A/N: I intended to post this two days ago, sorry about the confusion guys. For updates please look to the story feed. I'm hoping to be back on a more regular schedule of chaps being posted one a week until finished. So I guess a chapter every Friday ^^ Do enjoy! One of my favourite chaps in the series so far I think.

***

Nichkhun’s mind was in chaos. He fought between two memories, one pleasant, the other torturous. He couldn’t let her win. It was trying however to focus on the one he preferred when she was so powerful. Soon though, a calmness came over him, and he felt everything grow still. Opening his eyes, he found himself kneeling before his father and mother. He had been splashed with water. He struggled against the hold of the guards at his sides.

“Have you gone mad?!” His father’s voice reverberated throughout the whole room. “Get him out of my sight.”

The guards dragged him off, handling him like he was nothing more than garbage until they were a fair ways away from the grand hall. He was hoisted up and carried more gently. “We are so terribly sorry, your highness.” He realised it was his personal guard.

“Why apologise? Am I not just a bratty, good-for-nothing prince?”

“Never speak of yourself so poorly, my prince.”

Tensing, he looked around. It was the voice of the man from earlier. The aura was flaring around him, shielding his senses from his aches. He was brought to the inner chambers of the castle and chained. Honestly, this was unacceptable treatment. Shaking his head he managed to drag himself to a small bed. Laying himself down, he felt as if he could just wither away. He'd had enough.

“Tsk, tsk...”

Jerking up into a sitting position, his gaze settled upon him, the man from the alleyway. He was of average height and had a slender build. His hair was black as night, skin pale as snow. His eye colour shifted every few moments between warm brown and amber. He bore the clothes of the Hunter Guard. Nichkhun snorted in amusement. “Did you kill someone to acquire that uniform?”

The man pressed a hand to his chest and feigned shock, “my, my, we have barely spoken and your opinion is so ill of me.”

Nichkhun basked in the playful sarcastic tone. It was so different than the condescending one of his parents and sisters, and the submissive one of his guards. “One wonders why you are even here...”

The man sprang up to his feet and came towards him. Nichkhun shuffled back, but he was followed until he was cornered on the bed. The man smiled and slowly reached up. “Tell me, dear prince, do you enjoy being chained like this?” He reached down and ran a finger along the shackles.

“Not in this context...” He muttered, suddenly feeling nervous with the man’s closeness. But then, he realised how he answered and his face began to burn with embarrassment. He tried to hide it, but the man was already smiling at him. “Not around people whom I do not know the name of, either!”

Cutely, he puffed his cheeks out and murmured a quiet apology. “Forgive me, sometimes I have a tendency to rush and...assume a closeness. My name is Jang Wooyoung.” He held out his hand.

Nichkhun hesitated to take it.

“I do bite, but only when given permission.” He said with a wink.

“I suppose that’s reassuring...” He sighed and took Wooyoung’s hand. “Now will you explain why you are here?”

The coy-looking immortal smiled mysteriously. “Not in the confines of a Hunter King’s walls. Even I know they could be listening in...” Nichkhun felt his heart rate beginning to soar as Wooyoung edged even closer to him. “And wondering why their prince is so welcome to a visit from an immortal.”

This man put him on edge, and not necessarily in a bad way, which he had hoped he would. Though, the consideration of him was probably what made him comfortable. “Tell me anyway, they care not...”

“No, because I care. If I were to tell you and in some mysterious way they discovered I did, it would ruin my chances to see you again - and I will visit you again...if you wish." Nichkhun bit his tongue as a positive response almost escaped him. Wooyoung smiled knowingly at him. "Do try to fit in at least a little. Then they won’t treat you this way.” He stole away from him and gave him the Hunter’s salute. How did he know all of these things? “Rest well, my prince.” The look he gave him, when he said those things, sent an unnervingly pleasant feeling throughout his entire body. After he disappeared Nichkhun collapsed and groaned in irritation.

It was three nights before his parents released him from the inner chambers. He remained reserved and cordial. He couldn’t express the luxury of being back in his own bed. His thoughts however, constantly returned to the immortal, Jang Wooyoung. He did wish to see him. Perhaps he would magically show up to his brother’s courtship ball. He seemed to be the type of spring up out of nowhere. On that note, he himself had to prepare for it. His mother had been nagging him to find a nice girl – wasn’t prince-like apparently to seek relations with the same-, completely preposterous. He passed his days preparing for the courtship ball and wondering in what way he was supposed to make contact with the mysterious Jang Wooyoung. Having been so subdued with his thoughts his parents thought they he had calmed down, and banished his feelings of seeking contact with the outside. No, his dreams were just filled of his soul being relieved of these chains and stolen away by the enigmatic immortal, the current fixation of his thoughts. He was honestly such a damsel. He would never accept nor admit that out loud!

