I will forever apologize. But, I would be remiss to say I am not also grateful that you are here. Once, it may have been easy for my kind to come into your world and find someone willing. But, over time, the stories have changed how humans react and perceive our kind. In your stories, we are monsters, tricksters, and sly thieves. That is just a warped perception based on exaggerated presumptions. All I want is someone to help me save my people.â
âSay I do agree, then what? What will happen to me?â The tea in your cup ripples as you clench your hands around it in agitation. âYou say Iâm trapped here regardless. What happens if I say no? What madness awaits me out there?â You nod toward the door behind JK.
Joon turns from placing his dough into a deep pan, dusting his hands off on a blush-colored towel. âIf I may?â Yoons gives him a slight nod. âBeyond my glade, await things that are far worse than being a mate to a Greater Fey. My magick is a ward, tethered to the soil where I plant my seeds. If you agree to stay and help Yoons, there is a chance you could see your world againâŚbut if you leave here, that chance diminishes greatly. You would be lucky to make it to the Seelie Court, but even then, you would most likely end up as a captive rotting away the rest of your existence in the dungeons. The Fey take great care in choosing the outsiders they allow to walk freely within their courts. They would spend your entire human lifetime discussing what to do with you. Your bones would molder in the dark before they made up their minds.â
âI really am stuck here.â The resignation in your voice is apparent.
You see the moment Yoons thinks to reach across the table and console you. His hand lifts from where itâs resting on the wood, but he drops it back down and clenches his fingers instead. âUnfortunately, yes. At least, for the next six months or so, until the veil thins again and a gateway is accessible. As to what will happen to you if you agree to help me, well, you will become my mate. It is similar to what your kind calls marriage. There is a ceremony where we are bound and then aâŚum, consummation to solidify the link to my magick.â
Ignoring that blatant statement of having to have sex with this man, you ask another question, âTell me more about your home and whatâs going on with this supposed bad guy?â
Yoonsâ face closes down, and he straightens his shoulders, hands dropping into his lap. âThe male who murdered my father and brother, and holds my mother captive is using dark magick in order to steal and manipulate his way through my court. He has bewitched the whole of the Unseelie Court and uses his connection to the Seelie Court as a ruse. His ultimate goal is to see the end of my people and the absolute rule of Seelie. He thinks we are no better than a people to be enslaved, fodder for his kind to use as building blocks so they may reign supreme over all of this realm and the beings within it.â
âDo the Seelie support this? Why arenât they doing something about it if theyâre not in agreement? Are you fighting one man or an entire people? You make it seem like an impossible task.â You canât help that some part of you feels sympathy for this manâfaerie, whatever he isâdespite your indignation over his methods of finding a solution.
JK harrumphs softly from the door. âItâs only impossible if you say no. The Seelie are just as much victims of this maddening farce as we are. The entirety of our realm, our world as we know it, is on the line and you can be the force to tip us one way or another. Look,â he sighs, taking a few steps forward from the door to stand beside the table, âIâll be honest. Itâs my fault youâre here. I didnât realize you actually had a circle of honey bells on at some point. But, even if I hadâŚI canât say for certain I wouldnât have still tried to bring you back with you being unprotected. Over the last decade, I have gone through the Carterhaugh gateway every chance I could. I have walked among the festivities, danced around the May-poles with oblivious humans, tried to ask for help, created friendships, anything I could think of that might allow me to do my job, but every time, itâs been the same. No one cares; no one believes me. They chalk it up to too much whisky or too many hours listening to childish fairy tales. It wasnât until you that there was ever even a glimmer of hope for us.â
âPeace, JK,â Yoons murmurs. âIt is the truthâThe Seelie are victims in this. You see, the Fey responsible for all of this first came to the Unseelie Court as a liaison from the Seelie. It is no secret that though we are of the same people, we have conflicted against one another since the dawn of our time, at least until some fifty years ago. The Unseelie and Seelie Kings had enough. They were tired of seeing their people suffer. They came together to spark a truce. All conflict ceased, and trade beganâbringing near-instant fruitfulness for both sides. The Hollow Lands remained neutral ground where markets were held at the beginning of each new moon phase, and things were going wonderfully. Then Chaddick, the Seelie Queenâs brother by marriage, came to the Unseelie Court to continue with the politics, and it has been darkness and decline ever since, beginning with his murder of the Unseelie King.â
âAnd youâre the only one that can save your people? Why you? Why your family? What exactly happened?â The more you learn, the harder it becomes to find a reason not to agree to help. Itâs not like you have many other options. Perhaps if you decide to help, you can barter for your own help in return.
âAs Greater Fey, we posed the biggest threat to thwarting his plans. I escaped, but only barely. I am the only remaining Greater Fey of the Unseelie Court who knows the truth and has the ability to do something about it. I represent the only hope there is.â
Silence settles between you and Yoons, his last words sinking in with a finality. You glance down at the cup nestled between your palms. As if without your permission, you bring it up and slowly press it to your lips. The slightly bitter and floral scent fills your lungs before sliding over your bottom lip and coating your tongue. Itâs the tiniest sip, barely enough to wet your throat, but already you feel betterâcalmer. There is no apparent mindlessness, youâre not consumed with the desire to obey, and something inside you tells you that you know you could still leave if you wanted to.
âIf I agree to help youâto become your mateâŚI want you to promise me that youâll take me to a gateway and allow me to leave at the very next Samhain, unharmed, and with no strings attached.â The cup rattles gently against the tabletop as your trembling hands place it back down. âThis is the only way I will agree to help you.â The words you choose are careful, constructed, and spoken in a way that is plain and concise, with no room for misinterpretation or fae foolery. âThere will be absolutely no tricks, deceptions, or wayward attempts from you to keep me here. I want a guarantee that you will do all in your power to ensure I get back to my world in as much the same condition at which I left it as you can manage.â
Yoons studies you for a moment, his eyes unreadable as they flicker over your features. âI will agree to thisâŚwith one variable if you will. If I am able to free my people and see to it that Chaddick is no longer a threat, I will personally escort you to the Carterhaugh gateway come next Samhain and will allow you to leave with no further obligations. I, however, can not guarantee there will be no strings attached, per se. You see, becoming my mate would mean we are mated for all of our respective lifetimes. Being the mate to a Greater Fey, even living in your mortal realm, will mean you will still see the effects of our bond. Your life will become irrevocably longer. You will experience greater strength and stamina; you will, for all intents and purposes, be Fey yourself. Know that there is always a danger in being one of our kind living in your world. Even across the distance of parallel realms, we would still be aware of each otherâŚthe mate bond is an intimate one.â
Joon clears his throat before giving you a gentle smile. âI do know of a way to create an herbal suppressant, though. It will not completely blanket the bond, but it would ease the ache of separation. I could show you how to make it. Thankfully, all the herbs and spices you would need grow in your world, too.â
âThe ache of separation?â you question, cocking an eyebrow at Yoons.
âAs I said, I can not guarantee no strings. After many years apart, bonded mates may feelâŚah, well, something akin to discomfort of the soul. A sadness that no amount of sun or sweets can remedy.â Yoons straights again in his seat, quickly bringing up his teacup to take another sip. âIt is something I am willing to endure for the safety of my people. No pain could possibly compare to the pain I know in my heart currently.â His green eyes flash, hatred and malice darkening his features before he swipes his free hand over his face and sighs. âIt has been a long day, longer for you, I am sure. If you would, Naâahem, Joon, see to it that our guest has dry clothing and a place to rest. You may have an hour to rest and think about my offer.â
Pushing up from the table, Yoons places his cup back down and makes his way to the door you came in through. JK beats him to it, wrenching the knob and yanking it open. Yoons walks through the open door, JK disappearing behind it. The door thumps closed, sealing the interior of the small cottage in silence once more.
âCome, my dear, letâs get you more comfortable.â Joon gestures toward one of the doorways at the back of the room.
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Yoongi
âThis is a terrible idea. I swear, if you had wingsâŚI. Would. Clip. Them,â Yoongi seethes, rounding on Jungkook, punctuating the last few words with sharp jabs to the center of his chest.
Jungkook swats Yoongiâs hand away, baring his teeth in turn. âThe only terrible idea is you agreeing to let her return to her world in the end! You know the consequences of that. Are you really willing to accept an eternity of crippling pain for her?â
Yoongi sighs, turning away from Jungkook. His eyes fix on the large, green leaves of Namjoonâs seeded oak that are closer to the ground than they were yesterday, faintly twisting in the hazy breeze wafting from the westâthe direction of the Seelie Court. The air holds a floral scent, one that Yoongi knows fondly.
âI do not think I have much of a choice, my friend,â he finally admits, resigned. âWe need this to work. You have said so yourself that we are running out of time. The next full moon is just a few days away. If I cannot access the rest of my power by then, all will be lost, and you and I will never see the stars of the Unseelie Court again. It is a thought I can barely bring myself to contemplate. My motherâŚâ Yoongi doesnât have to finish his sentence. Jungkook knows exactly what would become of Yoongiâs motherâthe woman that is just as much a mother to Jungkookâif all of this fails.
Jungkook closes the distance between himself and Yoongi. He hesitates, warring internally on whether or not he will be crossing a line, but finally places a hand on Yoongiâs shoulder. Yoongi instantly tenses, making Jungkook flinch, but he keeps his hand where it is. âYou know I would do anything for you. If there were even the slightest possibility that we could do this any other way, Iâd dump her back in the loch myself in a heartbeat. Just know this, Yoongi, you have agreed to see that she returns to her world if she so wishesâŚbut I have made no such promise.â Letting his hand slip from Yoongiâs shoulder, he huffs in irritation and disappears into Namjoonâs garden beyond the seeded oak. âIâll gather some food for dinner.â
Yoongi watches Jungkook until heâs lost among the foliage. He knows agreeing to your terms was foolish. He just wasnât sure what else he could have done to help convince you to agree. It took everything in Yoongi not to lunge across the table, grapple you to the floor, and use his magick to force you into submission. It would have been easy, a simple feat in just a matter of moments. But it would have been too risky.
There isnât much known to him, personally, about the bond between a Fey and a human other than what his mother told him during his childhood. What he told you was mostly true, with perhaps a few omissions. It is true that the Fey took willing humans for their mated bonds, but that is such an archaic practice that Yoongi has never actually known a mated human-Fey pair. In all his years, it has only ever been Fey mated with Fey. It has been a very long time since a Fey needed access to their full power.
From what he knows, a mated bond can only work to its fullest potential with a willing human. Forcing a human into a mated bond has been known to have the opposite effect than desired. A Fey that takes an unwilling human will be tainted by the bond, their magick forever infused with darkness and pain. At least, thatâs what the stories say. Yoongi entertained the idea in the beginning when he first escaped from Chaddick. Jungkook even captured a human man, hauling him back through the gateway just to have to take him back after Yoongi couldnât bring himself to bond the man against his will. Itâs been a very precarious line to walk ever since.
âA damned fool,â Yoongi whispers to himself before following Jungkook into the garden. He knows there is no use in arguing with Jungkook over his last declaration, so he will just have to tread carefully and hope you donât catch wind of that revelation.
Namjoonâs garden is something of pride and bounty. Glowing, magick-infused spheres dot the meandering paths between beds of vegetables and fruits. Vines slither along runners of trellis, and branches ladened with juicy fruits dangle within easy reach at the end of each path. Everything in the garden, except for a few vegetables and herbs, is mortal. Just another precaution that Namjoon personally undertook to help Yoongi in this quest. Without the help of Jungkook and Namjoon, Yoongi knows he would never have had a chance.
âDo you think we should have asked if she has any allergies?â Jungkook muses as he digs up a cluster of red potatoes. âMaybe she only eats meat. I did find her by the grill pits. I have a few snares in the western glen that I can check.â He rattles off the different locations and how heâs learned the best runs to set up traps on, and how they change with the seasons.
Yoongi canât help but smile as he listens to Jungkook. The youthful swagger left Jungkookâs step around the same time the roundness of his face didâwhen they escaped the Unseelie Court nearly a decade ago. Yoongi wonders if Jungkook mourns the playful nature that once possessed the guard as he does. Despite Yoongiâs status as a Greater Fey and Jungkookâs lack of, growing up together solidified their bond. The day Jungkook got down on his knees and swore himself in service of Yoongi only helped to strengthen it.
Itâs on the tip of Yoongiâs tongue to talk about you, to muse along with Jungkook about what you do and donât like. But, he holds back, choosing a different thought to voice aloud, lest he somehow gives himself some odd sense of false hope by letting you linger too long in his conscious thoughts. âI think Namjoon, at least, would appreciate some meat to add to the stew.â Yoongi moves to grab one of the harvest baskets Namjoon keeps in the garden, depositing the vegetables and fruits he chose. âI will take these inside and help Namjoon begin dinner if you want to check your snares.â
âSure,â Jungkook agrees, depositing his own armful of goods into the basket. âI shouldnât be too long.â
Yoongi makes his way out of the garden, parting ways with Jungkook at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the porch. Pausing at the top of the stairs, Yoongi takes a moment to look east, toward the Unseelie Court. For all the years heâs been in hiding, the constant drive to return home hasnât lessened in the slightest. He can feel the longing deep in his heart and soul, his magick calling out to be within the barrier of his home. Perhaps, heâll be returning there sooner than he imagined. Hopefully.
He hefts the basket onto his hip, freeing one of his hands to open the door. It swings open slowly, revealing Namjoon tending to a boiling pot over the fire. The welcoming smell of baking bread fills the small space.
âWhere is she?â he immediately asks when he realizes youâre nowhere to be seen.Â
Namjoon smirks, his warm brown eyes twinkling in the light from the fire. âI offered her the courtesy of a warm bath. You are welcome to go in and check on her if you would like.â He nods toward the second door across the room, now firmly shutâa tiny sliver of light peeks from under it.
Yoongi scoffs. âYou have a poor sense of humor.â
âDo not worry. I did not let your precious human mate escape. As much as I am of the middle ground, our friendship means more to me than neutrality,â Namjoon comments quietly. âAfter all, I have been harboring a pair of wanted Fey for nearly a decade now.â
Itâs not a jab by any means; Yoongi knows that, but those words add a slight ache to the crushing weight already on his shoulders. Just a reminder of how important this all is. Yoongi and Jungkook arenât the only ones that would be facing irrevocable consequences should this not succeed. Even though Namjoon has been able to hide Yoongi and Jungkook behind the ward of his magick here in the clearing, Namjoonâs magick has slowly been depleting. With each passing year, the ward weakens. The drooping branches of Namjoonâs seeded oak are proof enough of that. Whereas the tree once stood tall, proud, with limbs extended high into the airâtheyâre now far closer to the ground than the clouds, a very alarming reality.
Before he can reply to Namjoon, a thump followed by a muffled yelp has him dropping the harvest basketâsending fruit and vegetables scattering across the floorâand racing to the closed door. It swings open, the hinges squealing in protest of the force at which Yoongi opens it. âAre you okay?!â Yoongi exclaims, eyes wide on your naked form, bent over to retrieve the towel puddled on the floor by the sink.
âWhat theâclose the fucking door!â you yell, snatching up the towel and trying to cover yourself.
Your words barely register before Yoongi lets out his own yell and scrambles to close the door. âSorry! Sorry!â he yells through the now-closed door. âI heard you scream! Seven Hells consume me. I am so sorry! Are you okay?â
Your voice grows louder as you walk closer to the door. âIâm fine,â is your breathy reply. Yoongi can hear the barely concealed laughter in your words. âI missed the last step getting out of the bath and caught myself on the sink. The only thing wounded is my pride at this point.â
Yoongi jerks away from the door when he feels you opening it. He tries to look anywhere but at you when it slowly opens, revealing you now with the towel tucked under your arms. His traitorous eyes lock onto a water drop that slips down your neck and traces the curved mound of your breast before being absorbed by the towel. He clears his throat, taking another step back and forcing his eyes to the floor. âIâuh, that wasâI am terribly sorry. I should have knocked orâŚâ
You do laugh now. Itâs a pretty sound, one that has Yoongiâs eyes flickering back up to take in the slight smile now curling your lips. You take a deep breath. Yoongi is proud of himself for refraining from watching the rise and fall of your towel when you do so. âWell, I guess that will help with the awkwardness of seeing me naked before we have toâŚyou know.â
A choking sound echoes from across the room, Namjoon trying to suppress his own laughter. Yoongiâs brows bunch together as he frantically tries deciphering some hidden meaning behind your words. Because, surely, you donât mean what he thinks you do. âIs that your way of saying yes?â he asks, his voice barely above a whisper as he fights the need to heave air into his lungs for fear of breathing too loud and not hearing your response.
âNot how I intended to say it, but yeahâŚumm,â you pause, shifting awkwardly on your feet, wet your lips, and try again. âI meanâyes, itâs a yes. Iâll help you if you promise to help me return at the next Samhain.â
Yoongi canât believe what he's hearing. He was sure heâd have to barter and spend several more hours trying to convince you, despite his earlier words of only giving you an hour to decide.
âYes, yes, okay. Agreed.â Yoongi hesitates, wondering if he should let you get dressed. But decides he doesnât want to give you any more time to possibly talk yourself out of the agreement. He steps toward you quickly, extending his right hand. âYou have my word, I swear it. For your agreement to be my mate, I will do everything in my power to see to it that you return home at the next Samhain if that is your wish.â
Yoongi watches a myriad of emotions play out on your face as you stare at his long and slender fingers hanging in the air between you. He can see the moment you mentally leap over whatever last hurdle there was. You take a soft breathâthat Yoongi allows himself to watch swell your chest this timeâand slide your hand into his.
âItâs a deaââ a loud yell outside the front door cuts off your words. Yoongiâs fingers tighten around yours, and he lets a trickle of his magick leech into you, cementing the agreement.
The smell of jasmine and chamomile floods the room as the front door is slammed open. That combined fragrance makes his heart ache, but not nearly as much as the look on the face of the figure now standing in the open doorway. He was so caught up in the moment that he hadnât realized the scent in the air around the cabin had changed.
In strides a striking figure, regaling in beautiful blush-colored robes with silver accents. Jungkook follows quickly behind, a string of fuzzy hares tethered to his belt. âIf you would just listen to me!â He stops in his tracks, eyes flicking from the newcomer to where you and Yoongi are standing across the room, hands still clasped together. âAh, Seven HellsâŚyou did it, didnât you?â
Yoongi opens his mouth, intent to address the room, but a sharp hand is slashed in the air, cutting off anything he could possibly say in his own defense. âSixty years,â whispers a voice Yoongi knows intimately. He is beautiful as always with his dark brown hair, the silky strands shifting to reveal his ears' soft, pointed tips. His plush lips help conceal the points of his canines, but as he speaks, they peek out. âSixty years gone in an instant. I knew this day was coming. I knew it needed to come for the world to be right againâŚbut I thought you would at least afford me the decency of allowing me to be here to help, to witness, to ensure you did not bind yourself to someone unworthy of the status of the bonded mate of a Fey Prince!â By the time heâs finished speaking, his voice has risen to a booming volume that fills the entire space.
âMini.â Yoongi winces as Jimin sneers at his nicknameâthe name Yoongi has moaned into his ear many times over the last sixty years.
âWaitâa Prince? Youâre a fae Prince! Oh, for fucks sake, what else are you keeping from me?!â
Tightening his grip around your hand, Yoongi prevents you from snatching your hand away in anger. He groans, tasting the sudden sour flare of betrayal coming from you. âFuck.â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Yoons and the stranger, who you heard him call Mini, disappear out the door quickly after itâs revealed that Yoons is actually a fae Prince. He gave you a guarded look, dropped your hand, and stormed out the door with Mini hot on his heels. JK shut the door and has been standing with his back to it like a guarding sentinel ever since.
That was hours ago now, youâre sure. Itâs hard to tell, considering what Joon explained about the passage of time in the fae realm. When he ushered you back into the lone bedroom, where he had clothes waiting for you laid out on the bed, you asked how long you had been there. He shrugged, explaining that time passes as it needs to based on the power demand of the sun and moon, but if he could guess, it would be nearing midday back in your world now, leaving you to balk at that realization as you got dressed.
Now, you sit cross-legged on an overstuffed pillow on the floor, elbow on your knee, and chin resting in your palm. You watch the fire crackle in the hearth. The stew Joon made with the vegetables and hares brought in earlier sits heavy in your belly. It was tasteless on your tongue, the flavors lost to your senses as you tried to come to terms with your situation.
You cringe at a loud curse from outside. Itâs been a near-constant yelling match since the front door closed. The voices are muffled enough that you canât make out every word, but it seems Yoons and Mini enjoy punctuating their sentences with very loud profanities.
Joon sighs from his spot in a rocking chair on the other side of the fire. He has a block of alder situated in his lap, shearing off small fluffs of wood with a tiny whittling knife. âI think this is the longest lover's quarrel they have ever had,â he murmurs, almost as if to himself.
âLovers quarrel?â you question, glancing away from the fire and toward Joon.
âOh,â Joon laughs awkwardly. âI did not realize I said that so loud. Iâuh, well, I suppose you will find out eventually. They,â he nods toward the door, âhave been together most of their lives.â
Thatâs an interesting revelation. âCool. So, I get to be the Jolene in this situation,â you scoff. âTypical. Apparently, fae males are just as bad as human ones. They canât be honest and think itâs okay to have multiple lovers just because you didnât specifically tell him you wanted to be exclusive. Youâd think that would be a given, right? But also, shouldnât transparency come from the person who wants to do the hustling? Fuck me, I guess, for assuming men have the emotional maturity to navigate a relationship or, heaven forbid, know how to communicate beyond the twitch in their pantsâŚâ You let your words trail off, realizing you just let them vomit out in frustration.
âWell, I am not sure who or what Jolene is, but I know Yoons has had nothing but good intentions for this whole situation. Things have moved a lot faster than any of us could have anticipated. It is not like he was intentionally keeping Mini from you, nor you from Mini. They both know good and well that this is far more important than whatever feelings they have for one another. Fate is a cruel master that we are all at the mercy of.â Joon's speaking is oddly comforting, even if it is pretty blunt. He reminds you of your grandpa in many ways, seemingly knowing what needs to be said and when.
You may not understand the situation to the degree that they do, but you can still relate to and sympathize with their desperation. There was a point where you wanted something so badly you would and did do anything to obtain it. Granted, a sterling silver and amethyst engagement ring doesnât quite equate to the lives of an entire people, but you still know what it feels like to fight tooth and nail for something you wholeheartedly want. Itâs part of why you were so adamant about Monica enjoying herself with Malcolm and trying not to put so much expectation and demand into the situation. Youâve learned that life and its opportunities are fickle at best, so itâs inherently important to grab onto them while you can.
As opportunities go, despite Yoons apparent inability to not be the stereotypical fae you heard about in your grandpaâs stories, you know you donât have many right now. Your best one is still to keep to the bargain youâve agreed to. The faster you help Yoons, the quicker you can leave. Though, you reckon maybe you wonât be able to go all that fast. From your recollection, JK said Samhain wasnât for another six moons.
âJoon, what happens once things are back to normal around here? Do I just stay here with you until Samhain?â you ask.
The corners of his warm brown eyes crinkle as he smiles at you. âYou are more than welcome to stay here, but I imagine Yoons will want his bonded mate as close as possible until he can see you back through the gate himself when the time comes.â
âWhy would you even want to go back?â The question surprises you, coming from JK. You had almost forgotten he was standing by the door.
You drop your hand and turn to look at him. The fire casts his face in shadows, highlighting the bridge of his nose and the cut of his cheekbones. He looks every bit the fae of lore that you once fantasized about. His eyes bore into yours, lips mashed into a severe line as he waits for you to respond.
âWhy would I want to go back?â you parrot back incredulously. âAre you serious? Why wouldnât I?! Thatâs where my friends, family, and all other things important to me are. Itâs not like you took me from a life of nothing. You havenât done me any favorsâŚI can only imagine the domino effect this will have on the people in my world.â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Monica
âMal, why isnât she back yet? Sheâs abandoned me after everything Iâve done for herâŚtraveling halfway around the world chasing after woo-woo kids' stories all because she canât cope with losing someone.â Monica mumbles into Malcolmâs shoulder. If the way her stomach is clawing at itself, sheâs sure itâs been hours since you left to get food. âIâm hungry.â
Malcolm shifts Monica in his lap, getting ready to stand up with her in his arms. âWell, I am glad she brought ye half wey aroond the world. And, Iâm sure sheâs braw. She likely got caught up in thâ festivities again. I will have mah pal, Finn, keep an eye oot for her. I think I should be getting ye in kip. Otherwise, yeâll be in a fankle come morninâ.â
âAt least send her a text or something for me, please?â Monica whines. âWhat about my food? Can you ask her where my food is, too? Ugh.â
Swinging Monica into his arms, Malcolm cradles her close, whispering assurances that heâll take care of everything and not to worry. He calls out to his friend, Finn, asking him to keep an eye out for you and, if he sees you, to let you know that heâs taken Monica back to his place to sleep it off.
After getting Monica strapped into the passenger seat, he shoots off a quick text to your number that he got from her phone, reiterating his intentions and providing his home address if you wanted to come to check on her after youâre done at the festival.
When morning rolls around, youâre still nowhere to be found and arenât responding to any texts or calls. The hangover is nothing compared to the guilt Monica feels recalling her words and actions last night. You may not have heard what she said to Malcolm, but she hates that she said it regardless.
âWhere is she?â Monica voices for what feels like the thousandth time, wiping at the smeared mascara under her red-rimmed eyes.
Monica was nearing her wit's end when you still hadnât shown up by lunchtime. Malcolm took her down to the local Police Authority to file a report; they immediately went into action. So far, the entire Bowhill House estate and surrounding woods have been searched with no luck. The rental car is still parked at the estate, and all your luggage and credentials are still in your hotel room. Itâs like you simply disappeared.
Malcolm pulls the hot kettle off the burner, setting it aside to begin preparing coffee. The bakery sits empty, aside from him and Monica and the occasional officer or concerned friend who pops by with any updates. The time in between information has grown increasingly more significant, putting Monica even further on edge.
âSheâll turn up, lass. She would nae have left ye.â The assurances donât seem to be doing as much as they had before.
Monica sighs, staring out the bakery window, trying to think of anything important that might lead to finding your whereabouts. Deep down, though, she canât shake off the niggling thought that youâre no longer hereâŚbut somewhere else.
đ¸đ¸đ¸
JK glares at you as if youâve somehow offended him with your words. âAt least your loved ones are safe, protected back in the human worldâŚnot mere days away from utter destruction.â His words make you grind your teeth, irritated in your own way that they make you feel selfish and ungrateful.
Joon clears his throat, breaking the thick tension in the air. âThat will be enough of that; from both of you. Far too much negativity has permeated through the eaves of my home, and I will not allow it to continue.â A soft breath leaves him as he returns to his wood, murmuring something else you barely catch, âI do not think my magick can handle much more strain anyway.â
Drawing your legs up to your chest, you return to watching the fire dance in the hearth. The silken fabric of the pants Joon gave you slips along your legs as you shift, bringing with it soft whiffs of cedar and clove. The entire outfit smells faintly of it, like mulled spices and freshly chopped cedar chips. Itâs comforting, much like the lavender and thyme tea from earlier. It reminds you of your grandpa. Your thoughts shift to him and his stories. A sad smile tugs at your lips, and you wonder if heâd believe you if you told him where youâd found yourself. Youâre sure he would.
The voices outside have quieted down. Your eyes begin to droop as exhaustion creeps in. Since time holds little meaning here, you wouldnât be surprised to see the sun peeking through the windows soon or several hours from now.
When the front door creaks open, youâre nearly slumped over on the floor asleep. You jerk upright and blink rapidly to bring your eyes back in focus. Yoons walks in, followed by a very somber-looking Mini. They both look as if they have been crying, eyes red-rimmed, and cheeks blotchy.
Mini approaches you, back ramrod straight and shoulders squared. He looks down at you along the bridge of his nose. His eyes are a startling turquoise color, something you missed when he first stormed through the door hours ago. They are soft, unlike the glinting green and gold of Yoonsâ eyes. âI am sorry.â
Youâre taken aback by his apology, balking up at him in confusion. âWhat?â
âMy behavior was unbecoming of someone of my stature. I formally extend an apology to you on behalf of the entire Seelie Court and my position as Crowned Prince, Protector of The Sun, and Guardian to The Stars.â The words are stilted, sounding rehearsed and lacking any genuine emotion. âI hope you do not allow your first perception of me to color the view you hold for the rest of my people.â He cuts a short bow, looming over you as he does, before straightening and turning toward Yoons, standing by JK near the door. âI will be going now.â
âMini, it does not have to be like this, and you know it.â Yoons crossed his arms over his chest, eyes fixed in a glare.
You canât see the look on Miniâs face, but you canât imagine itâs a nice one. âI would rather chew off my own tongue than witness the love of my life fornicating with a magickal void. I will return tomorrow night to move forward with our agreement of attack. Until then, goodnight.â
Yoons moves quickly, cutting off Miniâs advances toward the door. âPlease, just stay. They will not miss you at court if you are gone for a few nights. They already think you are patrolling along the border.â He hesitates, flexing his fingers where they are wrapped around Miniâs bicep. âI was hoping you would do the binding for us as a way of offering your blessing. I would not want it to be done by anyone else.â
Mini scoffs. âYou want me to be the one to bind you?â Bitterness coats his words, âDo you have no shame? You would ask me to do this, for your sake? What about my sake?â
âPlease, Mini, I need this from you. I need this to know that once all of this is over, we will still be okay, that we will still be usâ Yoons pleads, moving his hands to grip the lapels of Miniâs jacket. âI cannot do this without you. There is no point in doing this without you because, without you, I might as well not have a people, a kingdomâŚI would have nothing.â
âFuck you,â Mini whispers, resignation taking the heat out of it. Yoons pulls him into a fierce hug, clinging to him in desperation. âSeven Suns knows this is not fair. I do not know what I did in a past life to deserve this.â
âI promise to spend the rest of my days making it up to you,â Yoons responds, his words choked with emotion.
You feel like youâre witnessing something private, something you shouldnât be present for. There is no doubt the connection between them. Youâre suddenly feeling something you havenât in a long time; envy. To love and be loved, in turn, is a desire you hold close to your heart. Tearing your eyes away from where Yoons and Mini are still held in each other's arms, you let your gaze slide across the room, briefly landing on JK and then Joon, who seem to be ignoring the other two as youâre trying to do.
Running Miniâs words back through your head, you realize he mentioned his position as crowned prince of the Seelie Court. Of course he would also be a prince. No wonder he doesnât think youâre good enough for Yoons. Youâre nowhere near having a status like that. You feel a pang of sadness, knowing they canât be together as mates all because Yoons needs to have access to his full power. It seems that Joon is right; fate is, indeed, a cruel master.
âThe sun will be rising soon. We should hurry,â Yoons murmurs, finally pulling away from Mini. âUm, Beautiful,â he stumbles over the nickname given to you by JK, âI also want to apologize.â He turns to face you, quickly rubbing the sleeve of his top over his cheeks to clear away the residual tears. âThis is not how any of this was supposed to pan out. I know you must have many questions, but time is not on our side. We are both bound by our word and agreement. I promise to answer any more of your questions once we have fulfilled the bond we have agreed to.â
You chew your bottom lip a moment, focusing on the knot you can feel sitting in the center of your chest, which you know is tied to the agreement you made. There is surprisingly little waiver in your voice as you speak, âWhat happens if I go back on my word? What if I have changed my mind and am no longer willing?â
The room falls into an uncomfortable quiet. As he stares at you, darkness boils in the mossy depths of Yoonsâ eyes. âWhat can I offer you for that not to happen?â His words slice through the silence, quiet but teetering on the edge of barely restrained frustration.
Smoothing your hands along the front of the borrowed top youâre wearing, you stand from your place on the cushion and face Yoons fully. âI want you to give me your true name.â
âAbsolutely fucking not!â JK roars immediately.
âLet us be reasonable here,â Namjoon tries, knuckles turning white as he clutches the wood in his hands.
Mini hisses, baring his teeth at you in challenge. âHow dare you! I willââ
âYoongi. Yoongi of House Min, Crowned Prince of the Unseelie Court, Protector of The Moon, and Guardian to The Stars.â A sense of power settles next to that knot in your chest. You werenât sure if the stories about the power of given names were true, but it was worth asking; youâre glad you did. Holding leverage over this fae gives you a sense of peace, despite the circumstances.
You nod, satisfied and finally feeling in control for the first time since coming through the gateway. âOkay, Yoongi, what do I need to do?â
âWe begin with the binding of our fates,â he says, glancing at Mini, who has a guarded expression on his face. âAs the moon gives way to the sun, and the lines between the planes of magick blur, allowing them to embrace and kiss like lost lovers, we will exchange vows bound beneath a knot of eternity.â
âUnder the oak?â Mini asks quietly.
Yoongi nods. âIt is the closest that we have. JK, if you will?â He holds out a hand to his guard. You watch as JK slowly reaches up and undoes the silver necklace with the crescent pendant from around his neck.
âMay I witness?â JK questions, his eyes wide and rounded with curiosity and wonder. Youâre not sure if itâs a trick of the flickering light or not, but youâre almost sure you see the glossiness of unshed tears in their depths as well.
âI would not have it any other way, my friend,â Yoongi answers in kind, taking the silver necklace from JK with one hand and clapping him gently on the shoulder with the other. âJoon, you are welcome to bear witness as well.â
Joon hums thoughtfully, setting aside his wood project and tools on the floor. âIt would be the greatest honor to stand in observance.â
âWhat exactly is going to happen?â you ask. You clench your fists at your side, fighting off the sudden wave of nerves barreling through you. You might have power over this fae, but youâre essentially about to marry him, and that feels far more daunting now that itâs about to happen.
Yoongi steps forward and takes one of your hands, gently uncurling your fingers and soothing them with his own. âThere is an incantation, ancient words that bind souls together. We will clasp each other's arms like this,â he explains, sliding his fingers along your wrist and forearm before firmly grasping it so his wrist presses against the inside of yours. âWe will wrap the silver chain of JKâs necklace around our wrists to keep the pulse points connected as we are bound, my magick to you and you to my magick. This opens the doorway to access the well of my magick. The act ofâŚgiving ourselves to one anotherâremoving all barriersâwill allow you to step through that doorway, anchoring my connection to my inner well through your access.â
âIt sounds so mysterious and, letâs be honest, crazy.â You shake your head, silently pleading for some sort of sign that this is the right thing to do and that youâre not blindly putting your faith in a group of deranged strangers. The breath in your lungs wheezes out, and with the next inhale, you catch the faint cedar and clover scent of the borrowed clothes youâre wearing. It has a calming effect, one you latch onto and allow yourself to cling to. Everything happens for a reason. Thatâs something you have always believed. Perhaps the thing youâve been chasing, that something that drove you to fly across the world on a whim, is this. Why else would all of this have happened? âSo crazy that it has to be true, right? Fuck. Please donât let me regret this,â you mutter to yourself.
Mini gestures impatiently toward the door. âCome on, before I have sense enough to change my mind.â
Yoongi guides you out the door and around the side of the tiny home. This is your first time getting a good look at the area. Joonâs cottage sits in a grassy clearing, a massive towering oak in the center, like everything else was built around it. The outer wall of the house sits just under the lowest branches, the fat leaves lightly brushing the lip of the roof. A small picket fence surrounds an expansive, full and lush garden with greenery and crops.
Mini, JK, and Joon follow you and Yoongi around the oak's far side. A large stone wall with a circular opening spanning through the center is hidden on the other side of the garden. Through the space, you can see a pathway into Joonâs garden, lined with blossoming white and purple flowers. âA moon gate,â you whisper in awe.
Yoongi raises an eyebrow at you in surprise. âYou know moon gates?â
âWell, yes, Iâve seen them dating as far back as the 17th century in China, though they are also popular in Bermuda. Theyâre often associated with wealth or good omens,â you rattle off the generic information you know about them. âThough, my grandpa always had a theory that, like structures such as Stonehenge and the Carnac Stones, the moon gatesâgiven the proper implementsâcould be used as ceremonial gateways to and from other planes or as conduits of power.â
All three of them give you mild looks of astonishment. âYou must tell me more about your grandfather once all of this is over,â Yoongi requests, much to your own surprise. âHe sounds like an extraordinarily intuitive man.â
âHe was, yes.â And with that, you decide youâre no longer acting on your sole behalf but on his, too. You know he would tell you this is the right thing to do. He would be proud of your sacrifice and commitment to helping Yoongi. âI think I would like that very much.â
A distinct pink hue begins to infiltrate the horizon, just over the treeline surrounding the clearing. âThe sun is rising,â Joon comments lightly.
Standing together in the opening of the moon gate, Mini and JK work to secure the silver crescent moon necklace around your and Yoongiâs wrists. There is a fervent way to how they work, methodical with nimble and sure fingers. âYou said before that we would exchange vows under the knot of eternity?â you say it more as a question than a statement, your curiosity getting the better of you.
Surprisingly, itâs Mini who answers. âMoon gates are an infinite symbol. They have no ending or beginning. They represent eternal continuity. The masonry of the moon gate is a form of stone knotting, precise cuts and measurements that allow the stone to secure together like a knot. It is integral to how the stone retains its perfectly rounded opening, thus a knot of eternity.â
âBeautiful,â you whisper under your breath, having a newfound interest in the symbols and nature of things here that are considered relatively mundane in your own world.
Yoongiâs hand is cool against the heat of your skin. The tips of his fingers graze lightly along the underside of your forearm, sending a slight flush of goosebumps up your arm. Those green and gold eyes meet yours, holding all his worries and relief, reservations and hope within them. Heâs such a complex creature, you realize, full of facets and depths deeper than you can imagine. Heâs a drowned soul, just someone looking for a way back to the surface . Fate may be a cruel master, but it seems also to have a poor sense of humor.
As the sun replaces the moon, darkness melding into light, Mini speaks words that you do not understand, but you know for sure that they are beautiful. The poetic words chanted over your union are rhythmic, flowing in a way that tugs at your heart. Joon and JK stand on either side of the moon gate, watching in silence as Mini recites the words of the bonding incantation. Finally, his words trail off, and he looks to Yoongi, giving him a slight nod.
Yoongi takes a slow breath, his eyes dropping to where your hand is clasped to his forearm. âAs the moon gives way to the rising sun, so too will I give way to you as my mate. I open my heart to you so you may gaze upon my stars and find warmth within my soul. You are now the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my spirit till my life shall be done.â
With his words, you feel an effervescent tingle beneath your skin from your fingertips all the way down to your toes. Youâre not sure what to say or if you need to say anything at all, but you feel like you should.
âIâuhâŚâ
âJust speak from your heart,â Mini encourages, sounding genuinely friendly toward you for the first time.
You look at him, realizing just how hard this must be. Wetness is gathered along his lashes, and his hands are fisting into the sides of his linen pants. He looks at Yoongi like he created the universe, and you suppose that maybe Yoongi did create oneâthe universe he shares with Mini.Â
The words come easy now, flowing like you knew what to say all along. âThe moon spends its entire life reflecting the light of the sun so that others may see, even in the dark. I offer myself to you not as the sun but as the ocean, so that you may look upon me and see the reflection of yourself with every cresting wave, to see yourself as others see you and know your full potential. You are now the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my spirit till my life shall be done.âÂ
There is a small glimmer of playfulness that you can see in the awe on Yoongiâs face. His hand is no longer cold against your flesh. The buzzing beneath your skin has begun to increase to a staccato pulse, centered in the middle of your chest. The smell of fresh cedar and mulled spice reaches you suddenly, making you realize it is, in fact, Yoongi that smells like that. The subtle scent of jasmine and chamomile mix with it as Mini moves to begin unwinding the silver necklace from around your and Yoongiâs wrists.
âThank you, Mini, for this gift you have given me.â
Mini gives Yoongi a sad smile. âI am sorry for the way I acted before. I know I have been selfish and a fool, but I will never stop loving you.â His eyes drift to yours. âI thank you for everything you do for Yoongi and our people. Your act of selflessness and kindness will be forever marked in our history.â He finishes removing the small silver chain, allowing you and Yoongi to release each other.
The sun is starting to peak above the treeline, flooding the garden with soft light that catches in the silvery strands of Yoongiâs hair and makes his eyes glitter. Yoongiâs hand slides down your arm until his fingers meet yours. It feels like heâs beneath your skin, the touch heightened in a way youâve never experienced before.
âWe will remain out here for the day, I think,â Joon comments. âIt is sure to be a pleasantly beautiful one and perfect for a nap under the oak.â
âI should return to my patrol. I shall return here before nightfall to move forward with the plan.â Mini hesitates, looking uncertain as to what to do. Finally, he briefly grips Yoongiâs free hand, giving it a squeeze before letting go and taking a step back. âUntil then.â
You watch as he crosses the clearing, his shoulders tight and his steps stiff. He glances back over his shoulder before disappearing beyond the treeline heading west, back toward the border of the Seelie Court.
âWhat plan is he talking about?â you ask, turning your attention to Yoongi. His hand still lingers on yours, his fingers lightly tapping against your palm in a calming rhythm.
Yoongi nods to Joon and JK, who have started to meander into the garden through the moon gate. âWe think it best to move as soon as possible. My powers are at their greatest when the moon is high, so once night falls again, and we are fully bondedâŚI should be powerful enough to enter back into the Unseelie Court and finally confront Chaddickâto kill him and his swamp hag, Borgia.â
âThat seems soâŚsoon, so sudden. Would it not be better to wait a few days to get used to your new level of power?â
The look Yoongi gives you makes you want to cry. There is so much anguish and hurt youâre certain you can feel the extension of it in your own chest. âI have waited for nearly ten years. I do not know the extent of what horrors have befallen my mother. Every day I do not return is one more day that that bastard gets to extort and pull the strings of my people.â His fingers drop from yours. âPlease try to understand.â
Yoongi turns and begins walking back to the front of the cottage. You mean to follow him and apologize, but Joon calls out to you from the garden. âJust a moment, please.â
You chew your bottom lip, watching Yoongi disappear around the corner before turning and finding Joon standing just on the other side of the opening of the moon gate. âWhatâs up?â you try not to sound too irritated, but youâre not sure it works.
Joon rubs the back of his neck, eyes locked onto the ground at your feet. âI was not sure when would be a good time, but I wanted to give you this before you went back in.â He looks up, extending his hand toward you. In his open palm rests a single white flower, the petals wide and curling haphazardly. âIt is called Silver Ward. We use it to control the moon cycle of a female. I believe from what JK has told me of your worldâŚyou would call this birth control.â
That has warmth settling into your cheeks. âOh. Thank you, I think.â You take the flower, pinching it between your thumb and forefinger. âWhat, um, what exactly do I do with it?â The bud left a chalky residue on Joonâs palm, and you can feel the powdery texture between your fingers.
âYou need just one petal. Let it dissolve under your tongue. I am told it tastes like sweet cream. It offers protection for up to one moon cycle. I grow it here in the garden if you have need of more,â he says the last part hurriedly, giving you a shy smile before gesturing back through the moon gate. âIf you need anything, we will beâŚhere.â
âRight. Okay. Thank you,â you offer, blowing out your cheeks and eyeing the small white flower again. You turn to go, but Joon clears his throat, making you look back.
âI know this is unconventional, and you and Yoongi are practical strangers, but go easy on him. These are new waters for him to navigate. He will most likely make a fool of himself at least once.â And with that, Joon disappears back into the garden. You stand there easily more confused than you were before. Youâre not sure what exactly Joon means concerning Yoongi, but there is only one way to find out.
The sun has risen above the trees by now, but the interior of Joonâs cottage is dark, the curtains over the windows drawn. A small fire burns in the hearth, illuminating enough to see the flower now nestled in your palm. You pluck off a single petal, the chalky coating feels silky against your fingers. You set the flower on the dining table and bring the petal up to your lips. It tastes like marshmallow fluff and disintegrates quickly under your tongue.
There are a myriad of new smells inside the small space, but the most prominent is a mixture of pine and orange blossom. With each breath you take, youâre sure you can distinguish the different smells on a deeper level than before, almost like youâre experiencing them with more than just your sense of smell. Already you feel so different, and youâre not even fully bonded to Yoongi. Before you can let yourself dwell too much on the changes and the unknown thatâs to come, you take a deep breath and approach the door to the bedroom.
âHere goes nothing, I guess,â you mumble to yourself. The door to the bedroom is pushed nearly closed, leaving just a line of soft firelight revealed from within. You stand at the threshold, listening for a moment.
âYou need this. You better not mess this up. We know the basics. It is not so dissimilar toââ The floor under your feet creaks as you try to inch closer to hear him more clearly, cutting off his personal pep talk.
Knowing youâve been caught, you ease open the door and step inside. âSorry, I was justâwhoa! Oh god!â You throw up your hands, slapping them over your eyes. âWhat are you doing?!â The image of Yoongi standing in front of the fireplace stark naked might as well be burned into your retinas. You can still see it just as vividly, even with your eyes now squeezed closed.
Yoongi makes a distressed noise, fumbling over his words in confusion. âI thoughtâis this notâumm, would you like me to cover up?â You can hear the rustle of fabric and his light footsteps as they draw near. âI am sorry.â Heâs so close that his words, laced with his distinct clove and cedar scent, ghost over the backs of your hands where theyâre still covering your face.
The stories got it all wrong, youâre sure. Fae donât charm people with their glamors; surely all they do is remove their clothing, and the person is entranced. You canât get the slow curve of where his spine meets his ass out of your head; the way his shoulders appear wider without a shirt, or how his waist tapers in to accentuate the angles of his hip bones. You only caught a brief glimpse as he turned from facing the fire to looking in your direction, but it was enough to fully flesh out all the intimate details.
Youâre not a prude by any means. You actually consider yourself very sex-positive and forward-thinking. However, you suddenly feel like you belong in a nunnery, which is absurd. Shaking away the residual thoughts of habits and virtue, you lower your hands and open your eyes.
Yoongi is standing right before you, his black brows pinched in concern. The purple and green checkered quilt tucked under his arms seems comical now, considering you already know what itâs hiding. âYou donât have to do that,â you wave a hand toward the quilt. âI just wasnât expecting to walk in and see youâumm, like that, is all.â
âI was nervous,â Yoongi admits shyly. âI thought if I went ahead and removed some barriers, it would make it easier.â
That makes you laugh and lightens the mood instantly. âWell, I guess that makes us even, at least. Weâve each seen the other naked without expecting it.â
âSo it would seem,â Yoongi muses playfully.
You clear your throat, trying to think of something thoughtful to say that doesnât involve asking him to drop the blanket so you can get another look. âWhy are you nervous?â
He studies you briefly before opening his mouth but doesnât answer your question. âJK chose correctly,â he says instead, a slight smile on his face as his eyes flicker between your lips and your eyes. âBeautiful is the perfect name for youâŚyou are absolutely exquisite. I hate that I am just now getting a true look at you up close.â
âOh.â Heat creeps into your cheeks, your bottom lip catching between your teeth. âThanks, I think. Umm, should we?â You nod toward the bed, gesturing awkwardly between the two of you.
Yoongi glances at the bed and then back at you. âWould it be okay if I kiss you first? Just to get over some of my nerves.â
All you can do is nod, caught as you are swimming in the serenity you find in Yoongiâs eyes. His lips are light against yours at first, just a soft brush. The flavor of clove and spice bursts on your tongue as you inhale, tasting his harried exhale as he presses his lips more firmly to yours.
Your fingers find themselves fisting into the blanket covering Yoongiâs chest as you try to draw him closer. His taste is intoxicating, spicy, and exotic. The first brush of his tongue against yours has your knees going weak. He brings his arms around you, effortlessly supporting you as you take over the kiss.
Itâs like a switch has been flipped. You feel consumed with desire and the need to mark this fae as yours. That intense pulse inside your chest is compounding, intensifying into a roaring storm. Yoongi lets out a soft moan that spurs you on, your fingers loosening the blanket and letting it drop to the floor between you. âWhat am I doing?â you pant, mildly appalled by your own brazen behavior. âItâs like I canât stop.â
âMy m-magickâah, it is calling to you,â Yoongi moans as your lips break away from his to move along his jaw. You nip and lick down his neck and press open-mouthed kisses along his collarbone.
Yoongi staggers back a step, breaking free of your hold, gasping and clutching at the center of his chest. âSeven Hells! It is like you are beneath my skin,â he speaks the words you thought to yourself earlier.
âI know,â you moan breathily. With the step heâs taken back, youâre now free to see what you only got a glimpse of before. Itâs just as pleasing, maybe even more so, considering the very impressive erection that heâs now sporting. His cock is blushed pink at the head, a glistening bead of moisture pooling along his tip. âI need to feel more of that. Whatever that is,â you fist a hand over your own chest, âwhatever this is.â
Licking your lips, you can feel how aroused you are. The pulsing between your thighs is accentuated when you step toward Yoongi. He backs up, and you continue forward, smirking at the shy alarm on his face. âI-I am not sure what to do.â
âWhat do you mean?â you ask, chuckling softly. âYou have done this before, right?â
Yoongi flinches when the backs of his knees bump into the foot of the bed. âWell, Iâuh, sort of.â
âMini?â His name leaves your mouth as a breathy question.
âThat is different. It isâŚnot like this,â he admits, eyes wide as you press your body to his. âIf you had a cock I might know what to do with it.â
You bite your bottom lip to keep from laughing out loud. âTake my clothes off.â
Yoongi gives you a sharp look, raising an eyebrow like he expects you to be playing with him. He settles against the end of the mattress, his weight dips the downy material, putting him now at eye level with you. âYour clothes?â he smirks. âI was annoyed, at first, when I saw you wearing these. Apparently, Joon thought it would be funny to have you parading around in my clothes, marking them with your scent.â
The linen fabric of the top shreds easily under his hands, his fingers sliding between two buttons and pulling until they all pop, scattering across the room. You canât help but moan. Your chest heaves as you try to regain some composure, sucking in stilted breaths laced with cedar and clove. âDo you need me to give you a step-by-step guide to a womanâs body?â you go for a bit of snark to try and tip the power balance back in your favor.
All evidence of Yoongiâs previous shy awkwardness has vanished. âI think I can figure it out,â he whispers before leaning forward and pressing an opening-mouthed kiss to the fabric covering your left nipple. Your bra is lacey, quickly becoming sheer as Yoongi laves his tongue over it.
You shudder under his mouth, tentatively resting your hands on his shoulders. âTake it off,â you urge.