“Do smile, brother. This is a very important day for the both of us.” Nichan said, elbowing him playfully in the ribs.

“For you maybe...” He mumbled, earning himself a sympathetic look.

“Just wait until I take the throne, you’ll see how things change.” Nichan promised and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

“As long as they’re alive, nothing will change for me, Nichan...”

“Buck up, I want smiles tonight. There will be many interesting guests for you to have your grand philosophical discussions with. Make sure to speak with as many as you can, we can use more allies than enemies in these times.” Nichan said cryptically. Townsfolk across the lands had begun to revolt against the Hunter’s teachings. It wouldn’t be long before their monarchies were cast out. Not only that, but their ways were being hidden from humans. As the population of the world increased, magicfolk and Hunter’s alike were finding it difficult to live as they always had. Despite having human origins, they were so different and so alien that humans feared them...even though they protected them from the so-called ‘darker’ beings. Quite ironic.

Scoping out the room, all he saw were pompously dressed dignitaries that he had no interest in. However, whispers flew around the room about a new lady in the court. The way his guards described her, in their lewd manner went like this: Her dark green and gold embroidered dress accentuated all of her features. Her eyes, being different colours, never let her company’s gaze wander to other places.

“Although she is very easy on the eyes, I wouldn’t mind having one night with that lady.”

The vile, non-consenting nature of humans remained with them, of course.

Nichkhun’s brother was interested, that much he was sure. He felt tingly for some reason, as though he was meant to see this person, whoever she was. In many ways it irritated him, because he knew of only one individual who made him feel that way recently, and that person was Jang Wooyoung. He wanted to know where this feeling was coming from and why it was affecting him so terribly. He followed his brother round the room, taking in all the gossip, keeping a mental note on who attended and who was speaking with who. Then, they came to a boisterous crowd. Men and women from the lower courts sat with a slender individual. His heart skipped a beat and he stole back for only a second.

“Mind if I join?” Nichan asked. The group welcomed him with open arms.

“Greetings your highness, how do you fair?” The slender woman asked. Nichkhun was unsure of how he should act, so he remained standing behind Nichan. There was no way it could be Wooyoung.

“I am very well. I hear you’re quite the adventurous lady, quite uncommon these days.”

“I prefer to travel than to shackle myself. However, I was told I must meet the Horvejkul family. You have large export and import businesses with North America.” She said, her tone immediately conveying business. She either did her research or she was just very lucky and a natural at reading people.

“We do indeed, and we are always open to new business partners.”

Those different coloured eyes shot to him for only a second. His breath caught in his throat and his collar felt tight. It wasn’t possible! While there was definitely something about her that he found otherworldly, the power to mask your gender was really deep magic, and was forbidden in Hunter teachings.

“Your highness, save business for your private meetings – we wish to hear more of the lady’s stories and her travels.” A tiny-waisted brunette cooed, who begun fanning herself. “It is not every day a lady outshines a man.”

Nichkhun cleared his throat softly. “Perhaps it would be best to ask the lady her name, first, dear brother.” He hinted.

“My apologies, may we inquire as to know your name, my lady?” Nichan wondered.

Nichkhun found himself once more at the receiving end of a more heated gaze. There was a smile behind that fan he was sure, the same one from the alley, and the same one from the inner chambers. His stomach sank and his heart raced.

“Madam Jang,” she said with a bow of her head. That was when Nichkhun really noticed the small glimmer about her. An unnatural feeling overcame him. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Please continue with your story, Madam Jang. I so wish to know.” The brunette urged.

“Very well, very well...” She laughed. “Where did I leave off, oh right. The forests of the Tiger...”

Nichkhun was enraptured by her (technically him) and the way she spun and wove her tales. They almost seemed too extravagant, too surreal. Also, it took too much energy to continue applying both gender pronouns so he went with the female ones to avoid appearing anxious.

“Wolves are mysterious.” She said, catching his attention. “I believe without a doubt if we were as fearless as them, we would prevail strongly, united. They live in such beautiful country...” Her eyes seemed to glaze over. “Woods as high as any castle, sometimes higher, sometimes barely taller than deer – they hunt together, live in harmony, and when one breaks the circle they are cast out.” Some of the ladies gasped. “I hear tell that some of the higher families here have been demoted due to their...” Madam Jang faced his brother, “independent ego.”