Yoongi leans back, strings of saliva connecting his parted lips to your breast. âYou taste like solstice rain and moonlight. I do not know how else to describe it.â His fingers make quick work of the remnants of the tattered top. He fumbles with the clasp of your bra, but before you can move to help him, he simply snaps the strapâthe sound of fabric rending tears through the air with your own gasp of barely restrained surprise.
âI needed that,â you whine, trying to step back and away from Yoongi before he ruins any more clothing.
âNo.â He bares his teeth, glaring up at you through a lust-filled haze. âIt is unfair to keep yourself so restricted.â
You roll your eyes and giggle softly as Yoongi grabs at you and brings you back in close. âWhatâs unfair is how long itâs taking you to undress me.â Shrugging your shoulders, you let the straps of your bra fall down your arms and discard it on the floor.
âI will take my time, and you will be patient,â he murmurs, eyes locked on your now exposed chest. âYou are making me ache in ways I never knew possible, like a hunger that can not be sated.â
He slides his hands up your stomach, letting his fingers spread across your ribs and thumbing over your pert nipples, kneading the rounded flesh of your breasts. âDoes it always feel like this? Yâknow, with a fae?â you question with a gasp.
âThis is the first time I have experienced something like this,â he admits, a dopey smile tugging at his lips to expose his pointed canines. âI feel drunk whenever I touch you like I am high on moon wine and blue caps.â
His breath is warm against your skin as he dips forward and latches onto one nipple and then the other. âI might cum if you keep doing that,â you moan as he does it again, spreading his attention between them equally. âItâs like youâre sucking right on my clit.â
âI do not know what this clit is, but I would like to find out,â his words are muffled against your skin, reverberating through your chest and right down to your aching core.
You find your hands fisting into his silver hair, encouraging him to continue exploring your chest with his tongue and teeth. âLet me show you,â you plead. Relenting, curious to continue learning your body, he pulls away and pants against your sternum. âThe pants.â He drops his hands down to the fastening on your borrowed pants and methodically unties the knot, letting them fall lax around your hips. Earlier, after your bath, you put your bra back on but decided to forgo your panties, thinking a slightly damp shirt was better than wet pants.
Yoongiâs eyes follow the pants as they slip down your thighs, and his breath hitches as they hit the floor, allowing your sweet and intoxicating scent to permeate the air of the room thoroughly. âYou smell so sweet. Show me.âÂ
âHere,â you breathe, bracing your hands on his shoulders and slowly bringing one of your legs up, perching your foot on the bed beside his hip, opening yourself to him. Your half-mast eyes meet his as he stares up at you. The gold and green of his eyes are nearly consumed whole by the black of his blown pupils.Â
âFuck,â he groans, squeezing his eyes shut and grinding his teeth. âIt is almost too much,â he grits, bringing one of his hands down to fist around his weeping cock. He hisses in a sharp breath, stroking slowly up and down before finally opening his eyes and letting them drift down to where you are exposed to him.
Slowly reaching down, you grab his other hand and bring it up between your thighs. You guide his fingers, probing them along your lower lips until they brush over your clit. âThis is it. Itâs very sensitive,â you suck in a breath as he swirls his fingers in a circle.
âInteresting,â he muses. âI wonder what would happen ifâŚâ his words trail off as he catches one of your nipples between his teeth and lightly pinches your clit between his thumb and forefinger.
You jerk against him, crying out from the mix of pleasure and pain. âYoongi!â When his name leaves your lips, you feel his body go rigid, and a strangled sound emanates from his throat.
That tether inside your chest pulls taut, and youâre pretty sure you can feel him even more now. Not only does it feel like heâs beneath your skin, it feels like heâs invaded every molecule of your being. His breath is your breath, his heartbeat thumps to the same rhythm as yours, and the arousal pumping through his body echoes through you with a shiver down your spine.
His lips come off your nipple with an audibly wet pop, the sensation making you both moan wantonly. âWhere do I put my cock, Beautiful? I need to mate with you before I lose my mind.â
âFuck me,â you correct. âYou need to fuck me before you lose your mind. Mating sounds so clinical, fucking is far more sexy, dirtyâŚnaughty.â You push on his shoulder, forcing him to lay back. âSay it.â
���I need to fuck you before I lose my mind,â he emphasizes, voice going husky, letting the words curl his lips up in a smirk. His dark eyes track your movements as you follow him onto the bed, moving slowly on your knees as he shifts toward the pillows.
Stopping with your knees to either side of his hips, you settle your ass against the tops of his thighs. The glistening head of his cock smears drips of precum against his stomach as it twitches under your gaze. If you werenât already so strung out, youâd take him into your mouth and draw more of those guttural moans from him. As it is, the ache between your thighs is like nothing youâve ever felt before. Yoongi isnât the only one on the brink of losing their mind. Youâve never wanted something so much in your life.
âI want you to feel,â you encourage, taking up both of his hands. You guide one between your thighs, purposefully dragging both of your hands over his swollen cock. His bottom lip is puffy and red from the gnashing heâs giving it. Sticky strands of arousal drip onto your fingers as you press his to your clit again. âSpread your fingers,â you guide his hand further, nudging his fingers to either side of your pussy.
âYou are so warm and wet. Is that normal?â
You hum in amusement. âWarm? Generally. Wet? Only if youâre doing it right.â Yoongi makes a satisfactory noise, his eyes taking on a smug softness as he gazes up at you. âJust wait until you feel how warm and wet it is around your cock.â That makes him lick his lips, his gaze sliding down your body until it rests on his fingers, now gently probing around your opening.
His thick erection pulses in your hand when you wrap your fingers around it. They donât reach all the way around. You give him an appreciative squeeze that has his teeth sinking into his bottom lip again and his hips flexing under you.
You press his other hand against one of your breasts, encouraging him to knead and thumb over your nipple. âYou are so soft everywhere. Delicate and sweet. It makes me want to mark you and dirty you up.â
That makes you shudder and whine, his words tugging at that place in the center of your chest. Not being able to hold back any longer, you shift up onto your knees and angle his cock up. With a slow and smooth roll of your hips, you work the head of his cock through your wetness. You can feel his fingers move, rubbing along the crown of his head, smearing your arousal around.
âFuck. Me,â he growls. If words alone could elicit an orgasm from you, youâre pretty sure it would be those exact ones, spoken in that very tone, coming from this specific male.
Your lips part with a gasp, your walls fluttering in anticipation. A smirk kicks up the corner of your mouth as you give him precisely what he wants. Itâs an empowering experience, watching the emotions and feelings morph across his face. The way his lips slowly part until you can see the pink of his tongue resting over his teeth, the hitch in his breath with each additional inch you take; perhaps most potent of all is the heat and all-consuming desire you see bloom in his eyes as he bottoms out inside of you.
There is a moment of suspended time when you can feel your body accepting his, the stretch is delicious in all the right ways. The universe shifts around you, clicking into place so he truly becomes the moon reflected on your oceanârealistically and metaphysically. You know this is the bond expanding and settling into place, the door opening for you to cement that connection to Yoongiâs magick.
Yoongi smoothes his hand across your breast until itâs pressed right over your heart. His other gently slides out from around where heâs stretching you, fingers splaying against your lower stomach and thumb settling against your clit. âI can feel everything, my hands on your skin, the pressure of my cock inside you, the way my magick is ardently beckoning to you. Reach for it,â he urges, flexing his hips again to grind himself inside you.
âWhat does it feel like?â the words become a moan as you lift up and then drop back down, rocking your hips as you do.
The full-body shudder that goes through him reverberates into you, raising the hairs on the back of your neck and making goosebumps cascade down your arms. âEcstasy,â he moans, mouth hanging open and eyes fluttering shut. His back arches, and you find yourself mesmerized by the incandescence of his skin in the firelight.
You dip down, flicking at one of his nipples with your tongue before sucking a blushing mark beside it. The sound of your body meeting his repeatedly is obscene, the scent of arousal and sweat heavy in the air. With each rise and fall of your body, you accept him deeper until there is no discernible difference, no ending or beginning. You just exist together in the same space.
His magick is like a cool sip of water on a hot summer day, cooling and soothing your throat that you didnât even know was so parched. It is the finest ambrosia, sweet silk on your tongue. Pinpricks of light break through the shadowy haze of your arousal, keying you into the well inside Yoongi. His eyes snap open, finding yours; glittering stars and fiery planets flit through nebulas of swirling galaxies in their depths, constantly changing with every beat of his heart.
The closer you draw to orgasm, the closer you feel to fully immersing yourself in that pool of starlight and cosmic energy. Just as the moon is forever connected to the tide, this will tether you to him for the rest of your existence. The fear of that, which was palpable before, is now nonexistent. You find comfort in letting your walls down and welcoming Yoongi in.
âIâm going to cum,â you whine, moving faster against him. His thumb adds just the right amount of pressure to your clit with each roll of your hips.
âMake me yours,â Yoongi pleads.
His words are the beginning, the tipping of the scales into the endless abyss that is his magick. You cry out, your body surrendering to the pleasure that he provides. The orgasm begins at a violent peak, sucking all the air from your lungs and pulling your muscles so tight they feel like they will snap. The plummet down the other side is exhilarating in high contrast to the tempest, turning from a raging storm into a comforting spring rain. You pulse around him, claiming and marking him as yours, demanding he gives in, too.
You can see the moment he lets go and feel the muscles in his thighs bulge with strain. Warmth floods you with each jet of his cum, punctuated with sharp grunts through his bared teeth. Magick floods the room, encapsulating you and Yoongi in a fog of power so potent you can feel it caressing your skin, thin tendrils of smoke curling around your limbs and weaving through the strands of your hair.
âYoongi,â you whisper his name, completely in awe at what youâre experiencing.
âMine,â he murmurs in response, looking up at you with complete and utter devotionâsurrenderâin his lichen and ochre eyes. He raises his hands, cupping your face and gently pulling you down. His lips meet yours in a soft kiss, lingering a moment before deepening.
Pulling back, you break the kiss with a breathy sigh of contentment. âMine.â The fact that less than twenty-four hours ago, he was nothing more than your captor no longer matters. He is yours as much as you are his. You know you are where youâre meant to be, doing what youâre meant to do. It was always written in the starsâhow could it not be?
Easing one of your legs up, you brace yourself and, with his hands on your hips for assistance, pull off him in a gush of sticky warmth. The scent of clove and maple syrup invades the air in a thick wave. It makes your mouth water, and you canât help but look down at the mess pooling around his half-hard cock and smeared over your inner thighs with a bit of hunger in your eyes.
âHere,â he says, amusement coloring his husky voice. He swirls a long, slender finger through the sticky mess and brings it to your lips. âTaste.â
Your lips part automatically, your tongue poking out slightly in anticipation. His finger presses down on your tongue, firmly depositing the mix of cum. You greedily suck at his finger, moaning at the taste of warm spices and sweet syrup that burst on your tongue.
Itâs now on the tip of your tongue to request to suck his cock, but the flicker of seriousness you see on his face stops that line of thought. You shift, slumping onto the bed beside him, never letting your eyes leave his. The finger he had in your mouth goes into his, and he makes a pleased sound deep in his chest, but his face remains alarmingly impassive. You wonder if you concentrate hard enough whether or not the bond will allow you to hear his thoughts. You can feel him trying to tamp down his feelings as it is. The only thing you have clear and unfettered access to is the seemingly endless well of magick he now has.
âI guess we should go then?â you say after a stretch of silence.
He gives you a sharp look, brows pinched. After a moment, they smooth out, and his face softens. âI can feel your uncertainty. No, my beautiful mate, we do not need to go yet. I do not mean to appear soâŚdistant. I am just trying to understand these new feelings,â he trails off in a whisper, dropping one of his hands onto his chest above his heart. The tips of his fingers prod at his skin like he could dig beneath it and find the answers.
âItâs kind of weird, huh?â You rub at your own chest, marveling at the echoed sensation of Yoongi still gently prodding at his own.
A soft huff of laughter escapes him as he rolls over to face you. It surprises you that his cock is fully hard again, resting against your thigh. âI would not call it weird. I would call it extraordinary.â
That makes you feel fuzzy, cottony-sweet in all the right ways. âTell me about the plan,â you hesitate to ask, but canât help yourself now. Your fingers brush lightly along his hip as you adjust beside him, absently moving closer.
Yoongi reaches up, brushing hair from your face. His eyes flick over your features, lingering on your lips several times. âWe will leave as soon as the moon appears in the sky. It is roughly a two day journey if we move cautiously. We aim to reach an old turret house on the castle's south side. The last time JK did reconnaissance in the area, he found it abandoned. There is a tunnel through the gatehouse there that leads into the dungeons. It was filled with stones and rubble many years ago, but JK has slowly been excavating it over the last handful of years. It should not take long to break through the remainder and make it inside the castle. The restâŚâ he trails off, shrugging slightly.
âWhat about Borgia? The guards?â You lick your lips, trying to stay focused on getting some more clarity on his plan. The heat of Yoongiâs body calls to you. You slip your hand onto his side, trailing your fingers over the smooth curve of his hip bone.
âWe can talk about those things later,â he dismisses. âI would much rather focus on something else.â He nips lightly at your bottom lip, trying to coax you away from the conversation. âWaitâyou canât really expect just to waltz in there and be welcomed with open arms. You said you were framed for murder. That leads me to believe that everyone believes it. Otherwise, theyâd not be following this Chaddick douche in the first place. So, how are youââ Yoongi cuts off your tirade with a searing kiss, pressing his tongue into your mouth as you try to protest weakly. âWhat are you doing? I was just wondering about thââ
He shifts beside you, rolling so his body fits over yours, his hips pushing your thighs wide. âNo,â he says, a light snarl sharpening the word. âNone of thatânot now. It seems I may have not fucked you thoroughly enough, if you still have a mind to wonder.â There is a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he smirks before adjusting his hips and sliding back into your wet heat with a groan. You gasp, clawing at his back as all thoughts of the holes in his plan are replaced with heady moans and delicious orgasms.
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Jimin
It was hard to walk away, leaving Yoongi standing there beside such a devastatingly beautiful creature. The thought makes his lips curl in agitation. Itâs not that he hates you. Itâs just that heâs jealous of you. So, painfully jealous.
Now that heâs on his way back to Namjoonâs, the sun having set a few hours ago, Jimin feels like he has a clearer head than before. He spent the entire day barking orders at his squadrons, pushing them to train harder than usual. Something he might come to regret in the following days, but heâs resolved to deal with that when and if it comes up. Right now, he focuses on what lies ahead and the journey Yoongi is about to embark on.
To most individuals traversing the Hollow Lands, Namjoonâs clearing looks like a standard meadow with a large oak in the center. Jimin feels a repulsion as he approaches it, something he has to consciously fight against as he comes up to the invisible barrier. Itâs how Yoongi has gone the last ten years undetected. Not only does Namjoonâs magickal ward hide the power signatures of another Fey, it also acts as a deterrent, forcing those that donât know it exists to walk entirely around it without even knowing.
After Yoongi escaped the Unseelie Court, the Hollow Lands were crawling with Unseelie and Seelie guards alike for several months. All in search of the rogue prince. Jimin lamented the entire time, knowing where Yoongi was but wondering whether or not Namjoon could hold the ward. Little did Jimin realize, Namjoon could hold it for far, far longer than any of them thought possible. Though, Jimin is hyper-aware of how much Namjoonâs magick is flagging. Heâs glad the ward and strain on his magick wonât be needed much longer.
The large, seeded oak, swathed in shafts of moonlight, comes into view, and Jimin slows his pace, taking as much time as he can to control his breathing and temper. He doesnât want to snap and snarl at you like a rabid hound constantly, it just happens, and the guilt of it is gnawing at him.
Plastering on a neutral expression, he pushes through the invisible boundary and enters the clearing. The first thing he sees is you and Yoongi, standing on Namjoonâs porch, haloed by the soft glowing lights, with your lips pressed together in a languid kiss. His nose is tickled by your sickly sweet syrupy scent, mixing with his loversâ. A growl forms in his chest, but he swallows it before it can come out.
Jimin clears his throat as he crosses the yard, startling you and Yoongi. Yoongi flinches away from you, putting several inches between your bodies. That familiar guilt rolls in as Jimin watches your expression drop as if Yoongiâs knee-jerk reaction hurts you. Jimin subtly shakes his chin, dismisses it, and looks to Yoongi. âThe moon will be at its zenith soon. Have you prepared?â
Namjoon and Jungkook appear from around the side of the house, carrying baskets full of harvested crops. âWe began preparing as soon as the sun went down. Weâve been waiting for you,â Jungkook states cooly. He eyes Jimin, daring him to offer up some pitiful excuse for why he is arriving so late.
âI was under the impression we were not going to leave until the moon was at its highest point, giving Yoongi the most access to his magick,â Jimin replies, sounding only mildly annoyed.
âThere will not be a we, Mini. You are not going.â
Jimin jerks around to gawk at Yoongi. âExcuse me?â
Yoongi subconsciously brushes his hand against yours as he steps closer to skirt around you and descend the porch stairs. âWe have been talking about it andââ
âWe? I thought there was no âweâ?â Jimin interrupts, his annoyance flaring again.
Taking a deep breath, Yoongi gestures back to you, âWeâBeautiful and Iâwe, have been talking through the plan and agree that it would be best for you to remain behind just in case something happens. I do not want the wrong people to discover that you have been privy to my whereabouts this entire time.â
Jimin knows that makes sense and is exceptionally logical, but it still burns him inside. âWhat does she know?â he sneers. âShe is barely Fey. What can she possibly offer in this situation other than her cunt!?â
âWatch what you say,â Yoongi warns in a voice like cold steel. âI have been nothing but patient with you, Mini. But I will not tolerate your tantrums much longer. Do not let my love for you blind you to all else. You will stay here, or you can go back to the Seelie Court, but you are not coming, and that is final.â
That burn intensifies, consuming Jimin in a conflagration of sorrow and anger. He chews his tongue until the metallic taste of blood bubbles in his mouth. All he can do is stare at Yoongi, wondering if theyâll be able to come back from this or if heâs lost him to the human forever. He finally drops his eyes, backing down from the argument. âSo be it,â he mumbles.
Namjoon and Jungkook amble up the steps, setting the food baskets by the door. âThe bags are almost ready,â Namjoon tells Yoongi. âI just have a few more items to add.â
âYou honor me,â Yoongi replies, affectionately clapping Namjoon on the shoulder. âIt will not be much longer, my friend.â
There is a haggardness around Namjoonâs eyes that Jimin hadnât noticed before. The strain on his magick has never been more apparent. It helps break him out of his internal battle, pushing aside his grievances to deal with later.
âIâm still not sure this is a good idea,â Jimin hears you telling Yoongi.
âEverything will be fine, Beautiful. You have nothing to worry about.â
Jimin watches you shake your head and your brow furrow as you take up one of Yoongiâs hands. âI donât like it. Thereâs still so much we donât know about this,â you gesture between yourself and Yoongi. âWhat if itâs too much and we canât navigate the flood properly? I donât want you to get hurt.â
âWhat are you talking about?â Jimin canât help himself. Heâs curious as to what youâre whining about. Curious about your bond in general, if heâs being honest with himself.
Your eyes slowly shift to Jimin, and he feels like a bug under a looking glass, being examined for flaws by you. âI want Yoongi to wait, a day at least, so he can experiment and get used to the new level of power he has now. I can feel it,â you absently pat your chest, making Jimin realize youâre wearing another of Yoongiâs shirts. He tries to shove down the envy that rears up, only barely managing to keep the sneer off his face. âItâs chaotic and unrulyâŚit scares me.â
Jimin scoffs. âOf course it scares you. You are not Fey. You are not used to the ways of magick. Have some faith in your mate. I know you have barely known him for a day, but I have known him most of my life. Take it from someone who truly loves him. If he says he will be fine, then he will be.â Heâs so intent on lashing at you that he misses the hurt he causes reflected in Yoongiâs eyes.
You frown at Jimin, chewing your bottom lip. âI doâŚum, have faith in him. Iâm justâŚitâs hard to explain.â
Yoongi turns his eyes on you, and at that moment, Jimin almost drops to his knees. But, instead, he remains on his feet, swaying slightly as he silently anguishes over the adoration he sees in the depths of Yoongiâs gaze, the passion that was once meant only for him but is now shining so brightly for you.
âWith you and JK with me, nothing can go wrong. We have two days of travel to work on control. We will be fine,â he assures, kissing your forehead softly.
âSheâs going with you?â The words are caustic, like acid burning up his throat.
Yoongi sighs. âYes. She and JK will accompany me. They will remain outside once we get to the castle while I confront Chaddick.â
âReady to go whenever you are, boss,â Jungkook calls, coming out of the house ladened with three rucksacks and a string of metal canteens. âBeautiful, you get the tiny bag,â he chuckles, handing you the smaller of the three bags.
Jimin notes the amusement in your eyes as you swat at Jungkook affectionately. It seems the two of you have made up in the time heâs been away. It makes Jimin curious about what else youâve managed to do. He glances at Namjoon, coming down the steps behind Jungkook.
âPacked enough food for the journey and then some.â Namjoon smiles, offering you a small loaf of something wrapped in a blue linen cloth. âBread for tonight.â
âI tried to convince him that a loaf of bread isnât really sensible for travel like this, but you know how he is,â Jungkook chides, playfully elbowing Namjoon in the ribs with a laugh.
âYou will not be complaining tonight when you eat half of it yourself,â Namjoon murmurs. It makes Jungkook laugh again, their light banter continuing. Jimin watches, trying to come to terms with the myriad of emotions heâs feeling.
Yoongi takes one of the packs from Jungkook, securing it on his back comfortably before helping you with yours. âJoon,â Yoongi turns to Namjoon, embracing him. âWithout you, we would have been lost long ago. It is time, my friend. Rest.â
Namjoon nods his head, eyes glistening with emotion. âIt has been my pleasure.â
The moment the ward disappears, Jimin can feel it. His own magick prickles with the loss of such a powerful expression. He had never paid much attention to just how quiet the barrier made the glade. A cacophony of sounds infiltrates the small space around the house, bugs and birds, and all other manner of creature noises.
The seeded oak in the center of the clearing rustles in the wind, the leaves perking up ever so slightly as the strain of the ward lifts off of Namjoonâs shoulders.
âTake care while we are gone. I will send word as soon as possible, if you do not hear something beforehand.â Yoongi shifts his attention from Namjoon to Jimin. âMini, it might be wise to check in with the Seelie Court sometime between now and three days from now to solidify your alibi just in case.â
Jimin crosses his arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes. âThis is absurd. I could just as easily wait outside the castle with JK. Besides, what if you need someone who can actually help if things go badly?â
âI already saidââ Yoongi begins but, to Jiminâs surprise, you step forward and cut him off.
There is no hostility in your eyes, which makes Jimin irritated all the more. He wishes you would yell and scream at him, shake a finger in his face or something to paint you in a negative lightâto validate his dislike for you. âMini,â the way you say his name so calmly makes him want to spit, âI know how much you care for Yoongi, but it wouldnât be doing him any favors if you somehow got caught or found out to be with him. He explained to me much of what you have both endured the last ten years, donât throw it away now.â
âYou talked to her about us?â Jimin doesnât bother to mask the hurt in his voice.
Shaking his head, not in denial but in exhaustion for this back and forth, Yoongi spreads his hands. âI do not know what you want from me. I am doing the best I can right now, Mini. PleaseâŚjust, try. Try to be understanding. You and I both know this makes sense.â
Jimin wants nothing more than to lash out, continue arguing his point until Yoongi relentsâleaving behind you and taking him instead. But, the way you look at Yoongi, almost like you pity him for having to put up with Jiminâs bullshit, has him swallowing down his next snide retort. The bridge between him and Yoongi is already hanging precariously by a fraying thread thatâs maple flavored and you-shaped. He canât afford to see it weaken further because of his own wounded pride.
âWe need to move now while the moon is high. The darkness will help conceal us, but we can also use the additional power to cloak with,â Jungkook states, breaking the awkward tension, offering a brief nod in farewell to Namjoon and Jimin.
Jungkook has already moved to the edge of the tree line, waiting patiently for Yoongi and you to follow. An awkward moment passes as Yoongi and Jimin stare at each other. You offer Jimin a tight smile before pushing onto your toes and whispering something into Yoongiâs ear. Jimin wishes he could read your mind or that youâd speak aloud instead of in hushed tones. You pat Yoongi on the shoulder, turn without another word, and join Jungkook, your back to the clearing.
Yoongi closes the distance between himself and Jimin, reaching up with both hands and cradling Jiminâs face as heâs done countless times before. Jiminâs eyes flutter closed, a sob catching deep in his chest. He refuses to cry right now. He wonât let you see his weakness and how much this is hurting him. His resolve almost flags when Yoongiâs lips press to his, that familiar taste of clove flooding his senses, bringing with it a hint of maple that is far more alluring than it has a right to be.
Itâs over far sooner than Jimin would like, but heâs too stunned to react. âYou do not give her enough credit, my love. She deserves more than your ire.â
Whatever response Jimin had died on his tongue as Yoongi stepped away, giving him a sad smile before turning. He doesnât look back as he joins you and Jungkook. Jimin stands there, staring until your group disappears in the gloom of the trees. Even then, he remains rooted to the spot, uncertain of what to do.
âJoin me?â Namjoon asks. Jimin shakes himself, turning toward Namjoon, who nods to the baskets of potatoes and peas sitting on his porch. âJust like old times.â
âOf course.â Jimin nods, willing away the sadness threatening to swallow him whole. âI will welcome a good distraction.â
Namjoon moves up to the porch and eases himself down to sit on the edge of it, long legs making his feet nearly touch the ground. He pats the porch beside him. Jimin pulls over a basket of peas and has a seat.
Picking up one of the green pods, he presses his thumb into the seam and pops it open, depositing the dozen or so peas into the empty basket Namjoon places between them.
âIs it really so bad?â Namjoon asks. He doesnât pose it as a snide question but as a genuinely concerned inquiry.
Jimin grabs another pod, methodically opening it and shelling the peas into the basket. âYou would think after all this time, I would have developed some sense of acceptance regarding this situation. Perhaps I even thought I might have, but it seems that would be incorrect.â
âShe is not that bad, you know.â Namjoon is efficient in his shelling, working through handfuls of pods simultaneously.
âI can see that, be assured. I justâSeven SunsâI am being an asshole. I do not mean to be. There is something I can not shake no matter how hard I try.â Jimin accidentally smashes a pea in frustration, flicking the ruined green mush into the yard. âI love him and fear that may not be enough now. I can not bring him the joys that she does. There is nothing more powerful than a mated bond.â
A silence that is surprisingly comfortable falls between them, Namjoon letting Jimin take the space he needs. Jimin knows he can speak plainly to his friend. After all, he has known Namjoon even longer than he has Yoongi. Namjoon used to reside within the Seelie Court, the son of a gardener on the very grounds where Jimin grew up. They were fast friends and crib mates when Namjoonâs mom would sometimes help the Seelie Queen tend to the younglings.
Namjoon is the reason Jimin did not neglect his duties as crown prince, and Jimin is the reason Namjoon now lives a life of solitude in the Hollow Lands. It was an accident, but no less Jiminâs fault for being careless. Namjoon had been helping him sneak out of the castle to meet with Yoongi secretly, helping foster the budding of their never-meant-to-be romance. They were caught one night. Jimin received guard duty as punishment. But Namjoon was turned out of the castle, not permitted to return.
Hours have passed and Jimin is so deep in his thoughts of life from before, that it takes Namjoon a few tries to get him to snap out of it. âJimin! Jimin! I thought I heardââ
âHuh, what?â Jimin blinks his eyes, throwing a glance at Namjoon. Namjoon is staring into the distance. The sun is just beginning to peek over the trees, the spaces beneath still heavily shadowed. Namjoon opens his mouth to respond, but a pained scream echoing from the trees cuts him off. âWhat was that?â
âThat sounds likeââ Another gut-wrenching scream rips through the air.
Theyâre both on their feet in seconds, leaping effortlessly off the porch, peas scattered and forgotten. âCan you get the ward back up?â Jimin asks, a feverish pitch to his words.
Namjoon licks his lips, perspiration already beginning to bead on his brow as he gathers the strength to attempt it. âI do not know, but I will try.â
âHere,â Jimin mindlessly snatches at the pendant around his neck, popping the links of the chain itâs attached to in the process. âUse this.â He drops the crescent moon necklace they used for the bonding ceremony in Namjoonâs palm. Implements used for bonding retain residual powers that can be used as amplifiers, like an echo of the magick the bond was created with. Jimin hopes itâs enough.
Namjoon closes his eyes and begins to mumble words under his breath. âIt will not be as big, just focused directly around the houseâŚbut it will have to do.â
Jimin steps forward after another scream peals through the air, closer now. His feet falter as two figures come into view, stumbling out of the gloomy covering of the trees. âSeven Suns!â Jimin curses, frozen in shock at the sight before him.
His feet finally move as if with a mind of their own. He lurches forward, arms catching the smaller, bloodied form before it hits the ground.
Your cheeks are marred with jarring splashes of raven-colored liquid. Unseelie Blood. The metallic tang burns Jiminâs nose as he hauls you against his chest. Pitiful whimpers bubble past your lips, your whole body trembling in his hold. A faltering, equally bloody Jungkook hits the grass beside him, barely within the new barrier Namjoon has erected.
âWhat the fuck happened?â Namjoon drops beside Jungkook, frantic hands patting at his friend, checking his vitals.
âSh!â Jungkook huffs, slapping a hand over Namjoonâs mouth. Despite being obviously injured, Jungkook pushes up into a sitting position, eyes locked on the treeline they just stumbled from.
The sounds of shouting pick up a moment later, and then a cluster of silhouettes move along about fifty yards in. Itâs hard to hear what theyâre talking about, but the few words Jimin catches have his hands tightening around you.
The new ward is up, but Jimin isnât sure how long Namjoon can hold it. If it were to drop before the guards move on, theyâd be far outnumbered. It would be an impossible battle. His eyes flick to Jungkook, taking a moment to assess his condition. There is already a dark wet patch on the grass beneath him. The entire right side of his body is drenched in black bloodâŚhard to tell if itâs his or someone else's.
Jimin grits his teeth, silently willing the guards to move on. They finally do, pushing further west. Youâre practically catatonic in Jiminâs arms, he realizes after finally looking back down at you. Your head is listing to the side, and your eyelids are drooping heavily. Pulling you away from his chest, he realizes bright crimson is coloring your front. He quickly traces the blood, finding the sourceâa fingers-width-sized knife wound in your right side. He canât tell how deep it is, but probing with his magick tells him itâs not immediately life-threatening.
âBeautiful,â Jungkook croaks, trying but failing to shift over to you. âIs she okay?â
That is the furthest thing from Jiminâs mind right now. There is only one thing he can focus on. Even though he fears the answer, Jimin forces the words past his lips, âWhere is he? Where is Yoongi?â
Jungkook lets out a despairing sob, collapsing back into the grass. Namjoon begins to assess for wounds, tearing away Jungkookâs clothing methodically.
You pitifully grab at the front of Jiminâs shirt, your eyes locking onto his turquoise ones with a fleeting moment of clarity. âT-th-they took him.âÂ
Itâs like a dagger to Jiminâs heart.
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#bts fanfic#yoongi x reader#jungkook x reader#namjoon x reader#jimin x reader#yoongi smut#jimin angst#bts fantasy au#bts fanfiction#yoonig fanfic#jungkook fanfic#namjoon fanfic#jimin fanfic#bts smut#bts angst#bts magic au#bts fae au#bangtanwhq
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Fae Jimin AU Headcanons
Fae!Jimin x Reader
Summary: Catching you before you fall away, he decides that you could help him with his work as an overviewer of the Sidh, helping make sure that the balance between worlds stays even, falling for your humanity as he tries to show the wonder in your own world.
Warnings: Swearing, lil angst, supernatural elements, only partially proofread
A/N: This is an idea Iâve been obsessed with for a while(cause Iâm a folklore nerd), but could never figure out an overarching plot to make it into a series, so I present for your consideration: Jimin, the emotional support Fae roommate lol.
(reminder that if thereâs any points you want to be made into further HCs, blurbs, etc, send me an ask!)
Masterlist Non-Linear m.list
°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘Â°â˘
How you met:
He stopped you from falling into a fairy ring in the woods. Youâd happened across it while on a walk to clear your head while upset about something and ending up standing there studying it for several minutes, contemplating how nice it must be to just be able to fall into a different world where no one knew you and you could start over. Shaking out of your revere, you had turned to leave, only for your damn ankle to twist and send you off balance.
âCareful!â A pair of gentle hands came out of nowhere, grabbing your wrists and pulling you into him. You looked up and were met with his soft eyes on you.
âYou should be careful.â He warned. âYou know what they say if you step in those, you might end up in the fairy realm and not get to come back.â âWhat if thatâs what I want?â You replied. He looked back at you, suddenly serious. âYou donât want that, trust me.â
After that, you keep running into him everywhere(partially due to his newfound fascination with you), eventually figuring out what he is.
He explains that heâs a type of Fae called the Sidh(pronounced shee) which are basically a type of overviewer of the Fae, their role being to keep balance and make sure that the others donât cause too much trouble.
âThereâs a lot of different doorways to and from this world, and not all of them are nice.â He explains to you, visibly tense. âSometimes just going through the wrong door can kill you.â
Teaches you how to spot Fae.
Points out a couple walking along on the other side of the road. âSee them?â He asked, leaning close as he whispers to you.
âOne of them is a Sidh?â
He shakes his head, motioning to the child you hadnât noticed trailing behind them, bouncing about, overly hyper.
âThe kid?!â You exclaim, turning to him, suddenly realizing how close he was to you.
âWait.â He leaned in, gently placing his hands over your eyes for a moment, a tingling sensation washing over your skin before pulling away. âNow look.â
You blinked, slightly dazed before you turned back, letting out a gasp as your eyes found the family again.
While the couple were the same, the childâs appearance had shifted drastically; limbs slightly too long and thin, large, glassy black eyes, their skin now a pale, almost grayish color, they almost looked like an alien.
âWhat the-?â
âA changeling.â He said lowly.
Teaches you about some of his magic, but warns that some of it can have âadverseâ effects on humans
âWait! What about my eyes then?!â You asked suddenly.
He looked back at you slyly. âDonât worry, itâs only temporary, this time. It should wear off in a few hours.â
He turned to walk away. âSee you at home!â
Winds up just moving in with you in your little house on the edge of town that runs along the woods at the back.
âYouâre a Witch!â He realized loudly as he surveyed your house, taking in the crystals and new-age items littered around(heâs not exactly right about this, but youâll explain that to him later). You canât tell if heâs excited or upset by this discovery at first.
(itâs both because, as he explains, his âcharmsâ donât work as well on other magical beings, hence the constant bickering between the two of you. The fact that he canât just âmakeâ you agree with him irritates him to no end)
Ends up revealing(probably during a fight) that he might be stuck in this world.
âI canât go back!â âCanât or wonât?!â âBoth!â He yells. âI donât know if I can, and if I could, I donât want to! I like it here, with you.â His voice falters, shaking with emotions. âI want to stay with you.â
About him:
His eyes change color; sometimes theyâre gray, sometimes blue, one time you couldâve sworn they were purple, but most of the time, theyâre a varying shade of brown.
Fangs(youâd be surprised how often fae have them in old stories): His are small and rather feline looking, but he only shows them if heâs really angry or frightened.
Age: Not entirely sure. He says heâs been around awhile, but time moves differently for them. They still age similar to humans, just slower. They might live for longer too, but you canât tell if he was joking or not about that one.
The biggest sweet tooth, holy shit. You once caught him in the middle of the night eating nothing but pure sugar with a spoon, he literally canât get enough of the stuff.
The first time you gave him cotton candy, his eyes got so big, youâre pretty sure he ascended to another plane.
As well as a sweet tooth, he loves alcohol and has a very high tolerance. He can get drunk, but it takes A LOT.
Surprisingly good at lying for a Fae.
He? Perches? Everywhere?
Like, he canât just sit on the couch? Nope, heâs on your desk, the kitchen table, the bathroom counter. Itâs like living with a giant cat.
Which reminds me, he has ABSOLUTELY NO CONCEPT OF PERSONAL SPACE.
Youâre trying to cook? Heâs there. Going to bed? Heâs there. Open the curtain to get out of the shower and yep, heâs there, just chilling.
Literally the âHey, I was- why are you screaming? Anyway, are we out of oreos?â meme.
Walks super close to you, intentionally bumping your shoulders.(canât tell if this is him being affectionate or annoying)
Very noseyinquisitive. Goes through all your shit, asking questions and throwing judgy looks at you, but for the oddest, most random things, like the color of your toothbrush.
Trying to explain âhuman thingsâ to him and how people normally act and behave. âBut youâre not like that?â He commented curiously, watching you. âThatâs because Iâm⌠weird.â You said, without looking up. âI like weird.â He mumbles.
Some nights when itâs quiet, you find him out in the back garden, just sitting, sometimes with his eyes closed, almost as if heâs meditating, other times just staring off into the trees. Youâve wondered about what heâs thinking of when heâs out there, but he doesnât tell you much.
The first time you got sick with him there, he was an absolute wreck, hardly leaving your side for more than a moment, even watching over you when you slept. Did everything he could think of to make you feel better, even considered magic, but you shut that one quick, so he just suffices with loads of tea and soup.
Likes to believe he can be somewhat intimidating or scary, but to you he's a literal ball of marshmallow fluff.
âYou think I canât be scary?â He asked in a low voice, looming over you with a dark glint in his eyes.
âNope.â You boop him on the nose, making him pout.
âYou didnât even let me try!â He whined loudly.
âThereâs no point, you donât scare me!â You laughed.
âI should though! I am an ominous, fearsome creature from the otherworld!â He proclaimed dramatically, making you laugh harder. âI will drain your lifeforce for my own power!â
âThatâs for vampires!â You giggled.
âVampires are a type of Sidh.â
âWait really?!â You perked up in interest, making him roll his eyes and walk away. âAre they really? Jimin?!â
#jimin au#fae!jimin au#jimin headcanons#jimin scenarios#jimin x reader#jimin x y/n#jimin imagine#jimin series#jimin fluff#bts headcanons#bts au#bts fae au#fae!bts au#fae!bts#bts scenarios#bts x y/n#bts x reader#bts fluff#bts supernatural au#jimin supernatural au#7ndipity
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Tales of Arcana (Y. "Karina" Jimin X M! Reader)
Alas! The much awaited Karina oneshot is finally here. I actually was wrong when I stated earlier that I was finished with the story, since I had to do many last minute revisions that my back hurts like a bitch rn. I actually tried new things in this fic, such as using your perspective instead of the usual 3rd Person stuff. This is also my first time writing a fantasy-themed oneshot! So I'm apologizing in advance if it may seem like a mess, as I tried my best to finish this as a whole before I take my awaited rest. And this is also my longest work right now, reaching 7.5k! I never knew I could write that much lmao. Anyways, enough with the yapping and let's actually get into this one! Hope yall enjoy this one and I'll catch yall next time, wonyowonyo out!
New Arcadia is a city of contrasts, where magic and technology intertwine in a delicate dance. The neon lights of the skyscrapers illuminate the streets below, casting eerie glows on the cobblestones and alleyways. Magic is everywhereâin the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the very fabric of reality itself.
You, Y/N, are a Disenchanter, a specialist in nullifying magical artifacts and spells. Once, you had a promising career at the Arcane Institute, a prestigious institution dedicated to the study and control of magic. But an experiment and an incident gone wrong five years ago changed everything. Branded a pariah and a traitor, you were banished and forced fled into the underbelly of the city, where you now work at 'The Gloom,' a bar that caters to New Arcadia's magical misfits and outcasts.
The Gloom is a haven for those who live on the fringes of society. The patrons are a mix of spell-slingers, rogue alchemists, and enchanted creatures, each more bizarre than the last. Your boss, Grimgar, is a grumpy old troll who treats you like just another cog in his crumbling empire. Your coworkers are a motley crew of fae and shapeshifters who come and go like the wind.
Tonight is like any other. The bar is packed with its usual clientele, and you're busy mixing potion-infused cocktails behind the bar. As you work, you notice a familiar figure enter the bar. It's Karina, a former colleague from the Arcane Institute. Her eyes meet yours, and a flicker of recognition crosses her face.
"Y/N! You're here? I thought you were... well, vanished into the ether."
Your heart skips a beat. You quickly make your way over to her, grabbing her arm and dragging her outside before she can say more. As you leave, you hear her tell her companions she'll be back soon, claiming, "My old friend wants a private chat. Who am I to refuse?" Their laughter echoes as you exit out the back door into a dimly lit alley.
ââââââââââââââââââââ
Once in the alley, you release Karina and hiss, "What the hell are you doing here?"
Karina's eyes glint in the dim light. "I didn't even know you were still around. Rumor was that you angered the Elder Council, and they put a curse on you. Every bounty hunter in the city was after you."
You shove her away. "That's right. I had no place to hide, so I fled to this corner of New Arcadia to lay low... What was supposed to be temporary became five years."
Karina smirks. "Actually, I'm working on a big heist. There's a relic in the heart of the city, guarded by a dragon and a squad of enchanted knights. My team isn't up to the task, but you... you could nullify the defences."
You shake your head, turning away. "Not a chance. That life is over. I have a new one now."
As you start to return to the bar, you hear the distinct click of a magical ward activating. Karina's voice is cold. "You know, Y/N, there's still a bounty on your head, and I'm willing to collect."
You freeze, realizing the trap you're in. You turn slowly to face her, your mind racing. "What's your game, Karina?"
Karina steps closer, her expression softening slightly. "I don't want to turn you in, Y/N. I need your help. This heist is important. It's not just about the relicâthere's more at stake than you know."
You narrow your eyes. "And why should I trust you?"
Karina sighs. "Because we were friends once. Because I know you, and I believe you're the only one who can pull this off. And because if you don't help me, the consequences will be far worse than anything the bounty hunters could do to you."
Reluctantly, you agree to hear Karina out. She leads you to a hidden safehouse in the depths of New Arcadia, where her team is waiting. The team is a ragtag group of specialists, each with their own unique skills.
Karina lays out the plan. The relic they're after is an ancient artifact known as the Heart of Thalos, hidden deep within a fortified vault in the heart of the city. The vault is guarded by a dragon and a squad of enchanted knights, and protected by powerful magical wards. Your role is crucialâyou'll need to nullify the wards and the dragon's defences to give the team a fighting chance.
The plan is risky, but you can't deny the thrill of the challenge. It's been years since you've done anything like this, and part of you misses the excitement. As you listen to Karina's detailed strategy, you begin to see the pieces falling into place.
However, you're still hesitant. The life of a Disenchanter isn't what you want anymore. You've built a new life, a quieter one, away from the chaos of magic and danger. Just as you're about to decline, a commotion erupts outside the safehouse. A group of bounty hunters has tracked you down, having followed Karina's trail.
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The bounty hunters storm the safehouse, weapons drawn and spells at the ready. Karina's team springs into action, defending their hideout with everything they've got. You find yourself in the thick of it, your Disenchanter skills becoming the key to survival.
As spells fly and blades clash, you focus on nullifying the attackers' magic. With each gesture, you dispel their enchantments, turning the tide in your favor. Giselle's brute strength keeps the enemies at bay, while Winter's agility and Ninging's illusions create confusion and chaos among the bounty hunters.
Karina fights alongside you, her combat prowess just as sharp as you remember. Together, you push back the attackers, slowly gaining the upper hand. The battle is fierce, but eventually, the last bounty hunter falls, their spells fizzling out as they collapse.
In the aftermath of the fight, you realize the gravity of the situation. The bounty on your head isn't going away, and neither is the danger that comes with it. You look at Karina, who is nursing a minor wound from the battle.
"Fine," you say, breathing heavily. "I'll help you with the heist. But this doesn't mean I'm back for good."
Karina nods, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "That's all I ask, Y/N. Just this one job. After that, you can decide what you want to do."
Over the next few days, as you prepare for the heist, you find yourself growing closer to Karina again. The shared danger and old camaraderie bring back memories of your time at the Arcane Institute. You catch her smiling at you more often, and you can't help but notice the way her eyes light up when she talks about the heist.
One evening, as you're fine-tuning the final details of the plan, Karina pulls you aside. "Y/N, I've been thinking... After this heist, maybe we couldâ"
Before she can finish, Winter interrupts with an urgent update on the vault's security changes. You share a knowing look with Karina, silently agreeing to revisit the conversation later.
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The night of the heist arrives. The team assembles at the edge of the city, ready to embark on the mission. You feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety as you don your gear and prepare to face the dangers ahead.
Karina leads the way, her confidence and determination infectious. You follow her through the winding streets and alleys, moving silently and swiftly. The closer you get to the vault, the tighter the security becomes. You use your Disenchanter skills to disable the magical wards and traps, clearing the path for the team.
Finally, you reach the vault. The dragon is a formidable guardian, its scales glinting in the dim light. The enchanted knights stand ready, their weapons poised to strike. This is the moment of truth.
With a deep breath, you step forward, focusing your energy on the dragon and the knights. Your powers surge, nullifying their enchantments and rendering them vulnerable. The team moves in, engaging the dragon and the knights in a fierce battle.
As the dragon falls and the last knight is defeated, Karina makes her way to the vault door. She uses a combination of spells and lockpicking skills to unlock the door, revealing the Heart of Thalosâa glowing, pulsating artifact of immense power.
Karina carefully retrieves the Heart, her eyes shining with triumph. "We did it," she says, turning to you with a smile.
But before you can celebrate, the ground beneath you shakes. The vault begins to collapse, triggered by the removal of the Heart. The team scrambles to escape, racing against time as the structure crumbles around you.
You and the team make a mad dash for the exit, dodging falling debris and collapsing walls. Your heart pounds in your chest as you push yourself to the limit, using every ounce of your strength and agility to stay ahead of the destruction.
As you reach the exit, a massive piece of rubble falls towards you. Karina shouts your name, her voice filled with fear. In that split second, you realize just how much she means to you. You throw yourself out of the way, narrowly avoiding the falling debris.
Outside the vault, you collapse to the ground, panting and exhausted. The team is safe, but the Heart of Thalos is gone, buried beneath the rubble. Karina kneels beside you, her eyes filled with concern.
"Y/N, are you okay?"
You nod, struggling to catch your breath. "Yeah, just... barely made it."
Karina helps you to your feet, her grip steady and reassuring. "Thank you, Y/N. We couldn't have done this without you."
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In the aftermath of the heist, you and the team return to the safehouse. The Heart of Thalos is secured, and the danger has passed. As the team celebrates their success, you find yourself alone with Karina.
She takes your hand, her touch gentle but firm. "Y/N, I need to tell you something."
You meet her gaze, your heart pounding. "What is it, Karina?"
She takes a deep breath, her eyes searching yours. "I've missed you. These past five years, I've thought about you every day. Seeing you again, working with you... it's made me realize that I still care about you. A lot."
You feel a warmth spread through you, a sense of connection that you've longed for. "Karina, I..."
She steps closer, her voice soft but earnest. "I know you said this was just one job, but... what if it wasn't? What if we did this together, for real? It's complicated, and I know we've both changed. But I want to see where this goes. If you're willing."
You turn to her, your heart pounding. "You mean, like old times?"
Karina nods, her eyes hopeful. "Yeah. Like old times. But better. We can make a difference, Y/N. We can use our skills to protect the city, to fight for those who can't fight for themselves."
You take a deep breath, considering her words. The life of a Disenchanter is dangerous and unpredictable, but it's also where you belong.
You look into her eyes, seeing the hope and vulnerability there. In that moment, you realize that despite everything, you still care deeply for her too. The heist has reminded you of the thrill of adventure, but more importantly, it's shown you that there's still a place for love in your life.
With a smile, you squeeze her hand. "I'm willing, Karina. Let's see where this goes."
She smiles back, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thank you, Y/N."
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The day after the heist, you and Karina wake up in the safehouse, the morning light filtering through the cracks in the boarded-up windows. The team is still asleep, exhausted from the previous night's escapades. You feel a mixture of relief and anticipation as you think about the Heart of Thalos, now securely hidden in a magical vault beneath the safehouse.
Karina stirs beside you, her eyes fluttering open. She smiles, her face soft and relaxed. "Morning, Y/N."
"Morning," you reply, your heart warming at the sight of her.
Before you can say more, Giselle enters the room, her booming voice shattering the peaceful moment. "We've got a problem."
You and Karina jump to your feet, following Giselle to the main room where the rest of the team is gathering. Winter and Ningning look tense, their eyes darting to the entrance.
"What's going on?" you ask.
Winter holds up a small, enchanted device. "This was found outside the safehouse. It's a tracker. Someone knows we're here."
Your blood runs cold. The bounty hunters must have planted it during the siege. Karina's face hardens with determination. "We need to move. Now."
You and the team quickly gather your belongings, preparing to leave the safehouse. As you step outside, you hear the distant sound of engines revving. A squadron of bounty hunters on motorcycles is speeding towards you, their eyes gleaming with greed.
"Go! I'll hold them off!" Giselle roars, her enchanted strength crackling with energy.
You hesitate, but Karina pulls you along. "We need you, Y/N. Giselle can handle them."
Reluctantly, you follow Karina and the team through the winding alleys of New Arcadia. The bounty hunters are relentless, their engines echoing through the narrow streets. You and the team split up, hoping to confuse your pursuers.
As you run, you use your Disenchanter skills to nullify the magical trackers the bounty hunters are using. The air is thick with tension, every corner potentially hiding an ambush.
Finally, you reach an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The team regroups, panting and exhausted. Giselle arrives last, battered but victorious. "We need to lay low for a while," he says, his voice grim.
Inside the warehouse, you and Karina find a quiet corner. The adrenaline from the chase slowly fades, leaving you both feeling drained. Karina leans against you, her head resting on your shoulder.
"Y/N, I was so scared we'd get separated again," she whispers.
You wrap your arm around her, pulling her close. "I won't let that happen. Not again."
She looks up at you, her eyes filled with emotion. "I don't want to lose you, Y/N. Not after we've found each other again."
You tilt her chin up, your lips brushing hers in a tender kiss. The world fades away, leaving only the two of you in that moment. When you finally pull back, you smile at her. "We'll face whatever comes together."
The team gathers in the center of the warehouse, discussing their next move. The Heart of Thalos needs to be kept safe, and the bounty hunters won't stop until they have it.