Nichan cleared his throat, suddenly tense under the scrutinising attention. “Well, when money is not kept within the current system the hoarder must be let go.”

“Aye, same as a wolf pack. I would dearly hope that we are above such beasts, although ‘tis not the case all the time.” She was back to fanning herself. She smartly contradicted herself and no one seemed to catch it. Nichkhun had to get away. He felt as if he was being lured by some spell again.

“Brother, I need to catch my breath. I shall return in a moment.”

Nichan nodded to him.

Nichkhun felt like eyes trailed him out of the room. When he made it to the balcony he braced himself against the railing and exhaled deeply. There was an immortal in that room and no one, not even the most experience Hunters, seemed to notice. It made him wonder if other’s had been in their midst for longer, spying on their every move, right under their noses. Exhaling noisily again, he felt the air around him shift. Standing at full height he looked around only for his eyes to land on ‘Madam’ Jang.

“You exhibit very concerning behaviour,” Jang chuckled.

“Me? What you’re doing is extremely dangerous.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the balcony. “Wouldn’t be proper if anyone found us alone together, either,” he added.

“But Nichkhun, we’ve already been alone together.” Jang huffed loudly as guests walked past. “You didn’t argue being in my presence then...” A playful glint lit in ‘her’ eye.

She - he did that on purpose! All the blood drained from his face and he ran forwards. Pulling Jang along to a more secluded area, he made sure they were alone before turning back. “Are you trying to get me thrown back into confinement?”

Jang laughed boisterously. It was so weird seeing him as a woman. When she – he was calmer, a smile graced those pinkish lips. “I suppose that would go against my goal of conspiring to abduct you.”

Nichkhun collapsed onto a garden bench and rubbed his face. “Abducting means taking by force...”

“While I want your consent before I steal you away, to your parents it would be just that, a forceful abduction.”

Nichkhun peered up at her – him! This was agonising. “Why do you look like that?” He asked defeated.

“My male form wouldn’t have sufficed for the evening. I think my glamour techniques have improved!” Wooyoung’s hand clenched into a fist and he grinned. “You didn’t know it was me until I said my last name.”

Nichkhun frowned, “why did you come tonight?”

“The usual, to see you, potentially whisk you away. I thought of pretending to woo you in this form might be more effective, but then you wouldn't fall for me as I am, just a mask.” Nichkhun couldn’t get over his persistence nor his thoughtfulness. “On the other hand, I do actually seek business relations with your family. I hope to speak with your brother privately on those matters. He seems quite prudish when you are not present, but unlike most I know his nightly visits to the common folks’ brothels.”

“How dare you,” he snapped as he rose to his feet. Wooyoung came forward and dismissed his glamour with a snap. There was no way his brother would do those things.

“You did not know, dear prince?” Those eyes were so intense, he couldn't help but be drawn in by them.

“My brother would not stoop so low!” He hissed and tried to step back.

Wooyoung’s smile turned dark and he set his glamour back into place. “How do you know I haven’t already met some of them? I wouldn't make these accusations without definite proof, my prince. What if you were the only one unawares of their little secrets, hm? I think you would be surprised at what secrets your family keeps, what you don’t see.” Taking out his fan he slid onto Nichkhun’s lap. This was too much. There was no way his family were doing those kinds of things, right? “Then again you have your own.”

Nichkhun didn’t have time to react as footsteps approached. He became very away of the body seated on his lap, even more so when Wooyoung’s lips clashed against his, making him gasp. Eyes widening in shock, he couldn't help closing his eyes as Wooyoung's fingers curled into his hair. Why did it feel this way? A gentle hand caught his chin, turning him up into the overwhelming kiss even more. Jang’s hand smoothed up and down his neck before returning again to his hair and gripped tightly.

“Y-Your highness...” His personal guard stammered and turned promptly. “I feared that maybe you had run off!” He voiced nervously. “The King and Queen request your presence in the hall. Should I inform them you’re busy with the lady-

“No!” Nichkhun shouted and Jang brushed himself off.

“Just when it was getting fun...I do hope you seek my counsel in the future, preferably of a more intimate nature, dear prince.” Jang sent him a wink and then walked towards the hall entrance.