"We need to take the fight to them," Karina suggests, her eyes blazing with determination. "If we can find their leader and take him down, we can buy ourselves some time."
You nod, agreeing with her plan. "And I can use my Disenchanter skills to disrupt their operations. We need to hit them where it hurts."
Winter, Giselle , and Ningning agree, their resolve matching yours. Together, you formulate a strategy to infiltrate the bounty hunters' headquarters, a fortified building in the heart of New Arcadia.
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Under the cover of night, you and the team make your way to the bounty hunters' headquarters. The building is heavily guarded, its perimeter bristling with magical wards and security measures. You take a deep breath, focusing your energy on nullifying the enchantments.
Karina leads the way, her nimble fingers deftly disabling the locks and traps. Winter and Giselle follow, their movements silent and precise. Ningning uses her illusion magic to create distractions, drawing the guards' attention away from your group.
Inside, the headquarters is a maze of corridors and rooms. You move cautiously, avoiding patrols and security cameras. Finally, you reach the central chamber where the bounty hunters' leader, a ruthless mage named Vesper, is holding court.
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Vesper is a formidable opponent, his presence commanding and intimidating. He stands surrounded by his elite guards, his eyes narrowing as he spots your group.
"Well, well, well," he sneers. "The infamous Disenchanter and his ragtag team. You've caused me quite a bit of trouble."
You step forward, your voice steady. "It's over, Vesper. We're taking you down."
Vesper laughs, a harsh, grating sound. "You think you can stop me? With the councilâs support, Iâll be more powerful than ever! You're all nothing but a thorn in my side."
The group was surprised with the sudden mention of the council. It seems that the figureheads of the city wasnât as clean as they present themselves.
Karina eyes flash with anger. "We're more than that. We're here to end your reign of terror."
The battle erupts, a whirlwind of magic and steel. Vesper's guards are skilled, but your team fights with a fierce determination. You focus on nullifying Vesper's spells, creating openings for Giselle and Winter to strike.
Karina and Ningning work together, their combined magic creating powerful attacks that push Vesper back. The room crackles with energy as spells clash and swords meet.
Finally, with a powerful surge of your Disenchanter energy, you break through Vesper's defences. Giselle and Winter seize the opportunity, their combined strength overwhelming him. Vesper falls, his body crumpling to the ground.
With Vesper's defeat, the bounty hunters' organization crumbles. The team breathes a collective sigh of relief, the tension finally easing. You and Karina share a triumphant smile, the weight of the past few days lifting from your shoulders.
As you leave the headquarters, the dawn breaks over New Arcadia, the city bathed in a golden light. You feel a sense of hope and renewal, knowing that you've made a difference.
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The next few weeks are a whirlwind of activity. Karina introduces you to her network of allies and informants, each with their own unique skills and connections. Together, you form a new team, dedicated to protecting New Arcadia from the hidden threats that lurk in the shadows.
Your days are filled with intense training sessions, honing your Disenchanter abilities and learning new techniques from your teammates. You work closely with Karina, who teaches you advanced combat tactics and spellcasting methods. The bond between you grows stronger with each passing day, rekindling the friendship and trust you once shared.
One evening, after a particularly gruelling training session, you and Karina find yourselves alone in the training room. Sweat drips from your brows as you catch your breath, the air heavy with the scent of exertion and magic.
Karina grins, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. "You're getting better, Y/N. I can barely keep up with you now."
You smile back, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Thanks, Karina. I couldn't have done it without you."
She steps closer, her expression serious. "There's something I need to tell you. The Heart of Thalos... it's more than just a powerful artifact. It holds the key to a greater mystery, one that could change everything we know about magic."
Your curiosity piqued, you listen intently as Karina explains. "According to legend, the Heart is connected to an ancient source of magic known as the Nexus. If we can find the Nexus, we might be able to harness its power and protect New Arcadia from any threat."
The weight of her words sinks in. This mission is far more significant than you initially realized. The stakes are higher, and the risks greater, but the potential reward is too important to ignore.
"I'm with you, Karina," you say firmly. "We'll find the Nexus and unlock its secrets."
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The quest for the Nexus takes you and your team to the far corners of New Arcadia. You follow leads and decipher cryptic clues, piecing together the puzzle one step at a time. The journey is fraught with danger, as powerful enemies seek to stop you at every turn.
One night, you find yourself deep within the city's ancient catacombs, searching for a hidden chamber said to contain vital information about the Nexus. The air is damp and musty, the only light coming from the faint glow of enchanted torches.
As you navigate the labyrinthine tunnels, you hear the faint sound of footsteps echoing behind you. You signal to the team to halt, your senses on high alert.
Winter, ever the keen observer, whispers, "We're being followed."
Karina nods, her eyes narrowing. "Prepare for an ambush. Stay sharp, everyone."
Moments later, a group of shadowy figures emerges from the darkness, their eyes glinting with malevolent intent. You recognize them as members of a notorious organisation, known for their ruthless pursuit of magical power.
The leader of the organisation, a tall figure shrouded in dark robes, steps forward. "You've meddled in matters beyond your understanding, Disenchanter. The Nexus is ours."
Without warning, the enemies attack. Spells crackle through the air, and weapons clash in a flurry of violence. You and your team fight with everything you've got, the confined space of the catacombs amplifying the intensity of the battle.
Karina unleashes a torrent of fireballs, her movements fluid and precise. Giselle wades into the fray, her enchanted strength allowing her to overpower multiple foes at once. Winter darts between enemies, her daggers flashing in the dim light. Ninging conjures illusions to confuse and disorient the cultists, creating openings for the team to strike.
You focus on nullifying the cultists' spells, disrupting their magical attacks and turning the tide in your favor. The battle is fierce, but your training and teamwork prevail. One by one, the cultists fall, until only their leader remains.
Desperation flickers in the cult leader's eyes as he realizes he's outmatched. With a snarl, he raises his staff, channelling a powerful spell aimed directly at you. You react instinctively, raising your hand and nullifying the spell just before it reaches you.
The cult leader's eyes widen in shock, and he stumbles backward. "No... this can't be..."
Karina steps forward before she knocks the leader out cold. The group managed to hold captive a disarmed member of the organization. Karina points her sword at the man, her voice cold and commanding. "Tell us everything, What is your purpose and what you know about the Nexus, or you'll wish you hadn't crossed us."
The member, now disarmed and defeated, reluctantly reveals what he knows. âWeâre a shadow organization for The Council, tasked to find the Nexus. The Nexus is a source of unimaginable power, hidden deep beneath the city. Only the Heart of Thalos can unlock its true potential. The Council plans to use the nexus as leverage to gain more power and to expand their control over the nation."
You exchange a glance with Karina, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. The cult leader's information confirms your suspicions and provides a crucial lead.
With the cultists neutralized, you and your team press on, following the clues deeper into the catacombs. After hours of searching, you finally discover the hidden chamber. The walls are covered in ancient runes and symbols, glowing with a faint, otherworldly light.
In the center of the chamber stands an ornate pedestal, upon which rests a stone tablet. The tablet is inscribed with a detailed map, marking the location of the Nexus.
Karina carefully examines the tablet, her eyes scanning the intricate markings. "This is it, Y/N. The Nexus is real, and we've found the key to its location."
You can't help but feel a surge of excitement. The journey is far from over, but you've made significant progress. The map points to a secluded area in the heart of the city, a place known as the Veiled Sanctum.
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The Veiled Sanctum is a place of legend, shrouded in mystery and protected by powerful wards. As you approach the sanctum, you feel the air hum with latent magic. The entrance is hidden behind a waterfall, accessible only by solving a series of complex puzzles.
Working together, you and your team navigate the challenges, using your combined knowledge and skills to unlock the sanctum's secrets. Each puzzle is more intricate than the last, but you press on, determined to reach the Nexus.
Finally, you stand before the entrance to the sanctum, a massive stone door adorned with ancient glyphs. Karina places the Heart of Thalos into a recessed slot in the door, and with a deep rumble, the door begins to open.
Inside, the sanctum is a breathtaking sight. The walls are lined with glowing crystals, casting a soft, ethereal light. In the center of the room stands a grand altar, upon which rests the Nexusâa swirling vortex of raw, untamed magic.
As you approach the altar, you feel a surge of power, unlike anything you've ever experienced. The Nexus pulses with energy, its potential both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Karina steps forward, her voice reverent. "This is it, Y/N. The source of all magic in New Arcadia. With the Nexus, we can protect the city from any threat."
Before you can respond, a powerful force slams into you, knocking you to the ground. You look up to see the cult leader, now imbued with dark magic, standing at the entrance to the sanctum.
"You fools," he snarls. "You think you can control the Nexus? It belongs to us!"
The final battle begins with a thunderous clash of magic and steel. The leader, empowered by the dark magic, is a formidable opponent. His attacks are relentless, and his spells crackle with malevolent energy.
You and your team fight with everything you have, determined to protect the Nexus and stop the cult leader. Karina unleashes her most powerful spells, while Giselle, Winter, and Ninging work together to keep the cult leader off balance.
The sanctum shakes with the intensity of the battle, crystals shattering and debris falling from the ceiling. You focus on nullifying the cult leader's dark magic, countering his spells and weakening his defences.
As the battle reaches its climax, the cult leader summons a massive, swirling vortex of dark energy, aiming to destroy you all. You feel the pull of the dark magic, threatening to consume you.
But in that moment, you draw upon the power of the Nexus, channelling its raw energy to counter the cult leader's attack. The two forces collide, creating a blinding explosion of light and dark.
When the light fades, you find yourself standing victorious. The cult leader lies defeated, his dark magic dissipating into the air. The Nexus pulses with a calming, soothing energy, its power now under your control.
Karina steps forward, placing a hand on your shoulder. "We did it, Y/N. The Nexus is safe, and New Arcadia is protected for now."
You look at her, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and pride. "We couldn't have done it without you, Karina. We're a team."
Karina then stared at the horizon. âHowever, we still have more battles coming our way.â
In the heart of the Elder Councilâs command chamber, tension hung thick in the air, charged with failure. The Elder of the Council, a tall figure draped in dark robes, slammed his gnarled fist against the ornate wooden table, sending inkpots and scrolls flying. His face was contorted with rage, the flickering candlelight revealing the deep lines of frustration etched into his skin.
"You incompetent fools!" he roared, his voice echoing off the stone walls. Council members flinched, shifting uneasily in their seats as they awaited his next outburst. "The Nexus was ours for the taking, and yet you let it slip through your fingers! How could you let this happen?"
One advisor, shaking like a leaf, took a cautious step forward. "Elder, the shadow organization reported that their plans were compromised during the heist. They encountered unexpected resistanceâ"
The Elder cut him off, his patience evaporating. "Resistance? Is that all you have to offer? What good are your shadows if they cannot perform a simple task? We had everything arranged!"
The room fell silent, tension mounting. The Elderâs fury radiated like heat from a forge, and the air seemed to crackle with his barely-contained wrath. He paced like a caged beast, his mind racing with thoughts of retribution.
Finally, he turned sharply, pinning the advisor with a steely glare. "And who was responsible for this fiasco?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
"Reports indicate it was Y/N L/N," the advisor said, voice trembling. "They orchestrated the heist of the Heart of Thalos and led the resistance that thwarted our plans."
At the mention of your name, the Elder's fury ignited anew. "Y/N L/N! The banished pariah returns to haunt me?" He slammed his fist down again, this time hard enough to crack the table's surface. "After all these years, they dare to defy the Council? They will pay dearly for this!"
His breath quickened, a storm brewing in his chest. Memories of your betrayal flooded back, intertwining with the present chaos. You had once been one of his brightest students, but now you stood as a symbol of everything he despisedâdefiance, rebellion, and the power of unity.
"You think you can simply waltz back into my domain, Y/N L/N? You will regret ever crossing me!" The Elder's eyes gleamed with a mix of anger and determination, his mind already plotting revenge. "Prepare the enforcers. Mobilize every resource we have. Y/N L/N and their little band of rebels will be crushed beneath my heel."
As he raged, the advisors exchanged anxious glances, knowing full well the consequences of angering the Elder. "We will not let them gain any more power," one advisor stammered, trying to placate him. "We will gather forces and track them down."
"See that you do!" The Elder snapped, his voice a thunderous declaration. "For every moment they breathe free air, they mock our authority. This ends now." His voice simmered with menace, sealing the fate of New Arcadia in his vengeful hands.
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The next morning, as you and Karina are planning your next steps, a messenger arrives at the safehouse. He hands you a sealed letter bearing the mark of the Elder Council. You break the seal and read the letter, your heart sinking with each word.
The Council has learned of your involvement in the heist and demands your immediate surrender. They threaten to unleash their full force against you and anyone who harbors you if you do not comply. The bounty on your head has doubled, and they are now actively mobilizing their forces to hunt you down.
Karina reads the letter over your shoulder, her expression hardening. "We can't let them do this, Y/N. We need to find a way to fight back."
You nod, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "But how? The Council is too powerful. We don't stand a chance against them."
Karina places a hand on your shoulder, her eyes filled with resolve. "We need allies. There are others in New Arcadia who oppose the Council's tyranny. If we can unite them, we might have a chance."
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Over the next few days, you and Karina reach out to old friends and contacts, seeking allies in your fight against the Council. You find support among the city's disenfranchised, those who have suffered under the Council's oppressive rule.
One by one, you gather a diverse group of rebels, each with their own reasons for joining the cause. Few notable members also decided to join the cause. There's Irene, a former Council enforcer turned rogue; Key, a tech-savvy hacker with a grudge against the establishment; Wendy, a wind mage with a deep connection to the city's underground networks; Winter, a nimble thief who can slip through the tightest of spaces; Giselle, a warrior with enchanted strength; and Ningning, a spellcaster with a talent for illusion magic.
One night, you hold a clandestine meeting in a hidden underground chamber. The air is filled with tension and excitement as the gathered rebels discuss their grievances and share their hopes for a better future.
Irene speaks up, her voice steady and resolute. "The Council has ruled with an iron fist for too long. They've crushed anyone who dared to oppose them. It's time we stand together and fight back."
Key nods in agreement, his eyes flashing with determination. "We have the skills and the numbers. We can disrupt their communications, hack their systems, and turn their own technology against them."
Wendy adds, her voice filled with a quiet strength, "And I'll ensure we move swiftly and unseen through the city. The Council won't know what hit them."
Giselle, her muscles rippling with enchanted strength, clenches her fist. "Let them come. I'll take them all on."
Winter, slipping a dagger into her belt, grins. "And I'll make sure we get in and out without a trace."
Ningning conjures an illusion of the Council's command center, the room flickering with magical light. "I'll create distractions and keep them guessing. They won't know what's real and what's not."
Suddenly, the ground trembles as a group of Council enforcers burst into the chamber, having tracked your location. A fierce battle erupts, your newly formed resistance group immediately put to the test.
Irene moves with deadly precision, her training as a former enforcer evident in her swift, lethal strikes. She disarms an enemy and uses their weapon against them in a fluid motion. "We canât let them break us now!" she shouts over the chaos.
Key and Wendy work in tandem, the hacker disrupting the enforcersâ communications while the wind mage creates a barrier of swirling air to deflect incoming attacks. "Watch your backs, I'm rerouting the turrets!" Key yells, fingers flying over his portable console.
Giselle charges forward, her enchanted strength allowing her to take on multiple enforcers at once. She lifts a heavy piece of debris and hurls it at the enemies, scattering them like bowling pins. "Is that all you've got?" she taunts, her voice ringing with confidence.
Winter darts through the fray, using her nimbleness to slip past the enforcers' defences. She appears behind them, striking with precision before vanishing into the shadows again. "Over here!" she calls, drawing their attention and leading them into traps.
Ningning weaves illusions that confuse and misdirect the enforcers, causing them to strike at phantoms and shadows. "This way, no, that way!" she giggles, enjoying the chaos she creates.
Karina, her eyes blazing with magical energy, unleashes a torrent of fire to keep the enforcers at bay. You join her, using your Disenchanter skills to neutralize their magical wards and weapons. Together, you form an impenetrable defence.
The battle is intense, the small chamber echoing with the sounds of clashing steel and explosive magic. Despite the surprise attack, your group fights with a fierce determination, each member holding their ground. One by one, the enforcers fall, and the chamber falls silent once more.
As the dust settles, you look around at your allies, their expressions a mix of relief and determination. "This was just a taste of whatâs to come," you say, your voice steady. "We need to be ready for anything."
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The night of the assault arrives. The resistance moves through the city in small, coordinated groups, avoiding detection as they make their way to the Council's command center. The air is thick with tension and anticipation.
You and Karina lead the main strike team, your hearts pounding as you approach the heavily fortified building. Using your Disenchanter skills, you disable the magical wards protecting the entrance, allowing the team to breach the outer defences.
Inside, a fierce battle erupts. The Council's guards and enforcers are well-trained and heavily armed, but the members of the resistance fight with a fierce determination born of desperation and hope. Spells and bullets fly, the clash of steel and the roar of magic filling the air.
Irene charges ahead, her combat skills unmatched as she takes down guard after guard. "We need to push forward!" she yells, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Key, tapping into the buildingâs security system, manages to turn some of the automated defences against the Councilâs own forces. "Watch your backs, I'm rerouting the turrets!" he shouts, as the sound of automated gunfire joins the fray.
Wendy uses her control over the wind to disorient the guards, creating gusts that knock them off balance and leave them vulnerable. "Focus on the weak points!" she calls out, her voice carried by the wind.
Giselle charges through the enemy lines, her enchanted strength allowing her to overpower the guards with ease. She lifts a massive steel door, using it as a shield to block incoming fire. "Keep moving! I'll cover you!" she shouts.
Winter slips through the chaos, using her agility to navigate the tight spaces and flank the guards. She appears behind them, taking them out silently and efficiently. "We're almost there!" she calls, her voice a whisper in the tumult.
Ningning creates illusions that bewilder and distract the guards, making them strike at empty air or turn on each other. "Just a little more confusion," she murmurs, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air.
Karina, her magic blazing brighter than ever, fights by your side. Together, you make your way through the building, each step bringing you closer to the control room. You nullify the guardsâ magical attacks while Karina counters with her own, creating a devastating combination.
The battle rages on, the corridors of the command center echoing with the sounds of conflict. Despite the overwhelming odds, your group fights with relentless determination, inching closer to your goal with every passing moment.
ââââââââââââââââââââ
The final battle reaches its peak in the control room. The remaining Council leaders unleash their most powerful spells and weapons, determined to crush the rebellion once and for all.
You and Karina fight side by side, your movements perfectly synchronized. As you nullify the Council's spells, Karina counters with blasts of fire and lightning, her eyes burning with fierce determination.
Irene engages one of the leaders in a deadly dance of blades, her movements swift and precise. "You're going down!" she yells, striking with lethal accuracy.
Key, hacking into the command center's systems, disrupts their communications and disables their automated defenses. "I've got their security down! Focus on the leaders!" he calls out, sweat pouring down his face.
Wendy uses her wind magic to create a barrier, shielding the resistance from the leaders' attacks. "Hold the line!" she shouts, her voice carried by the wind.
Giselle charges at one of the leaders, her enchanted strength allowing her to overpower their defences. She grabs them and hurls them across the room, her voice a roar of defiance. "You're finished!"
Winter uses her agility to navigate the chaos, slipping through the tightest spaces to strike at the leaders from unexpected angles. "Keep them off balance!" she calls, her voice a whisper in the storm.
Ningning creates illusions that confuse and disorient the leaders, making them strike at phantoms and shadows. "They won't know what's real and what's not," she murmurs, her fingers weaving intricate patterns in the air.
The head of the Council, now cornered and desperate, summons a massive, swirling vortex of dark energy, aiming to destroy you all. You feel the pull of the dark magic, threatening to consume you.
But in that moment, you draw upon the power of the Nexus, channelling its raw energy to counter the dark spell. The two forces collide, creating a blinding explosion of light and dark.
Karina, sensing the moment of vulnerability, unleashes a powerful surge of magic that disrupts the vortex, causing it to collapse in on itself. "Now, Y/N! Finish it!" she yells, her voice filled with urgency.
With a surge of determination, you focus all your energy on the head of the Council, nullifying his dark magic and leaving him defenceless. Irene, Key, Wendy, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning join the final push, their combined efforts overwhelming the remaining Council members.
The head of the Council falls, his dark magic dissipating into the air. The command centre falls silent, the resistance standing victorious amid the wreckage. You and Karina share a triumphant look, knowing that the hardest part is over but that the fight for New Arcadia's future has only just begun.
ââââââââââââââââââââ
In the aftermath of the battle, the resistance works to stabilise the city and establish a new order. You and Karina play key roles in the rebuilding efforts, using your skills and knowledge to help create a fairer, more just society.
The people of New Arcadia, inspired by your courage and determination, begin to rally around the new leadership. The city's magical misfits and outcasts find new hope and purpose, their talents and abilities finally recognized and valued.
One day, as you and Karina oversee the reconstruction of a devastated neighborhood, a young girl approaches you. Her eyes are wide with adIrenetion, and she clutches a small, hand-drawn picture of you and Karina fighting the Council.
"Thank you for saving us," she says, her voice filled with sincerity. "You're heroes."
You kneel down to her level, smiling. "We did it together. And now, it's up to all of us to make sure New Arcadia remains a place where everyone is free."
Karina places a hand on your shoulder, her expression filled with pride. "We've come a long way, Y/N. And we still have a lot of work to do. But I know we can build a better future."
ââââââââââââââââââââ
As the city begins to heal, you and Karina take a moment to reflect on how far youâve come. The bond between you has grown stronger, forged in the fires of battle and tempered by shared struggles and triumphs. The neon lights of New Arcadia shimmer in the distance, painting the night sky with vibrant hues.
Standing on a rooftop overlooking the city, you can hear the distant hum of life below, the mix of magic and technology creating an enchanting symphony. You turn to Karina, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the lights, and feel a rush of warmth.
With a soft smile, Karina gazes into your eyes, her expression a mixture of vulnerability and strength. âY/N,â she starts, her voice barely above a whisper, âafter everything weâve been through, I feel like Iâve found a part of myself again. And thatâs because of you.â
Your heart swells at her words, and you take a step closer, closing the distance between you. âI feel the same way, Karina. Youâve brought light back into my life when I thought it was lost forever.â The sincerity in your voice resonates in the quiet night.
She reaches up, cupping your face in her hands, her thumbs brushing your cheek. âI know weâve faced so much uncertainty, but I want you to know that I love you, Y/N. I truly do.â Her confession hangs in the air, filled with the weight of truth.
You smile, warmth spreading through your chest. âI love you too, Karina. With all my heart.â The words come out effortlessly, a promise wrapped in passion and commitment.
With a gentle smile, you tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. âWhatâs next for us?â you ask, your heart racing at the thought of the future.
Karinaâs eyes glimmer with excitement, and she takes a step closer, her breath mingling with the cool night air. âWhatever it is, weâll face it together. Always.â Her voice is filled with determination, but thereâs also a tenderness that makes your heart swell.
You lean in, and the world around you fades away. At that moment, nothing else matters but the two of you. As your lips meet, itâs as if the city itself holds its breath. The kiss is soft at first, a gentle exploration, but it deepens, fueled by the unspoken promise of adventure and the intensity of your shared experiences.
When you finally pull away, both of you are breathless, the city lights reflecting in her eyes like a thousand stars. âI never thought Iâd find someone like you in all this chaos,â you whisper, your forehead resting against hers.
Karina chuckles softly, her breath warm against your skin. âAnd I never thought Iâd get a second chance to be with you.â Her fingers intertwined with yours, and you can feel the strength and comfort in her grip.
âI know there will be challenges ahead, but as long as weâre together, Iâm ready to face them,â you say, your heart steady with resolve.
Karina nods, a playful smile lighting up her face. âLetâs make a pact. No matter what happens, we never lose sight of each other. Promise?â
âPromise,â you reply, sealing it with another kiss, this one filled with hope and longing. You pull back slightly, studying her face, and in that moment, you realize how lucky you are to have found love amidst the chaos.
As the night deepens, you both take a moment to savor the cityâs magicâthe flickering lights, the distant sounds of laughter, and the vibrant energy that surrounds you. Hand in hand, you step into the night, the world unfolding before you like a canvas waiting to be painted with your adventures.
With Karina by your side, youâre ready to embrace whatever the future holdsâbe it danger, excitement, or the sweet moments of peace in between. Together, youâll write a new story, one filled with passion, courage, and endless possibilities. And as you walk towards the horizon, you know this is just the beginning of your incredible journey.
#kpop#kpop fanfic#kpop gg#kpop imagines#kpop girls#aespa x reader#aespa imagines#aespa karina#karina#yoo jimin#karina x male reader#karina x reader#aespa#yu jimin
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BTS Fic Recs â Tumblr (i)
These are all available on tumblr as of April 2024. Some are likely crossposted on ao3 as well.
~Ao3 RECS HERE~ ~Recs (ii)~ ~Recs (iii)~
Almost all are complete works, those with â+â after WC are incomplete. Most are BTS x (F!)Reader.
Most of these are Mature or Explicit (usually because of smut) ~ mdni ~ italicized titles rated G or T ~ Please read responsibly
If any authors tagged here wish to be removed/untagged, please lmk! | Shoutout to @ggukkiereads who does an amazing job creating rec lists, which helped me find many of these fics
F2L = friends to lovers ; E2L = enemies to lovers ; FE2L = frenemies to lovers ; R2L = rivals to lovers ; BFB = best friend's brother ; BBF = brother's best friend etc
OT7/Multi
â BTS Reactions by @dreamescapeswriting | SFW + NSFW |
â BTS Scenarios by @btsjfans | SFW + NSFW |
â BTS Scenarios by @bulletproofwhalien | NSFW + SFW |
â BTS Scenarios by @salvejoon | SFW + NSFW |
â BTS Scenarios by @sunshine-and-bangtan | SFW + NSFW |
â Desperado Series by @heartbeatan | Mafia AU | PJM, JJK, KTH (in progress) | 60-160k(+) each
â The Company series by @btsmakesmehappy | Agent AU | 25-37k(+) each (in progress)
â Mafia BTS Reactions by @ninetailedfoxmanchi | Mafia AU (+Yandere AU) |
â #CodeBTS series by @yminie | Mafia AU | 1-12k each
Kim Namjoon
â The Ghost in Apartment 1403 series by @notsoguiltykpop | Ghost AU, Supernatural AU, Roommate AU? | ?k
â beauty & the bookworm by @jungshookz | E2L Library AU, Uni AU | 20k
â la vie en bonsai by @jungshookz | S2F2L Neighbours AU, Baker AU | 38k
â The Seven Nights series by @theunknowncryptid | SMAU, Mafia AU | 13k
â real magic by @heretobbtstrash | S2F2L Single Parent AU, Coffee Shop AU, Coworkers AU | 17k
Kim Seokjin
â {Unavailable}
Min Yoongi
â Take One by @untaemedqueen | Pornstar AU | 24k
â The Deal series by @untaemedqueen | Mafia AU | ?k
â suit & tie by @jungshookz | CEO AU, Office AU, Coworkers AU, PA AU | 21k + drabbles
â hellish by @jungshookz | E2L Demon AU, Roommate AU | 22k
â strike a chord by @snackhobi | S2L Pianist AU, Bar AU | 16k
â straight shooter by @snackhobi | F2L/E2L Cyberpunk AU, Dystopian AU | 14k
â devil with the mint hair series by @theharrowing | E2FWB Brother's BFF AU, Stoner AU | 11k+
â a wager of lords and love by @hisunshiine | S2L Historical AU, Arranged Marriage AU | 7k
â daechwita by @chemicalpink | Daechwita AU, Assassin AU | 10k
â stay by @luffles424 | Daechwita AU, Assassin AU | 3k
â daechwita by @se0kie | Daechwita AU | 4k
â make me proud by @moonscriptsx | Established Relationship AU, Canon Idol-verse | 6k
â by its cover by @kittae | S2L Cat Dad AU | 2k
â misfortunately, yours by @sor-vette | S2F2L Dark Fae AU, Dark Fantasy AU | 32k
â mixtape by @jungblue | F2L Uni AU, Radio AU | 15k
â cyberslut by @kimnjss | SMAU, Uni AU, Fboy AU | ?k
â alive aha fxck by @softyoongiionly | F2L Neighbours AU, Vampire AU | 43k
â a brew of wings by @inkedtae | S2F2L Dragon AU, Witch AU | 10k
â fury of their scales by @kpopisthereasonihavenolife | Dragon AU | 18k
â inheritance series by @jincherie | Hybrid AU | 21k
â tuxedo series by @whatifyoulivelikethat | Cat(-shifter?) AU, Roommates AU | ft JJK | 49k+
â Assuage series by @btsqualityy | Omegaverse AU, Werewolf AU | ?k
â show by @httpjeon | Pw/oP ft BTS | 2k
â drip by @here2bbtstrash | Pw/oP | 5k
Jung Hoseok
â midnight confessions by @snackhobi | BFF2L Coworkers AU, Office AU, Buzzfeed Unsolved AU | 27k
â the bride of ashmedai by @jeonggukingdom | Demon AU, Arranged Marriage AU | 13k
Park Jimin
â The Bird Cage series + The Lion's Den series by @untaemedqueen | S2L Mafia AU | ?k
â Set It Off series by @btsqualityy | Mafia AU | ?k
â the hunt by @httpjeon | Shifter AU, Fantasy AU | 8k
â lovebug by @httpjeon | Hybrid AU | 12k
Kim Taehyung
â Pied Piper by @untaemedqueen | Mafia AU, Established Relationship AU | 10k
â maybe i do series by @chateautae | Arranged Marriage AU, Chaebol AU, CEO AU | 410k + drabbles
â kinda hot by @kimnjss | BFF2L SMAU, Uni AU, Fboy AU | ?k
â nip it in the bud by @opaljm | Brother's BFF AU, Piercing AU | 10k
â heatwave series by @curly-bangtan | F2L Roommate AU | 12k
â under the covers by @jessikahathaway | Agent AU | 23k
Jeon Jungkook
â heavy lifting by @snackhobi | Coworkers AU | 13k
â Miss Vagabond by @bubblesuga | F2L Gamer AU | 8k
â blizzard by @curly-bangtan | S2L Roommates AU | 16k
â Sparkle by @btsmosphere | F2L Roommates AU | 3k
â Hands-On Learning series by @ladyartemesia | Uni AU | 5k
â kiss it better by @jincherie | Uni AU, Sports AU, Cheer AU | 12k
â ghosts just wanna have fun by @sugaxjpg | Ghost AU, Supernatural AU, Uni AU | ft MYG + KTH | 20k
â tell me your secrets (i'm all ears) by @jinpire | Uni AU, Hybrid AU | 7k
â under the bridge by @jincherie | Hybrid AU | 11k
â Swipe right by @ppersonna | BFF2L Tinder AU | 9k
â overtime by @cupofteaguk | CEO AU, Office AU, PA AU, Coworkers AU | 12k
â I won't stop you series by @imsarabum | Vampire AU, Fantasy AU, Office AU, Coworkers AU, CEO AU, PA AU | ?k
â life eternal by @jungkookiebus | Fae AU | 9k
â hotter than hell series by @chateautae | Demon AU | 136k
â Hellblazer series by @jungkookiebus | Demon AU, Constantine AU | ?k
â agent of love series by @ppersonna | SMAU, Agent AU | ?k+
â strawberry kisses series by @kimnjss | SMAU, Brother's BFF AU, Tinder AU | ?k
â drag me down (to hell) series by @kimvtae | Mafia AU, Single Parent AU | 58k (abandoned)
â Concealed Weapon by @gimmesumsuga | Mafia AU, Husband AU | 10k
â hate sex by @yeoreos | FWB Pw/oP | 4k
Overall Favourite Authors (If I recc'd all their works like I want to/more than I have, I'd have to make this series even longer >.<)
â @bonvoyagenoona's masterlist
â @chateautae's masterlist
â @flowerwrites06's masterlist
â @here2bbtstrash's masterlist
â @hollyhomburg's masterlist
â @icyhobi's masterlist
â @jungshookz's masterlist
â @justcallmenikki7's masterlist
â @kpopfanfictrash's masterlist
â @ladyartemesia's masterlist
â @luxekook's masterlist
â @magicalsalamander's masterlist
â @yminie's masterlist
â @yoonia's masterlist
#bts fic recs#group: bts#type: fic#i think i did a pretty good job of hiding my yoonkook bias if i do say so myself :]
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BangtanWritersHQ Presents: âBy The Fatesâ Masterlist
For November 2024, we put together a collection of fics to celebrate fate!
We asked our members to share all of their soulmates, fated lovers, mates, and everything in between fics with us so that we could share them with you!
So, if you are in a fateful mood, this masterlist is for you!
In this post, youâll find fics from our network members that feature a variety of BTS members as the main character(s) with various AU types and tropes!
Browse at your leisure and ENJOY!
KEY:
đ - nsfw (mature themes) â
- sfw (no warnings) đ - smut â ď¸ - other warnings
SET UP - emojis: Title (if link is to another platform) | Author [parts] pairings, genre/aus, rating, word count
đđâ ď¸ Make You Mine | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Alpha!Jungkook x Omega!f.Reader AU/Genre: A/B/O, Soulmates, Enemies to Lovers Rating: MA WC: 11,231
đđâ ď¸ Flowers of Fate | @colormepurplex2 [4/4] Pairing: UnseeliePrince!Yoongi x Human!f.Reader (ft. x UnseelieGuard!Jungkook x SeeliePrince!Jimin x WoodNymph!Namjoon) AU/Genre: Strangers to Bonded Mates, Fantasy, Fae/Magick Rating: MA WC: 56,072
đđâ ď¸ Bound By Magic | @downbad4yoongi [3/3] Pairing: Wizard!Namjoon x Witch!f.Reader AU/Genre: Witch/Wizard, Magic, Soulmates Rating: MA WC: 11,698
đđâ ď¸ Seeds | @downbad4yoongi [1/1] Pairing: Hades!Hoseok x Persephone!Yoongi AU/Genre: Mafia, Modern Mythology, Fate Rating: MA WC: 7,902
đđ Merry and Mended | @downbad4yoongi [1/1] Pairing: Alpha!Yoongi x Omega!Taehyung AU/Genre: A/B/O, Holiday Fluff Rating: MA WC: 8,540
đđâ ď¸ If it's our last | @moonleeai [1/1] Pairing: Pistil!Jimin x Stamen!Jungkook AU/Genre: Pistilverse AU, Strangers to Lovers, Almost Romeo and Juliet Rating: MA WC: 2,404
đđâ ď¸ Now I'm Yours | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Alpha!Jungkook x Omega!f.Reader AU/Genre: A/B/O, Reluctant Mates to Lovers Rating: MA WC: 14,064
đđâ ď¸ As Fate Would Have It | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Yoongi x Jungkook AU/Genre: Soulmates, Fated Lovers, Strangers to Lovers Rating: MA WC: 15,436
đđâ ď¸ Golden Cufflinks | @colormepurplex2 [1/1] Pairing: Alpha!Jungkook x Omega!f.Reader AU/Genre: A/B/O, Best Friend's Fiance, Strangers to Mates Rating: MA WC: 11,742
đđâ ď¸ Slow Dancing | @yoonia [13/13] Pairing: Jungkook x Reader | Namjoon x Reader AU/Genre: Soulmates, Second Chances Rating: MA WC: 125,602
đđâ ď¸ The Agile Fox | @yoonia [1/1] Pairing: Jungkook x OFC x Yoongi AU/Genre: Shifters, Werewolves, Mates Rating: MA WC: 51,966
đđâ ď¸ Of Bears and Bonds | @yoonia [3/3] Pairing: Seokjin x Reader AU/Genre: Shifters, Witches, Mates Rating: MA WC: 68k
đđâ ď¸ The Half-Lycan | @yoonia [1/1] Pairing: Werewolf!Taehyung x Human!Reader AU/Genre: Werewolves, Mates Rating: MA WC: 42k
đđâ ď¸ We Are All Dreamers | @yoonia [1/1] Pairing: Jungkook x Reader AU/Genre: Enemies to Lovers, Soulmates Rating: MA WC: 16,526
đđâ ď¸ Beneath The Boughs | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Namjoon x f.Reader AU/Genre: Robinhood Retelling, Soulmates Rating: MA WC: 15,548
đđâ ď¸ Curse of The Serpent | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Perseus!Namjoon x Medusa!Jimin AU/Genre: Gods and Monsters, Greek Mythology Retelling, Enemies to Fated Lovers Rating: MA WC: 12,024
đđâ ď¸ Dream For Us | @colormepurplex2 [3/3] Pairing: Hyung Line x f.Reader AU/Genre: Demi-Gods, String of Fate Rating: MA WC: 15,255
đâ ď¸ Umbra (Part 1) | @pars-ley [1/1] Pairing: Jimin x f.Reader AU/Genre: Soulmates, Fantasy, Demons and Angels Rating: MA WC: 1,585
đđâ ď¸ Red Thread of Fate | @pars-ley [1/1] Pairing: Seokin x f.Reader AU/Genre: Vampires, Soulmates, Fantasy Rating: MA WC: 6,668
â
â ď¸ Serendipity's Path | @mrsparkjimin18 [4/4] Pairing: Jimin x f.Reader AU/Genre: Soulmates, Strangers to Lovers Rating: PG-13 WC: 8,912
All stories copywritten of the specified author. The authors provided consent for their stories to the network to be shared by submitting their stories. Stories posted in the order of submission to the event.
#BWHQ#BWHQ Writing Event#BWHQ Writing Events#BWHQ Network#bangtanwhq#bangtan writers hq#bangtan writers hq network#bts imagines#bts#bts reactions#bts fanfic#bts fanfiction#bts scenarios#bts x reader#bts smut#bts au#bts angst#bts fluff
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Envolver Ch. 3
ጠpairing: vmin x reader
ጠgenre: poly am!au, fwb, f2l, smut 18+
ጠsummary: Halloween is a busy night at the bar. However, you still find time to sneak away for a private night with Jimin and Taehyung.
ጠwc: 3.2k
ጠwarnings: alcohol use/mention, oral sex, making out, fingering (f. receiving), unprotected sex, multiple orgasms, degradation, praise, threesome in a workplace, cum swallowing, creampie, interrupted aftercare :(
ጠdate: October 31, 2024
Music pounded in your ears as you swirled your drink with your straw just to hear the soft clink of the ice against the glass. Your efforts for the evening had been rewarded as the patrons around you gushed about the Halloween decor.Â
Your almost boyfriends were busy behind the bar as they served drinks and sent flirty smiles to their customers to earn tips.Â
Psy was at another table, laughing at something his companion said. He wore a bright pink western outfit, just as extravagant as the sets he wore for Western Night.Â
âHey!â Psy grins when he spots you, eagerly waving you over to his table. You hug him tightly, giggling when he squeezes you before he releases you. âIâm so glad youâre here! This place looks fantastic.â
âAnd I didnât go over budget,â you grin. Psy laughs and hugs you again, kissing your temple.
âAnd thatâs why I love you! Sheâs great,â Psy says to his companion. âThe best!â
You smile bashfully, accepting his praise before he waves over a server to get you a drink. He pats the chair beside him, and you take the seat.
Spiderwebs hang overhead, and a flash of light turns the ceiling purple, green, and dark blue. Spiders linger overhead, skeletons set on corners enjoy their fake drinks, and the bar has fake blood dripping off the sides.
Namjoon is the first to spot you as he climbs onto the bar. His long black cape is tied around his neck, the collar pulled up high. His fangs glint when the spotlight hits him. Hoseok joins him in his Fae costume, his purple hair makes your heart flip. They both look so good.
Your thoughts wander to the last time it was just the three of you in the bar. How easily they bent you over it, taking turns fucking you until you left with shaking legs.
Hoseok looks at the crowd as he rips his blazer open, buttons flying into the crowd as his sculpted torso appears, shimmering under the spotlight. The crowdâs cheers are raucous. You plug your ears until it dies down, but you cheer along with them.
Hoseok turns around, his blazer sliding off his broad shoulders. He moves his hips seductively. Namjoon moves forward, grips the back of Hoseokâs neck, and brings him in. He makes a show of showing his fangs to the crowd before he sinks into Hoseokâs neck, earning cheers that rattle the building. Tips go flying in the air as Namjoon brings Hoseokâs thigh between his, moving back and forth until they separate, going to opposite ends of the stage.
Seokjin joins them in the middle. His Sea Captain uniform makes you drool, and you hope heâll keep it intact until you can rip it off him with your teeth later on. You press your thighs together as Seokjin motions for Namjoon and Hoseok to join him in the middle.
âWelcome to tonightâs Halloween Extravaganza! Our Poison Apple drink is to die for!â Seokjin laughs as the crowd cheers. âWe have a lot in store for you tonight! Games, cash prizes, a costume contest, and a dance on the bar where the winner gets a partner for the rest of the night!â Seokjin pauses for the crowd to cheer.
Namjoon and Hoseok clap on the bar, while the rest of your friends, boyfriends? Clap behind them.
Jungkook has taken his Scream mask off, which he will do in between intervals to rack up some tips, though they have been stacking when he puts the mask on. His plastic knife is bedazzled and is strapped to his arm for photo ops. Tonightâs event is ticketholder only, with a few lucky regulars in the crowd.
The tables are filled with patrons, some lingering near the bar, and some on the makeshift dancefloor. You sip your drink as the music starts up again as Seokjin, Namjoon, and Hoseok step off the bar.
âGlad you could make it, baby,â Yoongi startled you as he appeared beside you. He chuckles at your reaction. You cup his face, your fingers lightly tracing the fake scar over his eye. It had come out a lot better than you thought. You had erased and redrawn that bitch so many times, almost rubbing his poor face raw.
âHey, my little mobster,â you tease, giggling when he rolls his eyes dramatically.
âAdmit it, I look hot,â he grips the lapels of his suit, and you nod mindlessly. If you had him at home, you would have dropped to your knees in front of him, begging him to fuck your pretty face until you cried. That is why they had left home early to get ready at the bar.
âYou a'ight,â you shrug as you down your drink.
Yoongi cackles as he drapes his arm over your shoulders. âSo easy to fluster.â
âShut up!â you whine as you wave down a server. Yoongi pauses his teasing long enough to order you a drink before he rests his head on your shoulder.
âYou look amazing,â he compliments you. âThe Queen of Hearts suits you.â
You know he means no ill intent but your heart still cracks. You know youâve been stalling on defining the relationship but itâs only because youâre afraid of how things will change between you.
âWhereâs your weapon?â you ask, changing the subject.
âIn my pants,â Yoongi wiggles his brows, and you playfully smack his chest.
Yoongi throws his head back as he laughs. He reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out a pair of chopsticks.
âThatâs it?â
âYou havenât seen what I can do with them yet,â Yoongi shrugs as he tucks them back in his pants pocket. âBut I can show you.â
You gulp as you stare at him. Your drink arrives, and the server sets it in front of you. Yoongi reaches for it, downing half before gripping your chin and opening your mouth. You welcome the drink, swallowing it down before Yoongi sets the glass on the table.
âShow me,â you respond after you swallow.
âSo eager,â he smirks as he kisses you, passing you the ice cube in his mouth. The coolness surprises you as you crunch down on the cube. âBut thereâs no time.â
Yoongi leaves you panting, thighs pressed together and cunt clenching around nothing. He easily walks to the bar, taking his spot beside Seokjin as the night's first game begins. You wave down a server, ordering a cup of ice to cool yourself.
~
Bobbing for dildoes instead of apples wasnât on your list of games for tonight, but catching Yoongiâs reaction to catching the biggest one may have been worth it.Â
âYou just have to rile me up,â Yoongi sighs as he presses your back to the wall of the locker room. You grunt, moaning when his lips meet yours before you can answer him.
Yoongi lifts your leg to his waist, his lips pressed to yours. He grinds against you, moaning your name as you rub against him. He desperately wishes to bury himself inside you
 and make you cream his cock but itâs only a few minutes before Jimin is calling his name to get on stage.
âTo be continued?â Yoongi asks with one last kiss.
You nod. âTo be continued.â
Yoongi kisses your cheek before he leaves you in the locker room to catch your breath. Your cheeks flush with heat as you slip back into the crowd. You join Psy at his table, grateful heâs saved your seat as you watch Yoongi and Jungkook climb onto the bar.
You fan yourself with your hand as you watch them dance.
Bills get thrown at the two of them as you sit back and watch. The music pounds against the walls, as you leave your seat long enough to join the crowd, huddled at the bar. Yoongi spots you immediately and smiles. He shakes his butt harder, his smile glowing brighter.
Yoongi and Jungkook finish their dance, Jungkook stripping down to nearly his boxers. You shake your head, youâll have the elder men wrangle him back in.
 You sip on your drink as Jimin and Taehyung are introduced to the crowd. You clap loudly beside Psy. He chuckles at your enthusiasm.
âJimin! Tae!â you scream as loud as you can.
Both men turn to you, hearing you above the crowd.Â
Taehyung is clad in his red outfit and mask. An outfit worn on a popular show. Jimin dazzles in his leather outfit. His mask rests behind the bar as he dances to his heartâs content.
Jimin waits for the song's apex before he drops to his knees in front of Taehyung.Â
The younger man smirks as he unzips his suit, just low enough to tease the patrons and Jimin.
The crowd goes wild as Taehyung grabs a handful of Jiminâs black hair, tugging his head back before he kisses him. Bills fly toward them, the thundering crowd growing insane as the kiss ends.
You fanned yourself as you tried to cool yourself down.
The song ends too soon before they both step off the bar.
Seokjin takes over as MC. He leads the crowd to the next game, laughing as the patrons stumble over themselves to get in a line.
You excuse yourself, heading to the locker room as quickly as possible. You type the code in quickly, shutting the door after you before you head to the familiar couch. You fix your makeup in a mirror, knowing your lipstick will smear before you head back to your table.
Minutes later the door opens. Taehyung and Jimin walk through, both laughing at something before they spot you on the couch.
âWell, if it isnât our favorite girl,â Taehyung smirks.
âYou look great, babe,â Jimin states as he sits on your left side.
âThat you do, boo,â Taehyung smirks as he sits on your right.
âQueen of Hearts? More like Queen of my heart, am I right?â Jimin wiggles his eyebrows.
âDo you have an off button?â you ask him feigning annoyance.
âOnly when I cum,â Jimin cackles when you shove him.
âYouâre insufferable,â you complain as Tae pulls you onto his lap, straddling him.
âIâm not,â Tae smirks, his hand tangled in your hair. He pulls you toward him, his lips meeting yours. A moan escapes you, heart flipping in your chest.
Taehyung holds your hips, his lips melding with yours perfectly. Your hands rest on his shoulders for a moment. They soon move down to his zipper, pulling it down until it bunches at his waist.
âDonât ignore me,â Jimin huffs with a petulant frown. He inches closer in his leather pants. His rabbit mask sits off to the side. He pats his lap, and you crawl toward him. He moves you so your back is pressed to his chest.
Your legs splay open on his lap as Taehyung moves off the couch to the floor. He drops to his knees, licking his lips when he spots your panties. You moan as you kiss Jimin, melting into him as Taehyung spreads your legs further apart.
Jimin tugs your dress down to expose your breasts. His hands cup each tit, his fingers rub your hard nipples. You sigh, moaning his name as you try to close your legs to press them together but Tae stops you as he helps you out of your wet panties, tossing them over his shoulder.
Jimin kisses your neck as he rubs your clit in tight circles, moaning your name into the column of your throat.
âThatâs it, princess. Moan for me,â Jimin encourages you as he continues his ministrations. âThatâs it, baby. What a good fucking girl.â
Jiminâs fingers slip inside you easily. You welcome them by spreading your legs on his taut thighs. Youâd love to ride his thigh any day of the week but youâre distracted by his fingers fucking you open for his thick cock. You moan, falling apart as he lifts you just enough to have your cunt swallow his cock whole.
You dig your nails into his forearm, moaning at the delectable stretch.Â
âFuck, Jimin,â you curse, nearly drooling over yourself. He chuckles, fucking up into you.Â
âYou like that, baby? Like getting passed around like the fucking whore you are?â he asks with a toothy grin. Your eyes roll back as you nod in answer. He chuckles darkly, sliding his arms under the back of your knees to spread you further.
âShow Taehyungie how much you like it, slut. Let him see how you cream my fucking cock,â Jimin smirks at Taehyung as you whine. You rest your head on Jiminâs shoulder, whining as his fingers rub your clit until your thighs tremble, orgasm building deep inside you until it bursts.
âJimin!â you cry out, swearing at him until you calm down.
âFuck, yes!â Taehyung exclaims as he watches you soak Jiminâs lap. âWhat a cockhungry, whore for Jiminie.â
âTae!â you whine, covering your face in embarrassment. Jimin laughs as he pulls your hands off your face. âNo hiding for us, princess. You might be the queen of our hearts, but that doesnât mean we donât own yours.â
Jimin continues to fuck your creamy, warm cunt. He curses as you tighten around him as Taehyung places his hands on Jiminâs knees, and his tongue meets your clit. Jimin groans when he feels Taeâs fiery tongue on his balls when he licks you.
âThatâs it, love. Keep licking her cunt just like that,â Jimin encourages his twin flame. Tae does as heâs told. His tongue fucked the both of you, making your body tingle. Jiminâs strokes are long and slow, his cock filling the deepest parts of you.
Taehyung is jealous, heâs eager for his turn, eager for a taste of your tight cunt wrapped around his fat fucking cock.
âWanna feel?â Jimin asks Taehyung.
âPlease,â The younger man pleads. âFuck, please.â
Jimin helps you to your hands and knees. You nearly swallow his cock when you get settled. He grabs a handful of your hair, gently thrusting it into your mouth while Tae gets behind you. He fingers you, curling his fingers to make you cum. You cry out around Jiminâs cock, begging for Taeâs cock.
The stretch is delectable. He fills you whole. His large hands grip your hips, his thrusts deep and hard as you choke on Jiminâs cock. You gag, tears rolling down your cheeks as you take both of them with a hearty grin.
âThatâs it, baby. What a good slut for us,â Taehyung praises you. You moan in response as youâre fucked within an inch of your life by both men.
Jimin hits the back of your throat, groaning as you swallow around him. Taehyung feels you clench around his length, his nails dig into your hips as he fucks you onto his dick. Both of them moan, looking at each other for a moment before theyâre both cumming inside you.
You swallow as much as you can, while Taehyung fills your cunt with him. He makes you cum soon after, thighs shaking as you feel Jimin pull his cock out of your mouth.
Jimin grins. âWell, that was hot as fuck.â
Taehyung agrees as he fucks his cum back into you with his fingers, drawing a second orgasm from you.
âShould we get Yoongi to clean you up?â Taehyung smirks, noting how you tighten around his fingers.
âIâll take that as a yes,â Taehyung giggles as he gets dressed. Jimin sucks his fingers clean before he kisses you. They spend a few minutes at your side, holding you close and kissing your body. They wish they could draw a bath for you, but itâs not long before theyâre being called back on stage.
âWeâll send someone in,â Taehyung assures you, frowning as he goes with Jimin on his heels. âWeâll take care of you tonight, love.â
You lay on the couch, fucked out of your mind, expecting Yoongi to join you soon, but instead, Jungkook pops his head into the room.
âHey,â he greets you with a shy wave.
âHi!â you chirp as you wave him over. âHow are things on stage?â
âTheyâre going,â he informs you as he sits beside you. âYoongi and Seokjin are doing body shots for tips.â
You laugh as you relax on the couch. Jungkook sits by your feet but you sit up to let him get closer.
âWhat about you?â
âWhat about me?â Jungkook asks with a raised brow.
âWouldnât you rather be out there doing body shots?â You ask him directly.
âNo,â he answers honestly. âIâd rather be here with you.â
âJungkook,â you start but he presses his finger to your lips.
âDonât. I know what youâre going to say and I donât want to hear it. Letâs just enjoy this brief time we have together. Just you and I, all alone. Thatâs a hard thing to come by in our situation.â
âKook,â you breathe but he hushes you with his lips instead.
âLet us have this moment,â Jungkook whispers before he kisses you again. You thread your fingers in his long hair, moaning when he sucks on your neck.
âThereâs not much time,â he whispers as he kisses his way down your body.
âWe have all the time we need,â you respond as he grabs your hips to tug you closer to his face. He chuckles, âNope. Gotta get on stage. Gotta make rent.â
âIâll keep you home right here,â youâre not sure what youâre babbling about at this point as he kisses up one thigh and then the other.
âMhhm,â he hums as he licks a stripe up your cunt, teasing your clit for a moment before he moves lower.
âFuck, I can still taste him. So warm,â Jungkook moans as he drinks you in, his tongue makes you lose yourself shortly after. He wishes he could cum with you, but he simply licks his lips and helps you get dressed.
âWe need to go back out there,â he says as he leads you out of the locker room on shaky legs. Instead of depositing you with Psy, he takes you to Namjoon and Hoseok.
âPoor baby,â They coo at you. Namjoon drapes himself around you protectively. âDonât worry, Iâve got you.â
âWanna cuddle,â you pout as he holds you closer.Â
âI know, love. We will. The night is ending,â he states as he holds you while Hoseok rests his head on your shoulder.
Music still fills the bar as Jungkook does his dance, shaking his ass for the crowd. He goes to one end of the bar before he runs forward and drops to his knees to slide the rest of the way. He rips his costume at his chest, showing off his impressive abs to the crowd.
Cheers deafen you as you watch the money flow and the liquor run down his abs from a bottle Jimin has handed Jungkook.
Yoongi spots you from behind the bar. He mouths something to Namjoon, but youâre too tired to respond.
An hour later, the night comes to an end.
Youâre left with Yoongi, who is closing up with Hoseok and Seokjin. They busy themselves, eager to head home but youâre sat on the bar with Yoongi between your thighs.
âHow are you feeling?â He asks as he places his hands on your thigh.
âExhausted,â you answer him.
Yoongi hums as he helps you off the bar.
âLetâs get you home, Queen of Our Hearts.â
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#mdni and support banner by cafekitsune#fic: envolver#bts smut#jimin smut#taehyung smut#jimin x reader insert#taehyung x reader insert#vmin x reader insert#jimin x taehyung x reader insert
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â Chapter Twelve:Â All in Blue Pairing: Jimin x Reader Other tags:Â Werewolf!Jimin, Witch!Reader, Shifter!Reader, Shifter!Jimin, A/B/O Dynamics, Alpha!Jimin Genre:Â Supernatural!AU, Werewolf!AU, Angst, Mutual Pining, Fluff, Smut, Word Count: 21.2k+ Synopsis:Â Within the four realms of Lustra lay the Bangtan forest home to the Foxglove pack of the south and known as the âland of magic.â It is also home to the Bridd, a powerful witch from a cursed bloodline who is one of the sacred guardians of the forest. Y/N is the newest Bridd, a young girl who was given her position too early. Now a woman, Y/N is revered amongst the wolves as the most powerful witch they have ever known, but hiding under the surface is a woman who has to battle between her duty and her heart. Warnings: frenemies dynamic, PTSD, nightmares, guilt, shame, Bridd isn't doing very well mentally, bickering, I loved Lily, Lily is such a stupid jerk and I love her for it, near death experience, flashbacks, minor character deaths, violence, blood, strong language, everyone at this point needs a hug, homesickness, illness, major character injured, trauma bonding, they definitely have a big-sis-little-sis dynamic going on, sarcasm, everyone in the fic has my sense of humor and I'm sorry I'm not funnier, fire magic, this is one of the more "boring" chapters depending on who you ask, mostly traveling and small arguments, until something changes, I just really like their dynamic and wanted to showcase it a lot, psychosis, learning more about Lustra's history, dumb bird jokes because why not?, I think that's it, let me know if I missed anything... A/N: I'm super ahead for TTW right now, and because of the long hiatus I thought posting an extra chapter before the year was over was a great present to those who love this story as much as I do.
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The days blurred together as we trudged through the forest. I couldn't tell when one ended and the next beganâjust this constant rhythm of exhaustion as we pushed on toward the mountains. The trees stretched high above us, thick and ancient, their branches weaving into a dark canopy that barely let in any light. Everything below was muted in mossy green, an eerie half-light that felt alive.
Every step felt heavier than the last, the path twisting in ways that kept us on edge, making every mile harder to bear. The silence between Lily and me only made it worse. It was a silence filled with tension, our brief moments of peace fragile enough to breakâand sometimes they did. Weâd snap at each other, sharp and heated, until there was nothing left but the hollow feeling that came after a fight. Then weâd go back to walking, simmering with everything we hadnât said, unable to let it go.
Lily was a hurricane. Fierce, chin high, baby blue eyes blazingâshe threw words like knives when she was mad enough. Never below the belt, but always enough to sting. And I was no better. I met her glare for glare, word for word, each exchange becoming a contest we both needed to win. It was like striking a flint, both of us desperate to spark somethingâjust to feel anything besides the numbness that the blurred days brought us. But when the arguments faded, Iâd catch a glimpse of something softer in her.
If I had a cough, sheâd make me tea from whatever plants and herbs she could find. When I was tired, sheâd insist we stop and rest. If I got stuck, eyes glazed over, flames and screams dancing across my vision like I was back home, sheâd ask me what color the sky was, and weâd play I-Spy for a few hours.
It wasnât all bad, but I could say with almost complete certainty that we were two hotheads trying our best to bite our tongues before we started another round of bickering.
The forest only made the tension worse. Shadows seemed to shift around us, almost as if they were laughing at our arguments, at our hopeless journey. Iâd wondered a few times if it was the fae and their games. It wouldnât be out of the ordinary for them, and very few were able to come out of the Hollow Below without first being summoned. The thought of them laughing at us only made me angrier, and my irritation would rise.
Unfortunately for me, Lily was far better at quick-witted insults, and Iâd end up stewing alone, back to the campfire, pretending to sleep.
Each night, weâd set up camp with an invisible line drawn between us, both unwilling to cross it. The fire would flicker in the gap between usâwarm, but never enough to thaw the wall weâd built. Yet, in those rare moments, when she looked at me without the bite in her eyes, it felt different. Softer. Like maybe I wasnât as alone as I thought.
Iâd never asked her how old she was, but the few strands of silver in her black hair, the smile lines, and crow's feet told me she might be around Yoona or Thelmaâs age. All of us lived long lives, witches the longest of the three, but Iâd heard hybrids and shapeshifters had similar lifespans. Hybrids lived slightly longer since shifting took so much energy and strength.
I hoped that made Jimin and me evenly matched. I couldnât imagine living a single second longer than him, and I was certain if I went first, heâd follow me soon after. Wolves couldnât live without their mates. The thought of Jimin dying made me far more upset than I already was, so I pushed that thought to the back of my mind.
Finally, after days of endless trees and winding trails, the Ozryn Mountains appeared, jagged and dark against the horizonâso close, but still so far. Progress.
I looked over at Lily and found her already smiling back at me. Her smile softened her face, making her look so much younger. Her dimples shone prettily in the light, the diamond studs a soft baby pink. Her gold teeth hit the sun, and my eyes immediately locked on the two ruby gems on the other side of her mouth. Lily said she got them done as repayment for helping a jewelerâs family get their supplies back from a couple of thieves in Whopping. Reds and pinks were her favorite colors, and I thought they looked nice. She was a beautiful woman despite her scarring and less-than-appealing attitude.
âWe wonât have much cover going through the desert,â she told me, her voice raspy. âWeâll need to stay vigilant. Keldâs Landing will be the next forest before weâre in the tundra.â
I nodded. âWeâll make it.â
Lily hummed and continued walking.
One afternoon, we came to a fork in the road, the trail splitting into two narrow paths. Lily glanced down one and nodded, her voice crisp and unwavering. âWe take the left,â she said, pointing toward the path that disappeared into a curve. Her tone was clipped, like it wasnât up for debate.
âNo,â I said, feeling the familiar frustration build. I pulled out the map, unfolding it with more force than necessary. âThe right leads straight to the mountains.â The paper crinkled loudly as I jabbed a finger at the marked trail.
The sun was beaming down, scorching the back of my neck. The desert wasnât like the ones Iâd heard of in Idrisânot blisteringly hot, but with tall rocky cliffs, massive hills we had to climb through and around, and most of the paths covered in thick layers of red dirt and sand. Weâd found the current path using the map in my hands, and it made Lilyâs stubbornness even more frustrating. The map was obviously useful.
She crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she looked at me. âIâve been this way before,â she said, her voice cold, dismissive. âThe left is safer. Trust me.â
âAnd Iâve got the map,â I shot back, shaking it slightly for emphasis. We stood there, a silent standoff brewing between us, neither of us willing to back down.
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. âThe right is quicker. Weâll save time.â
Her gaze didnât waver. âMaybe, but itâs a mess of dead ends and loose rocks. Do you want to make this harder? Donât be naive, Y/N.â
My heart pounded, and my breathing grew shallow. I was going to explode if she kept this up. I wasnât stupid.
âYou were fine with the map before,â I argued.
âBecause we werenât sure where we were. I am now. The right trail is slightly faster, but there are rock warnings posted everywhere, and weâll end up having to cut through even more dangerous areas trying to avoid the cliffs.â
I looked down at the map, doubt gnawing at the edges of my resolve. The lines blurred, exhaustion clouding my vision, and I glanced back at her, at her determined expression, her jaw set as if daring me to challenge her. Reluctantly, I felt my resolve waver.
âFine,â I muttered, tucking the map away with a sigh. âWeâll go left. But if we get lost, itâs on you.â
A hint of satisfaction flickered in her eyes, and her tone softened. âWe wonât get lost.â
The path was steep, lined with large, dead trees that closed in tighter as we moved. The silence still hung between us, but I could tell Lily was trying to soften me. Sheâd offer a hand when the trail got rough, and her voice lost a bit of its bite when she passed me a piece of bread. It didnât help soften my resolve.
Call it pride or stubbornness, but I didnât like being talked down to.
One night, we stopped to camp under a sky full of stars, the fire casting flickering shadows across the clearing. The cavern was still, the quiet wrapping around us, but for once, it didnât feel heavy. We sat across from each other, tired and sore, but the silence didnât press down on us the way it usually did.
The firelight danced in Lilyâs eyes, and for a brief moment, there was no hardness, no angerâjust the two of us, two people stuck together on a journey neither of us could make alone. It was strange, almost surreal, like some part of me had been waiting for this moment, for the quiet to settle between us without all the tension.
Lilyâs voice broke the silence, softer than I was used to. âI canât believe Iâm doing this all over again,â she muttered, her hands busy stacking more firewood. There was something weary in her tone, a softness that hadnât been there before.
I leaned back, feeling the ache of the dayâs travel settle into my bones. âYouâre better at it than I am,â I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
She shot me a look, her eyes narrowing, but there was a glimmer of humor there. âFlattery wonât get you out of it next time,â she said, tossing a log onto the fire. The flames crackled, sending warmth into the cold night air.
I sighed, settling onto my bedroll as the warmth of the fire seeped into me. The sounds of the forest surrounded usâleaves rustling, faint calls in the distance, and bugs chirping. It felt almost peaceful.
âCan I be honest with you for a moment?â
I rolled my eyes, trying to keep the ire from my voice. That always meant she was going to say something that pissed me off. And she knew it. It was why she always tried to pretend it was in the name of honesty.
Really, it was her catch-all phrase for saying whatever she felt like and then acting all high and mighty when I got angry.
âWhy ask?â I couldnât keep the bitterness out of my voice, no matter how hard I tried. âItâs never stopped you before.â
Lilyâs voice came again, hesitant, in a way that caught me off guard. âLook, I donât like arguing with you any more than you do,â she said, her gaze fixed on the flames. âWeâre stuck together, whether we like it or not. So... Iâll try to cool it. But I need you to work with me.â
I scoffed, the words coming out before I could stop them. âYou act like Iâm the one who always starts it,â I snapped, irritation flaring up again. âOr should I remind you about how you caused this entire attitude issue youâre so mad about?â
Lily raised an eyebrow, folding her arms as her face hardened. âOh, really?â she said, her tone thick with disbelief. âCare to explain that one?â
I felt the sting of her words, sharper than I wanted to admit. âYou called me stupid,â I threw back, the memory still fresh and bitter. âI was trying to help, and you just... dismissed me. Didnât even bother to apologize.â
She rolled her eyes, her voice sliding into that condescending edge that always got under my skin. âI did not call you stupid. I called you naive. Thereâs a difference. Youâre out of your depth, and youâre too stubborn to admit it. If youâd just listen to meââ
âNaive, stupidâwhatâs the difference?â I shot back, getting to my feet, anger bubbling up. âYou act like I donât know anything, like I havenât seen things, lived through things. Youâve known me for what, two weeks? You donât know anything about me.â
For a split second, something shifted in her expression. The firelight flickered across her face, and her eyes softened, the harshness slipping away. âThen tell me,â she said quietly. âI canât know if you donât tell me.â
Her words lingered, raw and open, hovering between us. And for a second, I almost told her. Almost let it all spill outâthe fears, the doubts, the parts of me I kept locked away. But the words tangled in my throat, too heavy, too real. I looked away, feeling the anger drain out of me, leaving only a dull ache behind.
âI need some air,â I muttered, turning before she could stop me, before she could ask me anything else.
âWait,â she called after me, but I was already slipping into the darkness beyond the firelight, letting the shadows of the cliffs close around me.
A few minutes later, I was flying.
The days that followed were rough, each one feeling heavier than the last. Every step through that desert felt harder than the one before. We barely spoke, and when we did, the words were clipped, bordering on shouting each time we opened our mouths. Silence was easier than trying to find the right wordsâeasier than pretending we were more than just two people stuck together out of necessity. It felt like a chasm had opened between us, growing wider each day.
But even in the silence, there were still those small moments that showed we still cared, even if we refused to say it. When the path got rough and I stumbled, her hand would still reach out, steadying me before I fell. When a fallen branch blocked our way, Iâd offer my hand to help her over it. These moments were rare, but they were good reminders that we were still in this together. Whether we liked it or not.
The desert slowly began to give way, sand turning to dirt and mud, dying grass making way for glimpses of the Ozryn Mountains in the distance. They loomed closer, their dark, jagged peaks stark against the sky. We were getting closer, and I could already begin to smell the pine in the distance. Weâd reach Keldâs Landing first, and then weâd finally be in the danger zone.
I was just as terrified as I was relieved.
Of course, the peace couldnât last long. As we walked through the ever-thickening forest, I was thrown by the twists and turns the paths tookâpaths my map couldnât always account for. I knew they were old, but how old didnât really hit me until I found myself relying more on Lilyâs judgment than the piece of parchment in my hands.
Then, we finally found a path that did line up with my map, and I was more than happy to jump at the chance to be useful. I stopped walking, looking up from the map. The path split into two directions, winding off into thicker areas of forest. We were still just barely on the outskirts, the aspens few and far between, many of them missing their pines. Lily stopped, studying the paths, her eyes narrowed.
I had a feeling we were about to have another argument and prepared myself to be willing to back off. Lily had been the bigger person during our last real spat, and I needed to learn to calm things down, too.
âRight,â she said firmly, her voice leaving no room for debate.
I took out the map, already feeling the tension coil between us. âThis says left.â
She crossed her arms, her tone challenging. âIâve been here before. The right path is safer.â
It only took a second for the argument to erupt, our voices bouncing off the trees, sharp and heated. But as we argued, something else crept in, a realization that was harder to ignore. We were fighting over nothing. I knew this map wasnât the most reliable, and truthfully, Lily wasnât saying anything to warrant my bad attitude. She was just trying to guide usâthe only reason we were even traveling together. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to hold back the worst of my temper, even though I wanted nothing more than to tell her how right I was and how wrong she was.
Not to mention, weâd just had this fight a week ago.
âFine,â I said, forcing the word out, each syllable heavy. âWeâll go right.â
She looked at me, surprise flickering across her face. âThank you,â she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper.
We kept moving, the path winding through the ever-thickening forest. The grass was becoming greener, the trees fuller and more closely packed together. We were still a few miles out of Keldâs Landing, but I had a feeling we would get through it soon enough. If we were lucky, we could stay inside the forest long into the mountains, as it crossed throughout the southern regions of Ozryn. Weâd have to cut across and start heading southeast eventually, but the trees would help protect us from the harshest winds the mountains had to offer.
That night, we made camp as stars began to prick through the deepening dusk. The silence between us wasnât tense or uncomfortable; it was just... quiet. The fight from earlier was forgotten, and honestly, I didnât have the energy or the desire to rehash it. We were adultsâwe needed to start acting like it. Liking each other was secondary to our mission. The fire cast warm light over us, softening Lilyâs face. She looked more tired than I remembered, and a pang of guilt settled in my chest for the way Iâd acted sometimes. Especially when it really didnât matter who was right or wrong.
We were both going to the same place, and she was rightâI was being naive and stupid if I thought I knew everything about surviving out here.
âThank you,â I said quietly, each word carrying more weight than I intended.
âWhat for?â
I turned to look at her, her eyes staring into the flames. I wondered what she saw in them. I knew what they did to me. Some nights, Iâd have to sleep as far away from the smoke as I could or else I couldnât sleep. Cordelia would visit me in those moments, her eyes far away, that awful look on her face. Then Iâd start to smell blood, and Iâd need to get as far away from camp as I could without worrying Lily. I hoped nothing as horrible as that haunted her.
With the way she spoke about Duke, though, I wasnât so sure.
âFor putting up with me,â I sighed. âIâve always been difficult and hard-headed. Iâm just sorry youâre the one who has to deal with it.â
She glanced up at me, her eyes warm, a soft smile spreading across her face. âYou donât have to thank me. Letâs just get through this. Together.â
I nodded, and in that moment, something shifted inside meâa tiny ember of hope, barely there but undeniably real. It wasnât much, but right now, it was enough.
âNo need to apologize either,â she rasped, turning her gaze back to the fire. âIâm responsible for my own behavior, and I know Iâm not the most accommodating. Weâll learn to get used to each other.â
âDonât think we really have a choice.â
We both laughed softly.
The fire burned low, casting long shadows, and the forest around us was quiet, a peace settling over it that matched the calm between us. As Lily drifted off to sleep, I stayed by the fire, watching the embers glow in the darkness.
I thought of home, the wet grass and how it tickled my feet in the spring. The first time I met Yoongi. He was so small and tiny back then. A late bloomer, Aldara had called him. I couldnât have been more than six at the time, and Yoongi was eight or nine. Heâs only two years younger than Wendy and Jin, but at the time youâd have sworn we were the same age.
His hair was long, almost to his mid-back, puffing up in frizzy waves that floated everywhere. He was always shyer than me, but I remember the moment we locked eyes and how quickly I knew heâd be in my life forever. I chuckled to myself.
I had liked him when we were younger, but between Wendy and Nixie, I knew I didnât want to push the boundaries of our friendship. The older I got, the more I saw him as a brotherâthe same way I saw Jin. Jiminâs reappearance in my life helped too. It was impossible to be in love with anyone else when those eyes locked on mine for the first time since that Yule night.
Yoongi knew, of course. Yoongi always knew everything. We talked about my crush and both came to the same conclusions. It was easy to fall in love with someone when you didnât have any other options. Thatâs when he first told me about him and Delta. I never wouldâve guessed Yoongi liked boys, but I also never wouldâve thought heâd sneak around with Wendyâs sister behind her back.
God, the entire circle was so messed up. I hoped everyone was alright. I always kept them in check, and without that balance, I worried about how Jin would handle things.
Staring at the sky, I rolled my eyes. That boyâŚ
He was like my little brother despite being four years older. We met when Hyolin came to the house to introduce herself to me. Jin always treated me like a pest back then, but that changed after I brought Wendy around a few years later. Things started with him using me to get closer to Wendy, but our friendship became more genuine than any other relationship he had. He had a bullying streak with Yoongi at the best of times due to his jealousy, and he was known to be selfish and immature even when he swore he wasnât.
Wendy brought out the worst in him.
She always said itâs why she couldnât stand being his girlfriend for more than a few weeks. He was suffocating and so hyper-fixated on the past that he couldnât see what they had. When we were younger, in our teens, I laughed in her face and told her there wasnât a past if she was still in love with Yoongi. Now, I felt for her more than I ever thought I could. They were both insanely selfish and put Yoongi in the middle of everything, but Wendy had always been clear and firm when it came to Seokjin. He just didnât know when to quit, and she went out with him because it was easier than breaking his heart.
Love always had its way of complicating even the strongest of friend groups, and ours was no exception. It was a shame, really. We were always so good with one another back then...
When I left, it seemed like things were better between them this time around, but I knew things neither of them did. Things that would tear everything apart if they even heard the slightest whisper of it.
I didnât know if Wendy could forgive Yoongi and me for keeping it from her, and I knew Jin would pick her side if it meant keeping her around. Nixieâs marriage could be at risk since many humans still held to the tradition of a woman being a virgin when wed, and Delta would be in a tight spot if word got out about him being gay. If it got back to his father, heâd risk losing his home.
Syrena was one of the least progressive parts of the magical world next to Foxglove. Even Viridi Gramine had more progress, and wolves were known for being as misogynistic and homophobic as they come. I hoped Yoongi was staying safe.
And Jimin, and Taehyung, and Callisto, and Mi-Jeong, and Hoseok, and Hyuna; and Yoona, and Enver, and Thelma; and...
I sighed, turning on my side. I needed to stretch my wings. My head was too crowded right now.
As the sky deepened into purples and golds, I got to my feet, drifting away from the fire until the shadows of the forest swallowed me up. I glanced back once, just to be sureâLily was already asleep, her breathing steady, her shoulders rising and falling in a calm rhythm that was, oddly, comforting. A small smile tugged at my lipsâpart relief, part guilt. It was better this way, safer for her not to see this part of me.
It wasnât that I thought sheâd run off into the forest screaming, but I knew if she saw what I could do, sheâd figure out what I was immediately. I was supposed to be dead, if the whispers from our time in those small human towns throughout Clarcton were anything to go by, and I wasnât sure what an enemy would be able to get out of her if we were separated. I wasnât ready to risk that. She didnât need to know yet.
Maybe later, when things were calmer and we were closer to the mountains, Iâd let her know. Out here, I was too afraid of who or what might see us together. Even if I didnât particularly care for her, I didnât want anything bad to happen to her either. Secrets were safer. I think sheâd understand. I was sure she had a few of her own.
With the moon high in the sky, I walked further and further away from camp. My heart felt heavy, and I didnât really feel like doing much of anything, but I hoped feeling the breeze against my feathers would help soothe my growing headache. Finally, when I looked back and found that I could no longer see Lily, I relaxed and closed my eyes.
The transformation started slowly, like a ripple through my bones, a tingling that spread over my skin, a strange sensation that felt both sharp and ticklish. My bones felt like they were hollowing out, my skin prickling as feathers began to push through, soft and light, spreading across my arms as they stretched out into wings. My senses sharpenedâthe night seemed to grow brighter, the scent of the forest more vivid, the air more alive around me. The world grew bigger as I felt myself shrinking.
It felt so gentle and soft compared to the torturous process it used to be. It felt freeing.
Then, in an instant, I shiftedâwings stretched wide, reaching into the night, ready to lift me. With one strong push, I took flight. The wind rushed past me, cool and crisp, and I kawed loudly into the silent night sky. So far, we hadnât seen many birds in this area, and I wasnât in the mood for socializing.
The first few flaps were exhilarating, my wings catching the air as I ascended higher, the forest below shrinking until the trees looked like tiny clusters of dark green. I let out a long whistle of joy, the sound escaping me unbidden, a sound so colorful and filled with so many different calls and notes that I wasnât sure any passing bird could understand what was happening. The moon hung above me, round and silver, lighting my path, and I felt weightless, the cool night air rushing over my feathers as I twisted and turned. The stars above seemed close enough to touch, like a blanket of glittering diamonds spread across the sky, and I reveled in the vastness of it all.
I swooped low, skimming the treetops, the tips of my wings brushing the highest branches, sending a few leaves fluttering to the ground below. I darted upward again, spiraling in a lazy circle, my wings catching the wind and carrying me higher, spinning until the world blurred beneath me in shades of green and silver. There was a wildness in my heart that matched the thrill of the wind beneath my wings, a giddy kind of joy that I hadnât felt in a long time.
I raced the wind, diving down, then soaring up again. I glided over a small clearing, the grass glowing faintly under the moonlight. The air was cool, carrying with it the scent of pine and damp earth, and I breathed it in deeply, filling my lungs, feeling the cold in my hollow bones.
It didnât bother me. This body could handle the chill better than my human one. I whistled again and dove down.
I darted between the trees, my wings folding close as I twisted through narrow gaps. There was nothing like thisânothing like the rush of the air against me, the world opening up beneath me, limitless and wide. I spun and twirled, playing with the wind, my heart soaring with every beat of my wings. For this moment, nothing else mattered. I was alive, and the world was mine.
Then, without warning, I glanced back up at the moon and thought of silver hair, and all that joy began to ebb.
My thoughts began to drift, unbidden, to Jimin. I could almost see his face in my mindâhis laughter, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, that soft smile that always seemed to hold so much warmth. I thought of the way heâd hold me, his arms strong and comforting, his voice low as he whispered dreams of a future that now felt so far away.
The ache was sharp and hollow, and as the wind carried me higher, it seemed to grow, pressing into my chest until it was all I could feel. I missed himâmissed him so much it hurt. I missed the quiet moments, the simple comfort of just being by his side. I let out a cry, sharp and raspy, swallowed by the wind as I banked, gliding above the treetops. I wished, with every part of me, that I could turn back to him, fly straight into his arms, tell him I loved him one more time.
But I couldnât. Not yet. Not while there was still so much to be done. I thought of the othersâof my family and friends who I had left behind without much thought on that night. They had trusted me to take this path, to do what needed to be done, and I could only hope they understoodâthat they didnât see my absence as abandonment. I was sure Yoongi and Wendy would understand. The elders as well. It was Jin and Taehyung I worried most about. They were both too sensitive and took most things to heartâeven when they didnât need to.
Jin would grow angry and revert back to that childish and angry boy I knew when I was fifteen. Taehyung⌠it was difficult to say. I knew him well enough, but I didnât think anyone would allow him to wallow and cry for very long. It was unbecoming for their new Chief, and I had to imagine how frustrated and alone he would feel.
His mate went behind his back. His friend left him without much of a goodbye. The only reason people wanted him to come back was to make Sol happy. There was much on his plate, and I worried no one was there to hold him up. At least, no one he would really want to be there for him right now.
I hoped, at the very least, he and Namjoon were able to make up.
My wings beat steadily, carrying me over the dark expanse of the forest, the grass stretching endlessly below. I flew on, my heart heavy, the weight of longing pressing down on me. And yet, even in the sadness, there was something elseâfierce determination. I would find my way back. One day, I would fly not just for the joy of it, but to return home, to the people who meant everything to me.
That one day came closer with each step we took towards those mountains.
With a sigh, I turned, folding my wings and gliding back toward our camp. The ground rose up to meet me, and I landed softly, feeling the transformation reverse itselfâfeathers vanishing, bones solidifying, skin reforming. I took a deep breath, letting it settle. But as I straightened up, I froze.
Lily was standing at the edge of the clearing, staring at me, her eyes wide. For a second, neither of us moved, the forest around us holding its breath. My heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and something else I couldnât name.
âYouâre... a Bridd?â she whispered, her voice barely a murmur, filled with a mix of disbelief and wonder.
I swallowed, panic clawing at my throat, but I forced myself to stay calm. âYes,â I said quietly, almost apologetic. âIâm sorry I didnât tell you.â
âItâs fine,â she whispered back, her eyes still wide. Her hair was down now, her hood tossed aside, exposing her ears. Looking at them now, it felt silly to keep this part of my life away from her. Even if she was capturedâthe elves would be more excited about her death than mine. I was a threat because of my magic. Lily was an abomination of nature according to their laws. Guilt ate away at me like a rabid dog. âWhy didnât you say something sooner? This isâŚâ
She trailed off, not finishing her sentence.
âItâs... not something I share easily. Or ever. Everyone Iâve ever known was aware. It didnât feel all that important,â Then, because I knew I was partially lying, I threw in the real reason. âAnd I was nervous about one of us being captured. Didnât think it would be good for you to see me.â
There was a silence, thick and heavy. My heart was lodged somewhere in my throat as I waited, bracing for whatever reaction might come. I couldnât help but notice the way Lilyâs black fox ears twitched, peeking out from beneath her hair, her big, fluffy burnt orange tail slowly unfurling behind her as she processed what I had said. Her eyes, wide with a mix of awe and curiosity, never left mine.
Her expression softened, awe giving way to something elseâsomething almost... respectful. She took a step closer, her tail swishing slightly, her gaze unwavering.
âThatâs... incredible,â she said, her voice filled with genuine wonder. Her ears perked up, her usual guarded demeanor slipping away, replaced by something far more open and intrigued. She moved a little closer, her curiosity evident.
âHow does it work?â she asked, her tone brightening with interest. âCan you just... shift whenever you want?â
I exhaled, letting go of some of the tension that had built up inside me. Her ears twitched as she waited for my answer, her tail swaying in slow, steady arcs. âYes,â I replied. âIt wasnât always like that, but... yeah, I can shift whenever.â
Lily nodded, her ears tilting slightly as she took in my words. She seemed thoughtful, her eyes still wide with wonder. âButâŚHow? When?â She shook her head, stepping closer to me, her tail wagging. âHow?â
âItâs a long story,â I scratched the back of my neck, moving towards the fire. It was cold out here, and I no longer had feathers to insulate my body. âBut the shortened version is I died and came back to life.â
âI canât imagineâŚ,â she murmured, her gaze softening. Her fox tail brushed against her leg, the fur catching the moonlight as she shifted her weight. âYou had to be desperate. Are you alright now?â
I looked away, feeling a tightness in my chest as the words slipped out before I could stop them. âItâs been hard,â I admitted, my voice quieter. âI can admit I donât know much about being normal, but Iâm trying. I apologize for being a bad partner. Itâs hard to trust someone who isnât being honest.â
Lily was quiet for a moment, her ears flicking slightly, her gaze fixed on the ground. Then she looked up, her eyes meeting mine, steady and sincere. âI get it,â she said softly. âI donât know if Iâd have reacted well before. I-â She paused, her voice growing even softer, almost gentle. âThanks for trusting me now.â
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, small but genuine. âThanks for not freaking out,â I said, my voice carrying a note of humor.
She laughed quietly, her fox ears flattening slightly with amusement, her tail giving a small flick. The sound was a soothing balm to my frayed nerves, easing the tension I hadnât even realized I was still holding. âFreaking outâs usually my first instinct,â she admitted, a hint of laughter in her eyes. âBut... I think Iâm getting better at this whole ânot panickingâ thing.â
Her honesty made me laugh too, the sound light and freeing. Just like that, the tension that had hung between us for so long seemed to ease. It wasnât goneânot completelyâbut it felt like weâd crossed a line, moved a little closer to something like understanding.
âStill havenât quite gotten the hang of the bitch part, right?â I joked back.
âNo,â she chuckled. âDonât think I ever will. Unless you fix it first.â
I laughed, stretching my legs, bending down to touch my toes. Shifting always made me so stiff. I looked at the hybrid through the space between my legs.
Lilyâs ears perked up again, her blue eyes glinting in the moonlight. She took another step closer, her tail swishing behind her, and I could see the genuine fascination in her gaze. âDo you ever get tired of it?â she asked. âBeing able to shift, I mean. Or is it just... always like magic?â
I considered her question for a moment, my body snapping back upright. âItâs both, I think,â I said eventually. âSometimes it feels like the most natural thing in the world. Other times, I hate being reminded about all of the responsibilities it gives me. Who I have to be because of it. But when Iâm up there, when Iâm flying...â I trailed off, a small smile touching my lips. âItâs worth it. It always feels like magic then.â
Lily nodded, her gaze softening. âI think I get that,â she said quietly. Her ears twitched, and she gave me a small smile. âIâve always wondered what it would be like to fly. I had a friend who shifted before, and she could fly. I used to envy her. Always wished she could pick me up and take me with her.â
âWell, Iâm a raven,â I said with a wry grin. âSo unless you want to shrink down to about a tenth of your size, Iâm afraid youâre a bit too heavy for me to carry around.â
She laughed, her ears tilting back slightly as her tail swished. âYeah, I figured. Besides, I donât think Iâd trust you to fly straight if you had me dangling from your talons.â
I laughed too, the image ridiculous enough to make the tension in my chest ease a little more. âFair enough. But maybe one of the dragons could give you a ride one day,â I added, my tone playful. âYou know, if Khione ever decides she likes us enough not to drop you halfway through the sky.â
Lily snorted, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Khione?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The ice dragon who'd probably freeze my tail just for looking at her the wrong way? Yeah, I'll pass."
"Come on," I teased, nudging her arm lightly. "She can't be that bad. She's just... selectively friendly."
Lily shook her head, her ears twitching with laughter. "Right. Selectively friendly. I'm sure she'd love to have a hybrid hitching a ride on her back. I'll stick to the ground for now, thanks."
We both laughed, the sound echoing softly in the night air, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. It was rare that we were so open and honest with one another since that first day together. But in that moment, it finally felt like we were in this together as friends. Her black fox ears flicked again, catching the light from the moon above us, and her gaze met mine, her eyes softening with a warmth that made my chest tighten, but in a good way this time.
"You know," she said after a moment, her voice quieter, almost as if she wasn't sure she should say it, "I'm glad you told me. It's like... I feel like I understand you a little better now."
"Yeah?" I asked, my own voice coming out softer. It wasn't easy for either of us to admit these kinds of things.
She nodded, her fox tail swishing slowly behind her, the big fluffy thing moving in gentle arcs. "Yeah. I mean, we're all carrying something, right? Secrets, fears... it's just part of who we are. And I guess it's nice to know I'm not the only one."
I smiled. "You're definitely not the only one," I said. "And I'm glad I told you too. Even if I thought you might freak out."
Lily rolled her eyes, her ears flattening in mock annoyance. "Oh please, I'm not that bad. Just because my first instinct is to act like a complete and utter diva doesn't mean I would have gone all psychobitch. I bite, but not that hard, jeez.â
I laughed, shaking my head. "Right, right. Totally calm and collected, that's you."
"Hey, I've gotten better," she shot back, a grin tugging at her lips. "Besides, you're the one who kept this big secret. Who knows, maybe I'm the one who should be freaking out that my supposed partner is actually a shapeshifting bird womanâwho, by the way, is also one of the most sacred beings in the country. If not the world. Just a normal Tuesday."
"Not just any shapeshifting bird woman," I corrected, pointing a finger at her, unable to keep the smile off my face. "A Raven."
"Right, a raven," she teased, her eyes glinting mischievously. "I've seen ravens steal shiny things, you know. Might have to keep an eye on my stuff."
I snorted, shaking my head. "I can promise you, your belt buckles are safe from me."
Lily gave a mock sigh of relief, her tail swishing again. "Good to know. I'd hate to have to fend off a raven attack just to protect my piercings, crow brain."
The banter between us felt natural, easy, and the tension that had been there for so long seemed to fade into the background. There were still things we hadn't worked through, but in that moment, it felt like we were a little bit closer to being real friends.
Later, as we sat by the fire, the flames crackling and casting flickering shadows across the clearing, a more solemn mood seemed to settle between us. The warmth of the fire wrapped around us, and I could feel the chill of the night slowly being pushed back. Lily stared into the flames, her ears twitching slightly as she seemed to be lost in thought. Finally, her voice came, softer than usual, almost hesitant.
"I'm sorry," she said, her gaze fixed on the flames. "For everything I said before. I judged you without really knowing you. And I guess... I was scared, too. I didn't know if I could trust you."
I sighed, feeling affection for her growing in my chest. It wasn't easy for Lily to apologizeâI knew that. She was stubborn and proud, and hearing her admit her mistakes made me feel like maybe we really were making progress. "I was being difficult too," I admitted, my eyes following the dance of the fire. "Iâm sorry, and... I forgive you."
She glanced at me then, her ears perking up, and a real smile lit up her face, one that made her eyes crinkle at the corners. "Then I guess I forgive you, too," she said, her voice lighter, more like her usual self.
"Wow, forgiveness all around," I said, unable to resist the urge to tease. "Who knew we could be so mature?"
Lily snorted, her tail flicking behind her. "Don't get used to it. I'll go back to being a bitch tomorrow."
"Good to know," I said with a grin. "Wouldn't want things to get too friendly around here."
She gave me a playful shove, her smile widening. "Shut up. You're lucky I don't bite."
"Oh, I'm terrified," I replied, my voice dripping with mock fear. "Please, spare me, oh mighty fox warrior."
Lily rolled her eyes, but her laughter came easily, and it was a sound that made me feel lighter. The fire crackled between us, filling the silence that followed with warmth and a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time. There was a long road ahead, filled with challenges and dangers waiting for us both, but for the first time, I felt like we had a real shot. We could face it togetherânot as reluctant allies, but as something closer to friends.
The night stretched on, the stars twinkling above us, and the fire slowly burned down to embers. We sat there, the silence comfortable, the teasing smiles lingering on our faces. And as I looked at Lily, her fox ears twitching slightly as she listened to the sounds of the night, her tail curled around her, I felt something inside me settle. There was still so much left to do, so many obstacles to overcome, but at least now, I knew I didn't have to face it all alone.
"You know," I said after a while, my voice softer, almost thoughtful, "if we ever do find Khione and she doesn't try to freeze us, I think you should ask her for that ride. I'd love to see her face when you ask."
Lily snickered, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh yeah? And what makes you think she wouldn't drop me from the sky the first chance she gets?"
"She might," I admitted, unable to hide my grin. "But think of the look on her face. It'd be worth it."
"You're so bad," Lily said, shaking her head, though there was laughter in her voice. "But maybe I'll do it. Just to see if you're right."
"I'll be cheering you on from a safe distance," I replied, and she laughed again, her ears flicking with amusement.
We settled back into a comfortable silence, the warmth of the fire and the glow of the embers surrounding us. The challenges ahead seemed a little less daunting, the road a little less lonely. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like we really could make it.
After that night, something between Lily and me softened. It wasn't suddenâno big moment, no dramatic shift. But it was there, a quiet sort of peace that settled over us. An unspoken truce.
We still argued, of courseâthere was no miracle fix for our tempers. But the fights felt different. Less about tearing each other down, and far fewer insults being hurled on either side. We were just stubborn and headstrong about our beliefs, and had a hard time looking past that. We were both making efforts, however, to see the value in our differences, learning how to exist side by side, and shutting up when we didnât have anything nice to say. That was probably the best improvement we made thus far.
One day, we were navigating a particularly tough stretch of the trail. It was treacherous, the rocks slick with dew, the path steep and full of traps. Lily was ahead of me, her jaw tight with focus, when her foot slipped, her boot skidding over loose stones. Instinctively, I reached out to steady her, but she jerked her arm away, a fierce look in her eyes.
"I can do it myself," she snapped, frustration evident in her voice.
I let my hand fall, but I didn't look away. I had to try very hard not to yell back, but I knew underneath her attitude and anger was something gentle and sweet. I had to get better at being understanding. I took a short, quick gasp of air and hoped I softened my voice enough to not give away how irritated I felt inside my chest.
"Lily, you don't have to do everything alone. Thatâs why weâre doing this thing togetherâconvenience."
She froze, her gaze locked with mine, and for a moment, I thought she'd snap again. My stomach coiled with anticipation. A part of me wanted her to. I had more than enough steam to blow off from the stress of everything. But then she sighed, the tension in her face melting as she reached out, slipping her hand into mine. I helped her up, her fingers holding tightly onto mine.
When we reached the top, I smirked a little, trying to lighten the mood. "See? Teamwork," I said, teasing but gentle.
She rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a real smile there. "Maybe you're not entirely useless," she replied, her tone softened, almost playful.
That was just one thing that told me we were on the same side now. When the path turned steep or the rocks were too slick, one of us would offer a hand without a word. Lily didnât even blink an eye at the contact anymore. At night by the fire, the silence wasn't stifling anymore; it was comfortable. We had even started sharing stories, things I hadn't expected to tell her. Things I would have never thought sheâd tell me. It was a strange twist of fateâthe only person I had ever admitted to not liking had become my favorite person I had ever (save Jimin and Yoongi) talked to within a weekâs time.
Lilyâs stories were so fascinating and out of the realm of anything I had ever heard before. Most of my friends and family had never known a life outside of Bangtan, Moland, or the southernmost parts of Clarcton. Never had much interaction with humans, and if they did, they rarely had good things to say. Lily, however, had seen almost every nook and cranny of Lustra outside of Alcona Island. Dragons didnât like non-dragons, so it wasnât really a possibility for her to get there unless she wanted to be burnt to a crisp.
From the ports of Whopping, to the monasteries in Idris, outfoxing goblins in Bangtan, fighting with Bunyips in Moland, and all the way to the smallest farming towns from Leeside and the capital of NorthornâLilyâs feet had touched the soil there. She earned her gold teeth when she was a teenager and still living with Duke. Sheâd left that life behind after meeting Dina, but had a few moments since her death. Money was valuable outside of the forests, and barding only stretched the coins so far. Her normal way of money-making lately had been through bounty hunting, but with the elves back, that well had run dry. No one had any money and were too afraid of risking being seen with someone who so obviously stood out from the humans. The tattoos and piercings were a dead giveaway that she was from the east and would draw suspicion from the elves.
Lily was barely surviving when we met. She had just completed a hit on a man who had stolen away a young girl from her fatherâs home. She was originally meant to be sold off for money and a goat, but the man hadnât made good on his promise. The wedding never happened, but the girl had gone missing just two days later. When I asked her why she kept calling the bird a âgirl,â Lily turned to me and said.
âThe peasants in Northorn sell their children so they can get by. The girl was 14 and the man who wanted her was rich enough to give her a large home and a small farm with a goat.â
âBut why would anyone do that?â I nearly shouted, the thought of anyone so young being married off foreign. âIt would hurt her. Sheâs so vulnerable to death giving birth to a child. What were they thinking?â
Lilyâs look had turned to pity. That moment reminded me that she was rightâI was naive and clueless. Nothing about this world made sense, and no one around me was informed enough to know anything different. If they were, they never told us.
âThe only people who can afford to eat in Northorn are the nobles and monarchs,â her tone had taken on a softer tone, like she was explaining this to a small child. âBeen like that ever since King Namjoon came into power. He and his queen enjoy the finer things in life, spoiled their children rotten, and stopped taxing their court money. Those who were already struggling turned to less⌠savory means of staying alive. I know a few boys who were sold to the church and⌠castrated so they can sing higher. They donât allow girls into the theater there.â
I never asked about the children in Northorn again.
We weren't perfect. We still stumbled, still clashed. But there was a difference nowâwe realized we liked each other when we were fighting all of the damn time. And as we pushed onward, the peaks of Ozryn drawing closer each day, I felt the hopelessness I carried with me when I was flying to Clarcton fading away. We had come so far, and Lily seemed confident about our odds. I allowed myself to believe her.
I canât remember what Yoongi saidâif he even said anythingâbut I remember his voice. Or at least, something pretending to be his voice. I couldnât remember anymore. It was wrong. Stretched, warped, shredded into something that didnât fit. It filled the air, filled me, with a kind of terror I couldnât shake. It wasnât him. It couldnât have been him.
I tried to run, but my legs wouldnât move. The ground seemed to grab at me, holding me back, as if it knew I wasnât supposed to get there. And he was there, but not there. His face was empty, his eyes hollowâerased. His body jerked unnaturally, like a puppet on strings, and when I reached for him, it was like trying to grab smoke. He slipped right through my fingers, no matter how hard I tried to hold on.
There was screamingâhis, mine, I donât knowâbut the sound ripped through me, splintered into pieces that never made sense. I think he shouted my name, begged me for something, but all I can remember is the way it sounded: broken. His voice cracked and splintered, sharp and desperate, and I wanted to say something back. I wanted to tell him I was there, that it was okay, but my voice was gone, frozen inside me, useless.
His hands. God, his hands werenât his anymore. They were claws, tearing at his face, his skin, his eyes. "I canât see!" he screamed, but it wasnât even a scream. It was⌠other. I tried to stop him, but I couldnât. My hands wouldnât move. My legs wouldnât move. I was stuck there, paralyzed, watching him disappear into a million little, bloody pieces.
Everything spun after that. The world tilted, and I couldnât keep up. I kept trying to reach him, to grab hold of anything, but there was nothing. Just the thick, black smoke swallowing him whole. I donât know if I screamed, if I begged him to stay, but I felt like I did. The ache in my chest, the burn in my throatâit had to mean something came out of me, right? But I canât remember.
Then it all shifted, blurred into something worse. Smoke burned my lungs, stung my eyes. My feet stumbled over something I couldnât see, and my name was being calledâsoft, urgent, but so far away. And thatâs when I saw her.
Cordelia.
Her face is the only thing I can see clearly now. Gray and lifeless, her eyes staring at nothing. Dead. She was pinned under something heavy, and IâI tried to pull her free. My hands shook, clawed at the rubble, but it was useless. My strength was gone, and the weight of her stillness crushed me. I screamed her name, but it caught in my throat, tangled with the smoke and the tears. I knew she was gone even before I stopped trying. She was cold, heavy, already slipping away.
Hands grabbed meâpulled me backâbut I fought them. Kicked, thrashed, anything to stay with her. I couldnât leave her. I couldnât. But they were stronger, and my body was too weak. And then I was holding her, somehow. I donât remember how, but she was in my arms, and she wasnât there. She was just⌠gone.
I donât know what happened next. The shadows swallowed everything, and I was falling, slipping, screaming inside myself because I couldnât do anything else. And then there were arms around me, warm and steady, holding me together when I was sure Iâd shatter. I didnât know who it was. I didnât care. I just clung to them, because they were the only thing keeping me from falling completely into the dark.
"Y/N.â
My head snapped up. Without a word, Lily moved closer, her shoulder brushing against mine.
I am Y/N. The elves are gone. Foxglove is safe. Everyone is safe.
Not Cordelia. She was dead. My best friendâs mother was dead and I wasnât there for her. I left. I let her die. I killed Cordelia. If I had been there, I could have stopped it. If I had spoken sooner. I am a guardian. I failed. I deserve toâ
"Did you know that Bangtan used to be called something else?"
I blinked, snapped from my thoughts.
"No," I replied, robotically, eyes still staring at the dancing yellow and orange flames.
It should have been me.
It should have been me.
It should have been me.
It should have been me.
It should have been me.
It should havâ
"Before humans were here and the land was filled with elementals, they all lived in harmony within their homeland. They didnât believe in borders the way that humans do. They just used words to describe places."
I made a non-committal sound. I couldnât manage much more. Lily continued as if I hadnât said anything at all.
"Virdi Gramine was Lysander, and many of the water elementals lived there. Ozryn had always been home to Khione. ConlĂĄed named it. He was the only thing Khione ever respected more than Naida. He died during the war.
"Whopping is named after the human who conquered the east. Liam Whopping," Lily scoffed, her disdain for the man coloring every syllable of his name as she spoke it. "ConlĂĄed named it after his wife, Agni. She was a water nymph who lived in the northeast before the fae were sent to Hollow Below. She died of an illness, and he never left her grave. At least, not until the war. The elves enslaved him and the rest of the dragons, but ConlĂĄed was too powerful to be kept alive. They beheaded him and paraded it through the streets like some kind of trophy for the others to see. Disgusting."
Lily grew quiet. I could feel the anger rising in her, simmering just beneath the surface. She must've known that getting heated wouldnât help when I was already feeling this way. She wasnât exactly wrong either, so I kept my mouth shut. We sat like that for a long timeâjust the two of us, the fire crackling, the cool night air wrapping around us like a heavy blanket.
âAgni and Lysander,â I muttered, my voice weak, barely more than a whisper. âIs that it?â
âNo,â she whispered back. âAncola was Ryuu. Thatâs where the dragons originally came from. ConlĂĄed was the first and the most curious, so thatâs why he ended up in so many stories. Northorn was the quietus kingdom of Betsalel. Briar Glen Beach was called something else before, but I donât remember what. Itâs a memorial site for King Omar Briar Glen. King Namjoonâs great-great-uncle. Keld lives there.â
âKeld? Like Keldâs Landing?â
âSame guyâwell, dragon. The humans enslaved the dragons to ride them, and Keld was given to King Omar. They grew close, and when Omar learned that the dragons could turn into people⌠he couldnât let the torture go on. He helped start the dragon revolution with Keld and a few others. Thatâs the only reason Lustra wonâwhen the dragons got out. Omar died. Keld didnât want to leave him, so heâs estranged from the other dragons. No one goes there anymore. Itâs a death sentence.â
âWhat about Bangtan?â
âMoland and Bangtan were fae territory, so less is known about them since the Hallow Rift, but I believe Witrial is what Hydra called it.â
âWhoâs Hydra?â I asked, laying down and curling into a ball. Sitting up was taking too much effort. Lily watched me, her eyes squinted, reading my mood. She knew I was upset but chose not to call attention to it. I appreciated the effort.