Nichkhun sagged and once again sighed. His stress levels were going through the roof. Hearing a throat clearing he looked up to his personal guard and blushed. “It’s not what you think!”

“I’m sorry, sir!”

As they walked towards the doors, he noticed a smile on the other’s face. “What?”

The man shrugged, “just glad that you fancy someone.”

Nichkhun wanted to throttle him! He was going to end him for doing that.

Upon his return to the hall, everything was still carrying on. He walked over to his parents who waved him off. All they wanted was to make sure he wasn’t trying to escape. He wanted nothing more than to sleep.

The days revolved around his studies, attending meetings with his brother and father (some of which were with the newly popular ‘Madam’ Jang), and of course reflections on his life. It was empty. The business conversations he’d had with his brother, his father and of course Jang were the only things he looked forward to. His personal guards were stuck to him from the start of his day until he settled in for sleep. He longed to taste the freedom he experienced again. Nights he spent laying in bed or on the balcony, overlooking a kingdom he cared nothing for, wondering: Should he go with Wooyoung? What would happen to him if he did? Could he fathom living forever? Would Wooyoung tire of him? Why did he feel so connected with him? Other nights he woke to a heated body, and the lingering images of a sensual dream made him feel so...aroused. It wasn’t like it hadn’t happened before, but these thoughts were relentless and made him lose all sense. He couldn’t help wanting them to be real.

It was another night of restlessness. Feeling a cool wind, he rose from his bed and looked out to the balcony. Noticing the slender frame of the one Jang Wooyoung, he couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, I felt something was amiss.” He called out softly. “First you enrapture my attention during my run away from bandits and the Hunter Guard, proceed to then break into the inner chambers of the castle, followed by cross-dressing and posing as a woman to not only build business relations with my family, but, get close to me. Now here you sit upon my balcony like some watchful guardian.” He kept to the doorway. “Your persistence is becoming quite...charming – in a weird way.”

“It...is the only way I can keep watch over you...” The immortal smiled finally and turned to him. “Did I wake you?” Nichkhun slowly walked forwards to lean against the railing and looked out over the town.

“No...you know I haven’t been resting well.” He murmured, gaze shifting to the enigmatic immortal. Nichkhun rested his chin in his palm and shrugged. “I am not surprised that you’re monitoring me.” His eyes set back out, to the town, and the land beyond. Saddening upon remembering his ‘chains’, he said softly, “tell me, Jang Wooyoung,” he closed his eyes. “What’s it like to be out in the free world, to be away from captivity?”

The immortal seemed to contemplate the question. Again, he saw the depth to his gaze, the same look Nichkhun wore on his face when he felt shackled. But then they brightened, and there was so much life to him Nichkhun thought he had been imagining things. “Amazing...” he finally replied. He turned to look at him then, and chuckled. “You look out there with such longing, sometimes; makes me feel a tinge of sadness.”

“Have you...been chained before? You seem to know what it’s like...and since you know, you know then how hard it is to get away.”

Wooyoung gave him a tense look. “Perhaps I know, perhaps I do not. However, I have given you options to make your mark or leave, you refuse them.”

“Don’t ignore what I said. I know you know because you never force me to decide...because you know how terrifying it is to leave, when what will come after can harm you...irreparably.” Nichkhun would never regret saying those words, because they were the truth. It was what he believed.

“What makes you hesitant to come with me?”

“You scare me that’s why.” Nichkhun growled and stood upright. He was lying, horrendously. Wooyoung himself didn’t scare him; it was the freedom he represented that frightened him. “For all I know you seek me out for some ritual or some darker purpose.”

Wooyoung shrugged, seemingly put off, “if that were the case, I would have done it already.”

Nichkhun ‘tsked’ and turned back. “You keep hiding things from me, how am I supposed to trust you?”

“Fair, ask your questions.”

“Why are you here..?” That seemed to make Wooyoung more energetic again, but perhaps more in irritation.

“I’m not going to change my answer no matter how many times you ask me this same question, dear prince. I have come to free you, from the chains which bind you!” Wooyoung exclaimed and had stood tall on the ledge, arms high in the air. The wind picked up and bellowed around them. His energy was intoxicating when he was riled up. How many times was this man going to steal his breath? It calmed as the slender immortal had turned back to him, a mysterious look in his eye, and that smile. “Of course, only if you wish to come away with me.”

Nichkhun looked and sighed. “Honestly, I cannot tell you how appealing it is – how much I want to go. But...it just seems so convenient that you come when I am at the most severe level of confinement.”