âSheâs Lindonâs guard. Sheâs the only person who can let people in and out. Iâve known her for a few years now.â
âDoes she do ice magic?â I asked.
âNo. Only the royal guard knows how to do that. Sheâs a water wielder.â
âWill she like me?â
âYouâre impossible to dislike.â
I thought of Ji-Hyun and frowned. âThatâs not true.â
âWell, whoever doesnât has a few screws loose.â
Finally, I smiled.
âThanks, Lily.â
âYouâre welcome, Y/N.â
As the stars spun slowly overhead and the fire crackled down to embers, I felt a strange, tentative peace creep in. The visions were getting worse, and I knew Lily was losing sleep because of my nightmares, but weâd never really talked about them before. I could feel myself slipping away each time, and every time Iâd close my eyes, Iâd wait for everything to stop. When my soul felt like it was five feet away from my body, watching everything from up aboveâthat was the only time the thoughts stopped anymore.
Flying didnât help.
Ignoring it didnât help.
Food didnât help.
Jokes didnât help.
Nothing did.
It should have been me.
I hoped the nightmares would stay away tonight. I knew they wouldnât.
We settled down in a small clearing that night, a patch of ground just large enough for the two of us and the small fire Lily had built. The trees rose up around us like silent witnesses, their branches catching the moonlight and splaying shadows over the mossy floor. It smelled like damp earth and pine sap, and every now and then you could hear a distant owl calling out, or something small scurrying through the brush. For a moment, I tried to focus on those sounds instead of the noise in my head. I tried to notice how the flames sent tiny sparks upward, how they danced into the darkness and disappeared. I thought if I could just pay attention to these details, maybe I wouldnât get pulled back underâpulled back to that place where I heard the screams and felt the ground crumble under my feet.
Lily was by my side, close enough that the tips of our boots almost touched. Sheâd been watching me quietly for a while, giving me the kind of space you give a wild animal when youâre not sure if itâs going to bolt or lash out. After what felt like forever, she finally spoke.
âWhat are you thinking about?â she asked, her voice soft but steady. She curled a bit closer, arms around her knees, as if to show me she was no threat. âI always wonder where you go when you get so quiet.â
My heart twisted painfully. I knew she deserved more than a brush-off. This was Lily, after allâthe person whoâd pulled me out of the rubble more than once, whoâd kept watch on nights I couldnât sleep, whoâd patched me up and told me that Iâd make it through somehow. But I didnât know how to put words to the ugly tangle in my head. The grief and guilt felt impossible to explain, like every time I tried, Iâd end up showing her something so awful that sheâd never see me the same way again.
âJust⌠how far weâve come,â I said. The lie tasted bitter. I knew Lily could hear it in my voice, see it in how I stared into the fire instead of at her. I tried to swallow, to force the lump in my throat back down where it belonged. The night pressed in around us, too quiet, like it was holding its breath.
Lily shifted closer, her eyes never leaving my face. âYouâre lying,â she said gently. There was no anger or disappointment, just this calm certainty. âDidnât we agree not to lie to each other anymore?â
I closed my eyes for a second, remembering when weâd made that promise. Weâd been tired and sore, leaning against a fallen log under a red sunset, swearing that if we trusted no one else in this world, weâd trust each other. If I broke that promise now, after all weâd been through, what kind of person did that make me? But telling her the truth felt like cutting open a wound that hadnât healed right in the first place.
My voice came out small and shaky. âI have a past⌠things Iâm not proud of.â I could feel the weight of the words pressing on my chest, making it hard to breathe.
She didnât flinch or roll her eyes or tell me to stop being dramatic. She just looked at me, those brown eyes like steady lanterns in the dark. âYou donât have to hide,â she said, her voice sure and quiet. âIâve done terrible things, remember? I told you all about them. Iâm not going to judge you.â
I pressed my hand against my thigh, grounding myself. She was making it sound simple, when I knew it wasnât. âIââ My throat closed up again. I had to force the words out, bit by bit. âI made mistakes that got people killed. People who trusted me. People whoâŚâ I swallowed hard. âPeople who should still be here right now.â
The fire crackled in front of us, sparks whirling upward, and for a second I could almost see their faces in those sparks: Cordeliaâs tired smile, Jiminâs kind eyes. I remembered the day I promised Thelma that I wouldnât let anything happen, how certain Iâd been. And then I remembered how it all fell apart.
Lilyâs voice was steady, warm with understanding. âKeep going,â she said, touching my hand lightly. She didnât push hard; she just let me know she was there.
I stared at my boots, because if I looked at her face Iâd cry. âI⌠I thought I was doing the right thing. I really did,â I said. âI thought if I made this one decision, if I stood my ground at this one crucial moment, I could save everyone. I pictured this perfect outcome, where Iâd come out a hero, where everyone survived, and weâd laugh about how tense it got. But thatâs not what happened. Instead, I ended up watching everything crumble. They⌠they died, Lily. A lot of them.â
My voice cracked on the word âdied.â The silence after that felt heavy, like a rock pressing against my chest. I rubbed the heel of my hand against my eye, trying to keep the tears in. It felt selfish to cry about it now, when they were the ones whoâd lost their lives. What right did I have to weep when I was the one still breathing?
Lily reached out again, this time wrapping her fingers around mine, and I let her. Her hand was warm and a little rough, the hand of someone whoâd wielded knives and swords, whoâd known violence intimately. There was comfort in that, oddly. She wasnât some gentle innocent who couldnât understand darkness. Sheâd lived through her own nights of regret.
âIâm sorry,â she said finally. âThat must weigh so heavily on you. I know what itâs like to carry that blame around. It changes the way you see yourself.â
I nodded, feeling something tighten in my chest. âJimin and I fought a few days after everything settled,â I said quietly. âHe didnât want me to come here. He said I had lied to him and everyone else and was trying to play hero again. He never said he hated me, but I could see something different in his eyes. Like he was just⌠empty when he looked at me. Or disappointed. I canât forgive myself, and Iâm pretty sure he canât either.â
The memory of Jiminâs face stung. The way his shoulders slumped, the way he turned away from me. There had been this terrible silence, broken only by the wind, as if he was afraid that if he said a single word, he would break completely. And then I left. He never followed. Iâd never known if he placed the blame on me or if I simply placed it on myself. But either way, Iâd never shaken off the feeling that I deserved his anger.
Lily squeezed my hand, not letting go. âForgiveness can take a long time,â she said. âSometimes it never comes. But youâre doing what you can now, arenât you? You didnât run away. Even after all of that youâre here trying to save that village. That means something.â
I swallowed hard. She was trying to give me something to hold ontoâsome piece of grace I couldnât give myself. âTheyâre still gone,â I managed, voice barely more than a whisper. âSometimes I think Iâd give anything to go back and change what I did. But I canât. And at night⌠at night I canât sleep. I see it all happening again. I see Cordeliaâs eyes, empty as the life drained out of her. I see the others, crushed under debris or struck down by those monsters, and I keep thinking, âIf only I had listened, if only Iâd moved sooner, if only Iâd been stronger.â I keep thinking it should have been me down there, not them.â
I felt my shoulders shake. Saying it out loud made it ache more, but also felt like I was lancing a wound, letting the poison out. Lily moved closer, until our knees touched. There was no pity in her eyes, just a steady sympathy that made me feel anchored. âYou tried,â she said gently. âYou thought you were doing what was right. No one can ask for more than that. The world threw something terrible at you. The blame doesnât all land on your shoulders.â
I opened my mouth to argue, but I couldnât find the words. All these months, I had run the scenario in my mind. If Iâd just drawn a different line in the dirt, if Iâd told them I knew something was coming, if Iâd allowed the others to carry the burden with me for a little while, maybe the outcome would have changed. Maybe not. But I would never know, and that not knowing haunted me.
âIt doesnât make it hurt less,â I said finally, voice thick. âBut it⌠I donât know. It helps to say it out loud, I guess. To know Iâm not talking to a wall. To know someone else can see me as more than just⌠a killer.â
At that, Lilyâs mouth tightened, and her eyes glinted in the firelight. âYouâre not a killer,â she said firmly. âWeâve both done things that will haunt us. But here you are, heartbroken and torn up, wishing you could have saved them. Doesnât that tell you something about who you really are?â
I forced myself to meet her eyesâreally meet them, bracing for a flicker of disgust or something worse. But there was none of that. Just Lily, looking worn and earnest and so completely herself, as if sheâd never considered seeing me as anything but a human being who tried her best. She let her hands rest on my shoulders, her grip gentle but steady, like she needed me to understand this. All of it.
âYou didnât kill anyone,â she said softly, and I could feel her words more than hear themâwarm little sparks in the dark. âAladia and her troops did that. Gawen set the men on Foxglove. And one day, when it happens again, itâll be General Khiloas carrying out her orders, and Aladia controlling her. This was always going to be awful, no matter what you did. Once those women reach the shorelines, thereâll be blood. Thousands, maybe. Even Etelinâs most loyal donât really get whatâs coming.â
The wind chose that moment to sigh through the branches, sending a scattering of sparks into the night. I watched one drift upward, glowing for just a second longer than seemed possible, before winking out. Somehow, I still felt like the same knot of nerves and regrets Iâd always beenâbut I could also feel something else blooming underneath. Gratitude that Lily hadnât looked away. Relief that maybe I didnât have to wear every bad choice around my neck like a chain.
I leaned a fraction closer to her, letting the warmth of her palm ground me. âThank you,â I whispered. It was all I could manage, but it felt real and big enough, right now.
Lily just nodded, letting the silence spread out between us. Not the tense, suffocating quiet I was used to, but something gentler. Something that said weâd both been hurt, both done things weâd carry around foreverâyet here we were, still breathing, still trying. The fireâs glow brushed my face, and Lilyâs presence felt like a reminder that while I might still be lost in my own guilt, I didnât have to be alone in it.
That was enough, at least for tonight.
In the days that followed, I tried to convince myself that I could breathe again. The night Lily and I had sat by the fire, my voice raw from finally letting all my secrets outâwell, Iâd been certain Iâd never say those things to anyone, ever. But I did. I told Lily everything, and she didnât spit at my feet or turn away. She stayed. She told me it wasnât all on me, that I wasnât carrying the worldâs sins alone. For the first time in forever, I didnât feel like I was drowning in guilt.
But âlighterâ was such a small thing. It was like going from a hundred-pound weight in my chest to ninety-nine. The burden was still there. Every quiet moment, every sudden rustle of wind, let the memories slip back in, dragging their claws along my spine. Iâd breathe in, and the ghosts of those who died would breathe out, lingering right behind my shoulder. I could almost feel their eyes on me.
I kept hearing their voices in my headâtired, helpless whispers from the past. Over and over: Why didnât you save us? You couldâve done something different. And Iâd agree, my stomach twisting into knots, my brain screaming that I should have died instead. At night, Iâd press my face into the crook of my arm and try not to shake too loudly, afraid Lily would hear and feel obligated to fix me when I knew no one could.
We went deeper into the forest anyway, step by cautious step. The trees grew taller and closer together until it felt like they were eavesdropping on us, branches stooping down to listen to my pounding heart. Everything was damp and quiet, the sort of silence that makes you feel like youâre trespassing, like nature will punish you for being there. I wanted to shrink into myself, to go unnoticedâmy existence felt like an offense.
I kept my head down, watching the patches of sunlight drip through the leaves. My heart was still heavy, even if Lilyâs words had loosened a few knots. Iâd learned something that night: there was no off-switch for this kind of guilt. All I could do was try not to let it swallow me whole. But that was already harder than Iâd imagined. My mind would catch on a memoryâCordeliaâs eyes, the way theyâd gone empty when I failed herâand Iâd start unraveling again, feeling the panic bubble under my ribs. Was I shaking right now? Was Lily seeing it?
The forest got quieter the further we went. That was the first sign. The birds stopped fussing. The breeze barely breathed. I felt it before I saw itâsome terrible tension like a string pulled too tight. Lily slowed, her hand drifting to her dagger, and I stiffened, every muscle screaming that something was wrong. My stomach flipped. Whoever was out there, they were watching us, and I was already picturing them dead at my feet, because thatâs what always happened, right? Everyone who got close to me ended up twisted and broken. It was a sickening thought, hot tears threatening to blur the trees around me, but I swallowed them down, forcing myself to stay steady. Lily needed me steady.
When the five figures stepped out of the shadows, I bit down on the inside of my cheek hard enough to taste blood. They spread out, circling us, their eyes cold and hungry. One man stepped forward, scar slashed across his cheek, holding a blade that looked old and mean. He sneered at us like we were nothing more than a sack of potatoes he planned to haul away.
âTwo little travelers,â he said. His voice was thick with mockery. âFar from home, Iâd wager.â My heart was thumping so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. I remembered the last time Iâd faced men like this and how people who mattered had ended up dead. My fault, my fault, my fault. My knees threatened to buckle. I had to be strong, or Lily would pay the price. But what if I messed up again? What if I hesitated or said the wrong thing and the forest ended up soaked in blood?
I risked a glance at Lily. She was tense but focused, her shoulders back, her jaw set. She looked strong. I wanted to be that strong. But the roar of memory was deafening inside meâvoices telling me Iâd fail again. I felt sweat trickle down the back of my neck. Another death, another regret. Could I survive adding more ghosts to the legion already haunting me?
âHand over your packs,â the leader said. âOr you can join the wolvesâ dinner menu, your choice.â
Behind me, Lilyâs breath caught, and I wondered: Should I just give them everything? Would that save Lily this time? I was already imagining how wrong it could go. I was remembering someone elseâs blood on my hands, and my chest tightened so hard it hurt. I was seeing Cordelia again, the way her head lolled, how Iâd knelt beside her and begged her not to dieâbut she did anyway, leaving me behind like an unwanted afterthought.
âPlease,â I managed, my voice cracking. My throat felt like Iâd swallowed briars. âWe donât want trouble.â I hated how pathetic I sounded, how easily I showed my fear. But maybe showing it would help? Maybe theyâd see how pathetic I was and decide I wasnât worth killing. Or maybe it would just make them laugh. My nails dug into my palms, and I pressed my lips together to keep from crying. Donât cry. Not now. Not when Lily needs you.
They closed in, slow and deliberate. I could smell their sweat and old leather. The leader flicked his blade, and the scrape of metal turned my bones to ice. In that moment, I was sure Iâd fail again. That people would die on my watchâmaybe Lily, maybe meâand it would all be my fault. The realization made me dizzy. The forest spun. I couldnât seem to catch a full breath.
Lily looked at me, and in her eyes, I saw that she still believed in me. She mustâve seen something in my face, in the way I trembled, because she shifted closer, her elbow just brushing mine. It was a tiny point of contact, but it grounded me, reminded me that not everyone was gone. Not yet.
But I could feel my grip on reality loosening, like I was holding onto the edge of a cliff with just my fingertips. My whole body wanted to fold in on itself and disappear. The leader barked something I didnât quite catch, and the men laughedâharsh and hollow. Lilyâs knuckles went white around her daggerâs hilt, and I tried to do the same with my own weapon, but my hand was shaking too much. I could almost hear Lilyâs voice in my head, telling me I could do this, that I wasnât alone, that Iâd done what I could before. But I couldnât tell which of us was lying.
The world shrank to this circle of strangers, this moment. No one coming to save us, no mercy in their eyes. I realized, with a sick kind of certainty, that this forest was about to rewrite everything Iâd tried to believe since Lily and I left that last clearing. Iâd thought I could carry on, thought maybe I was worth something after all. But right now, I couldnât see how any of this ended without more blood on my hands.
âListen,â I said, voice trembling, âcan weâcan we just talk about this?â My own words sounded thin and desperate. The leader smirked, as if this was exactly what heâd wanted. More prey cowering and begging. Maybe he collected pleas the way other people collected coins.
Lily tensed, and I knew it wouldnât be words that got us out of this. Itâd be action, and Iâd have to take it. If I failed⌠if I messed up again⌠the thought made me nauseous.
In that breath of silence, I could feel my heartbeat throbbing in my ears. I tried to remember the warmth of Lilyâs hand on mine the other night, tried to believe it still mattered. Maybe I could fight for that feeling. Maybe I could get us both out of here alive, and if I did, maybe that would mean I wasnât a monster. Maybe.
It was all I had. And it would have to be enough.
âNow!â the leader barked, his voice slicing through the dark like a razor, and I moved.
At first, it wasnât even me movingâit was something else, something buried deep inside my chest, something coiled and waiting. My heart slammed against my ribs, pounding so loudly I couldnât hear anything else. Heat flared beneath my skin, and I felt sparks hiss at the ends of my fingertips, bright and wild, like theyâd been waiting for this moment of pure panic.
I blinked, and suddenly they were everywhereâthese men blocking our path, their eyes hungry and hollow. I knew they werenât elves, not really, but my mind wouldnât listen to reason. I saw pointed ears where there were none. I saw cruel, pale faces with that smug sneer I could never forget. Elves had taken everything from meâmy home, my friend, my life. Theyâd stolen my future and left me holding the wreckage. And now, facing these strangers in the dark, my mind insisted they were the same. The same as the ones who made me watch Cordelia die. The same as the ones I failed to save anyone from.
It shouldâve been me who died. It shouldâve been me pinned underneath that debris, crushed and silent, not Cordelia. The weight of that thought pressed against my lungs, making it hard to breathe. I was supposed to protect everyoneâand I didnât. I couldnât. Iâd watched them fall, and Iâd watched the light go out of Cordeliaâs eyes, and now that memory clawed at me, shoving itself right into the present. Every scream Iâd heard that night echoed in my skull. Every time I blinked, I saw her face.
I swore Iâd never hesitate again. I swore Iâd never let anyone hurt me or the people I cared about without burning the whole damn world down first.
So I let the fire loose.
It roared out of me, lighting up the forest, painting our attackers in harsh, flickering gold. For a second, I thought I saw Cordeliaâs face reflected in the flames, and my throat tightened. Guilt and fury tangled in my chest, and I threw my hands forward, sending a bloom of fire rushing straight into the leaderâs path. He screamedâa raw, ragged sound that I felt in my teeth. The smell was awful, searing my nose and making my stomach lurch, but I couldnât stop. I didnât know how to stop anymore. This violence felt like the only way to keep my head above water, the only way to make sure I never failed again. They would never take anyone from me again. Never.
I barely registered the blow that slammed into my side, only that suddenly the ground tilted and my vision blurred. My ribs ached, and I sucked in a jagged breath, coughing on smoke and sparks. Through the haze, I saw Lily��her dagger flashing, her hair whipping around her face as she fought. She looked like some kind of fierce angel, her eyes narrowed in determination. She was fighting for me, for us, even when I was half out of my mind.
I tried to focus on her, tried to ground myself in the curve of her shoulder, the set of her jawâbut then another attacker loomed over me, swinging a fist that landed hard against my cheek. Pain burst behind my eyes, bright spots dancing in my vision. My mind started to drift, sliding into that place where the past and present tangled up. Was this the night Cordelia died? Was I back there, helpless and screaming and begging the elves to show mercy? Iâd never found a way to rewrite that story. It always ended with everyone dead but me. I always ended up alone.
My hands shook as I tried to gather the sparks again. I tasted blood in my mouth. It was metallic and hot, and it fueled the fire inside me. Another man charged, and I lashed out with flame, watching him vanish into a screaming silhouette of light and heat. This time, I didnât flinch. I didnât allow myself to feel sorry. They were all elves to me nowâall monsters who wanted me broken, wanted Lily dead, wanted to rip apart everything I still cared about. If I stopped, if I softened, if I hesitated, Iâd fail Lily the way I failed Cordelia. Iâd lose someone else. And I couldnât survive that. Not again.
I could feel myself unraveling. Every scream sounded like Cordeliaâs. Every face twisted in pain reminded me of my own failure. I wanted them gone. I wanted them all gone. Better them than me. Better them than Lily. Better them than anyone I might still be able to save.
The flames danced higher, brighter, and I let them feed on my fear and rage until the men were just ashes on the forest floor. The fight ended as abruptly as it began, leaving the night stained with smoke and something darkerâsomething I couldnât quite name but felt staining my lungs.
My knees buckled, and I sank down, gripping the dirt with trembling fingers. My side throbbed, my chest heaved, and the smell of burnt flesh clung to my clothes. Iâd done it again. Iâd survived. Iâd kept Lily safe. But at what cost? Was I any better than them? What was the difference between my violence and theirs?
My thoughts were spiraling, and I couldnât catch my breath. The trees swayed overhead, the stars winking in and out, and I felt like the world was tilting on its axis, about to throw me off. I pressed a hand to my side, feeling something wet and warm. Blood. My blood. Pain shimmered behind my eyes, and I tried to focus on that sensationâat least it was real. At least it meant I was alive.
âHey,â Lilyâs voice reached me through the smoke and fear. She knelt beside me, her expression unexpectedly soft. She pressed her hands against my wound, trying to stanch the bleeding. I hissed, pain slicing through me, but I was grateful for it in a weird way. Pain was honest. Pain didnât lie, didnât trick me into thinking I couldâve saved Cordelia if Iâd just tried harder.
Lilyâs eyes met mine. Gone was the warrior whoâd been dancing through blades and fire. Now she looked worried, human, her brows pinched together. She said something like, âStay with me,â and I tried to latch onto her words, to let them anchor me here and now, and not in that horrible memory I kept reliving.
But my head felt heavy and full of static. My vision blurred at the edges, and I could hear my heartbeat echoing in my ears. You failed them, it whispered. You always fail. Cordeliaâs eyes were everywhere, accusing me, asking why I survived when she did not.
âIâm sorry,â Lily said, and her voice cracked just a little. I wondered what she was sorry for. Maybe she could see that I was disappearing inside myself, slipping into the old fear and shame. Maybe she knew I was too far gone to claw my way back. She pressed harder on the wound, her touch firm but careful, and I tried to focus on that, on her voice and her hands and the fact that she was still here, that we were still here.
I closed my eyes. The world faded to the sound of Lilyâs breathing and the throb of pain in my side. I was drifting, lost between past and present, guilt and survival. My mind screamed that I shouldâve died back then, that I shouldâve traded my life for Cordeliaâs. My heart thudded, reminding me I was still alive anyway, still sucking in smoke-filled air.
I thought I felt Lilyâs hand in my hair, gentle and strange. For a moment, it felt safe, like a lullaby humming at the edge of a nightmare. I tried to hold onto that feeling, tried to believe that maybe not everyone I touched was doomed. Maybe Lily would be okay. Maybe I hadnât destroyed everything yet.
I tried to speak, but I couldnât form words. My body was too tired, my mind too battered. I let the darkness take over, sinking into it with the taste of blood and ash on my tongue, Lilyâs voice echoing in my memory. And as I drifted, I could still see Cordeliaâs face, just beyond the flames, whispering something I couldnât make out. Something that mightâve been forgivenessâor maybe just the wind in the trees.
When I opened my eyes, the night had settled into something deeper and quieter. The sky was a dark, velvety blueâso rich it almost looked softâdotted with stars that felt hand-stitched into the fabric of the universe. The campfire flickered at my side, its glow tugging at the edges of the shadows, and I blinked, trying to coax my eyes to focus in the dim light.
Lily was pacing near the fire, arms folded across her chest, her boots scuffing at the ground. She tossed another log on, muttering under her breath, âCanât believe Iâm stuck doing this again.â She sounded annoyed, but it was a different brand of annoyance than beforeâless feral, more⌠familiar. Almost like an inside joke, if weâd ever bothered to share one.
I managed a dry cough that was supposed to be a laugh. âYouâre better at it than me,â I croaked. My throat felt like it had been sanded down, but I was smiling. Actually smiling.
She turned to face me, one eyebrow arched, her mouth curving into something that didnât quite reach the level of a grin but was way friendlier than a scowl. âDonât get too pleased with yourself just because you survived a stabbing,â she said. There was a teasing lilt in her voice, like maybe she wanted to be mad but couldnât quite commit to the part. âThink youâre hilarious, donât you?â
âHilarious is my middle name,â I said, wincing as I tried an actual laugh. It hurtâeverything hurtâbut it was still better than silence. Funny how pain could feel like progress after the last few days. At least now I was here, alive, making dumb jokes instead of drowning in old ghosts.
Lily moved closer, settling down next to me. She kept one eye on the tree line, but the other eyeâa warm brown, crinkled a bit at the cornerâlingered on me. âYouâre tougher than you look,â she said, nudging my arm lightly, as if that could be considered a kind of compliment.
I looked at the fire, felt its warmth creep up my cheeks. âMaybe I had a decent teacher,â I said, and I hoped she heard the gratitude in my voice, even if I didnât say thank you outright. Somehow, âthanks for saving my life and also maybe my sanity a little bitâ felt too big to say out loud right now.
A hush settled between us, not the sharp kind of silence we used to wade through, thick with all the words we werenât saying. This was differentâeasier, like weâd earned it. We just listened to the night: the pop of the fire, the gentle sway of branches, distant whispers of something wild and green.
âYou know,â Lily said at last, eyes still on the flames, âyou did well today. Didnât back down. Even when it got ugly.â
I swallowed, remembering sparks, screams, and the way my chest tightened at the memory of Cordelia and all the what-ifs. My heart felt heavy, but I tried to breathe past it. âI had to,â I said softly, meaning a thousand things. I had to save Lily. I had to prove I could still stand my ground. I had to not crumble into pieces again.
She nodded like she understoodâmaybe not everything, but enough. âWe do what we must,â she said, and her voice sounded gentler than Iâd ever heard it. It made me brave enough to glance at her, to meet her gaze. For a split second, something passed between us: understanding, respect, the kind of quiet warmth that comes from surviving something horrible together.
âAre you alright?â she asked, voice low and genuinely concerned. It caught me off guardâthe directness, the compassion. She tilted her head, eyes narrowing on my bandaged side. âHowâs the wound?â
I tried to shift, but pain flared. My body complained about every single movement. âIt hurts,â I admitted, feeling strangely proud of myself for the honesty. âBut Iâll live. Today was⌠a mess.â
That made her snort softly. âUnderstatement of the year,â she said, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward. âWe made it, though.â
When she looked at me like that, all the lines of her face softened, and I realized how relieved she must have been that I was awake, talking, breathing. She reached for the canteen and held it out, her touch careful as she checked the cloth bound around my torso. Her fussing felt different nowâlike it was allowed, like maybe we were on the same side of something intangible.
âYouâre the bird everyoneâs been talking about,â she said quietly, her voice dipping lower than the rustle of the leaves. âThe one who⌠who died without an heir, right? The one the elves celebrated killing?â
I nodded, my throat too tight to add anything else. It was still strange hearing it put so plainly, my whole story condensed to a few ugly facts.
Lily studied me, her expression complicated. Then she offered a small, crooked smile. âWell,â she said, âdead or alive, youâre stuck with me.â
I let out a breath I didnât know Iâd been holding. âI guess I can live with that,â I said, and for the first time, the words didnât feel like another wall going up. They felt like a small door opening, letting in a bit of light.
She went quiet, staring off into the trees. The fire sent shadows dancing over her face, making her look both younger and older at the same time. I couldnât figure her out, but maybe I didnât have to, not tonight. Tonight, it was enough that she was here, that we were both breathing and bruised and not running away.
I eased back, my body protesting, and let the hush surround us again. The stars overhead were brighter than I remembered, scattered like crumbs of light. The forest hummed softly around us, like it approved of this fragile peace weâd built. Lily glanced up at the sky, and for a moment, she looked almost content. Almost hopeful.
And me? I felt that tiny ember of hope Iâd guarded so carefully flicker warmer, brighter. Maybe we didnât have all the answers, and maybe tomorrow would be hard and strange and violent again. But in this moment, sharing a quiet fire and the barest hints of trust, it felt like the world could be kind for a while.
I closed my eyes, letting the ache in my bones remind me I was alive and not alone. We were friends, or something close enough to count. And that, right now, was everything.
I woke up feeling worse than before, which I hadnât thought was possible. Everything felt heavy and out of placeâmy body, the night air, even the quiet forest around us. The trees, usually a comfort, seemed distant and unimpressed. My skin prickled with fever, and my clothes clung uncomfortably to my sweat-dampened skin. I tried to swallow and found my throat scratchy, dry as old paper.
The fire was low, just a faint orange glow, and Lily was sitting on the other side of it, arms crossed, staring off into the trees. She mustâve heard me shift because she turned right away, her eyes narrowing in concern. She looked tiredâlike sheâd been waiting for me to wake up and hadnât gotten any sleep herself. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks smudged with dirt, and something about seeing her this unguarded made my chest tighten.
âHey,â she said quietly, getting up and coming over before I even tried to speak. She crouched next to me, her hand hovering over my forehead, like she was worried sheâd hurt me just by touching. âHow are you feeling?â
It took me a second to find my voice, and even then, it came out cracked and too quiet. âIâm fine,â I said, because thatâs what youâre supposed to say. But we both knew I wasnât. I could see it in the way her mouth tightened. My stomach twisted with guilt for lying, even though I wasnât fooling anyone.
âYou feel like a furnace,â she said, pressing her palm to my forehead anyway. Her hand was calloused and cool against my skin. I wanted to lean into that coolness, let it chase away the fever burning behind my eyes. âYouâve been out for a while.â
âSorry,â I managed, though I wasnât sure what I was apologizing for. Maybe for making her worry, maybe for needing her help.
She shook her head, then grabbed the canteen from where it lay near the fire, unscrewing the cap. âDonât be stupid,â she said, but there was no bite to it. She slipped an arm under my shoulders and helped me sit up just enough to drink. The water tasted slightly metallic, probably from the canteen, but it was cool and wet, and I almost sighed out loud with relief.
âBetter?â she asked, her face close enough that I could see the lines of exhaustion around her eyes. The night smelled like damp earth and woodsmoke, and now that I was upright, I noticed my entire body ached, like Iâd run ten miles or fought off a bear or something equally ridiculous.
I nodded, though my head felt floaty. âThanks,â I said, and I meant it. She was being gentle, careful. This was Lily, who so often spoke in clipped words and sideways glances, whoâd killed men without flinching. Now she was tucking a blanket around my shoulders, like I was something fragile.
She settled back on her heels, assessing me. âYouâve got a fever,â she said plainly. âYou need to rest.â
âI have been resting,â I pointed out weakly. It came out sounding like an attempt at humor, and her mouth lifted at one corner. A smile, almost.
âYeah, well, do it more,â she said. She looked over her shoulder at the forest, scanning for threats, I guess. When she turned back, there was something careful in her expression. âIâll keep watch.â
It hit me then that she was worried about more than just my feverâshe was worried about us being vulnerable, about someone stumbling upon our little camp and finding me half-dead. That protective edge in her eyes, it settled something in my chest, made me feel less alone. Less like a burden.
I tried to relax, but my muscles felt tense, my side hurt, and my mind kept drifting, half-awake, to jumbled images I couldnât quite piece together. I kept seeing facesâpeople Iâd lostâblinking in and out of my memory like fireflies. It made my heart ache. I pressed a hand to my chest, tried to focus on something real, something solid.
Lily noticed. She leaned in and took my handânot in a dramatic way, just kind of scooped it up as if it were the most natural thing in the world. âDonât go all strange on me,â she said softly, and I thought I heard a hint of teasing in her voice. âYouâre allowed to be sick. Youâre allowed to feel bad. No oneâs judging you here.â
I exhaled, the sound shaky. âI donât want to drag you down,â I admitted. It felt silly as soon as I said it, but it was true. I hated feeling useless. Sheâd done so muchâfought, protected, fussed over me like some cranky nursemaidâand I was just lying here, sweating and shaking.
Her eyes softened, the fireâs light catching flecks of gold in them. âYouâre not dragging me anywhere,â she said, giving my hand a squeeze. âThis is what people do. They help each other. Besides, youâd do it for me.â
I thought about that. Would I? Yeah, I would. Even before weâd trusted each other, something about Lily made me want to step up, to be braver. She had that effectâpushing me toward the kind of person I wanted to be. I swallowed, tried to muster a real smile. âI would,â I said.
She nodded, like we were settling an argument I didnât realize weâd been having. Then, as if deciding I looked stable enough not to keel over, she released my hand and reached for a piece of cloth. She dipped it in water and pressed it to my forehead. The coolness was heaven, and I closed my eyes, letting it soothe the heat pulsing beneath my skin.
In the quiet that followed, I felt the night envelop us. The distant chirps of insects, the gentle rustle of leaves, the slow crackle of dying embersâit all threaded together into something calm and steady. And Lily was right here, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her arm when she leaned forward to adjust the cloth, close enough that I could smell the faint scent of sweat and travel and fire smoke that clung to us both.
âI owe you,â I managed after a few minutes of silence, my voice a rasp against the hush of the woods.
âNo, you donât,â she said. Not snappy or sarcasticâjust kind. Like maybe this was what sheâd needed too, to know she could be here for someone, and theyâd actually let her in.
It was quiet for a long time after that. Not tense quiet, not that uneasy hush where youâre both looking for an exit. More like a kind of gentleness neither of us wanted to ruin. The fire popped softly, and a stray ember danced up into the night. I could hear my own breathing, and Lilyâs too, and it felt like we were sharing something personal without needing to say it out loud.
After a while, I swallowed and said, âTell me more about your daughter.â My voice sounded small, but not timidâmore like I was stepping carefully, out of respect.
Lilyâs expression changed the moment I mentioned her daughter, like Iâd just turned on a light in a dark room. Her face softened, and the set of her shoulders relaxed. âSheâs seventeen now,â she said, running a hand through her tangled hair. âSeventeen and convinced she knows everything, and maybe she does. Sheâs... unstoppable. She was trying to climb trees before she could walk, you know?â She shook her head, a tiny smile tugging at her lips. âStubborn as hell, thinks the world exists for her to explore. She reminds me a lot of myself, and thatâs both wonderful and terrifying.â
I tried to picture itâthis stubborn, fearless kid. âShe sounds⌠intense,â I said softly, hoping that came across as admiration and not judgment.
Lily snorted softly. âOh, she is. She never stops moving. Always pushing back if you try to hold her down.â Her voice had that warm, proud note that parents get when they talk about their kids doing something that both annoys and impresses them.
I let the silence settle for a beat before asking, âWhere is she now?â I didnât want to pry, but I also felt like we were onto something real here, something I wanted to know more about.
Lilyâs gaze drifted away, and the brightness in her face dimmed. âUp north, with some friends. Good people who know how to keep her safe and grounded.â She licked her lips, as if choosing her words carefully. âI couldnât⌠I couldnât give her that stability. Not with the way I live. I wanted to, but I justâŚâ She shrugged, her voice catching. âShe deserves better than what I could offer.â
I nodded, my chest feeling heavier. I knew that kind of regret, the way it tastes bitter on your tongue. âYou did what you thought was right,â I said quietly. âThatâs all anyone can do.â
When she looked back at me, I saw something in her eyesâsomething vulnerable and honest. She gave a small nod, and though she tried to smile, it didnât quite reach her eyes. Still, it was real. âYeah,â she said, voice low. âI hope so.â
We let the night hold us for a while, the fire shrinking down to glowing coals. In that silence, I felt like we understood each other more than we did a few minutes ago. Not in some big, dramatic way. Just... better.
I cleared my throat softly, almost reluctant to break the quiet. âWhat about you?â I asked, my voice gentle. âYouâve been all over. Whatâs that like?â
Lilyâs gaze moved up, past the trees, like she was searching the stars for her memories. âItâs been a lot of things,â she said, voice going distant. âExciting, lonely, dangerous. Iâve seen places so beautiful they made my chest ache, and Iâve seen things I wish I could erase from my mind. Iâve met people who changed me, people I still miss, and people Iâm glad I never saw again.â She let out a short laugh. âItâs not always glamorous, being rootless. It can wear you down.â
I tried to imagine that lifeânever staying still, never letting anyone in too close. It mustâve felt like carrying a heavy pack you could never put down. âAny fun stories?â I asked, hoping to give her a moment of pride, something that didnât hurt.
A real smile flickered across her face. âThere was this village up north. They were dealing with these banditsânothing but bullies, reallyâand I decided Iâd had enough of them pushing decent people around.â She shrugged, trying to play it off, but I saw the spark in her eyes. âI cornered their leaders, made them see reason.â She paused, then snorted. âThey ran off so fast Iâm surprised their pants didnât catch fire.â
Despite everything, I grinned. âYouâre kind of a badass, you know.â
Lily rolled her eyes, but I could tell the compliment landed somewhere good. âI just do what needs to be done,â she said. But there was a gentleness in how she said it this time.
The fire cracked softly, and I could feel something hanging between us, something heavier. I took a breath and asked the question that had been on my mind. âYou mentioned someone onceâyour first love. What happened?â
Her whole body went a little still, and I almost regretted asking. Almost. But then she started to speak, voice quieter now, like she was talking around a lump in her throat. âWe were kids, basically. We had all these plans... We thought nothing could touch us.â She looked into the coals, as if the answers were there. âBut life took a turn. She died. Just like that. And I was left wondering how I was supposed to keep breathing when half of me was gone.â
My own throat tightened at that. It was such a simple, brutal truth. I reached out, placing my hand over hers. She didnât pull away. âIâm sorry,â I said, because what else could I say?
Lily nodded, staring at the fire, her eyes wet but not spilling over. âI never really got over it,â she confessed quietly. âI told myself it was safer not to let anyone in. That maybe I wouldnât hurt so bad if I kept everyone at a distance.â She swallowed hard. âBut sometimes, especially when itâs quiet, I wonder if I made a mistake. Maybe I could have found happiness again, if I just⌠tried.â
The pain in her voice was so human, so recognizable. Iâd carried a different kind of loneliness, but I knew the shape of it. âItâs never too late,â I said softly, hoping she could feel how much I meant it.
She turned, meeting my eyes. I could see the battle going on inside herâthe old habits telling her to slam the door shut, the new hope telling her to leave it open. Then she let out a breath and her shoulders relaxed a fraction. âMaybe,â she said, and I believed her.
I asked about Tinkaâs father, not to pry, but because it seemed like something else she needed to say. She shrugged, a little embarrassed. âJust a fling. I found out I was pregnant after he was gone. I raised her the best I could, alone. Told myself we didnât need him. And we managed. ButâŚâ She sighed, looking at her boots. âSometimes I wonder if I robbed her of something. If I shouldâve tried to find him.â
My heart ached for her, for the weight of all these what-ifs. âFrom what youâve said, Tinkaâs strong and fearless. Sheâs going to be okay. And she knows you love her, right?â
Lily looked at me then, and something in her eyes eased. âYeah,â she said, voice just above a whisper. âI think she does.â
We walked on for a while, not needing to fill the silence. The sun had started its slow descent, turning the fields and trees a softer shade of gold. A warm breeze brushed over us, carrying the smell of wildflowers and hay, as if the world was trying to tell us it wasnât all bad. And maybe it wasnât. Maybe there were quiet moments of kindness, even when everything else felt impossible.
I kept sneaking glances at Lily, noticing how her posture eased as we settled into the quiet, her shoulders not quite as tense. Without the fire or the night sky, without the urgent need to survive hanging right over our heads, I could see her more clearly now. She wasnât just scars and stories or that wary look in her eye. She was a person whoâd been hurtâand whoâd kept going anyway. It made me feel protective and in awe, all at once.
She caught me looking once, and I half expected her to roll her eyes or make some snarky comment. But instead, her lips curved into something that mightâve been a smile, just shy of it, like she didnât know if she was allowed to feel okay. I smiled back, just a small tilt of my mouth, letting her know I wasnât judging, just glad to be there.
Eventually, the questions Iâd been dancing around couldnât stay quiet anymore. I took a breath and asked about the scarsâsoftly, carefully. I didnât want to poke at old wounds, but I wanted to understand. I wanted to know the things that shaped her, the memories that echoed when she was quiet.
Her answer came slowly, like it hurt to push the words out. A wolf shapeshifter, a fight in the woods, someone named Dina who she tried to save and couldnât. Her voice was quieter than Iâd ever heard it, and each syllable felt like it carried a weight of its own. She didnât look at me while she talked, and I understood why. This wasnât just a story, it was something lodged inside her, something raw and personal.
I listened, not moving, not daring to break the moment with some empty reassurance. The way her voice trembled on Dinaâs name said more than I could ever fix with words. I knew what it was like to carry that kind of regret, to hold someoneâs memory too close.
When she finished, I found myself speaking just as softly. âIâm sorry.â It felt like the only thing worth saying, because it was true. Hearing about Dinaâand about the scars and what they stood forâmade my chest tighten. I thought of Aldara, and how Iâd never really healed from losing her, either. The loss just learned to sit quietly inside me, like a passenger Iâd stopped trying to kick out.
Lily turned to me, her eyes meeting mine this time, and I saw something there that hadnât been before. Maybe recognition, or understanding. Maybe just relief that she wasnât the only one who knew what it felt like to fail someone you loved. We didnât talk about it much, but in that look, we said everything: I know it hurts. I know youâre still carrying it. Me too.
After that, the heaviness between us changed shape. It wasnât gone, but it was shared now. We walked a bit farther in silence, letting the quiet settle. The birds kept singing, and the sun kept dipping lower, and the world didnât stop because of our grief. Somehow, that made it easier to keep moving forward.
At some point, I tried for a smile, something small and hopeful. âIf we ever run into trouble again,â I said lightly, âIâll do my best. I may not be the best fighter, but Iâm stubborn enough to slow something down, at least.â
That coaxed a snort of amusement out of her, and I realized how much I liked the sound. âYouâd better,â she said, her tone almost playful. âIâm counting on you to distract whateverâs out there while I do the hard work.â
I chuckled, shaking my head. The banter felt good, like stretching a sore muscle that was finally starting to heal. We kept walking, side by side, our shadows growing long across the dirt road. The fields swayed gently, the forest rustled softly, and somewhere in the distance, the sky was folding itself into dusk.
We didnât have all the answers. We didnât know what tomorrow would look like. But right now, we were here, walking together. And that felt human in all the best waysâimperfect and hopeful, painful and comforting, all at once. It made me think that maybe, against all odds, we were going to be okay.
We kept walking, the sky turning all those colors I used to love back homeâpale oranges, warm pinks, the kind of colors that make you feel like everything might be okay, just for a minute. I donât know what made me speak up thenâmaybe it was the quiet, or maybe it was the way Lily felt like someone who could actually hear me. But suddenly I was talking, my voice soft under that wide-open sky.
âI miss my friends back home,â I said, surprising myself with how raw it sounded. The words came out quieter than I intended, like I was testing them in the air. Lily glanced over, and I could feel her attention land on me, steady and kind. She didnât push, didnât rush me. Just waited, the way a good friend does.
So I told her about themâabout Yoongi, who was like the worldâs most reliable anchor, keeping me steady when everything else felt like it was slipping. About Jin, who could find the funny in anything, who could make us laugh even when we were scared or tired or heartbroken. And Wendyâbright, restless Wendy with her wild ideas and big plans, always dragging us off on some adventure. I could almost see them as I spoke, like they were walking beside me again, their laughter drifting on the breeze.
Lily nodded at all the right times, and when she smiled, it didnât feel forced. âThey sound like a pretty unforgettable group,â she said softly, and just hearing that was enough to loosen some knot in my chest.
I tried to paint the picture for her: the bonfires on the beach near Syrena, the nights we stayed up way too late teasing each other and making grand plans. Thereâd been complications, tooâWendyâs unreturned crush on Yoongi, her eventual relationship with Jinâbut somehow, we always found a way through. I told Lily about how our families and covens intertwined, how the celebrations felt like home in a way words couldnât really describe.
My voice caught a little when I admitted how much I missed them. âDo you think they remember me?â I asked, my gaze dropping to the gravel road under our boots. It was a silly question, maybe, but I couldnât help it. The world felt so different now, and the idea that maybe Iâd faded in their memories hurt more than I wanted to admit.
Lily nudged me, her shoulder against mine. âThey havenât forgotten,â she said simply. âPeople donât just forget someone they love. One day youâll see them again, and itâll feel like you never left.â
I looked at her, and there was something about the way she said itâso matter-of-fact and sincereâthat made it easier to breathe. I smiled, small but real. âYou think so?â
She grinned, a soft twinkle in her eye. âI know so. Besides, youâre kind of hard to forget.â She winked, and I laughed, feeling lighter.
It was like, for a second, I could let myself imagine that futureâcoming home, stepping back into my old life, picking berries in my garden, laughing with Wendy, teasing Yoongi, rolling my eyes at Jinâs jokes. It didnât feel so impossible when Lily said it out loud.
Then I told her about Taehyung, how he hid at my cottage for a summer after his pack rejected him. How heâd become like family to me, full of jokes and life, shrugging off pain like it was nothing. And Jiminâjust saying his name made my throat tighten. I whispered how much I missed him, how I hoped we could be together again someday, even though I was scared I might not live long enough to see that day come.
Lilyâs hand found my arm, a gentle, human touch. âYouâve made it this far,â she said quietly, âyou can keep going. And Iâm right here.â
That did something to meâput a crack in the walls Iâd built to keep the fear in. I nodded, my eyes stinging a little. Her belief felt like a gift I didnât know I needed.
I let myself talk about Cadoc, the air elemental whoâd helped me escape when things got bad. How he was distant and weird and not really what Iâd call a friend at first, but when it counted, he showed up. It made me ache in a good way, remembering all these people, all these pieces of home.
âGod, Iâm homesick,â I muttered, pressing a hand to my chest like I could hold the feeling in place. The fields and forests around us were beautiful, sure, but they werenât mine. They werenât my cottage, my garden, my friends. They werenât the place where I felt safe and seen.
Lily understoodâat least, as much as anyone could. She nodded, her expression softening. âI get it,â she said. âBut youâre not alone right now. Youâve got me, and Iâm sticking around.â
I smiled at her, gratitude swelling inside me. It felt strange and comforting at the same time, to find a friend here and now, on this dusty road far from home.
So I told her more. I described my cottage in the woods, the tiny garden where I grew strawberries and herbs, the little bird named Patto who sang at my window every morning, and the doe, Delinah, who sneaked in to nibble at my plants. I tried to show Lily that part of meâthe quiet mornings, the light filtering through the branches, the feeling that maybe the world wasnât such a hard place after all.
She listened like it mattered, like these details helped her understand me. âIt sounds perfect,â she said softly, and I could tell she meant it.
âI just want to go back,â I admitted, my voice catching. âI want to feel that peace again, sit in my garden, and just⌠be home.â
Lilyâs hand on my shoulder again, a small squeeze. âWeâll get you there,â she said, her voice steady. âI promise.â
I looked at her, tears threatening at the corners of my eyes. âYou should come with me,â I said impulsively, imagining how sheâd fit into that pictureâLily talking to Wendy, bantering with Jin, rolling her eyes at Yoongiâs calm demeanor. âYou belong there, too. Or at least⌠Iâd like you there.â
She raised an eyebrow, then smiled. âI think Iâd like that. Someoneâs gotta keep an eye on you, right?â
I laughed, and it came out easy. For once, I didnât feel like I had to carry every burden alone. The sun dipped lower, its light softer now, painting the world in gentle hues. We kept walking, our pace unhurried, the road stretching ahead. And as the day gave way to twilight, I realized something: I wasnât just hoping for home anymoreâI was starting to believe I might actually find it. And when I did, I wouldnât be alone.
We walked in a kind of hush that wasnât uncomfortable at allâjust quiet, like the world around us was catching its breath. The trees arched overhead, the sky softened into evening, and somewhere a bird was singing a last, sweet note before settling in for the night. When Lily spoke, it was almost surprising, but not unwelcome. It felt like we were in a safe place nowâsomewhere we could let the past peek through the cracks.
âYou know,â she said, her voice low and thoughtful, âI had a place like that once. Not quite a cottage, but⌠it was an old cabin by a pond. More like a shack, really. Dina and I used to hide out there, away from her mother. Weâd fish in the mornings, sit by the fire at night, and pretend the rest of the world didnât exist. It wasnât fancy, but it felt like ours.â
I glanced over at her, half expecting the usual guarded look, but what I found was something gentler. Her gaze was distant, aimed somewhere past the horizon. âThat sounds amazing,â I said softly, meaning it. I could almost picture it: the quiet water reflecting the sky, the hush of two friends passing time without any hurry. âDo you ever think about going back?â
Lilyâs shoulders lifted in a small shrug. âSometimes. But itâs not the same without her.â Her voice had that quiet tremor people get when they talk about someone they lost long ago but still miss every day. âI just keep the memories now. Theyâre easier to carry than trying to hold onto the place itself.â
My hand reached out almost on its own, my fingers brushing her arm. The contact felt real and kind of important, but also so normal. âIâm sorry,â I said softly, not wanting to stir up old pain. âI didnât meanââ
She shook her head, a sad but understanding smile on her lips. âItâs okay. Itâs been a long time. And places like thatâthey never really leave you, you know? They get inside you. Like your cottage is inside you, shaping who you are.â
I nodded, something tight in my chest easing a little. âI think so, too. Those places become part of us. They give us strength when everything else is falling apart.â
She looked at me then, really looked at me, her eyes less distant now and more⌠present. âAnd maybe when this is over, we can find new places. Make new memories. Together.â
I smiled, feeling the warmth of that wordâtogetherâspread through me like a gentle flame. âIâd like that,â I whispered, almost too quietly, but I knew she heard.
We kept walking. The road stretched out and out, but it didnât feel endless in a bad way anymore. More like a promise than a threat. I thought about my old home, and about Lilyâs cabin, and about all the strange, in-between times that had led us here. Maybe somewhere ahead there was a new home waiting for both of usâone that smelled like fresh earth and summer flowers, where laughter and conversation felt effortless. Maybe Tinka would be there, too. Maybe itâd be bright and warm, the birds singing in the trees, and maybe itâd be summer so we could celebrate Litha together, the way old friends and new friends do.
The sky was sliding into night, one star after another winking into place. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something flash across the darkness, quick and bright.
âLook,â Lily said, pointing up. âA shooting star.â
I tilted my head back just in time to catch the tail end of it. I closed my eyes and made a wishâseveral wishes, actually. For home, for peace, for the life I longed to return to, and for a future where Lily and Tinka could settle into my old cottage while I moved into Jiminâs place nearby. Where the hybrids would live close enough to visit for dinner, and the birds would sing every morning. Where the first Litha we spent together tasted of smreka and hope. I held those wishes close, like seeds I wanted to plant in my heart.