Wooyoung’s laughter filled him with hope, with a desire to laugh too, no matter how he was feeling. “Ah, well, I suppose that’s a touch of fate then, isn’t it?”

He didn’t want to believe those words. Wooyoung had a wonderful way of winding him up and enslaving him with his way of talking. He had to shift topics. “Please stop stalking me...”

Once again the immortal laughed and came to sit beside him. He had a silly grin on his face. Nichkhun couldn’t help but feel unnerved by it.

“What..?”

Wooyoung shrugged. “Actually seeing you and not in a dream is truly...surreal for me. I can't express how much it soothes me to be in your presence.” He came forward again but hesitated before touching him. He pulled back and asked, “Nichkhun, can I touch you?”

A flush immediately made its way all over his body. “Excuse me?” Yes, he immediately thought of more erse things.

“I realise that was vague context...slightly inappropriate – but I would love to touch you.” The determined gaze that was currently upon him made it hard to swallow.

Turning away, trying to hide his reddened cheeks he cleared his throat. “You already stole my first kiss from me...”

Wooyoung edged closer and shook his head. “Then I should apologise.” He murmured and tugged on his shirt. “If you permit me a second one, I shall make up for the circumstance of the first. I certainly would not be against it.”

Nichkhun felt his face grow even hotter. “Now you are taking advantage of my inexperience...”

Wooyoung smiled and remained patient.

“Do you realise how weird this is for me?”

“I imagine it’s quite unorthodox.”

“Quite...” Nichkhun echoed but let himself become more open. “Why do you wish to give me freedom?”

Wooyoung’s expression became quite content, his smile never fading. “I dreamed of you, for so long. I’ve wanted to meet you for ages...”

For some reason, those words seemed to carry a lot of weight, much Nichkhun probably wouldn’t understand unless he ventured with the immortal. Wooyoung’s expression deepened again, even more if possible, and he waited. Why was he so patient? Why couldn’t he just steal him away? “How did you know I would fall into the alleyway?”

“I didn’t,” Wooyoung grumbled honestly. “Keeping up with you and not being seen took a lot of effort you know? It truly was by chance I happened upon you when I did.”

Nichkhun shifted and hugged himself. He relaxed and took a seat beside him. “Fine, Jang, you can touch me.” He finally said. Wooyoung reached out and touched his cheek, almost timidly. He slowly shuffled closer to him as his fingers glided over his chin.

“Hm...” Wooyoung bit his lip softly. “You are so...real.” He murmured. His hand roamed over his neck and down his left arm.

“Of course I am.” Nichkhun teased. “What are you anyway? Your aura is all jumbled.”

Wooyoung shrugged. “Sometimes I’m a vampire. I really am just a mess of immortals.” He answered dismissively but carried on with his light touching. He stopped over a spot and pressed lightly. Nichkhun tensed a little. “They hurt you...”

“I’m used to it.”

Wooyoung frowned and pulled him forward. “Never grow accustom to someone else’s abuse.” His eyes were so defiant, so confident.

“Are you using your lure on me?” He wondered knowingly as he relaxed further. He tentatively rested his hands on the thighs currently pressing against his hips. Wooyoung looked over him, eyes conveying his pleasure of touching him.

“Only a little, you hide your pain very well.”

Eyes widening he grasped the cool wrist tightly.

“You fear me because I understand so much. I am here with you because I want you by my side. I truly have been seeking so long - ‘tis why I am working so hard to form relations with your family, Nichkhun. I wish for you to know me better. I do not want you to go through any discomforts.”

Shaking his head he slowly released him. “So...if you see me in dreams it means I’m something akin to an intended for you?” He tried to think about what that meant, but he was becoming so relaxed he almost couldn’t. He found himself falling even more into Wooyoung's very welcome and open body.

“Hm, somewhat...but...” Wooyoung trailed off and drifted away from him, “only if you accept me.”

Nichkhun rubbed his forehead and stared at him. “How long have you been searching for me?” He was missing that touch already! This was so frustrating...

“You are quite open to this discussion, despite your very apparent apprehensions. It almost makes me happy.” Wooyoung chuckled and lay himself down on the ledge.

Nichkhun had only just realised it for himself. “I guess you are right.” He wanted to go closer, but he also feared what that meant. Could he really just give in? Turning back to the town he closed his eyes. “I just finally feel like I’m being respected.” He turned back to him as Wooyoung sat up.

The immortal’s expression became one of confusion. “The people respect you, because they know if not for someone like your ideals, what they believe will never be accepted. Believe in the power of your people.”

“Explain...”

Wooyoung thumbed his lip gingerly as he thought. “A family, happy together tilling their fields, keeping their livestock alive, making a living; suddenly one if struck by a deadly sickness which can only be cured by deep magic – which is forbidden in the Hunter teachings.” Nichkhun stilled. “But, one royal prince looks out for them, never telling, and the family member is healed. They pay their price, but the family is able to maintain their happiness without threat of imprisonment or execution.”

Nichkhun stared at him in shock. No one knew about that incident. “How did you..?”

Wooyoung shrugged. “My dream...”

Nichkhun made to speak but his hand was caught by Wooyoung. He felt calm again. After a few moments he finally said, “I need some space to think...if you would be so kind.”

Wooyoung came to stand beside him and nodded, “anything for you.”

For some reason, Nichkhun knew Wooyoung meant those words. Before he made to leave, Nichkhun gripped his hands and pulled him close. “Will I see you again? I mean, like this, just you and me?”

Wooyoung smiled. “Do you wish it?”

“Yes...”

“Then yes, you will.” Wooyoung leaned up and a tender kiss was pressed to the corner of his mouth. “Until then, rest well my prince.” He vanished in a flurry of black threads.

Nichkhun rested peacefully that night, and the many nights that followed.

Wooyoung visited him on multiple occasions. He shared much knowledge of the townsfolk with him, and the hidden magic community which resided out of view of his father. “Why not build up your reputation first?” Wooyoung said off-hand one night. “Indulge in what your father wishes, but maintain strong connections with the magic folk.”

“I would be betraying my father.”

“Well, yes and no. Tell me Nichkhun, you’ve made no mention of ever leaving this place, you desire to become who you wish but you remain chained, why?”

Nichkhun slumped against the bed and rolled onto his side. “I fear, still. Once you make the change you cannot go back.”

Feeling warm arms slide around his waist he closed his eyes. Wooyoung’s lips touched his cheek and his breath ghosted over his skin, making goosebumps rise. He still wasn’t used to being touched this way, but he did enjoy it, so much he needed to relieve himself sometimes after Jang left. Those episodes were becoming more and more frequent as well. “Although I can never guarantee complete happiness, I would rather see you free of this place...”

Nichkhun smiled and looked over his clasped wrists. “Free...I would become chained to you...”

Wooyoung shook his head. “No...”

“You and I both know the fate of an intended.”

Wooyoung sighed and rolled him onto his back. “You know only of what they teach you. We can make the bond however we wish, let you have whatever you wish. You can break it in the future if you so choose, and leave me.”

“That sounds too good to be true.”

“Every decision will come with happiness and pain, Nichkhun. Everything has its price. It’s up to you what you wish to face and how...what you wish to focus on. No matter what happens it is your decision.” Nichkhun wanted to believe those words so much, but no matter how much he did, the apprehension remained. “Would you prefer it if I was a woman, Nichkhun?”

“What?” He looked up surprised. “Gender has nothing to do with this.”

“Hm...”

“I mean it...fine, I’ll work up my reputation and see what happens. Why would you even think that?”

Wooyoung shrugged, “it got me a favourable response.”

Nichkhun’s gaze narrowed and Wooyoung laughed. “You bastard...”

The immortal leaned closer, “I love it when you’re angry.”

Nichkhun smirked and shook his head. And of course, he couldn't stop the flushing of his cheeks. “You’re going to irritate me for my whole life.” He grumbled.

“Perhaps, but you might also find things about me which intrigue you even more.”

Suddenly they were too close, and so close Nichkhun knew that if they continued on this train of conversation, things were going to happen. He didn’t know if he was ready for those ‘things’ yet. Wooyoung seemed to recognise his emotions before he could voice them because he pulled away. A cool feeling overcame him. He heard a cracking sound. A bout of laughter filled the room as the memory began to collapse.

“No...” He murmured as the darkness began swirling in around him.

*Took me a while to break into the recesses of your mind.*

Something pulled him up, at alarming speed. He was sailing through the dark and towards a mist. Pin-pricks darted him all over and he closed his eyes.

*Open your eyes, Horvejkul.*

He could hear screams, he could feel the terror. His whole body shook as he became aware. He was standing at the edge of the farming fields. Then it struck him, the hunger. His consciousness slipped between sane and feral. He didn’t want to see this.