When I opened my eyes, Lily was watching me with a half-smile. âDid you make a wish?â
I nodded, a small grin tugging at my lips. âYeah, I did.â
âGood,â she said, turning her gaze to the sky, her voice lighter now. âI made one too. I have a feeling theyâll come true.â
And just like that, the world felt a bit kinder. We walked on, guided by starlight and the quiet certainty that we werenât walking alone anymore. The future still felt big and uncertain, but I had hope like a steady pulse in my chest. I had Lilyâs hand close enough to reach for if I stumbled. I had the memory of my old home inside me, and I had the promise that maybe weâd find something just as special in the days to come.
Taglist: @greezenini @adventures-in-bookland @kthstrawberryshortcake-main @zae007live@jimin-neverout @nikkiordonez12 @canarystwin @yamekomz @chimthicc @michiiedreamer @amorieus @mima795 @yunki-yunki-yunki
Š chimcess, 2024. Do not copy or repost without permission.
#bts#bts fanfic#bts fanfiction#bts fic#park jimin#bts x reader#bts fics#jung hoseok#min yoongi#jimin x reader#jimin x y/n#jimin x you#bts x you#bts x y/n#bts x fem!reader#bts x oc#bts supernatural au#bts fantasy au#bts au#bts werewolf au#bts witch au#jimin werewolf au#werewolf jimin#witch reader#angst#smut#fluff#bts smut#jeon jungkook#kim namjoon
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đ đđ§đđđą
đđđ§đ đđđ§
Home Invasion Series - Yoongi / Jungkook / Namjoon / Hobi / Jin / Jimin / Taehyung (semi hiatus)
Ex boyfriend series - Namjoon
Yoongi's birthday fluff
playing Animal Crossing with you (OT7)
đđ¨đŚđ¨đŤđŤđ¨đ° đą đđ¨đ đđđĄđđŤ
đşđđđđđ
Cursed Prince Soobin
vacation with Soobin
girl dad Soobin
Soobin late to his baby's birth
apple picking with Soobin
dad!Soobin + baby hands
đđđđđđđ
Yeonjun suggestive fluff
mafia-dad Yeonjun
Yeonjun determined to be a girl dad
Yeonjun - on camera, off camera
protecting mafia boss Yeonjun (e2l)
girl dad Yeonjun
ex-boyfriend Yeonjun voicemail
new dad Yeonjun
royal reader x nobleman Yeonjun
Bound - princess reader x royal guard Yeonjun
Three Cursed Princes (Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Kai)
wild fae boy finds you in the snow forest
đŠđđđđđđ
Between the Pages (prince Beomgyu)
yandere!Beomgyu
med student Beomgyu x coma patient reader
Boy dad Beomgyu / more
Beomgyu aquarium meet-cute
Beomgyu + your parents
werewolf Beomgyu x kitsune reader thought
Moulin Rouge Beomgyu (suggestive)
Three Cursed Princes (Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Kai)
đťđđđđđđ
witch reader x witch hunter taehyun
royal stablehand Taehyun
famous soccer player Taehyun
Raven Prince
Taehyun who sees visions of the future
Taehyun as Pokemon
Cursed Prince Taehyun
đŻđđđđđđ đ˛đđ
boyfriend Huening Kai + plushies
betrothed Prince Kai
prince!huening kai
Three Cursed Princes (Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Kai)
đđđ/đđđđđđđđ đđđđđđđ
Playing Animal Crossing
tucking you in before they leave for a night schedule
hybrid!txt protecting their human partner
husband!txt trying to be a handy man
taking you to Build-a-Bear
when youâre sick
hybrid!txt when you smell like someone else
dad!txt + Christmas
toxic ex-husband txt
"don't marry him"
when he thought he'd moved on
university Taebin love triangle
hybrid ot5 thoughts
Txt x vampire reader
Three Cursed Princes (Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Kai)
Txt in the Hunger Games
Txt as Animal Crossing villagers
Sci-fi/fantasy one-shot series: Bound (Yeonjun) / Salvaged (Kai) / Smuggled (Beomgyu) / Changed (Taehyun) / Shouldered (Soobin) in progress
đđ¨ đ§đ¨đ đŤđđŠđ¨đŹđ đŚđ˛ đ°đ¨đŤđ¤ đ˘đ§ đđ§đ˛ đđ¨đŤđŚ
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SCHEDULE
â 11.06.2024 - Vampire's Kiss ch.03
â 15.05.2024 - To Love You
â In Your Eyes
fae!yandere!jimin x human!reader
yandere!AU, fantasy!AU, smut, angst, fluff
â status: TBD
â Love Me
boss!yandere!seokjin x reader
yandere!AU, gangster!AU, smut, violence, angst
(second spin-off of Happy Ending)
â status: TBD
â Split
best friend!yandere!hoseok x reader
yandere!AU, friends with benefits to lovers!AU, smut, angst
â status: TBD
â Crystal Snow
king!taehyung x reader
fantasy!AU, strangers to lovers!AU, smut, fluff
â status: TBD
â The Song of The Merman
merman!yandere!taehyung x human!reader
yandere!AU, siren!AU, smut, angst, strangers to lovers!AU
â status: TBD
â Gleno
alien!yandere!jungkook x human!reader x alien!yandere!jimin
yandere!AU, alien!AU, enemies to lovers!AU, smut, violence
â status: TBD
Š AlessiaMalfoyZabini - All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use, dublication and modification of these works, is strictly prohibited
#bts#bts fanfiction#bts fanfiction smut#bts x reader#bts x you#WIP#my wips#jungkook x reader#jimin x reader#taehyung x reader#hoseok x reader#namjoon x reader#seokjin x reader#yoongi x reader#bts yandere#bts yandere x reader
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Flowers of Fate | Cedar & Clove
âł UnseeliePrince!Yoongi x Human!f.Reader (ft.xUnseelieGuard!Jungkook x SeeliePrince!Jimin x WoodNymph!Namjoon) ⤠Strangers to Bonded Mates ⤠Rating: MA đ ⤠WC: 24,720 â ď¸ Adult humor, crass language, blood, violence, torture/being held captive, minor character deaths, first-time vaginal sex, not-so-first-time vaginal sex, nipple play, marking/biting, mfmm scene, kissing, guys kissing, blow job, cum swallowing, creampies, things get emotional
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Everything hurts.
Itâs a level of pain youâre only vaguely aware exists. Thereâs been nothing like it before in your life. Searing heat and biting cold, a combined mix of warring sensations. Even the light brush of your hands and the push of fabric against your skin has you screaming in pain.
âAn iron blade laced with foxglove,â Joon gasps, jerking back from examining the wound in your side. Your shirt is shoved up under your breasts, leaving your side exposed. âVile, utterly despicable heathens! She is just Fey enough for it to be on the edge of killing her.â
After you managed to get out that Yoongi had been taken, Mini and Joon sprang into action, getting you and JK inside. Whatever was on the dining table is now on the floor, cleared off with a sweep of Joonâs arm. You can feel JK lying beside you, the table jerking sporadically under you from his movements.
âLeave me alone. Iâm fine! Stop that!â JK snarls, jerking so hard the table shudders an inch to the side.
âAsshole,â Mini grunts. âYoongi would skin me alive if you die. I was just making sure the wounds were healing.â
The table trembles under you again as JK jerks upright and quickly turns so he can look at you. âIâm not the one you should be worried about!â
âRight. Can you help her? What can I do?â Mini asks, ignoring JK and directing his question to Joon.
Joon moves around the table, drifting in and out of your line of sight. âYou have a minor ability in healing. Can you try to stitch the inner tissues? We must stop the bleeding before I can administer anything to combat the foxglove. Otherwise, it will just leech right back out of her body.â
Mini makes a distressed noise. âA very minor ability. But, the sun is up now, so I may be able to do thatâŚit will not be pretty, though.â
âJust do it,â Joon commands, his voice drifting further away. âThe wound still has traces of the poison, so be mindful of how long you are touching.â
Your eyes flutter as you try to focus on JK looming over you. âHey there, Beautiful. I know it hurts, but weâll need you to try not to scream so loud, okay? Iâm going to help Mini here by trying to keep you quiet. Just in case those assholes come back through the area. Is that okay?âÂ
Tears leak from the corners of your eyes, slipping into your hair. Youâre unsure if you can form words to answer him even if you want to, so you just drop your chin and try to nod, your lips quivering with a whimper. JK brushes tears from your cheeks and smoothes a hand over your blood-matted hair. He maneuvers himself so heâs on his knees beside you.
Mini takes a deep breath before bracing his hip against the table's edge. âYou are going to feel my magick, and your instinct will be to fight itâŚplease do not. I need to use it to help.â You try to give him a nod, too, but the pain makes your chin jerk up instead of down, a pitiful mewl coming up your throat.
Joonâs voice grows louder as he returns to the table, âAny day now, Jimin!â
Jimin gently presses one of his hands against your belly. âDo not rush me.â Jimin lays his other hand on your right ribs, just above the stab wound, which is still steadily oozing blood. You make a miserable noise as his hand moves slowly down, and the tips of his fingers brush over it, eliciting a flare of burning pain. âI am sorry,â he whispers before pushing the blunt end of his index finger into your gaping flesh.
Itâs agony, a nightmare that has come to life. Your eyes flash wide, and you gag, choking on a guttural scream which JK muffles with a hand over your mouth. He presses his other hand against your shoulder, trying to keep you from thrashing too much as Jimin probes further into the wound.
Even with JKâs hand pressed firmly over your mouth, your screams must still cause him to worry as he speaks out. âYouâre hurting her,â he grumbles, cutting eyes like daggers at Jimin. âCanât you be more careful?â
Jimin gives JK a withering look, slightly baring his teeth. âThis is not light work, but I am trying to be as delicate as possible. I need to be closer to the end of the wound if I hope to knit the tissues properly. Now, if you would be so kind, shut the fuck up and hold her still.â
The next several minutes are a bit fuzzy, if only because all coherent thoughts cease to exist in a body-wide short circuit. Your heart mustâve stopped at some point because the next thing youâre aware of is JK straddling your hips with his hands planted firmly against your sternum, forcing compressions against your already aching body. You shudder and jerk under him, eyes blinking rapidly, tongue thick against the roof of your mouth.
âOh, Seven Hells, youâre okay! Youâre alive!â He scrambles off you, making the dining table rock alarmingly as he drops back down on the surface beside you. âNamjoon! Sheâs backâhurry with that poultice before she goes dark again!â
Namjoonâs warm, brown eyes fill your vision. âHey there, Beautiful. You gave us quite the scare,â he chuckles awkwardly. âI have something I need you to drink and something else I will press over the wound in your side. They will work together to counter the effects of the foxglove and give your body a chance to heal, okay?â
You can only make a soft noise, hoping it suffices as a response of acquiescence. âIâll help,â JK says, hopping off the table and coming around the other side. He uses gentle pressure and careful movements to lift you so youâre leaning back on him in a reclined position. âDonât need you choking on anything.â
The concoction that Namjoon pours into your mouth, with JKâs help, tastes like ripe cherries and honey. You cough a little, trying to work the thick substance down your dry throat. âWater,â you gasp, holding back a gag that would surely bring the mixture back up.Â
Namjoon steps away, returning quickly with a cup of water JK helps you to drink. Your shirt is still tucked under your breasts, giving Namjoon easy access to dress the wound with an earthy-smelling paste. âMini was able to knit the inner flesh back together fairly nicely, if I do say so myself. The scar should be minimal, but we must ensure that your system is free of foxglove before we go planting new seeds. It is a good thing you are still so new to the bond. If this were anyone else, I do not know that we could have helped.â He gives a cursory glance in JKâs direction, his eyes lingering on the black stain of blood crusting the shoulder of his shirt. âYou should let me place some of this on your shoulder, too.â
 JK wrinkles his nose. âNah, Iâm good. It was just a scrape. Piss poor shot on their part. Lucky for me. Iâm healing just fine.â
âStubborn as always,â Namjoon murmurs, offering you a strained smile as he begins smearing the thick paste on your side. He wraps your middle with a stretch of linen to keep the medicine in place. âLet us get her into bed to rest, JK. Then you can share with us what exactly happened so we can decide what to do next.â
The pain in your side subsides substantially, reduced to a soft, throbbing ache. âWhere is Mini?â you mumble, realizing heâs nowhere to be seen as JK slides his arms around you to carry you to the bedroom.
The shoulder under your arm kicks up slightly in indifference. âOutside, I think. Joon will get him, donât worry about that asshole. How are you feeling now?â
You wince as he takes your weight off the table, your side pinching with the movement. âBetter, I think. What was that, exactly?â You gesture vaguely with your other hand toward your exposed middle.
âIron dagger infused with foxglove essence. Nasty business, meant for killing. If you hadnât stepped in front of meâŚâ JK trails off, clearly uncomfortable. âThank you,â he finally whispers. âYou saved my life. I probably donât deserve it, considering I let them take him.â
Everything is still a bit blurry. It all happened so fast. âYou didnât let them do anything. Weâll get him back,â you swear to JK as he settles you on the bed, tucking you under the sheets and propping the pillows behind you. âI canâI can feel him. But, thereâs something there, something in the way.â You press trembling fingers over your heart. âItâs like a thick fog is separating us.â
âBut heâs okay, right? I shouldnât have listened to him.â The desperation in JKâs voice has your eyes watering, your nose burning as you try not to choke on the palpable emotional dread in the air.
You want to tell him yes, but you canât bring yourself to lie or instill a sense of false hope. âI-I donât know if heâs okay. Alive, yes, butâŚâ you trail off, swallowing down the bitter taste of uncertainty.
JK grunts, dropping his eyes from yours and picking at the skin around his fingernails. âWell, at least thereâs that. Itâs got to be enough for now.â
Jimin clears his throat from the doorway, drawing your and JKâs attention. âFeeling well enough to talk?â
Throwing a tired hand up, JK gestures for Jimin and Namjoon to enter the room. Namjoon perches on the edge of the bed with a bowl of water and a cloth in one hand, and Jimin chooses to stand at the end of the bed with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes are guarded, flicking around the room like heâs avoiding looking at you.
âTake your time, both of you. You might feel well enough to talk, but your energies could wane quickly as your adrenaline tapers off.â Namjoon gestures with his free hand at the bowl of water. âI will clean you up the best I can while you two tell us what happened.â
JK looks at you, raising his eyebrows in silent question. âI can start,â you assure him, reaching out and gripping one of his hands. His fingers thread through yours, anchoring you in the present as you recall what you can of what happened. âWe had just crossed the boundary into the Unseelie territory. They came out of nowhere, had to have been hundreds of them, all armed to the teeth. Like something out of a horror fantasy movie, bristling arrows and long pikes.â You shake away the mental image of all that glinting iron and steel. âYoongi was ahead of us by a few paces. The moment he realized what was happening, heâŚheââ
âHe told me to take her and run,â JK picks up for you as Namjoon begins to clean the dried blood from your face and, as best as he can, from your hair. âThat swamp bitch came swooping in on a fucking wyvern. The moon was blotted out in the sky as it descended on us. Yoongi knew if we were all caught, it would be the end of everything. He tried to harness his magick, but I watched as it sparked and jetted from him like a maelstrom of unchecked power. We should have listened!â he snarls, gripping your hand tighter. âWe should have listened to you. Iâm so sorry we didnât.â His eyes are rounded with regret and pain as he looks up at you before it morphs back into anger. âIâll never forgive myself. I have to leave. Now! Iâm sure I can make it to the castle undetected. I can be in andââ
You shake your head, interrupting Namjoonâs cleaning. âNo. No, no, no. Think rationally here! There was no way to know things would go so badly, not like that. It is no one's fault. And youâll just make matters worse by going off hot-headed and getting yourself taken, too!â
âSo, you just let them have him?â The question is eerily quiet but no less acidic. Jiminâs chest is rising and falling with a barely restrained rage. âHow could you not want to fight for him!?â
âWhat? No, of course not! Itâs not like we wantedââ
Letting go of your hand, JK jumps up off the bed and rounds the corner, coming chest to chest with Jimin. The motion is so abrupt it cuts off your response. âAre you not listening? Have you not heard a single thing weâve just said!? She's right, despite how much I want to go after him now! Put aside your hatred for one fucking second and think with your head instead of your heart! We know that Chaddick wonât kill him, not yet. But if he got his hands on me, or Seven Hells forbid, got his hands on her,â he throws a hand out toward you on the bed, âit would have been near-instant death, tortured in front of Yoongi surely. Which, in turn, could kill him for all we know! Youâre not stupid, Mini. You know the power of a mated bond! We have to be careful, or we could lose him forever.â
Jimin narrows his eyes but doesnât say anything in response. He stares at JK before turning on his heel and storming out of the room. JK moves to follow, but you call him back. âItâs not worth it right now, JK. Let him be.â
âSo, what do we do now?â Namjoon asks into the silence. He sets aside the bowl and cloth, having done as much as possible without putting you in the bath.
JK glares at the door and then turns to face you and Namjoon. âI donât think we should treat this as a rescue mission. We should approach it like itâs the same mission as before. We continue to target Chaddick. If we can get into the castle and take him out, or at least take out Borgia, then we increase our odds of rescuing Yoongi. But first, we need information. We need to know whatâs going on in that castle. Do you think the bond could help us?â He looks at you, a hopeful expression on his face.
âI wish I knew more about how to use it. Do either of you know?â
âI have a few books tucked away that might be able to help. I acquired them over the years in hopes they could serve Yoongi once he bonded. One can never be too prepared, after all. Perhaps next time, I will insist he read a book or two before going off on an unknown adventure,â Namjoon declares, clapping his hands lightly before excusing himself from the room to pull out the books.
âAre you okay?â you hesitate to ask JK, unsure of his current temper.
The concern in your voice deflates him a bit, taking the bite out of his voice. âIâm a failure for letting this happen. I should have scouted ahead, been the one in front, somethingâŚfuck.â
âWe can talk about that until weâre blue in the face. What I mean is, are you actually okay? You wouldnât let Joon put anything on your shoulder. I know you were injured. I could feel how you limped as you helped carry me back to the clearing.â You aim for gentle yet firm, needing to know heâs wholly okay but not wanting to push him.
He blows out his cheeks, chuckling softly. âThe glory of being Fey,â he says before grabbing the bottom of his heavily soiled shirt, pulling it over his head, and dropping it to the floor.
âOh,â is all you can manage as your eyes hastily sweep the expanse of his chest and shoulders before dropping to your lap.
You can see JK standing in your periphery, looking over his body in the firelight. âThese will be no more than slightly puckered scars by the end of the day. The shoulder is a bit more sensitive, but thankfully itâs not my fighting arm, so it can afford to be a bit tender for a few more days.â
âFighting arm? You think youâll need to fight soon?â You glance up at him, watching as he scoops the shirt back up, studies a few of the stains, and unceremoniously tosses it into the fireplace, where it catches instantly and blazes brightly.
His good arm pushes up in a shrug. âPossibly. It depends on what Joon has in those books. I might have to try to sneak in if we canât find any alternatives. I wonât let him suffer in there for longer than I have to.â He nods toward the door. âIâm going to go clean up. Do you need anything before I go?â
You shake your head, and he disappears out the door, leaving you alone with your thoughts. It doesnât take long before your thoughts have circled back through the conversations, and youâre tugging the blankets to the side. You stare at the white linen wrapped around your middle. Your side still smarts, pinching with pain if you move too much. Namjoon didnât tell you how long youâd have to rest or wait until you could remove the wrap. You freeze, fingers poised over your middle as you realize what thought just crossed your mind.
Namjoon.
You know his nameâhis real name. JK said it earlier in a panic. You focus hard on all the feelings in your chest and the knots you now associate with being tethered to a fae in this realm. There isnât a new one, nothing that feels like itâs directly attached to Namjoon or that you have some sort of power over him. Thinking back over the snatches of conversation again, you realize thereâs something else you knowâŚ
Tossing back the rest of the sheets, you swing your legs over the side of the bed and take a deep breath before pushing up to stand. As your side protests, you blow out a slow, shaky breath to keep yourself from sitting back down and crawling under the blankets. After standing a few moments, letting the lightheadedness and spots dotting your vision disappear, you creep slowly across the room.
You peek through the crack JK left and scan the living space. Namjoon has his back to you, hunched over in front of the fire with a book in his hands, muttering to himself. You slip out of the bedroom. Thankful someone had the forethought to remove your boots sometime earlier, so youâre quiet as you pad across to the door.
If Namjoon hears you opening and closing the front door, he doesnât voice it. The sun is high overhead, bathing the clearing in warm light. âI was hoping you were still here,â you express, approaching the figure sitting on the lip of the porch, absently peeling a basket of potatoes with a small paring knife.
âJoon would box my ears if I left without so much as a goodbye,â comes the weary reply. You ease down beside him, holding a hand to your side and trying not to gasp with every stitch. âYou really should be resting right now.â
âI wanted to say thank you.â
Guarded turquoise eyes slide your way. âWell, you have said it. Though, there is no need to thank me. Seven Suns know I do not deserve your gratitude.â
âYou helped save my life. To me, that deserves probably the most gratitude anyone can deserve.â Itâs hard to tell if heâs being self-critical or just obtuse.
He makes an unintelligible noise of frustration, hunching his shoulders and violently freeing a potato of a few inches of skin. âI nearly killed you,â he bites, mangling the rest of the vegetable with a few jerking flicks of the knife.
âWhat? No, thatâsââ
âDo not presume to know more about magick than I do!â he interrupts, rounding on you with wide eyes and a firm frown. âIt is my pitiful ability in healing that had your heart stopping. If it were not for JK being familiar with restarting a human heart, you very well would have remained that way. Dead. By my hands. Yoongi would never forgive me.â
âJimin,â you whisper, wanting to comfort him but unsure how to proceed. Youâre so caught up in your own emotional process that his real name spills from your lips before you can wrangle it back down your throat.
The new potato in his hand tumbles into the basket, half-peeled. The paring knife follows, thumping hollowly against the mound of raw vegetables. ââWhat did you call me?â he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
âIâm sorry.â You clamp a hand over your mouth, wishing you could take it back. This is not how you wanted to have this conversation. When you first came outside, it was your intention to be honest and reveal what you overheard, but the conversation took a different route. One that had you tucking that knowledge away for another time. âJimin.â
He shivers in response, a full body tremor with his eyes closing, fists clenching, and his lips curling back to expose his teeth. âHow? Who told you?â
âWell, no one, technically. Namjoon said it in a moment of panic,â he freezes at the mention of Namjoonâs real name, âand JK said Namjoonâs name in much the same way. ButâŚdonât worry. Itâs different somehow. Iâm not sure why itâs different, but it is.â
Jiminâs eyes spring open, locking onto you with thinly-veiled suspicion. âDifferent?â
âYeah. Itâs not like Yoongi. I donât feel like I have any power over you by knowing your full name. Is it because you didnât tell me yourself? Is that part of it?â
His mouth works like heâs trying to form words, but nothing comes out. You watch as he wilts slowly, shoulder sagging and hunching forward. âI do not know. It could be that. Though that has never been the case before, to my knowledge, it could be something elseâŚsuch as your bond to Yoongi and the fact that you are now slowly becoming Fey yourself.âÂ
âIt wasnât my intention to alarm you like that. I just wanted you to know that I know andâŚthat I donât have any sort of power over you with it. Just being transparent, trying to earn some of your trust. This isnât how I envisioned the conversation going, though.â
There is a look in Jiminâs eyes that youâre not sure you understand. âIf you did have power over meâŚwould you use it?â
You want to immediately say no, that you wouldnât dare exert control over him like that, but you consider for a moment and shrug, wanting to try and lighten the mood considerably. âMaybe.â He balks at you, but you shake your head with a gentle smile. âBut only so I could make you see reason right now. I know youâre upset, and it might be easy to blame yourself for what happened to me or to blame me and JK for what happened to Yoongi, but the person you should be directing your anger at is the one that ambushed us and took him. They are responsible for what happened to me and Yoongiâs current absence. Focus your anger in the right place. Help us find a way to save him instead of wasting energy being pissed at yourself and us.â
The abrupt laugh that Jimin lets out startles you, making you laugh nervously along with him. âSeven Suns,â he huffs with a sigh. âI have been a nightmare, have I not? Please know I am not so much angry with you or JK. It is really the whole situation. However, I am obscenely upset with myself. If I had only listened to you instead of seeing you as nothing more than an enemyâŚit would have been different.â
âYouâve not exactly been sunshine and rainbows, thatâs for sure. But itâs with reason, I believe. Or at least, I think I understand.â You pause, considering what words to use to express your thoughts adequately. âI canât even begin to pretend to understand what you and Yoongi have. He is still a stranger to me when you break it down to a base level. Sure, a stranger Iâm pretty much married to, but still a stranger. We havenât had sixty years to get to know each other and build that bond. But I can feel the way he loves you. And even if I didnât have a front-row seat to his emotions, Iâd still be able to see how much he loves you by how he looks at you alone.â
He gives you a quizzical look. âNow that I can see beyond my hatred, you really are not so bad. A little wordy, but I do not mind that so much. You can make up for Yoongiâs broody silences.â
That gives you a warm feeling, hearing Jimin include you as part of Yoongi in that sense, that you could contribute something to their relationship in a way, and it makes you smile. âSo, weâre good?â you ask, hopeful.
Jimin nods. âYes. I would say that we are, indeed, good.â He gives you a slight smile that you know will stick with you for a long time. Itâs intimate in its own way, private, genuine, and warm.
âNow, is there anything you can think of that might help? How do we discover whatâs happening in the Unseelie Court without going there ourselves? I feel blind. I know nothing about this worldâŚthe only thing that makes sense is,â you tap your chest, pressing your fingers over your heart, âthis.â
Jimin eyes your fingers, his brow pinching. âWould itâis it okay ifââ he pauses, taking a deep breath, âwhat I mean to say is, is it okay if I try to feel for himâŚthrough you?â
âIs that possible?â You scoot closer to Jimin until your thigh is pressed against his. âI donât mind if you try.â
âI, uh, I do not know if it is possible. But, I think I would still like to try, yes.â He clears his throat, sitting up straighter and exhaling slowly. Jimin lifts his right hand, hovering it over yours, where it still rests over your heart. You slide your hand down, letting it drop into your lap.
The gentle press of his fingers is warm, even through the linen of your shirt. âYou can press harder,â you say when he continues with the same hesitant contact.
You ignore the flutter in your stomach when his fingers brush the exposed skin through the neckline of your shirt as he presses his entire palm against your chest. âI feel something. There is a power here. But, I can not discern it as connected to Yoongi.â
He pulls his hand away quickly, shaking his head in disappointment. âSorry, I wish that would have worked,â you share honestly.
Jimin waves a dismissive hand. âWe tried. That is the best we can do for now. But, you can feel him, truly? And he is okay?â
âI wonât give you any false hope, the same as I told JK when he asked. I know that Yoongi is alive. I can feel the bond, but itâs like some sort of wall of smoke obscures the other end of it.â
âAlive,â he parrots, nearly matching JKâs words from earlier. âThat will have to be enough for now.â Jimin gracefully stands up from his perch on the edge of the porch, the basket of potatoes abandoned and offers you his hand to help you do the same.
You slide your hand into his, and he hoists you up effortlessly. âOw,â you splutter, wincing and clutching your side when he lets go, and your stance shifts without his support.
âOh, fuck!â Jimin quickly takes the bulk of your weight, slipping an arm under yours and lifting you nearly onto your toes. âLet us get you back inside. You do need to be resting.â
The hostility you once felt so plainly from Jimin has substantially tapered off. Itâs no longer a choking cloud of disdain, just a mild sourness you can smell mixing with his jasmine and chamomile scent. Though, you can distinctly feel a warmth from him that wasnât there before. Perhaps in time, you can grow even closer to him. Youâre sure that would bring Yoongi joy. Itâs still unusual to care so much about someone you barely know. Youâve read books and heard stories about such things, but those all fell under the fiction genreâŚor so you thought.
He ushers you back inside, being mindful of how much tension gets put on your side with each step. âThank you,â you murmur when he helps ease you into Namjoonâs rocking chair by the fire.
Namjoon startles, jerking around from his perusal of the book in his hands to take in you and Jimin. âWhat are you doing up? Were you just outside? You should still be in bed.â
âIt is my fault,â Jimin tells Namjoon. âI was outside sulking, and Beautiful felt the need to tell me thank you. If I had not been hiding like a petulant child, she would not have had to get up and come find me.â
 At that moment, JK emerges from the bathroom, bringing with him a cloud of steam and the faintest scent of banana and coconut. âA petulant child sounds about right,â he scoffs, giving Jimin a once over. âGlad to see weâre on the same page. Now, speaking of pagesââhe casually walks into the living space with nothing but a towel wrapped around his hipsââhave you found anything of interest in that book of yours, Joon?â
âWould you mind putting some clothes on?â Namjoon makes a face at JK. âNothing yet, but I only just found the one I think may be of help,â he says, pointing to a large pile of books you hadnât noticed on the floor. âThis is The History Of Bonds, written some few hundred summers ago. I was just about to begin browsing it when Mini helped Beautiful into the chair here and was explaining why she was out of bed.â
âWhy are you out of bed?â JK asks as he bends to rummage through a cedar chest on the other side of the fireplace.
Jimin clicks his tongue against the back of his teeth. âYou both are insufferable. Leave the woman in peace. The last thing she needs is you two fawning over her like old nannies.â
You hide a chuckle behind your hand. âItâs fine, Mini,â you intentionally use his nickname. âI just wanted to thank him for helping me. Everyone else was busy, and I figured walking outside wouldnât do me any harm. As I see it, we should focus less on why Iâm out of bed and more on what we will do next. How do we find out more information?â
âWell,â Jimin says, âI have been thinking about that since you brought it up. I think I might be able to get information from home. We have a magickal communication network that allows us to communicate directly between the courts. I am sure by now word has been sent to the Seelie Court regarding the capture of Yoongi. I will return home and see what information I can find and what I can learn that might help us.
Namjoon hands the book he is holding off to you. âIf you would, please hold this for me for a moment.â The book's leather binding is soft, the pages smelling faintly of oranges as you absently thumb through them.
Rummaging around in a small wooden box on top of the fireplace mantel, Namjoon produces a small velvet draw-string bag. âRavens Word?â Jimin asks, stepping closer to Namjoon.
âIt would be the best way to relay information quickly. I have not perfected it, so it can only be used for short phrases or words, but it should be sufficient to give us some knowledge while we wait for you to return.â He hands the velvet bag to Jimin, who tucks it into his trousers pocket. âYou remember how to use it?â
Jimin nods. âI will aim for the dining table unless you prefer somewhere else?â
âThat should do just fine. I will put down a linen runner.â Namjoon enters the kitchen and opens the cabinets, setting a folded-up white cloth on the table.
JK eyes the pocket the velvet bag is tucked away in. âAre you sure Ravens Word is the best thing to use? Isnât it traceable?â
âTraceable only if someone is looking for it. Even still, I will not include anything that might incriminate anyone. We long ago stopped using lowels for signature tracking anyway,â Jimin explains with a small shrug.
âLowels? Ravens Word? Is there a dictionary in that stack of books that I can get or something?â you ask, letting your gaze flick between the three of them.
Jimin gives you an apologetic smile. âRight. A lowel is a creature resembling an owl of your world that can trace magick signatures not directly attached to an individual. So, things such as minor enchantments that use implements and components instead of the magick from within a being. Ravens Word is one such kind of enchantment. It is a mix of astral dust, herbs, andâŚum, well, the essence of a mortal-world raven. The mixture is powdered and can be used to send messages as long as the caster is familiar with where they want the message to appear. Imagine it like writing in the sand right before the tide comes in and washes it awayâshort and precise is best.â
âAs for a dictionary, youâre just going to have to hope that mortal brain of yours can keep up, Beautiful,â JK says teasingly. Before you can think better of it, you flip him a vulgar one-fingered gesture. âOh!â He clutches his chest in mock hurt. âYou wound me!â
Jimin and Namjoon watch your exchange with mild curiosity. âWell, the sooner I leave, the sooner I can return. I will return as soon as I can,â Jimin says. He moves toward the door, brushing a hand over your shoulder as he passes. âContinue to rest. Once I return, I will begin instructing you on ways of the Courts. If you are to be bonded to myâer, Yoongi, then I will do what I can to ensure that you do so as an informed resident of this realm.â Youâre so pleased that heâs finally being nice to you that you fail to argue that you donât plan to remain a resident of this realm.
After Jimin was gone, Namjoon focused on the book resting in your lap. âI am curious. Are you able to read that?â he asks, nodding to it.
JK produces some clothing from the cedar chest, only stepping behind your chair to afford himself some privacy to pull them on. Once heâs dressed, he rests his forearms on the back of the chair, looking at the book over your shoulder.
The words on the front of the book look simple enough, but the longer you look at the characters, the more they bend and swirl, which confuses you. âNo. I thought at first I might, but the letters donât make sense. What language is it?â
âAncient Sylvan,â JK says. âI can barely read it. Joon, where did you get this book?â
Namjoon curls his lips between his teeth, suppressing a mischievous smile. âI may have pilfered a thing or two the night I was put out of the castle.â He gives the book in your hands an affectionate glance. âMost might think that my most desired things are plants because I am a woodland nymph. Well, that might be partly true, but books have always been the real treasures that Iâve sought. You can learn so much from them. Beyond the words on the pages, I can learn the tree's history from which the pulp used to make the paper came. It is a marvel to learn history without needing a history book; any book will do.â
âPut out of the castle? Did you escape with Yoongi, too?â
Shaking his head, Namjoon briefly explains, âI come from Jiminâs Court, actually. We were younglings together. My parents worked in the royal gardens. I was caught one night helping Mini sneak out of the castle to be with Yoongi. I was turned out the very next morning and forbade to return.â He shrugs. âI much like my solitude here in the Hollow Lands anyway. Castle life is soâŚloud.â
âInteresting.â You want to ask many more questions but know theyâre not the priority right now. You hold the book up to JK. âDo you want to give reading it a try?âÂ
He laughs, stepping back from where he was leaning against the top of the rocking chair. âIâll pass on that. Joon, why donât you read it for us?â
âCertainly,â Namjoon says, coming to perch himself on the arm of the rocking chair. âThe first page should be an index of sorts. Let us start there.â
You thumb open the book to the first page with writing on it. It doesnât look much like an index page to you, having only a few lines of swirling text. âHere?â
âThere are just a few chapters. I have only briefly skimmed this book in the past. But,â his eyes flick over the page, âah, yes. Here we are, âChapter 4: Communicating Through Bondsâ. Finding a way for you to communicate with Yoongi through the bond seems like a good place to start.â
That is what you focus on for the next handful of days. And, much to your chagrin, it doesnât work. At least, you donât think it does. The process is easyâmainly depending on your inner focus and learning how to navigate and decipher the different fibers of the bond, of which youâve come to find out there are sevenâbut the execution sparks no results.
The bond's first and most prominent thread is called the soul tether. Itâs the part of the bond that allows Yoongi to use you to access his inner well of magick. It has a distinct feel, with a constant pulsing thrum and vibration. Anytime you focus on it, the magnetic pull that says you should be by Yoongiâs side increases.
The other strands are all more or less associated with the sensesâYoongiâs senses, to be exact. There are five basic senses and a sixth that is tied to the feeling of emotion. These more minor parts of the bond are associated with communicating. But the connection to them slithers away whenever you think you get a handle on it.
In a way, it feels like Yoongi is doing it on purpose. After nothing but failed attempts, Namjoon concluded that perhaps Yoongi was trying to keep Chaddick or Borgia from discovering his bonded status. Another chapter in The History Of Bonds touched on how another fae can detect things like that, but it can be masked to prevent that from happening.
âI am not sure how he is doing it. Perhaps it is linked to the natural instinct to protect your bonded mate while under duress.â Namjoon spreads his hands in defeat. âI just do not know at this point, and the book does not explain further. Though, I think it best if we move on to trying to find a different way to help.â
JK grumbles from his spot across the table from Namjoon, âIâm still for sneaking in and murdering those assholes. You know I could do it.â
âYouâre insane if you think Iâd let you go in alone. I told you before. We go in as a team or not at all.â You roll your eyes when JK sticks his tongue out at you. Turning your attention to Namjoon, you ask, âWhat did you have in mind?â
Namjoon glances down at the white linen runner still on the tableâthe remnants of Jiminâs message burned into the fabric. Drumming his fingers on the table, he hums thoughtfully. âWell, considering Miniâs message yesterday, we might be better off waiting until he returns to try to formulate another plan. He might be able to offer us a bit more insight. True to form, the Ravens Word was, indeed, limited.â
Sun Solstice.
Two words with a giant X crossing over them. Thatâs all that came through on the second day after Jimin left for the Seelie Court. When you questioned what that could mean, Namjoon and JK were puzzled. Namjoon explained that the Sun Solstice is the longest day of the fae year, celebrated by the Seelie. Itâs mostly known as a day when they hold bonding ceremonies for the royals or Greater Fae. But, it also has been known to be days where they execute the Hell Condemned. Which is a term, youâve learned, that is used for someone like Yoongiâan exiled fae convicted of high treason.
âHow is it exactly that Chaddick has been able to deceive both courts for so long? Fae canât lie, so how has he kept up such a ruse and made people believe Yoongi is a murderer?â Itâs a thought thatâs been driving you crazy since the beginning, but everything is moving so quickly that you didnât think to broach the subject sooner. However, you feel like itâs vital information to know when trying to develop a game plan now.
JK pushes up from his seat to rifle through a cabinet in the kitchen. He begins pulling out dishes and various containers. âFrom what weâve gathered over the years, itâs all because of his warty little bitch, Borgia. At least, thatâs been the only reasonable explanation.â
âWhat exactly is she?â The image of the fiery-haired crone on the back of a pitch-black winged serpent has infiltrated your mind while both asleep and awake. Those fateful moments still come in fits and flashes, the chaos overwhelming.
âSwamp Hag,â Namjoon says. âNasty, ancient being. Itâs still a mystery how Chaddick sways her to do his bidding. They are typically solitary creatures that come from deep, deep to the south, beyond the borders of The Hollow Land. In a place that we call the Dread Court, though it is not a real Court. There are no presiding rulers or anything. No, it is a land ruled by darkness alone.â
âSwamp Hags are what you might think of as a witch,â JK continues, picking up the explanation as he starts to slice the loaf of bread Namjoon made after breakfast. âThey have no natural magick but can harness the magick of other creatures or items. Creatures from the Dread Court are not held to the sameâŚrestrictions we find ourselves with. They can lie just as easily as a mortal man.â
âSo you think she has somehow given Chaddick that ability?â
JK scoops a spoonful of honeyed butter onto a slice of bread and spreads it out. âMore or less. That or sheâs somehow found a way to glamor the entirety of the courts. Itâs tough to say, considering weâve had little inside intelligence over the years. The most information we get is from Mini, and even then, he can only ask so many questions to avoid unwanted suspicions.â He proceeds to butter several more slices of bread, arraying them on a plate and setting it on the table in front of you. âSheâs the wild card in all this shitâŚand I hate it.â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Yoongi
It is imperative for Yoongi to hide the bond, but he canât think of the rationale as to why for some reason. Whenever he wants to relax and let go, something kicks in and smothers that shining light all over again. He wants to reach out to it, to touch it and find comfort in it, but no matter how much he wants toâŚwait, what did he want to do?
Itâs the same thing over and over.
Awareness. Smothering. Darkness.
Awareness. Smothering. Darkness.
Nothing makes sense, and yet everything is highlighted in stark clarity. If only he could turn off that incessant ringing. Maybe he could remember what he was thinking about. Itâs important. Itâs warmâcomforting.
No.
Awareness. Smothering. Darkness.
Again and again.
UntilâŚsomething changes.
Voices. Yes, there are voices. Hushed whispers that he is sure he wouldnât be privy to if they knew he was aware of them.
âWhat is wrong with him?â A familiar voice. The voice of his nightmares.
Shuffling feet draw closer. âHow am I to know? He looks and feels much the same to me as he did before. What has changed?â Fetid breath ghosts over his face as the figure comes even closer. âI think he is awake.â
The ringing in his ears intensifies as a hard fist connects with the side of his head. âWake up, boy. Let me see those eyes that are so like your fatherâs.â The chains securing Yoongiâs arms over his head rattle with the residual force of the blow. Slowly, Yoongi lets his eyelids slide open. âAh, there they are. Just as ugly as I remember.â
âDo not speak of my father, you filthy murderer!â Yoongi growls, focusing his anger on masking the bond even now that heâs broken out of his temporary fugue.
âAh,â Chaddick rears back, a dainty hand pressing to his chest. âYou wound me, Yoongi.â He flicks his other hand through his long, blond hair. The silky strands cascade over his shoulders as he moves in a slow circle around Yoongi. The space is small, the top room to one of the circular outer turrets, far from the castle proper. He stops after completing the circuit and comes back to face Yoongi. âBorgia, be a dear and remind him exactly who the murderer is here.â His crystalline eyes glitter with hatred as he watches Borgia step forward and press a gnarled, dirty finger to Yoongiâs temple.
âYoongi, stop!!â Geumjae screams in pain. The metallic stench of blood is thick in the air. It coats his tongue and makes his grip on the short-hilted dagger slip as he raises it again to bring it back down in a harsh stroke. Geumjaeâs next scream is wetter, bringing up a froth of bubbling, black blood dribbling down his chin.
He raises the blade again, eyes tracing the arc of it. The moon is high, its rays streaming just enough light inside the hallway for Yoongi to see the look of terror on his brotherâs face as he swings the dagger a final time, the wicked edge severing Geumjaeâs spinal cord with a satisfying pop of cartilage and muscle.
Blood soaks into the knees of his trousers as he kneels there, watching the light wink out in Geumjaeâs eyes. âLike father like son, both dying a coward's death,â he says, his voice coarse and thick with disgust.
ExceptâŚitâs not his voice. Itâsâ
âNO! That is not what happened!â he snarls, jerking away from Borgiaâs poisonous touch, severing the connection to the false memories.
âAre you so sure about that?â Chaddick sneers. âFrom my recollection of that day, your hands were very much covered in your brotherâs blood.â
Yoongi shakes his head as much as he can with his arms up the way they are. His hands might have been covered in Geumjaeâs blood, but he did not murder him. âYou murdered him. You murdered them both!â
âHow preposterous. The guilt has clearly warped your mind during your time away.â Chaddick's long black dressing robe swirls around his slippered feet as he approaches Yoongi, coming within just a few inches of him. âRest assured. You will meet your justified fate for your crimes against the Unseelie Court.
Yoongi laughs a cold and reckless laugh that earns him a backhand across the face. The coppery tang of blood fills his mouth, dribbling down his chin from the cut left by one of Chaddickâs many finger rings. âWhat? Angry with me? Will you push me out the window like you did your wife? A sword through the belly like my father? How aboutââ Another blow across his mouth cuts him off.
Chaddickâs hawkish nose wrinkles in anger before he jerks his chin at Borgia and takes a step back, cradling his hand against his chest. âI want him to be pliable and weak. Scramble his brain if you have to, but you make him heel like a pup, or you will be the one I push out the damned window!â
There is momentary satisfaction as Yoongi watches Chaddick storm from the room until heâs reminded of who remains. âYou ought to watch your tongue, boy, else he requests me to cut it out. You should know better than to speak such fallacies.â
âFey can not lie, and you know it.â
That makes her suck her teeth. âFunny, if Fey can not lie, then how is it you say one thing and he says another?â Power glitters in her rheumy, yellowed eyes. âStory has it that you found yourself some dark magick out there in the wild. Allows you to lie and has further tainted your pitiful soul.â Her body shakes as she throws her head back and howls with laughter.
Yoongi has been suspicious about how Chaddick can lie and manipulate this whole time. He knows the stories, what the people believe happened to his father and brotherâwhat Chaddick has made them believe. To anyone that is a victim of Chaddickâs manipulations, Borgia is simply an old seer that Chaddick employs to throw bones and tell fortunes. Sheâd come with Chaddick to the Court as part of his retainer of staff. Yoongi didnât even know her capabilities and true nature until it was too late.
âJust kill me and be done with it,â Yoongi mutters, wincing as the burning around his wrists finally registers. Iron, thick and unbreakable, surrounds each delicate joint. The chain connected to the manacles disappears into the darkness above.
Borgia cackles, drawing Yoongiâs attention. âHe plans to marry your mother. Do you know that?â Yoongi tries to control his breathing as he listens. âThe way I hear it, she pants after him like a mongrel in heat.â He canât hold back any longer. Yoongi pushes off with his feet, swinging wildly in Borgiaâs direction. His right foot connects solidly with her jaw, sprawling her flat on the floor.
âFuck you!â Yoongi yells, his voice twisted with the pain that echoes down his arms. His body sways, toes scraping at the stone to stop his momentum.
Her moan of pain turns into a rasping chuckle. âFuck me?â Borgia pushes her bony body off the floor, swaying sharply as she gains her feet. âYou will regret that, just as your brother regretted trying to save your life. He told me so right before he took his last breathâŚright before I cursed his soul to eternal darkness!â she screeches, lunging at Yoongi with surprising agility. Before he can react and jerk out of her reach, her skeletal fingers close around a fistful of his shirt and jerk him forward.
Pain explodes behind his eyes as the fingers of her other hand dig into the flesh of his neck. Ragged fingernails drag over his skin, leaving fire in their wake. He opens his mouth to scream, but silence is all that comes as heâs swept away to another time, another placeâŚsurrounded by the darkness of horrid memories that are far too real.Â
The blankets are snatched off Yoongiâs bed, bringing him with them to land in a sprawling heap on the floor. âSeven Hells!â He blinks rapidly, trying to clear the sleep from his eyes. âGeumjae? What is going on?â
His brother crouches beside him, giving Yoongi a clear view of his face. There are splatters of black across his cheeks and down his neckâblood. Before Yoongi can question him again, Geumjae presses a finger to his lips. âWe do not have much time. We have to go. Now!â he urges, grabbing at Yoongiâs arms to help untangle him from the sheets.
âCan you hold onâstop, ow!â Yoongi swats at Geumjaeâs hand. âYou pinched me, asshole!â
Geumjae slaps a hand over Yoongiâs mouth. âStop being so loud,â he whispers harshly through gritted teeth. âI do not have time to explain right now. I just need you to trust me. We have to get Mom and get out of the castle. Right. Now.â
Itâs not often that Geumjae acts so seriously. If anything, heâs the more relaxed of the two. When their father steps down, Geumjae is expected to take the throne as the eldest son. A revelation he grumbles about more often than not. Heâd much rather spend his time playing the lute and singing great ballads to the simpering ladies of the court.
âWhy are you covered in blood?â Yoongi questions when Geumjae lowers his hand, matching the volume of his brotherâs whisper this time.
Geumjae looks at the door to Yoongiâs bedroom as if checking to ensure no one is looming in the open doorway. âI need you to listen to me, Yoongi. I mean, really listen, okay?â Yoongi purses his lips and nods. âI was coming in from the stables and overheard an argument in the east courtyard. It was Father and Chaddick. By the time I snuck around the corner, it was too late. Five handspans of steel were sunk into Fatherâs belly, Chaddickâs hand wrapped around the hilt, and that damned red-headed crone of his cackling with glee behind him.â He holds up a hand as Yoongi opens his mouth to protest. âI said listen! I ran as fast as I could and came straight here. This blood is from the guard stationed outside your room. He was one of Chaddickâs men. I could not risk him alerting someone as we left. We can discuss it later, but we need to go now. We have to get Mom and leave!â
Itâs not that Yoongi didnât comprehend anything Geumjae said. Itâs just that there is a process to accepting and understanding something like that. Father, dead? Yoongiâs never heard a funnierâalbeit not amusing at allâthing being said. âJae,â he whispers, his heart quivering violently in his chest.
âI know, baby brother, I know.â Geumjae helps a robotic Yoongi to his feet before gripping his hand and pulling him out into the hallway's darkness.
As they approach the wing that leads to their motherâs bedroom, Geumjae slows down to a walk so he can peer around every corner to check that itâs clear.
Silent tears coat Yoongiâs cheeks. Every time Geumjae looks back at him, he scrubs his face with the sleeve of his pajama shirt, not wanting his brother to see his weakness.
âWe should just go kill him,â Yoongi mumbles.
âKill who? Me?â comes a cold voice from the shadows down the hall beside them. They whip around, Geumjae shoving Yoongi behind him. Chaddick moves closer, his bloodied sword trailing him out of the darkness. A few steps behind him crouches Borgia, her sickly-yellow eyes catching in the moonlight like a monster lurking in the dark waiting to pounce.
Geumjae reaches back, fingers wrapping around a small dagger tucked into the top of the back of his trousers. He whips it out, brandishing it. âJust let us get our mother and walk away. We will leave here and never return.â
Chaddick raises one icy blond eyebrow. âDo you think me a fool, Geumjae? Come, boy, I know you are not that thick-headed. You and I know I can not let you leave here alive. Either of you.â
âJae, stop,â Yoongi urges, tugging on the back of his brotherâs shirt as Geumjae steps toward Chaddick.
âRun, Yoongi, run as fast as you can. Leave here and find a way to reveal the truth.â Geumjae maneuvers himself to block Chaddickâs line of sight to Yoongi completely. âGo!â
âGuards!â Chaddick bellows, startling Yoongi. âSound the bell! The king has been murdered! Hark, hark, hark! To arms! Defend the Court!â
Geumjae glances back at Yoongi, realizing he still hasnât moved. Itâs this instant that Chaddick attacks. Glinting steel slides right through Geumjaeâs back, tenting the fabric of his shirt before slicing through in a rush of black blood. Blood spews from Geumjaeâs lips, misting Yoongiâs face as he makes one last attempt to get Yoongi to move, âRun!â Geumjae takes a staggering step toward Yoongi, the sword sliding back out of his body. Bloody fingers land on Yoongiâs chest, shoving him backward.
Yoongi screams a gut-churning, heart-wrenching scream that echoes off the stone walls and fills the entire hall. Just as Yoongi finds purchase, after slipping in the pool of blood steadily growing at his feet, Chaddick begins another mockery announcement. âGuards! The Crowned Prince has been slain! To arms! Beware! Min Yoongi, murderer!â
âNot dead yet, you bastard!â Yoongi hears Geumjae snarl. He glances back over his shoulder, locking eyes with his brother one last timeâthe final time. Geumjae smiles, even through the blood and the pain, letting Yoongi know that itâs okayâŚit will always be okay.
âGet out of my head, you evil bitch!â Yoongi groans with the effort of severing Borgiaâs connection. âI will take great pleasure in gutting you like the slimy bottom feeder you are!â
Borgia hacks a glob of bloody phlegm onto the floor at Yoongiâs feet. âGood luck with that when all that is going to be left of that brain of yours when I am done with it is mush!â She smacks her lips together, tongue running over her cracked and discolored teeth. The red of her hair looks like rust in the dim light coming in through the arrow slits at the top of the room's walls. âAre you curious about your brotherâs last moments? Do you want to know how he died on his knees, begging and pissing his pants? How about how we made your mother watch as Chaddick opened his belly and fed his guts to the hounds?â
Yoongiâs nostrils flare, the pain of seeing those last moments all over again almost too much. âWhy are you doing this?â
She titters, clucking her tongue. âI do not need a reason to want to see the likes of you and yours finally fall from their gilded seats into an iron cage.â Waving a gnarled hand, she dismisses that line of discussion. âWhat I would like to talk about now is why every time I dip into your noodly little brain, I can feel something I have never felt before. But every time I try to take a closer peek, it moves further away. Tell me, Hell Condemned, what are you trying to hide from me?â
Even with tears freely streaming down his cheeks, Yoongi silently pats himself on the back for being able to keep his bond hidden. He may not have realized what it was before, why he wasnât allowed just to let go. But, now he does. He understands with brutal clarity what exactly heâs protecting. It only pains him that heâs not allowed to take comfort in the bond, to luxuriate in it while facing the darkness ahead. No, he canât even think ofâbefore the image of your face can fully form in his mind, heâs willing it away.
âI guess you will never know,â Yoongi finally responds, letting his eyes slip closed and promptly ignoring any of Borgiaâs further questions. Even when she screams at him and presses her filthy fingers into his skin again, he meets the replay of dark memories with a slight smile on his busted lips.
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Monica
âWhat am I supposed to do, Mal? Itâs been weeks.â
Malcolm slides another espresso across the small cafe table to Monica. âYe say she wanted tae come âere fur she was after something. Whit was it again?â
âStupid stories. Well, not stupid, but silly children's stories. Her grandfather was one of those head-in-the-clouds types, and he was always filling her head full of fantasy bullshit about pixie dust and fairies. Utter nonsense.â
In the three weeks since you went missing, Monica has more or less moved in with Malcolm. She canceled her flight home, returned the rental car, and put in for an extended sabbatical at work. In part, she feels responsible for your disappearance. Sheâs sworn off alcohol and refuses to go home until youâre found.
âYe dinnae believe in magick?â Malcolm asks hesitantly.
Monica scoffs. âDo you expect me to believe some little green man with fairy wings carted her off? Be real, Mal.â When he just looks at her, she continues, âDonât tell me you believe in that stuff?!â
One of his big shoulders lifts, and he sighs. âThere are stories, ye ken? Things folk only blether aboot in hushed whispers. Stories aboot people disappearing around Beltane.â Monica leans forward, bringing the espresso up for a small sip, intent on Malcolmâs story. âThe veil between worlds is thin, allowing the fae folk ta donder among the mortals. Some say those that disappear are taken back tae the fae realm. There was this yin lassie, mah maw knew her when they were weans, disappeared when she was eighteen. She showed up almost a decade after, had barely aged a day, spouting off aboot a peace finally cominâ tae the courts allowing her tae make her escape.â
âDo you expect me to believe that? Honestly?â
âAll Iâm saying is that there are folk who have disappeared the same as yer friend. Would it be so bad tae think sheâs somehow caught up in another world? Ye said so yerself that she doesnât feel here anymore.â
She hates that Malcolm is right, and she has said that; she still says that. Because thatâs precisely what it feels like. Is this why you talked her into coming to Scotland? Did you come looking to disappear? Monica reflected on your last few conversations many times over the previous few weeks. Everything points back to your grandfatherâŚmaybe she should have paid more attention or been more empathetic to what losing him did to you. Perhaps then you would still be here.
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Namjoon
Maintaining the new ward is taxing. The leaves of his seeded oak are starting to drag the ground, an alarming new development. Jimin is delayed in returning, his second message using the Ravens Word still smoldering the linen runner on the table.
Tonight.
They had waited, thinking Jimin would be returning soon. But one day turned into another and eventually became almost an entire moon cycle. Namjoon is ready for his friend to return, hoping heâll bring with him another implement or two. The haggardness is creeping back around his eyes, and itâs getting harder and harder to keep the garden flourishing. He knows if it comes down to it, the plants will have to suffer to preserve the ward; it would be for the best, but it still pains Namjoon to consider it.
âAre you feeling okay?â Your inquiry startles him out of his thoughts. âSorry, I should have knocked.â You prop your hip against the bedroom door jamb, where Namjoon excused himself hours ago so he could lie down and nurse a headache.
He pushes up on his elbows, wincing slightly at the thundering ache still pounding away between his temples. âFeeling a bit better now. Has JK returned from the western glen?â
âJoon, JK returned hours ago. Youâve been in here nearly all day. Itâs why I came to check on you. Mini should be arriving soon, Iâd imagine.â
That gets Namjoonâs attention. He clears his throat and absently pats his clothes as he slides off the bed. âRight. I must have laid down a bit longer than I thought I had.â He wishes heâd have at least slept some.
âItâs your magick, isnât it?â
âWhat?â
âThe reason you look and probably feel like shit.â
His brow pinches. âI look like shit?â
âYou look like you havenât slept in a week, and the bags under your eyes are turning into suitcases.â The worry you feel is evident in your voice, even if Namjoon doesnât quite understand your odd phrasing.
There is no use in trying to skirt around the truth, as youâve already figured it out. âYes. It is my magick. Or rather, a lack of. I was already nearing my limit when I let down the ward the first time. Now that I have had it back up for several weeks, and with the bond necklace only having given me a few additional weeksâŚwell, it would seem I need another boost or a miracle.â
âMaybe we should find you a human to bond with,â you say. Namjoon can tell youâre joking, but the idea has crossed his mind on multiple occasions.
âMmm,â he hums, giving you a tight-lipped smile.
You push off from the door jamb and gesture over your shoulder with a thumb. âJK has dinner ready if youâre hungry.â
He follows you out of the room and settles at the dining table across from you. Jungkook has a platter of grilled meats and vegetables waiting. The fragrant scent of herbs and spices makes Namjoonâs stomach give an appreciative grumble. His appetite hasnât been what it should be, another testament to how heâs been feeling.
âHope youâre hungry,â Jungkook says after setting plates and cutlery beside the platter. âThere is another rack of trimmings keeping warm in the coals.â
Jungkookâs always been a fairly decent cook. The tender meat is like butter melting on Namjoonâs tongue. Heâs confident that if he can eat enough tonight, heâll maintain his strength for another day or two at least.
Youâre awfully quiet as you slice up the vegetables Jungkook spooned onto your plate. Namjoon can almost see the wheels turning in your head. Thereâs something on your mind. Heâs gotten good at picking up on your tells and personal nuances over the last few weeks while waiting for Jimin to return. The awkwardness that was there in the beginning no longer exists. You might have been a stranger to him the first few days, but now youâre so much more. A friendâbut even that does not seem to suffice when he considers you. Between the training youâve been doing with Jungkook and the help youâve been putting in around the house, youâve been spending a lot of your free time helping Namjoon with his garden and learning all you can about the plants he so dearly loves.
Itâs very apparent that Jungkook has also taken a liking to you. Primarily, he dotes on you, waiting on you hand and foot. When Jungkook returns from his daily scouting trips, he often returns with a swath of wildflowers youâve taken to decorating the porch railing with. Bright blooms of pink, purple, and blue cover nearly every available inch. Namjoon knows what it means but doesnât dare to broach the subject. Especially considering he would then have to reflect on his own internal feelings, and thatâs a space he would rather avoid for the foreseeable future.
âWould that even work?â Your question pulls him out of his thoughts.
âSorry. Would what work?â he asks after swallowing a bite of meat.
You poke at a crispy potato wedge, chewing on your bottom lip instead of the food. âBonding with a human?â You finally look up from your plate, your eyes meeting Namjoonâs curious gaze.
âWhat are you talking about?â Jungkook asks, pausing with a forkful of food halfway to his mouth.
You shrug. âHis magick is straining again. I was just curious if bonding with a human would help him like it helped Yoongi since Joon is a woodland nymph, not a Greater Fae or whatever.â
Your curiosity is endearing. The fact you care enough about Namjoon to ask makes him feel good. âI imagine it would work much the same way. There are far fewer stories in our histories where a woodland nymph took a human mate, but we have our own inner wells for magick. Ours are more connected with where we plant our soul seed. My oak,â he gestures toward where his towering oak sits outside, âis where my magick is channeled from. It enters through my connection with my tree and into my inner well. The way a human bond works is it primarily allows the Fey to wield more of their own power safely. If I bonded with a human, it would allow me to draw on more magick through my oak.â
âWhere does your oak get magick from?â
âBronweâthatâs the name she whispered to me when her first leaf began to sproutâmy oak,â Namjoon explains, âdraws her power from deep below the ground. Her roots reach for many miles in all directions, feeding on the life force of nature itself. Though, the more magick I draw from her without having some sort of stabilizer, the weaker her roots become. That is why her branches have begun to droop so low. I have been trying to take too much from her.â Namjoon drops his eyes from yours, resuming his study of his plate. âSo, yes, to answer your question. A human mate would helpâif just to give her a break.âÂ
âCan more than one fae be bonded to the same human?â
Jungkook chokes on his mouthful of food. Namjoon reaches over and hammers a fist against his back, suddenly feeling like he canât breathe himself. âWhy would you ask that?â
âIâm just curious,â you declare. âI still know very little about this world and how it works. Just asking questions.â
âSounds to me like you are causing trouble with your questions,â Jiminâs amused voice carries from the porch just before the door opens, and in steps the Fey himself.
âMini!â You shove back from the table and skip to the door, pulling Jimin into a hug. Namjoon watches you, thankful for Jiminâs interruption and amused at the look of surprise on his face as you press your face against his chest and inhale deeply. Youâve been gravitating toward scents recently, primarily seeking clothing worn by Yoongi or left here by Jimin. Itâs made Namjoon curious if it has anything to do with the deep connection between Jimin and Yoongi, despite there not being an actual bond between them.
Jimin pats your back. âAt least one of you is happy to see me,â he teases.
âWhat news do you have for us?â JK asks, standing up and grabbing another plate from the cabinet. âYou must be starving, have a seat. Eat.â
After settling down beside you, once you resume sitting at the table, Jimin fills his plate with food before he begins. âI expect you got my Ravens Word messages?â
âSun Solstice.â Namjoon confirms, âWe did. What is happening?â
âChaddick has announced a marriage decree to Yoongiâs mother come the Sun Solstice, an act of unification, he claims. It will coincide with his public execution before the whole of both courts. The end of the Min line to finally bring true peace to both Courts. A blessing and a curse.â He pauses, taking a moment to meet everyoneâs eyes. âI saw him.âÂ
âYou saw him? How? Where?â Jungkookâs hand tightens around his fork so tightly that Namjoon hears the wooden handle creak.
Jimin visibly shivers. âIt was requested that my family be present for the announcement. Chaddick presented the decree and began working with the Seelie Court advisors on a power merger. He intends to be the first Seelie to sit on the Unseelie Throne. This is exactly what he has wanted all along, but he knew as long as Yoongi was still alive, there was no way he could lay claim to the Min throneâregardless of Yoongiâs exiled status.â
âHow did you manage to see him? Surely they have him locked away in the dungeons?â Namjoon questions, knowing full well the typical etiquette observed for prisoners.
The sigh Jimin lets out is hollow, exhausted. âChaddick is bold. He was parading him in the open, shackled in iron like a beast. His eyes were soâthey were soâŚempty. I could feel the taint of darkness surrounding him, bleeding from him. It stank of a swamp,â he sneers.
âBorgia. She must be using some sort of witchy shit on him.â You shove away your plate in frustration. âUgh! I wish I knew more about this bond. If it gives him access to more power, shouldnât he be powerful enough to break free from it or something?â
Jimin gives you a sympathetic look. âWas there anything you all found out that might help? Anything about the bond we can work toward? The Sun Solstice is just a week away.â
Namjoon has an idea, but heâs unsure how receptive anyone else will be to it. You gave him the idea, actually. Even then, itâs a long shot that anyone would be comfortable agreeing. But, then againâhe glances at Jungkook, who is staring at you like he wants to hold you and soothe your worries. Jimin, well, he already knows Jimin will do anything for Yoongi. And, as far as himselfâŚ
âI think I might know of a way to help,â Namjoon admits, his voice wavering slightly with nerves. âBut, it is a bit eccentric.â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Jungkook
âYou want us to do what?â Jungkook canât believe what heâs hearing.
The tips of Namjoonâs ears blush as he stammers out his idea again. âIt might be possible for us to all bond with Beautiful, giving Yoongi unfettered access to our magick through her. It would have to be enough for him to overpower whatever enchantment Borgia has over him. There is no way she is more powerful than four Fey combined.â
âIâll do it,â you donât hesitate to state. âIf it can help, Iâll do it. Iâll fuck all of you at the same time if it means helping Yoongi, if it means we rescue him and send Chaddick to the fiery pits of HellâŚor wherever it is that bad people from here go.â
Jungkook canât help the smirk that tugs at his lips. He knew he liked you from the moment he laid eyes on you. The fact you were meant for his best friend didnât mean he couldnât appreciate you. Spending the last several weeks holed up in Namjoonâs house with you only intensified that appreciation. Since Namjoon said your side was healed well enough, youâve asked Jungkook to help train you with a sword every morning. And fuck if he doesnât like how your body moves when you swing it. You might be no better than a child playing with a toy sword right now, but you donât give upâwhich is what makes him keep agreeing to train you.
âAre you certain this would work?â Jimin asks, his untouched plate of food forgotten on the table.
Namjoon stands up from the table and moves over to his stack of books. âI came across it a few days ago. It is not a definitive account but a speculation based on transcribed scrolls in an abandoned temple found near the Dread Court. There is a small passage about âCircle Bondingâ,â he explains, flipping through an old, tattered book. The pages are barely staying within the binding. Dust drifts down from the book with each additional page Namjoon turns. âHere.â He turns the book around and gently lays it on the table.
Looking at the page, Jungkook can see it is in a standard script, likely part of the translation process. ââA practice observed mostly by lesser Fey seeking more powerâ,â he reads off, skimming over the small paragraph. ââAlthough the effects may vary according to the Fey involved, it is believed to be most effective with at least one Greater Feyâ. Well, we got that covered, at least. Twice over,â he muses, glancing at Jimin.
Jimin lightly brushes the edge of the page. âIs it so simple?â
âI am willing,â Namjoon says. âIt may also help with my magick. I do not know how long I can keep us concealed here.â
âWith luck, my friend, you wonât need to keep the ward up much longer. If we bond and Yoongi gets the boost he needs, I say if he doesnât make it out by himself, then we orchestrate an attack the night before Sun Solstice. The Seelie Court will be in attendance. Iâm sure there will be a feast in preparation for the sun to riseâŚthe perfect distraction and opportunity to slip in and make some noise.â
Youâre nodding along to Jungkookâs plan, a sparkle of light shimmering in your eyes. He knew you liked this kind of stuff. Thereâs no way you wouldnât with all the stories your grandpa told you. Youâve shared a few with him over the weeks. His favorite is The Young Tamlane of Carterhaugh. He wonders how long it will take you to realize that story is, in part, based on himself.
âSo, we agree, then? We try to bond and give Yoongi the extra oomph he needs to escape. If, for some reason, he doesnât, we say fuck it and storm the castle in a last-ditch effort. If theyâre going to try and execute him anyway, itâs not like we have other options.â You look at Jimin, the only one who hasnât voiced his agreement yet. âWhat do you say, Mini? We didnât start on the right foot, but I no longer care about that. I just want Yoongi to be alive and happy.â
âIt would mean I am connected to him, too. So, if sharing a bond with all of you saves Yoongi, then of course I agree.â Jimin smiles. Itâs soft and sweet, something Jungkook hasnât seen from him in a while.
Jungkook begins clearing away the dishes from the table, uncaring of the uneaten food. âWell, no time like the present. We need to find implements to use. Joon, do you have anything?â
âI believe I know just the things,â Namjoon replies. He heads straight for the small box on the mantle, where he pulled the bag of Ravens Word from. âI have been saving these for a long time.â Returning to the table, he opens his palm and reveals three near-identical purple and white crystal shards. Delicate silver chains crisscross over and around them, securing the stones at the ends as the pendants of necklaces.
âThose are beautiful,â you say, looking at the stones in Namjoonâs palm. Your lips make this cute âoâ shape, parting just enough for Jungkook to see the tip of your tongue.
Jimin grabs the bag he discarded on the floor by the door when he first came in. âThey will match perfectly with this.â He pulls back the clasps on the bag and reaches in. âI got something for you. I figured you would be tired of having to roll up the sleeves on the tops and cuffing the pants of these giants.â Purple silks and velvets come out of the bag, silvery and light blue accents peeking through here and there. âSome blouses, fitting of your beauty, and some tapered trousers more suitable to your stature.â
âOh, wow. Mini, you didnât have to do that.â
The smile that graces Jiminâs face reminds Jungkook of just what made Yoongi so goo-goo-eyed, to begin with. Jimin has an ethereal beauty that goes beyond even that of a Fey.
âPerhaps not. But I wanted to. I want you to be comfortable and well cared for, truly.â A bit of color creeps into Jiminâs cheeks, further brightening his smile. You roll your lips between your teeth and do this little shoulder swish thatâs just so fucking cute. Jungkookâs sure he could swoon over the Seelie Prince himself if he werenât so caught up in watching your reaction to Jimin. You disappear into the bedroom to try on the new clothing.
âOkay, Prince Charming,â Jungkook teases. âA few weeks away, and you come back a different Fey.â
âNot different, just more accepting, perhaps. She is forever a part of Yoongi, and I love himâall of him.â Jimin sets his bag back down, brushing his hands off on his pants. âI know I was wrong in the beginning, I let my emotions cloud my judgment, and I will forever be embarrassed and sorry for my actions. I am simply doing what I can to rectify it.â
Jungkook steps around the table and places a hand on Jiminâs shoulder. âYoongi would be proud of you.â
âI hate that he is not here for this. Do you think he would be accepting? She is his mate, his bondâŚwould he be okay with us making that connection, too?â The worry in Jiminâs voice is evident.
Namjoon moves to stand beside them, the necklaces dangling from his hand. âI believe if Yoongi were aware of âCircle Bondingâ before all of this, it would have been his idea. You know how much he loves you, Mini. He and JK have been inseparable since they were younglings. Of course, he would want him to be a part of his bond.â Itâs not lost on Jungkook that Namjoon doesnât include himself in the assurance.
âDo not leave yourself out of that, Joon. He would want you, too,â Jimin responds immediately, clearly having caught it the same as Jungkook. âYou have done more for him in the last ten years than JK, and I combined. If anything, you would be his first choice.â They both chuckle, knocking shoulders playfully.
âHow do I look?â you call from the bedroom as you step out.
Jungkook swallows thickly, subconsciously licking his lips as he takes you in. The lilac top hugs your figure, accentuating your waist, flaring over your hips, and pushing your breasts up. He sends up a silent thank you to the Moon for Jimin choosing those trousers. They hug your legs, making them look like they were dipped in starlight.
Jimin breaks the silence first. âExquisite.â
âThank you, good sir.â You give an exaggerated curtsy, your fingers pinching at the flared fabric over your hips, making them all melt into laughter. âNow, whoâs ready to do this?â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
You canât believe what youâre about to do. When you slipped into the bedroom to change into the beautiful clothing Jimin brought you, you nearly panicked and climbed out the window. Since the moment JK dumped you through the gateway and into the loch, your entire life has been one giant tailspin. Itâs only been recently that youâve managed to stop the nauseating swirl and begin to get a grasp on things. Now, youâre about to take another nosedive into the unknown.Â
Itâs not that you donât want to bond with these faeâyou donât mind that partâbut you canât seem to get rid of the tingling beneath your skin when you think about how Yoongi might react. Youâve been trying to remain positive, spending a lot of time reaching out to the bond and frustrating yourself over and over again when you run into the same foggy wall as before.
Jiminâs news of Yoongi made your stomach churn. You immediately grabbed for the bond and threw everything you had against the wall separating you, but it was useless. If youâre being honest, the reason you agreed so quickly to try the circle bonding was the thought that maybe if someone else is part of the bond, then they can use their magick to break through the barrier and finally communicate with Yoongi. From what JK explained and what little you could read of the book Namjoon had, in theory, it should work in a way that allows them to feel the bond you have with Yoongi and each other.
âWe should start with JK,â Namjoon suggests. âGo in sequence of ability.â
JK huffs, crossing his arms over his chest. âI guess that makes sense. Are we all going to do the rites first?âÂ
Jimin looks to Namjoon, and they both nod. âI think that might be for the best. We can begin the bonding process all at once and thenâŚumm, the other.â
âFoursome,â JK chirps. âThe other would be what they call a foursome.â
âYou do not have to be so crude,â Jimin murmurs. âBesides, what if we do not want to do that together?â
âAre you worried weâll laugh at your little cock?â JK pokes his lips out in a faux pout. âItâs okay, Mini. I promise not to laugh too much.â
Jimin raises a slim brow, his lips tipping into a smirk. âI was thinking more along the lines of not wanting to make you feel inadequate in comparison.â
âOkay, okay, enough dick talk,â you laugh, thankful for the banter that has eased the tension. âIf itâs any consideration, I wouldnât mind if everyone was present. Based on my experience, inhibitions seem to have no place during a bonding. I doubt any of you will even care if you accidentally cross swords.â
That earns you a loud, full laugh from JK and curious looks from Namjoon and Jimin. âThat has to be in reference to sex of some kind,â Namjoon muses. âI will have you all know that I have neverâwell, I have never experienced copulation with another being.â
âFucking knew it!â JK exclaims.
This makes you pause. âAre you sure you want to do this, then, Joon? The bondâŚit, well, it is very controlling.â
Namjoon clears his throat. âI know. If I am being honest with you, with all of you, I have taken quite a liking to you, Beautiful. I do not believe in coincidences, the sun and moon move in mysterious ways, but the stars are always aligned precisely how they are meant to be. You were destined to come here, to be a part of this world, and now you are making it tilt to rotate on your axis.â
You can feel it, the rightness in his words. You didnât travel to Scotland on a whim as you thought. No, you were inevitably drawn to this time and place as a beacon of hope and change. Everything your grandpa ever told you has prepared you for these very moments. You know how this story is supposed to end.
When you lead the way to the garden, the moon is high in the sky, the air warm and humid against your skin. Beautiful ivy vines, fragrant jasmine, and drooping wisteria cover the moon gate. The flowers have bloomed fully over the last week or so, creating a magnificent backdrop as you stand with your hand clasped in JKâs. Jimin gently wraps the delicate silver chain around your hands, much like he and JK did for you and Yoongi.
You canât help reaching out to the bond again. Trying to somehow let Yoongi know what youâre about to do is meant to help him. Being of the Unseelie Court, the words JK speaks mirror the ones spoken by Yoongi, vowing to be like the moon that gives way to the sun. You feel the same draw, reciting the words you also spoke to Yoongi. As the last word leaves your mouth, you gasp, stumbling forward into JK and clutching your chest.
The bond undulates, swelling inside you with the onslaught of new feelings. Itâs like JK has reached under your ribs and is squeezing your heart. âFucking hell,â you rasp as your body finally adjusts to the new sensations. âIs that normal?â
JKâs eyes are wide and full of alarm as he clutches you to his chest. âLike being hooked up to a car battery.â Usually, that would make you laugh, hearing JK speak so casually about things in the mortal world, considering the amount of time he has spent there during the last ten years. But, now, it barely registers over the ocean roaring in your earsâonly, theyâre not your ears.
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Yoongi
Standing on the rocky precipice, looking out over the deadly drop into the crashing waves below, he feels something inside of him change. Sweat beads on his forehead, and his manacled hands grow clammy, having nothing to do with the ocean mist that lingers in the air.
âWould you like your body to be dumped into the ocean once I finish with it?â Borgia asks, sucking her teeth as she ambles over the craggy rock face to sneer at him. âI would shove you over right now if I could get away with it.â She uses a high-pitched mocking voice, âOh, no, he jumped! I could not stop him!â Her laugh is like the crumbling of dead leaves, raspy and hollow. Yoongi barely registers the fire lancing through his wrists when she tugs on the iron chain, making him stumble behind her like a dog on a leash. Heâs so focused on the new sensation in the bond that he doesnât mind when she forces him onto his knees, the barnacles on the rocks cutting through his pants. âCollect those for me, dog, and I will let you have a bite of bread for dinner.â
His fingers dig at the crustaceans, trying to pry them from the rock. He doesnât care that itâs nearly impossible to do with just his fingers, as long as Borgia doesnât touch him. Because, right now, he is leagues awayâŚstanding in front of a moon gate, looking into the eyes of one of his best friends.
đ¸đ¸đ¸
The sensations level out, letting you get a better grasp on them. After Jimin unwinds the necklace, JK slides his hands up your arms, sucking in a breath when his fingertips graze the exposed skin of your neck. He licks his lips and jerks back, releasing you. âSorry,â he mumbles.
âItâs okay,â you whisper, reluctant to let him step away. The connection between you urges you to go to him. Now that it has tasted his magick, it wants more. It needs you to complete the bond to his inner well.
Your eyes drift to Namjoon as he takes JKâs place before you. He offers you his hand, a warm smile on his face. âMay I?â
Instead of answering him, you feel a need to be honest with him about something that has been eating away at you for a long time now. âJoon, IâI need to tell you something.â
Namjoonâs brow pinches and his hand slowly lowers to his side. âWhat is it?â
You chance a glance at Jimin, who is watching you with an open expression of genuine support. He nods his chin slightly in further encouragement. You reach for Namjoonâs hand, taking it up and holding it between both of your own. âWhen JK and I first came back after Yoongi was taken, there were some things I overheard during all the chaos. Things that I do not think I was supposed to hear but that were said accidentally with all the stuff going on. JoonâNamjoon,â you pause, letting him take in the realization, âI hope you are not too upset with me.â
His eyes drop like heâs taking a moment to filter through his feelings. âNo control,â he finally says. âYou know my true name, but still, you hold no power over me for it.â He looks up at you, and a slow smile spreads across his face. âI am thankful for you telling me. You are full of surprises, you sweet, wonderful being.â
âDo you know my real name?â JK asks, drawing your attention.
You shake your head. âI do know Jimin, though. Those were the only two names I heard that night. I donât know if it was because someone else said them, and thatâs why I donât have power with them. Or, Jimin thinks it might have something to do with me slowly growing into my own faeness. Either way, itâs not my intention to have that kind of power over any of you. I didnât want to ask you, and it somehow not be the same as with them. I would never have asked it of Yoongi if I thought there was any other way to guarantee my safety at the time.â
âTell her,â JK urges, nudging Jimin with his elbow. âI want her to know my name, too.â
Jimin chuckles softly, giving JK a knowing look. âHis name is Jungkook, Jeon Jungkook of the Unseelie Court, Royal Guard to the Crowned Prince.â
âYou didnât have to get all proper like that,â Jungkook says, rolling his eyes, but then he quickly looks to you, hopeful.
âJungkook,â you test out his name, liking how it feels on your lips. âI like knowing your name without having some control over you with it.â That makes Jungkook positively beam, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes and over his dark hair. He may not be a fae prince, but he sure looks like it to you. You turn back to Namjoon, intimately aware of the butterflies that sweep through your belly when you meet his gaze. âShall we?â
The words Namjoon chooses are different but no less potent in their meaning. âAs all living things need the sun, water, and nutrients to grow, so too do I need you as my mate to grow beyond what I am now. I open my heart to you so you may gaze upon my grove and find shade under the branches of Bronwe. You are now the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my spirit till my life shall be done.â
Itâs so natural now, responding to his vow with your own. âWhether as a mighty oak or a delicate rose, I come to you as tender hands of care. I will be the cooling shade to searing heat and the suckle of water when it's dry. I will protect you and Bronwe with all that I am and ever could be. You are now the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my spirit till my life shall be done.â
Namjoonâs hand tightens around your forearm as you both sway from the impact of the tether beginning to form. âWow,â he says. The sentiment of his surprise and awe echoes inside you as the bond changes again. Your nose twitches as you catch the faintest whiff of briny ocean air.
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Yoongi
Something is happening to the bond. The harder he pushes it down to mask it, the harder it pushes back. Itâs clear to him that youâve accepted a bond with Jungkook, though the reasoning alludes him. He trusts his friends implicitly. Whatever it is they are doing with you, he knows itâs for the benefit of everyone.
The moon is bright overhead, something that used to bring Yoongi immense amounts of joy because it would revitalize his inner well and make him feel refreshed, even when his magick was at its weakest, right before you got dumped into his lifeâliterally. Since heâs been taken, Borgia has made sure to only take him out at night when she feels like heâs extra compliant. Tonight is one of those such instances. Heâs been feeling listless the last day or two, using all of his reserved strength to keep the bond masked, long having given up trying to fight the nightmare of the night he escaped the castle that she makes him relive constantly.
âScrape at those faster, boy. We do not have all night.â Saliva splashes onto his boot as she spits on the ground beside him. He ignores it, digging his now bloodied fingers around a particularly stuck barnacle, his eyes focused on the moonlight glinting off the ocean in the distance, but all he can see are a beautiful pair of turquoise eyes that are so full of love as they move to in front of himâbut not him.
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Jimin is the last to step in front of you. Unshed tears are glistening in his eyes as Jungkook helps Namjoon twine the third necklace around your clasped hands.
The words Jimin says are similar to Yoongiâs but from the sun's perspective as opposed to the moon's. âAs the sun provides light for the moon to glow, so too will I shine for you as my mate. I open my heart to you so you may gaze upon my stars and find warmth within my soul. You are now the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my spirit till my life shall be done.â
You combine your own words, feeling like that is the right thing to do. âThe moon spends its entire life reflecting the light of the sun so that others may see, even in the dark. I offer myself to you as an equal to shine for the moon. I open my heart to you so we may both be bright for him, even in the darkest of times. You are now the blood of my blood and bone of my bone. I give you my spirit till my life shall be done.â The inclusion of Yoongi is automatic, offering Jimin not just a bond but a promise that you will never try to be more prominent in Yoongiâs life, instead standing as an equal to Jimin.
The bond shivers, bringing an added warmth that shines brighter than the midday sun. Jimin closes his eyes and murmurs, âYoongi. I can almost feel him.â
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Yoongi
âPut them in the jar,â Borgia huffs, kicking the glass bottle closer to where he kneels. His hands are a mess, bloodied and aching, as he grabs the jar and begins to stuff the crustaceans he managed to pry from the rock.
Sweat is pouring down his neck and soaking his shirt. The last change to the bond is making it so hard to hold back. Jimin. He has barely thought of him since heâs been captive, lest he falls into a bottomless pit of despair. Yoongi can feel them, all three of his best friends, glittering like an oasis in the desert on the other side of the mental wall heâs erected within himself.
He aches to drop the wall and reach out to embrace the warmth it offers. But heâs not sure what will happen if he does. The bonds are faint, incompleteâjust a tease at this point. Yoongi grits his teeth, shoving the last of the sea creatures into the jar before staggering to his feet and holding it out to Borgia. She gestures wildly down the coast, a silent command for Yoongi to walk. He clutches the jar to his chest, takes a step forward, and once again finds himself with his unfocused gaze staring into familiar turquoise eyes and the faint taste of chamomile on his tongue.
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âHeâs there. I know he is. Why isnât he letting us in?â Jungkook presses a hand to his chest, a look of confusion on his face.
âThe bond is not yet complete. That could be holding him back,â Namjoon suggests. His breathing is a bit ragged as he works to unwind the necklace from around your and Jiminâs hands. âThere is so much power.â
You can feel him now. Yoongi is there, a muted presence, but you feel him more prominently than you have the whole time heâs been gone. The taste of salt lingers on your lips, and for some reason, the tips of your fingers ache with phantom pains. âHe knows,â you whisper, licking your lips and savoring the tangy flavor that shouldnât be there. âI can feel him.â
âWhoa,â Jimin gasps, pulling you closer. His eyes bore into yours. âYour eyes, theyâthey are his. Oh, Yoongi.â Before you know it, Jiminâs lips are pressed to yours. The touch ignites something in you. You lean into the kiss, letting Jimin slide his tongue between your lips. âYou taste the way he does, like the darkness just before dawn and morning dew,â he murmurs against your lips, pulling away to catch his breath.
Gentle fingers brush across the back of your neck, eliciting goosebumps down your spine. âYou smell even more divine than before. Is it because of the bond?â Namjoon audibly swallows, the sound quivering his breath as he exhales. âPerhaps we should go inside.â
All you can do is nod. The force of three new bonds is far more intense than one, each playing off the need of the next. As you follow them back into the house, you can feel moisture already gathering between your thighs. Namjoon leads the way, his broad shoulders seeming even more expansive now that youâre looking at him through a bond haze.
Jungkook has been uncharacteristically quiet since he questioned why Yoongi wasnât letting them in. You put a hand on his arm to draw his attention. âYou okay?â
âWhat? Me? Oh, yeah, Iâm more than okay.â That boyish grin you first saw all those nights ago at Bowhill House settles on his lips. âWhy wouldnât I be?â
You shrug. âYou donât even know my name.â
His eyes flick to yours. âSure I do. Youâre Beautiful.â
âI mean my real name,â you laugh. Namjoon pushes open the door to the bedroom, and you continue in behind Jungkook.
Jimin shrugs off his overcoat and tosses it on a wooden chair in the corner. âWe do not need to know your real name for this to be what we want. At least, that is how it is for me. And if I am being even more honest, I do not want to know your name until you are ready to give it, and even then, I want Yoongi to know it first. He deserves that more than we do, but only when you are ready for thatâŚif you ever are. We are all perfectly content with calling you Beautiful, as that is exactly what and who you are.â
âHeâs right,â Jungkook agrees. âNow, quit stalling and get on the bed.â
âExcuse me?â you ask with an awkward laugh.
Jungkook pokes at the corner of his mouth with the tip of his tongue. âI said get on the bed. Now.â
âHold up a minute, I donât thinââ
His chest is against yours in the next instant. He steps forward, forcing you back until your thighs knock into the edge of the bed. âSeeing as how I am the only cock in this room that has any experience with pussy, I think it would be best if I called the shots. Besides, I like being in charge.â He emphasizes that statement with a gentle push to your shoulders, easing you back onto the bed.Â
You glance at Namjoon and Jimin. Their eyes are locked on Jungkook, watching his every move as he slowly begins to relieve you of the clothing you put on only hours ago. The buttons on your blouse pop open quickly under his deft fingers, exposing your bare breasts to the heat of the room and their gazes.
Being bold, Namjoon steps forward and perches on the bed beside you. âAre they as soft as they look?â
âItâs okay to touch,â you tell him before giving Jimin a look that means those words are for him, too.
Your boots come off next. One at a time, they thump onto the floor, discarded by Jungkook. His fingers tickle along the arch of your foot, making you squirm. You open your mouth to tell Jungkook to stop, but Namjoonâs fingers pinching one of your nipples steals your attention.
âTouch her, Jimin. I know you want to. Stop resisting.â Jungkook smirks as he trails his hands up your legs until he gets to the fastening on your pants.
Jimin reaches out a tentative hand and cups your other breast, squeezing lightly. You both shudder from the contact. âI can feel you feeling me,â Jimin observes, experimenting by flicking his thumb over your nipple until it pebbles tightly.
Your body jerks as Jungkook tugs your pants down over your hips. Namjoon sits up a little straighter. He cocks his head to the side, sliding his hand down from your breast to splay across your stomach.
âWhat youâre looking for is the clit,â Jungkook casually tells Namjoon. âListen to the sounds she makes. Watch her reactions. Youâll know when you find it.âÂ
âWhy am I the only one naked?â you huff, biting your bottom lip as Jimin continues teasing your nipples, and Namjoonâs hand moves lower. Your pants hit the floor, Jungkook finally getting them down your legs. He stands back, looking smug as he watches Namjoonâs hand intently.
Itâs a soft touch at first, the way Namjoonâs fingers sweep over your skin. Your chest is rising and falling rapidly as he becomes more confident with his exploring. Jimin leans in and captures your next exhale, breathing you in before devouring your mouth in a brutal kiss. He follows you down as you lose the will to continue sitting upright. Hands trace over your knees before firmly pushing them open, exposing your throbbing core.
You track Namjoonâs fingers, letting your body and the bond guide your sight even behind closed lids. Youâre distinctly aware that itâs Jungkookâs hands on your knees. The sound of Namjoonâs sharp inhale when he finally slides a finger through your wetness, mixed with the sensation of it, has you moaning into Jiminâs mouth.
âListen to her moan for you,â Jungkook whispers, his voice dark and throaty.
Namjoon drags his finger through your arousal again, eliciting another moan from you. Jimin breaks away from the kiss, panting against your cheek before pressing open-mouthed kisses along your neck. He alternates with tongue and teeth, leaving playful marks in his wake. âKiss her when you do that, Namjoon,â Jimin stops his kissing to murmur into your skin. âIt is exhilarating feeling the vibrations of her moans.â
âTake off your clothes first, lover boy,â Jungkook suggests, the words hooked on a groan he tries to hide. âI have a feeling once you start, you wonât be able to stop.â His hands are still on your knees, and without looking, you can tell heâs staring at where your arousal is beginning to drip out and down your ass. You can feel his penetrating stare, the way heâs holding back his desire so Namjoon and Jimin can enjoy themselves before he does.
The finger that was tracing circles around your clit disappears. Your eyes flutter open, intent on getting your first real glimpse at Namjoonâs body as he begins to slip out of his clothes. Heâs always worn neutral earth tones that compliment his easy-going demeanor. The fact heâs hiding such a beautiful body under so many layers of linen should be marked down as a cardinal sin.
His eyes meet yours as his shirt hits the floor, and his thumbs hook into the waistband of his pants. With teasing slowness, he slides them down inch by inch until they come loose around his knees and fall to puddle around his feet. Namjoon is as glorious naked as he is kind in spirit. Youâre utterly at a loss for words, so you just reach out a hand to him in offering.
Jimin leans back, propped up on an elbow, as he watches Namjoon take your hand, and you guide him up onto the bed. The bed dips, and Jimin scoots back a little to allow your legs to open further as Namjoon kneels between them.
âAre you sure?â Namjoon asks you, his eyes searching yours for assurance.
The bed shifts as Jungkook settles above you. He holds up a single white, dusty petal. You automatically open your mouth and stick out your tongue to receive the Silver Ward, internally grateful someone thought to grab it. The creamy taste of the flower petal melts in your mouth. In response to Namjoon, you grip a handful of his hair and pull him down, guiding his mouth to yours.
The scent of pine blooms heavily around you, and the taste of orange floods your mouth. Namjoon tastes and smells as sweet and comforting as you thought he would. With your other hand, you work it between your bodies until your fingers graze along his erection. He shudders, stomach clenching as his hips jerk forward.
âEasy,â you whisper between kisses. âNice and slow.â His velvety skin is warm and smooth as you slide your hand along his length, marveling at the amount of sticky wetness already seeping out from the tip.
âSeven Suns!â Namjoon curses, his lips popping off of yours as you shift your hips up, and the head of his cock presses into your wetness. His eyes widen as your other hand lands on his hip, encouraging him to thrust forward. Inch by inch, he fills you until youâre both writhing, and heâs all the way inside. âIt feelsâit feels, I do notâŚthe wordsâŚâ he trails off, jaw going slack as he slowly pulls out and pushes back in.
âGood pussy is supposed to make you speechless,â Jungkook comments slyly. âNow, make her cum like a good mate.â
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Yoongi
His steps falter as his body locks up, rocketing through a sensation he hasnât felt since the night he bonded with you. Alarmed, he holds the jar of barnacles over his crotch and quickly continues walking before Borgia can bark at him for stopping.
Pine and orange blossoms. The scent is so intense, Yoongi could almost believe he was somewhere deep in a spring orchard instead of walking along the rocky coastline of the Unseelie Court. You have fully bonded with Namjoon. The idea that his best friend just made love to his mate doesnât phase him. He welcomes the additional feeling of Namjoon in the bond. Though, what is most surprising is the energy Yoongi now feels. His exhaustion is waning, and the ache in his head lessening.
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Namjoon pants heavily into your neck, his body still quivering on top of yours. You can feel his cock still pulsing, filling you with thick jets of cum. The orgasm tore through you and ripped right down the bond connected to Yoongi. You hadnât even considered that could happen. But, as you recover from the post-orgasm haze, you realize the foggy wall separating you from Yoongi has depleted significantly.
That revelation excites you. âI think itâs working,â you say breathlessly. âNamjoon, do you feel him?â
Pushing up on trembling arms, Namjoon slowly pulls out of you, sitting back on his heels. His cock is still hard, jutting up against his stomach and smearing your combined releases across his skin. âI do.â There is evident amazement in Namjoonâs voice, his face splitting with a huge smile. âIt is beyond what I imagined. I can feel him, just as I can feel you.â
Your body kicks back into overdrive, reminding you there are two bonds youâve yet to complete. âI should clean up.â You sit up to slide around Namjoon, but a hand on your shoulder pulls you back.
âIf you think Namjoonâs cum will stop me from fucking you, you are mistaken.â Such dirty words coming from Jiminâs sweet mouth have you moaning softly. Heâs almost possessive in how he grabs your ankles and pulls you over on top of himself. You straddle his stomach; hands pressed against his chest for support. âClaim me. Mark me as yours,â he demands.Â
You shift back, feeling his hard length slide between your thighs until it pops out and slaps against his stomach. Jimin grunts, his bottom lip caught between his teeth, prominent caninesâmaking you think so much of Yoongiâsâindenting the plush flesh. Wrapping your fingers around his cock, you give it a firm squeeze, watching as a bead of pre-cum oozes out.
You can feel Jungkookâs and Namjoonâs eyes on you as you lean forward and flick your tongue over the tip of Jiminâs cock, collecting the glistening moisture. The taste alone makes you moan, like the best blend of warm spices youâve ever had. It complements the clove of Yoongi and the orange of Namjoon so well.
âFuck,â Jungkook moans. You glance at him, smirking before swirling your tongue around Jiminâs head. All three moan then, Jiminâs hips bucking up and pressing his cock more firmly against your tongue.
âI will not last if you keep doing that,â he whines beautifully.
Sitting up straight, you keep your hand wrapped around his cock and adjust your hips until you hover over him. âLook at me,â you tell him. Those turquoise eyes lock onto yours. The rapture that takes over Jiminâs face as you begin to lower yourself onto him is something that will be ingrained in your memory forever.
He stretches you perfectly. Despite having just been filled with Namjoon, your body needs a moment to adjust. You begin to move, rocking slowly until Jimin starts to rock his hips to go deeper.
âPlay with her nipples,â Namjoon suggests.
Taking the direction, Jimin captures one of your nipples between his thumb and forefinger, tugging gently. You throw your head back, moaning loudly. Encouraged by your reaction, he does it again. âJimin!â you cry his name, undulating your hips in a way that has the head of his cock rubbing all the right places.
He stiffens under you when you cry out his name, growing impossibly harder. âWhen you say my name like that, it does something to me. Seven Suns, say it again!â he begs.
âJimin, Jimin, Jimin,â you string together his name like a prayer, repeating it with each thrust until youâre nearly sobbing his name, begging for relief yourself.
You hadnât realized Jungkook moved to kneel behind you, only becoming aware of him when one of his hands slides around your hip and his thumb presses against your clit. âMake him cum, Beautiful. Claim that cock as yours.â
The sensation of Jimin tweaking your nipple and Jungkook rubbing the pad of his thumb against your clit has your next orgasm careening through you. Black dots spot your vision, your body pulsing around Jimin and encouraging his release. His mouth opens in a silent cry, head thrown back against the mattress.
Before you have time to register whatâs happening, Jungkook grabs your hips and pulls them up. You fall forward, landing on Jimin as your ass goes into the air. âJu-jungkook, whaâOH!â you moan, sucking in a breath and trying to orient yourself.
Heedless of the cum dripping out of you and Jiminâs hard cock just inches away, Jungkook shoves down the front of his trousers and pushes into you in one swift motion. âIf I had to watch anymore, I was going to cum in my pants, and well, that would be a waste of a perfectly good bonding orgasm.â
You mewl from the overstimulation, fingers scrabbling over Jiminâs shoulders, searching for purchase to keep yourself from sliding forward. Jungkookâs fingers dig into the meat of your hips as he sets a relentless, pounding pace.
âHe is like an animal,â Namjoon muses, though clearly being turned on by the display. He fists a hand around his own erection. âDo you feel it, Jimin?â
 Jimin just grunts, wrapping his arms around your back to help hold you in place. You meet his eyes, watching the swirl of emotions in their oceany depths. âLet go, Beautiful. Give in to it,â he whispers, his lips brushing over yours with each word.
You do. You give in and open yourself to Jungkook. Jungkookâs hips stutter against your ass as your body commands his, drawing forth his orgasm to crest with yours. The final bond slams into place, exploding through your body with pleasure and intensity.
For a moment, youâre shuffling along a desolate shoreline. The moon is high overhead, the ocean screaming as it throws itself against the bluffs a hundred feet below you. âWhere am I?â
âWhat did you say, boy?â
You jerk around, startled by the voice, and meet a wicked set of yellowed eyes that instantly go wide with understanding.
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Yoongi
He was ready the second time you accepted a bond, silently rejoicing in being connected to Jimin. Tears pricked at his eyes, but he kept his face forward so Borgia wouldnât grow suspicious. The third bond came so quickly after the second that he let his hold slip. Those terrifying moments when he watched as you looked through his eyes, spoke with his mouthâŚ
âFuck you!â Yoongi yells, throwing the jar of barnacles as hard as he can at Borgiaâs face. The glass smacks her in the mouth, shattering. Shards of glass rain down on the rocks at her feet as she screams.
Opening himself to the full power of the bond nearly sweeps Yoongi off his feet. It barrels through him, and he has to step back to keep his balance. Focusing on his strength, Yoongi pulls against the cuffs around his wrists as hard as possible. They are iron, but the strongest Fey magick has been known to break it.
Borgia swipes a hand over her mouth, trying to dislodge errant pieces of glass. âYou stupid, stupid worm! I do not care what Chaddick wants. I will see you in pieces before the night is over!â
She lunges at him, hands hooked like claws, aiming for his face. Yoongi grunts, ignoring the bite of iron ripping into his skin as the shackles groan and creak from his efforts. He might not know how to control his power fully, but with the additional potency from the bond now, he only needs a small amount to make a big difference.
The cuff on his right wrist snaps, the iron pieces crumpling in his hand. As Borgia collides with him, he brings up that mangled piece of iron and drives it down as hard as he can into her back. Her fingers dig into his cheeks, the nails slicing through his flesh, but he forces his hand down harder. Yoongi feels the metal pierce her skin and grind against the vertebra in her spine.
âYou may not care what he wants, but you should care about what I want!â Yoongi snarls, jerking his hand from side to side to do as much damage as possible. âYour life, you foul bitch! I hope you rot!â
Borgia spasms, her legs jerking wildly as her hands slide down his face. She gives one last snap of her teeth in his face before her body lists to the side and thumps solidly against the ground. A wet cackle bubbles past her lips, her eyes darting up to him. âYou are a f-fool if you think he will not find y-you again.â
âYou will be lucky if anyone finds you,â Yoongi sneers, crouching down and promptly giving her limp body a push. She rolls, her arms and legs flopping with each turn before disappearing over the edge.
Yoongi stands there momentarily, contemplating the likelihood he could make it to the castle and get his mother out undetected, before deciding against that plan and turning west to begin picking his way across the uneven groundâletting the bond lead him home to you and the three males that mean the most to him in his life. With Borgia gone, Chaddickâs deception will be swift to crumble. His mother will be safe enough, protected by the lies that have kept him away all these years. He only saw her a few times during his time of capture but never was able to get close enough to talk to her. As he twists off the remaining cuff from his left wrist, he wonders if everyone in the castle will be able to feel his increase in magick. That also might mean Chaddick can feel him, tooâall the more reason for Yoongi to get home as soon as possible.
He begins to run.
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Everyone is milling along the edge of the meadow surrounding the house. Namjoon increased the radius of the ward, pushing it out to where it used to be, where youâre all now standing.Â
Jungkook is pacing, his feet kicking in frustration through the ankle-high grass. âWe should go find him,â he grumbles for at least the fifth time.
âBe patient,â you insist. âHeâs close, but so is that patrol that went by earlier. The last thing we need is multiple bodies out there making noise or accidentally running across the wrong trail and putting them on our scent.â
You can feel the irritation coming from Jungkook, he knows youâre right, but that doesnât mean he wonât press your buttons. Thatâs something heâs becoming increasingly good at over the last forty-eight hours.
Once the bond was completed, everyone could feel Yoongi with stark clarity. You felt the moment he drew their magick through you and used it in bursts and fits of strength. Even now, heâs drawing on it to propel himself forward faster through the woods of the Hollow Lands. With each breath you take, you can feel him moving closer.
A noise catches your attention, drawing your eyes to the tree line. There is movement a few yards in. You can see and hear at greater distances, far more than you could days ago. Adding three bonds has seemingly kicked your transformation into high gear.
Finally, you see him. Yoongi peeks out from around a tree. His eyes scan the immediate area, checking for any sign of threats before he takes off in a sprint, coming right for you. He may not be able to see you through the ward, but you know he can feel you.
âFaster,â Jimin urges in a frantic whisper.
As Yoongi draws closer, you have to suppress the urge to scream. He looks barely alive. His clothes are ripped and tattered, hanging loosely from his thin frame. His weight has dropped considerably; his shoulders and collarbone stand out in high contrast through the thin material of his shirt. Angry red rings circle his wrists, and his lips are bruised and cracked.
You open your arms, prepared to grab him as soon as he stumbles through the barrier of the ward. He slumps into your arms, and you nearly drop him, but thankfully Jungkook is there and catches you both.
âSeven Hells,â Yoongi rasps, clutching at your shirt. His eyes flutter, trying to focus on your face before they roll back in his head, and he goes limp in your hold.
Jimin keens in distress, quickly sweeping up Yoongiâs legs. Jungkook takes over for you, holding Yoongiâs torso, and he and Jimin begin to carry him toward the house.
As soon as Yoongiâs eyes rolled back, you felt the bond connected to him shiver and pulse weakly before dropping to a low hum in your chest. âNamjoon,â you say more as a plea than anything. The nymph pulls you close, wrapping his strong arms around you as you watch Jimin and Jungkook work their way up the porch stairs with Yoongi slung between them.
âAll will be well, Beautiful. Come, let us go help our mate.â Namjoon ushers you across the yard and into the house, where Yoongi is laid out on the dining table, much like you and Jungkook were. Youâre not sure if you can appreciate the irony or not.
The fact Namjoon called Yoongi our mate still resonates with you as you pick up one of Yoongiâs hands, clutching it in your own.
âNamjoon, you know best. What can we do?â Jimin asks as he rips the tattered remains of Yoongiâs shirt off. Yoongiâs chest is like a macabre version of a Klein painting, blue and black with bruises and dried blood.
Namjoon moves around to stand at Yoongiâs head and places a hand on his forehead. âHe is burning up. A fever. Most likely infection from the iron that was around his wrist. Exhaustion, certainly. He did not stop running the whole way here, meaning he made a nearly three-day trip in less than two. I think what he needs right now is some rest and an infusion of vitamins, nutrients, and something for the infection.â
Jungkook finishes taking off Yoongiâs pants. âBeautiful, want to help me get him cleaned up?â
You startle, tearing your eyes away from staring at the myriad of discoloration covering Yoongiâs body. âYes. Yes, of course.â You gently set Yoongiâs hand back down on the table and follow Jungkook into the bathroom to retrieve towels and a cleansing bar.
âHeâs strong. Heâll be okay.â Jungkook moves back to the dining table, setting the supplies down. âIâve seen Yoongi in a worse state than this.â
âWorse than this?â You canât imagine that.
Jimin looks longingly at Yoongi before pressing a quick kiss to his forehead and follows Namjoon outside to collect everything needed for the infusion.
Filling a bowl with warm water from the solar tank by the sink in the kitchen, Jungkook sighs. âYeah. Hard to believe, but when we first escaped from the Unseelie Court, the first few weeks were not kind to us at all.â
âWhat happened?â You dip a cloth into the warm water and begin to gently clean the various cuts and wounds littering Yoongiâs body.
âI remember being woken up by Yoongi tipping my bed onto its side. I was spitting mad, cursing at him, and yelling until I saw that he was covered in blood from head to toe. I still canât recall the exact words he said to me, but I didnât need to hear them. I just knew I had to follow him, do whatever I could to protect him from whatever was happening.â Jungkook works diligently with tender touches, careful not to jostle Yoongi too much. âMy bed was in the royal barracks, but thankfully in one of the outer wings. I donât know that we could have slipped out had my bed been somewhere deeper in. We managed to slip out through an unmanned postern gate.â
You tilt your head, watching Jungkook and feeling your appreciation and affection for him grow with every word. âHeâs lucky to have you.â
Jungkook snorts and shakes his head. âI was a shit friend most of the time, especially in the beginning. Mad that he wouldnât tell me everything that happened and then horrified when he finally did. What Chaddick did to his brother, right in front of Yoongiâs eyesâŚthatâs not something you can move on from easily. Yoongi was in a bad place for a long time. He barely ate anything unless Namjoon or I forced him to.â
âIâm glad he got better.â
âAll thanks to Jimin. It wasnât until Jimin finally made it into the clearingâonce the immediate danger had passedâthat Yoongi got some life back into him.â
You let that thought soak for a while, ruminating and sitting with it while you and Jungkook finish cleaning Yoongi up and wrapping him in a blanket. When Jimin and Namjoon come back in, their arms ladened with baskets from the garden, they agree to move Yoongi to the bed to afford him the best chance at resting comfortably.
âBeautiful, there is a ceramic bowl above the kitchen sink and a mortar and pestle. Do you mind bringing them to me?â Namjoon asks as he and Jimin begin to sort the things in the baskets on the bed.
The bowl and tools are easy to find. You pull them down and take them to Namjoon. âIs this something he will need to ingest?â
âNot necessarily. Much like the poultice I made to help heal your side, this works through dermal absorption. It can be ingested, but it more or less works the same either way. Though, it can be a bit vile tasting, so through the skin is best in my opinion,â Namjoon explains as he begins to crush different sprigs of greenery and colorful petals with the pestle.
He continues to work in silence under the watchful eyes of Jimin and Jungkook. You spend most of your time staring at Yoongi, watching his chest's shallow rise and fall. His silvery hair is longer, greasy, and disheveled, but heâs still no less handsome than before.
Jimin holds out a small glass tube with a cork stopper to you. âFor his lips. It is a moisturizing oil that he favors. Just a drop will do.â
You unstopper the glass and press your finger over the opening, upending the tube quickly before righting it again. A small drop of oil sits on the pad of your finger. It smells like honeysuckle. You gently rub the oil across Yoongiâs lips, being extra careful around the swollen split on the right side.
When Namjoon is done mixing the infusion, he begins to rub it into any exposed skin methodically. Jungkook pulls the blanket back, giving Namjoon access to Yoongiâs legs and stomach. The mixture smells like bitter greens with the faintest hint of mint.
âAnd now we just wait?â you ask when heâs done.
âUnfortunately, that is all we can do for now. He needs to rest. His magick, the bond, and the infusion will do the rest.â Namjoon gathers the empty baskets and the used tools with Jungkookâs help. âWe will be outside. You two should get some rest, too. Call if you need anything.â He presses a brief kiss to your forehead before starting for the door.
Jungkook blows you a kiss over his shoulder, giving you a look before he disappears behind Namjoon. It was a look of contentment, assurance that everything would be okay. Youâre grateful for their optimism and support.
âI will go as well,â Jimin murmurs, a forlorn expression on his face as he begins toward the door.
âJimin, no, wait. Please stay.â You settle on the bed beside Yoongi and hold a hand out to Jimin. âHe would want you here when he wakes up.â
âBut you are his mate,â Jimin murmurs and purses his lips. You can tell heâs hesitating.
âAnd you are my mateâŚbut most importantly, you are his love. Now, get your ass over here, or Iâll be forced to make you.â You raise your eyebrows, daring him to argue.
Jiminâs lips quirk in amusement. âYou drive a hard bargain.â He kicks off his shoes before climbing onto the bed on your other side. The uncertainty in his touch is gone as he presses up against your back, draping his arm over your side so his hand rests on Yoongiâs chest. Your cheek rests against Yoongiâs shoulder, and your eyes slide closed as you sigh and relax into Jiminâs hold.
Bonding with Jimin, Jungkook, and Namjoon is something you will never regret. Not only did it help bring Yoongi home, but it also has broken down every barrier ever erected between you. The connections to Namjoon and Jungkook hum with potent vitality, letting you know they are drawing on small measures of their magickâprobably working in the garden.
âJimin?â
âYes, Beautiful?â he murmurs against your neck, his voice soft and sleepy.
âWill you take me to see the Seelie Court someday?â
Jimin shifts behind you, pressing even closer. His lips tickle the back of your neck as he speaks. âOf course, you are my mate. You belong by my side.â The words are breathy, half coherent as he fights the pull of sleepâbut you hear them clearly, right down to your soul.
The blanket shifts, almost drawing you out of your half-sleep. Lips brush over yours, making you hum. âJimin,â you breathe as another kiss presses against your lips. âGo back to sleep.â
âNot Jimin.â Your eyes snap open and meet those green and gold ones you have dreamt of nearly every night. Yoongi presses his lips to yours again, his tongue teasing along the seam. You automatically open for him and canât help the moan as his alluring clove scent floods your senses.
You pull back, but Yoongi follows, reconnecting your lips in a desperate kiss. âYoongi,â you try for firm, but his name comes out more like a needy mewl than anything.
âPlease do not stop me. I need you.â He pleads between kisses. Yoongi shifts more, rolling onto his side. The movement dislodges Jiminâs hand, jolting him from sleep.
âY-yoongi?â Jimin murmurs. âWhatâwow, okay.â Jimin presses a hand against Yoongiâs shoulder. âSlow down, Yoons. We will take care of you.â
The grunt of frustration that comes from Yoongi is cute. He reluctantly pulls back, breaking the kiss and letting Jimin push him onto his back. âMini, my love,â Yoongi whispers like heâs finally registering who has their hands on him.
âJust relax,â you coo, smoothing a hand across Yoongiâs forehead and pushing his hair out of his eyes. âTell us what you need.â
âI need to feel you,â he states, reaching for you again. You let him draw you in, the bond blooming tenfold as you give in. His hand reaches out, searching until Jimin grabs it. âI thought all was lost.â The words are whispered fervently against your lips. âNever again.â Yoongi breaks away from the kiss to pull Jimin in. You sit back and watch as they come together, their lips molding and moving with familiarity.
The bond pushes and pulls in an all-consuming way. After you were bonded with Jimin, Jungkook, and Namjoon, you spent the rest of the night in the throws of passion, much like the night you bonded with Yoongi. Itâs a visceral thing, a baser instinct that is in control. They each watched as you pleasured and received pleasure in turn but never went so far as to touch each other. So, seeing Jimin and Yoongi get lost in the feel of one another brings a new sensation to your bodyâone that has you squeezing your thighs together and pulling your bottom lip between your teeth.
âBeautiful,â Jimin catches your attention. He presses light kisses across Yoongiâs chest, his half-lidded gaze sliding to you. âSuck his cock and remind him who he belongs to.â
Yoongi groans. âYes. Please,â he begs. âI need to feel your mouth on me.â
You sit up on your knees, working with Jimin to shove the blankets back. Yoongiâs body is no longer a patchwork of colors. His skin is now smooth and blemish free like before. Kneeling between Yoongiâs thighs, you marvel at him and the wonder of the infusion Namjoon made.
Before you can give any attention to Yoongiâs straining erection, Jimin catches your chin with a finger and slowly brings your lips to his. He tastes faintly of chamomile and clove, a taste combination you will never grow tired of. All thatâs missing is orange and coconut. At the thought of Namjoon and Jungkook, you feel the tethers of their bonds pinch with barely concealed amusement. They know Yoongi is awake and are very aware of the state heâs inâthat all three of you are in.
âBe good for Yoongi, little mate, and I will give you your own reward,â Jimin promises with an encouraging smack to your ass.
You need little encouragement. Leaning forward with your eyes locked on Yoongiâs, you run your tongue along the underside of his shaft, earning a guttural moan from him. âNo teasing,â he whimpers.
The look on his face is desperate, tugging at your heart. Wrapping a hand around him, you swirl your tongue around the head a few times before taking him into your mouth. His pre-cum is sweet, driving you to seek more. You take him as far as possible, letting your throat convulse around him with the intrusion.
âPerfect,â Jimin says. âYou are so perfect.â You canât tell if heâs talking about you or Yoongi, but either way, the praise makes you moan around Yoongiâs cock. âYou like that?â He punctuates his question with a tug on your pants, working them down over your ass until theyâre caught mid-thigh. âI think you do.â You can hear the smirk in his voice as he runs a finger between your thighs, delighting in the sticky moisture he finds.
You work over Yoongi, using your hand to squeeze and pulse in time with the suction from your tongue and lips. Yoongi throws his head back and curses when Jiminâs cock pushes into you. âOh, Jimin!â All three of you shudder, overwhelmed by feeling each other physically and through the bonds.
The tightness in your lower belly increases with each thrust from Jimin and moans from Yoongi. âMake him cum, Beautiful. Do it.â
Yoongi jerks under you as you take your other hand and cup his balls, giving them a gentle squeeze. He moans, his whole body going rigid as the first gush of cum hits your tongue. Jiminâs hips crash into your ass as he follows Yoongi over the edge. The feeling of Jimin pulsing inside of you triggers your own release. You hungrily swallow down all Yoongi gives you, licking him clean between shaky breaths as your body just as eagerly milks everything it can from Jimin.
âHoly fuck,â you pant. Your whole body feels like jello, trembling as Jimin helps you lay back down beside Yoongi. Your pants are still around your thighs. You canât be bothered to fix them yet.
Jimin stands up from the bed. His half-hard cock glistens in the light coming in through the crack in the curtains over the window. âAre you okay?â he asks Yoongi as he delicately tucks himself away and does up the laces on the front of his pants.
âMuch better now,â Yoongi sighs with contentment. âI apologize for my behavior. I was away from you for too long. There was something inside of me, some pent-up possessivenessâŚWhen I awoke, I could think of little else besides claiming you in any way I could.â
âYou should never apologize for that,â you assure him. âAre you well enough to tell us what happened? What do we need to do? Is everything okay in the Unseelie Court?â
Yoongi holds up his hand, slowing down your questions. âPeace, my mate. I feel well enough to tell you all what happened. Let us begin there.â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
Yoongi
His best friend. His claimed brother. His lover.
Mates to his mate.
She looks so radiant sitting among them, arrayed as they are around the table in front of him. They insisted he sit in the rocking chair to continue resting as much as possible. Jungkook drags the chair closer to the table, fluffing the pillows in the seat and draping a blanket over his knees.
âFirst, I would like to leave for the Unseelie Court once we finish this conversation. The sooner we arrive, the better. When I escaped, Chaddick was supposedly overseeing a command change within the border guard.â Yoongi shifts in his seat, adjusting the blanket in his lap. âBy now, I imagine he is aware of Borgiaâs deathââÂ
âHow did you kill her?â Jungkook asks.
Yoongi gives Jungkook a knowing smile. âIron through the spinal cord, pushed her limp body over the cliffs along Tidal Bluff.â
Jungkook whistles appreciatively. âDamn. I wish I could have seen that. Good riddance.â
âI was able to confirm that it was through some of her dark magick enchantments and glamors that Chaddick has been able to lie and deceive openly. Theyââhe pauses and takes a deep breathââ they had been working on experiments. Ones that would allow him to take the magick of another Fey through their death. The first attempt was when he murdered my father. Apparently, Father learned about Chaddick having Borgia try it out on lesser Feyâpixies and dryads from the eastern regions. It is what started everything. Now that Borgia is dead, the truth will reveal itself as the glamor and magick begins to fade.â
Namjoon leans into your side, something that greatly warms Yoongi on the inside. âGood riddance indeed.â
Jimin clears his throat, garnering everyoneâs attention. âWell, Yoongi, my love, are you ready to take back your court and greet your people?â
đ¸đ¸đ¸
The journey to the Unseelie Court takes two full days of continuous walking. Approaching the border had you on the verge of panicking, thinking back to the last time you crossed it. But there isnât a single guard in sight. In fact, you havenât seen a single other being, other than the occasional woodland creature, since leaving Namjoonâs glade.
âWhere is everyone?â
You stand beside Jungkook, his hand tucked into yours, staring up at the vacant battlements along the curtain wall surrounding the castle of the Unseelie Court. The portcullis is up, leading directly into the equally as empty inner ward.
âI do not know. Keep your wits about you,â Yoongi says softly before leading your small group under the barbican and through the front gate.
There is an eerie feeling, standing in the middle of the ward, and the only sound you hear is the breathing of your mates and the crunch of their boots on the pavers. âSomething isnât right,â you say, your voice sounding too loud in your own ears.
âI can still feel the taint of darkness covering the grounds. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth,â Namjoon agrees with your assessment.
You notice a few broken pieces of furniture scattered around the inner walls like it was tossed from windows and balconies above to shatter in the courtyard. Spots of color peek out from the around the furniture. Children's toys and trinkets litter the walkways between the turrets like they were hurriedly abandoned. Itâs unsettling. It feels like a tomb; you hope that isnât some ridiculous foreshadowing. As much as you love a good plot twist, youâve had just about enough of them lately.
Movement from one of the upper doorways of a balcony draws your attention. You gesture up to where you see another flash of movement. âYoongi, look.â
âYoongi, is that you?â calls a soft voice from the balcony. The door opens, revealing a handsome woman with silver hair piled on her head and familiar green-gold eyes. Sheâs wearing a midnight blue gown, the line of the bodice embroidered with silver stars.
âMother!â Yoongi exclaims.
âOh, my boy!â she cries, disappearing back through the doorway in a flurry of skirts. âYoongi!â You can hear her calling his name from within the castle. It echoes down and through the main hall, where the door is propped open.
By the time Yoongi reaches the entrance, sheâs barreling through it. Her loud cries shake her whole body as she clings to Yoongi. âMother, peace, please. Be calm. I am home.â You can hear the choked emotion in his words as he tries to soothe her, but more prominently, you can feel his flood of emotions through the bond. It nearly buckles your knees.
Jimin cups your elbow, steadying you as you sway on your feet. âUse our strength,â he murmurs into your ear. With a calming breath, you reach out to the other three bonds, letting them stem the tide from Yoongi, each sharing in his sorrow, pain, and joy.
âWhat has happened here, Mother? Where is everyone?â Yoongi finally pulls away but keeps his hands braced on his motherâs shoulders. Her eyes flick around, taking in the rest of your group.
âJungkook? Jimin? Seven Hells, what are you two doing here? And a woodland nymph?â Her eyes find yours, and she stiffens. âAnd herâshe, is thatââ
âMother, please, I will explain it all. But, first, what is happening here?â
She gestures vaguely over her shoulder toward the castle. âChaddickâsomething went wrong. He flew in on that damned serpent of his and began screaming about how you escaped. I did not know if it was true, but I prayed it was. I tried to rally The Guard, but they would not listen to me. He fled, taking them all with him! Hundreds of Unseelieâeveryone from the castleâthey emptied the armory and the coffers. I am only glad they left the city alone. I have not yet had the heart to tell our people. They do not know what has happened within the walls, only that the guard marched out the gate.â Her face darkens with anger. âI watched them move south from the parapet. I sent word to the Seelie Court as soon as I could. What did you do? How did you escape? Who is this human?â
He fled to the south. Chaddick is gone. You can feel the disappointment and anger radiating off of Yoongi. âI escaped by killing Borgia. Her body is surely rotting at the bottom of the Lunar Sea by now. The truth will be revealed now. Her glamour died with her. That is what sent Chaddick into a panic. He knows it is over for him. His plans for taking over the Unseelie Court are ruined.â Yoongi takes a step back, letting his hands drop from her shoulders. âAs for the woodland nymph, Mother, let me introduce you to one of my best friends who has helped save my life over the last ten years. If it were not for Namjoon offering me sanctuary in his home in the Hollow Lands, I would have had no place to hide. Jimin and Jungkook have been with me every step of the way, guiding me and reminding me to keep fighting. They were the ones that helped me find a way to access my powerâall of my power. They brought me her.â He gestures to you. âMy mate.â
âI see,â she says, giving you a strained smile. Itâs polite but not warm. âCome inside. Tell me everything.â
The inside of the castle belongs in one of your grandpaâs stories. Soaring ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers and halls that extend into darkness, lined with life-sized family portraits spanning generations. If it werenât for the haunted feeling from being so empty, you would be far more intrigued with what you pass as you follow along with Yoongi holding one hand and Jimin holding the other.
You stand with Jimin, Jungkook, and Namjoon just behind Yoongi, who is at the base of a dias where his mother sits on her throneâthe only place she says doesnât feel like it has darkness still clinging to it. It takes Yoongi nearly an hour to recount everything for his mom. He leaves out very few details, stopping to answer her questions whenever she asks them.
âIt was Jiminâs idea that I try to find a human mate. We knew the possibilities, the potential for access to more power. It was figured that if I could access my inner well and wield more of my power safely, I could use it to defeat Chaddick. At first, that was all I wanted. I did not care who it was or whether or not they stayed after giving me what I needed. But she made me realize that I did care, and even though our time together has not been long, she means more to me than I have the words to express. Someone could argue it is only the bond causing me to feel this way, but I can speak plainly that it is not. Her tenacity and spirit intrigued me before we said our vows. The moment she opened her mouth and cursed at me, I yearned for her fire. She is my reason for breathing, what pushed me to beat Borgia and finally free our people from Chaddickâs control.â
Yoongiâs mother slowly stands up from her seat, her sapphire gown rustling over the stone steps as she comes down to stand before you. âMy dear,â emotion and tears choke her words. âI did not mean to judge you. I had always imagined my boysâmy boy, finding a mate whom he loved. His love for you is clear regardless of how you found yourself in his life.â She clears her throat, blinking away the emotion in her eyes. âWould itâis it okay if I hug you?â
You laugh, nodding enthusiastically as tears threaten to spill down your own cheeks. She wraps her arms around you, squeezing and whispering her thanks over and over again. When she finally steps back, Yoongi takes her place, burying his face in your neck. You feel three other bodies press in around you, cocooning you in safety and comfort.
Leaning back, his green and gold-flecked eyes meet yours. âWelcome to my home, Beautiful. The home you helped save. You may have it if you wish. You deserve it. Or I will build you your own if you want it. Just stay. Please, stay with us,â he says. Even with darkness brewing to the south, the bond floods with hope, filling you to the brim with possibilities.
âAll of us together?â âForever,â comes three very enthusiastic answers, though they canât entirely hide the tiny grain of worry underneath it all. You know as long as Chaddick is alive, regardless of how far he runs, none of your mates will be truly safe.
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 Back to Main Master List ÂŠď¸ 2023-05-31 ColorMePurplex2
#bts fanfic#yoongi x reader#jungkook x reader#namjoon x reader#jimin x reader#yoongi smut#jungkook smut#jimin smut#namjoon smut#yoonmin smut#bts fantasy au#bts fanfiction#yoonig fanfic#jungkook fanfic#namjoon fanfic#jimin fanfic#bts smut#bts angst#bts magic au#bts fae au#bangtanwhq
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A Spring Offering Collaboration
As the veil thins, the magic strengthens. Let our festival leaders take you on a magical journey to experience the wonders of Beltane and be blessed with the power and spirit of Spring.
Disclaimer: This is a collaboration put on for members of the BTS Fantasy and Fangs Server. The depictions of Beltane and its customs are the initial inspiration, but the stories may not represent the original customs, practices, and beliefs from the original practice. These stories, characters, and festivals used here are not meant to represent any real or factual people, places, or things.
Rating: Most works feature 18+ content and are NSFW. Each work will have its own set of warnings.
Coming throughout the month of May.
Festival Leader: @sailoryooons
Title: Break
Pairing: Seokjin x f. reader
AU: Witches
Genre: Angst, smut
Summary: Seokjin has been at your side for the last few years. He's your closest friend, and the one person you don't think you can live without. But what happens when you discover that he might be the source of the curse he's been trying to help you escape from?
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Festival leader: @colormepurplex2
Title: Flowers of Fate
Pairing: UnseeliePrince!Yoongi x Human!f.Reader x UnseelieGuard!Jungkook x SeeliePrince!Jimin x WoodNymph!Namjoon
AU: Fae/Magick
Genre: Smut, fluff, angst
Summary: You grew up hearing whimsical tales and ballads of magic and the hauntingly beautiful fae from your late grandpa. In an effort to feel closer to him and experience the joy he so often spoke of, you take a spur-of-the-moment trip to Scotland to partake in Beltaneâ a festival that took center stage in many of his stories. But, in a shower of yellow flower petals, you find yourself getting far closer to your grandpa's stories than you ever thought possible.
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Festival Leader: @quirkybtsarmy
Title: Hoseok
Pairing: Jung Hoseok X reader.
Genre: Horror, fluff, romance
AU: College/University AU, Carrie AU
Summary: Gwangju Music Academy is a prestigious school that has many different personalities walking its halls. There are promising musicians, dancers, producers; you name it, they are. Two of those personalities are Jung Hoseok and L/N Y/N. But what happens when the Beltane Festival which celebrates the union between South Korea and Ireland reveals Hoseok's darkest secret?
Read Now
Festival Leader: @theharrowing
Title: An Ghealach
Pairing: Jimin x reader
AU: Speculative horror
Genre: Angst, smut
Summary: Field Linguist Jimin Park travels to a remote island called An Ghealach off the coast of Ireland to research and document an endangered language, just in time for the community's Beltane festivities. What he encounters is both horrifying and mesmerizing beyond his wildest dreams.
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Festival Leader: @gimmethatagustd
Title: What the Fire Gave Us
Pairing: Shadow elemental!jungkook x water elemental!(f)reader
AU: Supernatural, dystopian
Genre: Angst, smut, fluff
Summary: You were born with a Gift that the world wanted to turn into a weapon. All Jungkook wanted to do was show you that you could find love, even in the dark.
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Festival Leader: @beahae
Title: Essence
Pairing: Fem!Reader x Jungkook, Fem!Reader x Taehyung
AU: UndefinedMagic!AU
Genre: Smut, some darkness/angst
Summary: Jungkook is on cloud nine after meeting what he can only describe as the girl of his dreams on the morning of the festival. Interestingly, Taehyung explains he is experiencing something similar when he comes back to their tent to get ready for the celebrations of the night.
Read now
#bts fanfic#bts smut#bts collab#jungkook smut#taehyung smut#jimin smut#namjoon smut#hobi smut#yoongi smut#jin smut#mem x mem#mem x reader#jungkook fic#taehyung fic#jimin fic#hobi fic#namjoon fic#yoongi fic#jin fic
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Breaking Bonds | PJM | Chapter 1
Pair: Fae Jimin x Nymph readerÂ
Summary: Stripped from your own birthright, you suffer at the hands of your people. But after all, you couldnât blame them. Having enough, you left in the middle of the snowy days but things didnât go as you planned. Jimin, pulled by an unspeakable force, ventures out into the blizzard to find a body face-first on the ground. Your love and connection is forbidden - looked down upon. But the both of you are willing to try. However, where there are dreams there are prices to pay. How will the both of you push through? Can the both of you do it?
Genre: Strangers to lovers, fantasy au, Jimin is the CROWN PRINCE (I mean-), angst, kidnapping, smut
WC: 2932
The history of the fae and nymphs - elements that used to live together harmoniously. Like the primary and secondary elements of life and magic, the love between faes and nymphs was sacred - so sacred that only royals had the right to arrange a marriage between their children.Â
But hundreds of centuries later, amongst the roots of enmity that were fueled by old grudges and misunderstandings, blew out of proportion and affected many citizens.Â
The dark history between them that started was marked by blood in the ledger books. The first is The Great Rift. The conflicts between faes and nymphs are often referred to in this phrase as the powerful fae kingdom taking lands that were traditionally inhabited by the nymphs. Territorial dispute ignited much hostility and opposition. This therefore caused the lack of resources. Both mystical beings relied on the same natural elements to thrive from the magical essence in their forests.Â
And within these battles of dominance grew something more than just territory but also magical supremacy. Each mystical being possesses its own unique and elemental powers. As the war grew to a larger scale, betrayals were not able to be prevented. A web of alliances and betrayals intermingle with the supernatural races while leading to mutual distrust.Â
The history was marred by not one, not two, but five different wars at different times. Both sides inflicted much suffering on the other. The wars led to untold loss with neither willing to yield. The main lasting repercussions come in, especially in the revised laws that were enacted to prevent any form of interaction or alliance between fae and nymph. Love between individuals of two races was seen as a dangerous threat to the stability of their respective societies.
The history was written in blood and the older generation of both races have a hard time letting go of their prejudices.Â
And here lies the snowstorm.Â
In the middle of the forest, where the snow blasts down like little chilling knives slicing through your skin and a good three feet of snow -
Your kind were the ice nymphs, once the royal family, now stripped of your title and an outcast amongst your kind. Where the fae folk thrived, you ventured - away from the place you once called home, now a barren room barely the size of a storage room. The scars of the Cold War between the nymphs still lingered, leaving the kingdom in the easy grip of the Lyrin fae.
You kind - the ice nymphs - were rare to come about, each one of your veins flows with the power of winter. In the lores, your kind was told to have a beauty that was like a fragile kind of enchantment, with hair as pale as frost, and skin as delicate as the first snowfall.Â
There were only a few times that you have looked in the mirror - countable with five fingers. After your family was stripped of their title, with you accordingly, life was never the same. Your people, with no place to go, lost trust and justice in you.Â
Desperation drove her journey as she yearned to escape the dark shadow of your peopleâs fall that hung over her head like a knife over the bed. Even with the ice in your veins, that winter night, when the biting frost finally embraced you and hunger gnawed at your core, your strength failed. You had pushed yourself as far as you could but as the sun dipped below the horizon, your body could no longer hold you up, giving in to your exhaustion and malnutrition.Â
Lying beneath the icy canopy, you were a fragile, half-dead being that is an easy hunt for food for predators living around the area. Your eyes swerved back, trying to calculate how far you might have to go back for shelter. But you didnât know.Â
You had walked without a direction, lost in the depths of the Lyrin forest. Frostbites numbed your limbs and your brain was moving slower from the exhuation. But there it was, amidst the unforgiving cold and darkness, you sensed a presence stirring.Â
Your hazed hearing registered the crunch of footsteps in the snow as your blurry vision sent your brain to somebody standing next to you. Your eyes roll around until you have a clearer picture of who it is. A man with dark hair, brown eyes, and plush lips, dressed in regal attire with a crest of the fae kingdom. Lyrin was one of the biggest fae kingdoms and everybody knows their crests. After all, it was them who led the battles many years ago. It was them that inflicted the harm and loss on your people. It was them that had killed the ruling family back then.Â
Your family.Â
But he wasnât the one who took the action. No, he was almost as old as you were and then, the both of you were barely kids.Â
Prince Jimin, they called him.Â
The golden sunlight.Â
The crown of Lyrin weighed heavily on his shoulders. He knew the crowning ceremony would be soon, and this winter, he wanted to let go and be just a man until he could no longer. Once he takes over the throne from his father, his duty to serve his country is solely on his shoulders. There was much to do and many things he would like to change, but even as king, these little ideas - as his father likes to call them - had to go through the council.Â
And Jimin knows that the old hags would never approve of it.Â
It went beyond the revised edition of the old laws.Â
To reconcile with the nymphs.Â
Jiminhad ventured into the forest today, going around with no direction, guided purely by an inexplicable force. The kingdom, although a realm of enchantment, was deeply tainted by the darkness of its past. If all was silent enough, one could still hear the shrieks and cries of the souls. The darkness had bred a strong sense of hatred and fear between faes and nymphs. Their mating was now an old tale of forbidden love - a story buried deep in history.Â
As he ventured further into the woods, he stumbled upon the nymph, your frail form half-buried in the snow. Your beauty, even in your weak state, took the breath right out of his lungs. He recognized you as a nymph with your small frame and pale, white hair. But it wasnât completely white. It shone like the silvers of the moonlight when light reflected off it.Â
But it was when he moved to pick you up that he saw your familyâs sigil, now faded from royal to common, that told him - you were no ordinary nymph. As his arms went under the ice, you stirred slightly at the movement. As you opened her eyes, he was completely taken aback by the sheer blue shade of your pupils.Â
Even with one foot into the Underworld, you looked ethereal to him. Jimin was snapped out of his daze when your frostbitten lips whispered a plea for help. In that moment, all history and hatred were forgotten. With fae swiftness, he scooped your fragile state - lighter than air - into his arms and covered you with his coat.Â
Determined to save her, he summoned a warm breeze that melted the frost from your body and sealed you in a cocoon of warmth. Jimin only dared to start running faster to his horse when colour slowly came back to your lips. Ensuring that you were safely tucked in his arms, Jimin ran back to the castle, fighting against death who wanted to take the girl in his arms.Â
As days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. The little nymphâs life continued to hang in the balance and Jimin was a mess. He made every doctor attend to you, pacing around the bedroom day and night. He had caused an uproar in the kingdom when they found out that their crown prince had brought back a nymph - even more than this one that was from the late royal family - and was nursing her back to health.Â
His father had threatened to strip him of his title if he did not abandon you. But he could not do it. So it started the feud between father and son, neither backing down. Jimin understood that his late grandfather and his father had a feud among the nymphs, had been the ones who executed them and had been the ones to fight at the front lines. They were the ones who brought Lyrin to what it is today - expanded. But as Jimin studied the history of both parties, he felt a certain connection to the nymphs.Â
He did not want to be a ruler where their mystical counterparts would be afraid of them. He did not want to be a ruler like his father - ruling by fear from an iron fist.Â
While doctors attended to you, Jimin watched them with sharp eyes, ensuring that none of the doctors would slip anything into your bloodstream. When nothing helped and your state was only getting worse, Jimin grew more and more anxious. He had sifted through books and hunted down the Old Scripts.
He learned that your name was L/N Y/N, the youngest of the last ruling family. Your father had been killed in the war, your mother led you and your siblings to safety but soon after passed due to the broken mate bond. Your siblings were either caught by his fatherâs cavalry or died of starvation, leaving only you. Your records were still in the kingdom, seemingly down till two days before he met you. That means that you were active in your own kingdom, at your peopleâs mercy until you left.
He looked back at where you lay still on the bed.Â
And if he didnât find you, you would have probably been dead by now.Â
You woke up to the warmth and luxury of a place you had only dreamed of. Your body was still weak and you didnât know what happened after passing out. Slowly rising to consciousness, you found yourself in a room of blue and white, drapes swinging in the wind. But you registered that the windows werenât open and the room was cold like⌠ice?
Winter may be the season but no room was made to stay cold unless the elements of the magiciansâ are meant to stay cold.Â
Like you.
You curled your fingertips, feeling the soft, silky sheets beneath them. Trying to view the room from your current position - lying flat on the bed with a head that feels as heavy as bricks - you were taken aback by the sheer language it screams.Â
Royalty.Â
From the materials beneath your body to the furniture displayed, the decorations and architecture of the room, they were all beyond your imagination. You had not stepped into such a room since the battle. As you looked around, you realised the room was not originally made to stay cold. The fireplace seemed to be covered in a layer of dust but the decorations on them were clean.Â
And although you knew that this was not your room, the calming temperature felt just like home. But you had not been in a room like this for a very long time. Distantly, you heard the opening and closing of a door. Your eyes immediately shot in the direction of the sound just to find a man already standing beside the bed.Â
You were immediately broken out of your thoughts when you realised who it was and where exactly you were. You did not need to open the windows to know - you were on enemy territory. The rulers who killed your family. The rulers who brought demise onto your people.Â
But looking at the man, clad in a loose tunic and pants, dark brown hair ruffled in all directions, you couldnât find yourself to hate him. Even as you knew that he shared the purest blood with the murderer, you knew that he⌠was just like you.Â
A familyâs misdoings do not mean a childâs downfall.Â
Oneâs choice does not equal the choice of another.Â
You sink deeper into the sheets, holding in your sigh as you close your eyes.Â
âOh!â Your eyes shot open to see the man right in front of you. âOh, youâre awake! Oh, finally! Wait - wait - let me call the physicians!â
Your brain couldnât register his words fast enough before you saw his body move so fast it was just a blurry shade running down the stairs. Or maybe it was just your vision that was a little crusty. Rubbing your eyes as you yawned, you got up from the bed. You wouldnât like to overstay your stay, especially not in a place where your head was on a bounty.Â
You had left your kingdom only to be stuck in another.Â
Sighing, you looked down to your feet -
Your arms shot to cover your already clothed body. Wait, wait, wait -Â
Your hands patted yourself down. You -Â
You were changed.Â
Your plan to secretly escape was a fail the moment your ears picked up the sound of multiple heavy footsteps coming towards the room. The large doors were banged open, revealing a line of physicians behind the prince.Â
âThere! There! I told you, she is awake!â
Squinting at the all-to-cheerful sound that the prince makes, the palm of your hands pressed against your ears.Â
âCareful, Prince. The Lady just woke up, her senses will be sensitive. You must lower your volume, Prince.â
Sheepish eyes shot at you, a guilty smile lifting the corners of his lips. The physicians fussed you back to bed and ran a thorough check of you, reporting back to the prince whenever they found something. Whether it was something healing or something that needs healing. Over the next few weeks, you realise how persistent and petty the prince can get.Â
He would refuse you bites of food if you were to call him by his royal title. He would refuse to help you up from bed, just standing at the corner of the bedpost when you need the restroom, always claiming, âIf you arenât going to help yourself, you donât get to do your business.â
But you also realise how much he has gone through. As the only child, he was meant to take the throne a couple of weeks before he found you. But he had caused a huge uprising and a big fight with his father. When you were sneaking out one of the nights, Jimin found you during his nightly duties of patrol and whisked you back to the room.Â
Although you had left with the intention of Jiminâs life getting back to normal, he has increased your security so that you wonât have much of a chance to run away again.Â
Keyword: much.Â
You still had your chances and when that came, you took it. You had everything packed and ready, but this time, you left with a note at the bedside table, paired together with a magic-infused healing charm for the man.Â
Safe to say, it was a bad idea.Â
You knew it was the moment you penned down your goodbyes and gave him the charm. But you didnât have much on you to give him for thanks other than the occasional swirls of magic in his office.Â
Yes, it was a horrible idea - of course it was! You were caught - again.Â
This time, Jimin didnât just leave you back in the room. He was silent the whole time after he found you. The ride back, up the stairs, and even after the both of you entered the room. You saw the note on the bed.Â
Jiminâs back was to you.Â
âWhy - Why would you think that?â
You were taken aback by the tears that streamed down his plum cheeks that you had teasingly squished the past few weeks. Looking down at the note, you felt a pang of⌠sorrow.
A sorrow that wasnât yours. It shouldnât be. âBecause it is against the laws.â
âI do not care what the laws claim!â
âI am nobody, Prince. You have a duty to serve your kingdom and its people. I am a princess, stripped of my title, belonging to the very kingdom your father and his father killed through. The very princess that they couldnât care less before killing off my father on the battlefield.â He couldnât be yours. He was a prince, deserving of one better than a bond that was looked down upon.Â
âMy ancestors can go suck their dicks.â
You pulled a face at the crude language. You knew that he would be insisting - you found out that much about him - and you prepared yourself for a situation like this. But your resolve was already crumbling.Â
âPrince -â
âStop, stop! I am yours! Please - I beg of you - stop calling me by my title.â
You sucked in a deep breath. âYou are more than your titles. But you are also the light of your people. The only heir to the throne and you will not shove it away just because we are bonded. I refuse.â
âI will lay the world down on your feet for you, please. Do not leave me.â His cries hurt you more than knives and ropes splitting your skin raw.Â
âMy world is not one you can provide.â
My world is you.Â
But you wouldnât dare say that as you turned your back to him and walked out of the castle, following your original plan in mind.
#btsfanfiction#bts#btsff#love#alternate universe#bts jimin#park jimin#jimin x reader#jiminxreader#jimin x oc#jimin x yn#jimin x y/n#jimin x you#tw#absue#harsh language#smut#jimin smut#fantasy au#park jimin x you#park jimin x reader#park jimin x y/n#jimin fluff#jimin imagine#jimin scenarios#jimin angst#bts au#bts angst#bts fluff#bts series
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One-Shot Masterlist
Main Masterlist
Individual Masterlist
This is my one shot masterlist which will include all of my one shots and one shots series including poly and individual member. I will have each one shot categorized by member or if they are poly au.Â
00:00
âand youâre gonna be happyâŚand youâre gonna be happy. when everything is new, zero oâclockâ
When everything seems to go wrong, you come home to the comfort of your boys and realize that maybe the universe isnât against you.
idol!bts x office worker reader
mean kitty, soft kitty
Your injured form was the last thing Jin had expected when waking up one morning. But after healing you, and watching you leave, he wished he would wake up to you again, if only to see if you were okay. The rest of his home felt the same way, and when a storm comes, it brings you back to the men who made you feel safe.
hybrid bts x hybrid reader
Crumble
âYou are ours, little one. And we would crush the world in our fists, watch it crumble to pieces just to make sure it remains so.â
You had decided to make a change, not realizing your men would notice. The consequences bring to light your own insecurities, with which the boys decide itâs time you realize how precious you are to them.
mafia bts x plus-size reader
Eye Of The Beholder
As you begin to notice minute details unseen to you before, you start to realize that what you thought was the truth, was anything but. The people you thought were acquaintances had different ideas of their meaning in your life, and needed to show you who they really were to you.
mafia bts x neurodivergent reader
Doughnuts and Shell CasingsÂ
you finally gather the courage to leave your routine and do something different. your expectations are blown out of the water as you meet your soulmates in a less-than-expected way.Â
mafia bts x cafe owner reader
Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3
Secret Story of The SwanÂ
You were staring into the stream, contemplating life when someone decided to take matters into their own hands.Â
hybrid mafia bts x human reader
Seokjin
My QueenÂ
Seokjin had just returned to find his court and staff were not treating you how they should when he was gone. You were hurt, and his instincts were telling him to claim you and make sure you were unharmed.
Pairing: Vampire King Jin x Human Reader
Yoongi
My HomeÂ
It was close to winter, and your medicine was nearly complete for you to use. But when it came to, you helped another whose wounds were life threatening. Now, random items kept showing up on your porch, with each item bringing you closer to the creature you healed. And when he returned, he saved you. Now, with him, you felt like you were home.
Dragon Yoongi x Human Healer Reader
Hoseok
My PrisonerÂ
You were trying to buy a new notebook for your writings, not expecting to get lost in a forest you didnât recognize from your map. After passing the same tree multiple times, you stop to rest for the night, only to be captured and taken to a Kingâs castle for judgement. You werenât expecting a Fae King to keep you as hisâŚprisoner?
Fae King Hobi x Writer Reader
Namjoon
My GoddessÂ
You tried to escape again, only to epically fail. Nothing seemed to work, and Hades just smiled as he watched you walk away. He knew the real reason you kept trying to run away, and was just waiting for you to realize it. Â
God of the Underworld Namjoon x Human Reader
Jimin
My LightÂ
âYour beauty brought out the light in him, made him see how dark the world truly was He couldnât bare the thought of leaving you in the dark.â
Your uncle had left you a home in some seaside town you hadnât heard of. Moving out there was easy, but living there was harder. Until he found you, thenâŚyou didnât know what to think.
Mermaid Prince Jimin x Human Reader
Taehyung
My WitchÂ
It was Halloween night and you were in the old church fulfilling a dare your friends tasked you with. Little did you know you were being watched, and he had been waiting a long time to finally make you his. Now, you were his, and he wasnât letting you go.
Taehyung x Human (witch) Reader
Jungkook
My MateÂ
Your village was surrounded by a never-ending forest. Every 20 years, for as long as the village people could remember, offerings were held for the beast who roamed the forest. It was the only way your village could remain safe. This times offering, you were one of the women being offered up to the beast. You only hoped that you could make it out alive.
Werewolf Jungkook x Human Sacrifice reader
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BTS recs
<<original book
most of the mentioned works is 18+ NSFW, MINORS DNI
pls don´t hesitate to hmu, if any of mentioned links doesn´t work or you have suggestions for more fics... thank you so much for all the love and comments
one shots
love me better by @taegularities
Jimin x fem!reader (wc - 36.7k) strangers to lovers, detective AU, PoV change - angst, smut, fluff Park Jimin still remembers you from a fervent night, not expecting in his wildest dreams that youâd join his team to solve the case of the most dangerous thieves in the country. But he soon realises that of all things, you might be the hardest riddle heâs ever had to crack.
Drown With Me by @hoebii
Jimin x fem!reader (wc - 2.9k) lifeguard!Jimin, established relationship - fluff, smut
series
The Iron Ring by @sailoryooons
Jimin x fem!reader (wc - 92.6k) fantasy, enemies/strangers to lovers - angst, smut, fluff After finding a mysterious ring while cleaning out your late grandmotherâs attic, you receive the unlikeliest of visitors: a fae prince who claims you have something that belongs to him. Discovering the fairytales your grandmother told you are true is the least of your problems when youâre taken to a world dangerous and unfamiliar.
Rumor Has It by @jananakookie
Jimin x fem!reader (wc - 52.8k) enemies to lovers, fake dating AU - angst, fluff, smut Rumor has it, Park Jimin is single again after his latest girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend. Rumor has it, he's willing to get back at them. Rumor has it, you're the perfect means to an end.
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Masterlist
~ OneShots ~
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
~ Fluff ~
Forget Me Not || Park Jimin x Reader | Fluff
Bittersweet Memories || Jeon Jungkook x Reader | Fluff and Angst
Just One Wish || Kim Namjoon x Reader | Fluff
Pure As Snow || Taegi | Fluff
Inked Yours || Jeon Jungkook x Reader | Tattoo AU | Fluff
The New Package || Psrk Jimin x Reader | Fluff
~ Smut ~
You belong with me || Jeon Jungkook x Reader | Friends to lovers | Werewolf AU | Fluff | Smut
Lethal || Min Yoongi x Reader | Demigod AU | Smut | Filth
Passion || Kim Namjoon x Reader | Smut
Dark Desires || Jeon Jungkook x Reader | Demon AU | Smut
~ Angst ~
Nobody Compares || Park Jimin x Reader | Angst
Waiting For You || Jikook | Angst
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
~ Series ~
PANACEA (Angel / Fae/ Demon AU) (Completed) (M)
Kim Taehyung is a very loved and adored by many, ten-year-old boy who has big dreams and a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts.
One chance encounter with the angel of death herself, Azriel, seems to be more than just a chance encounter.
PANACEA / 1 || PANCEA - 2 || PANACEA -3 || PANACEA ~ 4 || PANACEAÂ ~ 5 || PANACEA~ 6 || PANACEA~ 7 || PANACEA~ 8 || PANACEA~ 9 || PANACEA~ 10 || PANACEA~ 11 || PANACEA~ 12 || PANACEA ~ Epilogue
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
OBLIVION (Hybrid Min Yoongi ) Â { Completed} (M)
Min Yoongi, a beautiful and rare snow leopard hybrid, struggling to survive under the care of a ruthless owner who sells him for underground fights and sex. In a world where mistreating hybrids is a natural and where hybrids have been seen as worse than animals and treated beneath humans, would he make it out alive?
Oblivion ( Hybrid Min Yoongi) - Part 1
Oblivion ( Hybrid Min Yoongi) - Part 2
Oblivion ( Hybrid Min Yoongi) - Part 3
Oblivion ( Hybrid Min Yoongi) - Part 4
Oblivion ( Hybrid Min Yoongi) - Part 5
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
SAFE HAVEN ( Hybrid Baby Bangtan/ ot7 ) ( PG)
Abandoned as kids, they finally find a safe haven in your home. How long would it last? As they grow up, will jealousy, territoriality, and love come in between, or would it make you stronger as a family?
Safe Haven 1 || Safe Haven 2 || SAFE HAVEN 3 || SAFE HAVEN 4 || SAFE HAVEN 5 || Safe Haven 6 || Safe Haven ~ 7 || Safe Haven ~ 8 || Safe Haven ~9 || Safe Haven ~10
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
Summer Love ~ Kim Taehyung (mermaid AU)Â (M) {Completed}
It was Summer when he lost his whole world, his family and his identity. And itâs summer again when he comes across the girl he swore was his enemy.Â
Join Taehyung, as he tries to find his true identityâ as a human and as a merman, along with the mystery of his parentâs demise.
Summer Love || Summer Love 2 || Summer Love 3
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
ALIVE ( Robot Kim Seokjin )Â Â (M)
A world where hybrids are no longer seen as pets and have been replaced by robots instead. Where robots have feelings, emotions and adapt just the way you need them to.Â
So⌠Which robot would you like to order?
Alive ~ (Robot Kim Seokjin) || Alive 2 ~ (Robot Kim Seokjin) || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter Six
Chapter seven || Chapter eight || Chapter nine || FinaleÂ
ââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ ââŚââŚâ âââââââââââââ
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BangtanWritersHQ Presents:Â âUncover The Mythos of Bangtanâ Masterlist
For June 2023, we put together a collection of fics that focus on the mythological, folklore, and urban legend types of alternate universes! We asked our members to share with us their mythos-themed stories so that we could share them with you! If you are in an enchanting and whimsical mood, this masterlist is for you! In this post, youâll find fics from our network members that feature any and all members with various mystical AU types and tropes!
Browse at your leisure and ENJOY!
KEY:
đ - nsfw (mature themes) â
- sfw (no warnings) đ - smut â ď¸ - other warnings
SET UP - emojis: Title (if link is to another platform) | Author [parts] pairings, genre/aus, rating, word count
đ đ â ď¸ Curse of The Serpent | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Perseus!Namjoon x Medusa!Jimin AU Type: Gods & Monsters | smut, angst, mild fluff Rating: MA WC: 12,046
đ đ â ď¸ Dream For Us | @colormepurplex2 [2/2] Pairing: Hyung Line x f.Reader AU Type: Demi-Gods & Monsters | light smut, angst Rating: MA WC: 15,255
đ đ â ď¸ Flowers of Fate | @colormepurplex2 [4/4] Pairing: Fae!Yoongi x Human!Reader (ft. x Jimin/Namjoon/Jungkook) AU Type: Beltane, Scottish Folklore | smut, angst, fluff Rating: MA WC: 56,072
đ đ â ď¸ Ambrosia & Nectar | @hisunshiine [1/1] Pairing: Dionysus!Jungkook x Phanessa!Reader AU Type: Greek Mythos | angst, smut, fluff Rating: MA WC: 5,112
đ đ â ď¸ Petals With Luv | @hisunshiine [1/1] Pairing: Emporer!Jungkook x PalaceWoman!Reader AU Type: fantasy au | royalty au | angst | smut | thriller/spooky | fluff Rating: MA WC: 6,241
đ đ â ď¸ The Eight | @noonasto [125/125] Pairing: OT7 x OC AU Type: Soulmates | smut, fluff, angst Rating: MA WC: 153,256
đ đ â ď¸ Mate | @7deadlysinsfics [7/9] Pairing: Alpha!Jungkook x Omega!Reader AU Type: A/B/O Soulmates | angst, fluff, smut Rating: MA WC: 25,920
đ đ Sanguis | @7deadlysinsfics [1/2] Pairing: Vampire!Jungkook x Vampire!Reader AU Type: Vampires | smut, angst Rating: MA WC: 2,270
All stories copywritten of the specified author. The authors provided consent for their stories to the network to be shared by submitting their stories. Stories posted in the order of submission to the event.
#BWHQ#BWHQ Writing Event#BWHQ Writing Events#BWHQ Network#bangtanwhq#bangtan writers hq#bangtan writers hq network#bts imagines#bts#bts reactions#bts fanfic#bts fanfiction#bts scenarios#bts x reader#bts smut#bts au#bts angst#bts fluff
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