"Monster," the girl breathed shakily letting a tear slip out the corner of her pitch black eyes and down her porcelain skin. Her gaze harshly judged the repulsive reflection in the mirror before her. The pale complexion of her skin stained with faded black veins that extended from her eyes, seeming to disappear in her skin as they reach out to her temples and cheeks. The lone tear rolled from her chin down her equally pale neck that lacked a healthy tinge of color. It trickled over the darker black veins that stood out against the white skin of her neck.

She dug her dark nails into the many layers of lace of her black gown, trying to stop anymore tears from gathering in her eyes as she condemned her appearance. She stared at the dark jagged horns that protruded from her head and examined the large black wings that extended from her back with a dark aura that radiated from them.

She was the descendant of Pandora - Yoo Chiyeon.

It was every black moon this would occur. She had no control over her transformation. The one she had despised ever since her coming of age 4 years prior.

Being a descendant of Pandora was nothing like normal ancestry. Pandora handpicked her descendants and bestowed upon them powers fueled by the sins released from Pandora's box. Every black moon, the sins were exceptionally strong.

Chiyeon was the child of highly ranked kingdom governors and was a respected maiden of high status who excelled in every aspect. Despite being raised by her aunt after becoming an orphan due the passing of her mother and father, she was benevolent and intelligent and even humbled herself to befriend the townspeople of different status, regardless. Chiyeon became a household name and all the people in the town looked forward to her coming of age. But nobody expected her to shut herself off from the people on her big day.

Her plain life of peace turned into an awry suspense of being exposed as a monster. There was no explanation and nobody knew of her mystical form as a dark angel, much less the detail of her being a direct descendant of Sin.

Her mystical being was a curse. One that pulled an extremely sensitive trigger at her insecurities, one not many would be able to accept and one that she herself could not accept. All she saw herself as was a beast and Chiyeon refused to show her true self to anyone. Not even Prince Jung Hoseok, her fiancé. Especially not when he was a Truthseeker, a form of an angel of light.

They weren't a couple that were engaged out of mutual love, but Chiyeon had been fond of Hoseok for as long as she could remember. The latter on the other hand, seemed to be fond of all the fine ladies in the land. Week after week he accompanied different women of high ranking and status. They were all beautiful, brilliant and elegant but shared a common downfall. That being their impure intentions of seducing the prince so they could get their hands on the crowning throne of Beaties.

He was on a mission, to find someone he truly loved. To show his father he could marry someone he loved who loved him back sincerely and was still beneficial to the kingdom. Someone selfless and pure like his former lover, Suzy of Missei. She was a woman highly commended by the King but broke his trust when she ended her relationship with Hoseok after falling in love with another man.

They were young, feelings changed but Hoseok was heartbroken for several years before finally moving on. He set out on a new quest to find his future Queen. Someone who was pure and had no intention to marry him for the power and riches that came with the crown and throne.

His abilities as a Truthseeker enabled him to read dark auras which uncovered the true intentions of the women that approached him.

He courted many women of different ages and backgrounds. Although his intentions were merely to get to know them, everything was rather negatively misread by his wife-to-be. The only girl he failed to court was his own fiancée herself. He always found her difficult to approach because she always seemed to shy away, being wary of him at any given time. He figured that she disliked him, but oddly there was no negative aura around her that told him that for sure.

When it came to Yoo Chiyeon, Hoseok only ever felt waves of uncertainty revolve around her. And around a certain time, like a cycle, he would sense immense sadness and hatred when she would lock herself in her chambers. What it was? He could never tell. Truthseekers were not mind readers, they were aura readers.

Whatever the reason, Hoseok was determined to get to the bottom of it eventually.




"You look beautiful today, Lady Suri," Hoseok said with a charming smile.

"You're flattering me," the elegant lady covered as she smiled at the other's compliment, waving her other hand in front of her face.

Hoseok and his lady of the day were at the main doors where the man was greeting her before commencing with dinner as he had planned. The Crown Princess descended down the staircase from the mezzanine. She witnessed the sight of Hoseok offering his hand for his companion to hold so he could guide her to the dining hall.

"Lady Hae, please send my meal to my chambers. I do not wish to interrupt the Prince's courting session," Chiyeon asked the head maid.

Hoseok turned to face where the light chatter was coming from and noticed his fiancée now ascending the stairs. But what really caught his attention was the subtle green aura that protruded from her.

Envy?

The Prince's brows furrowed in confusion. There was no such thing as reading an aura wrong in Truthseeker history. Even if you don't pay attention to the color of an aura, the waves of energy produced by it that reaches the eyes of a Truthseeker would be absorbed.

The pair arrived in the dining hall but Hoseok was still distracted. So much so that he forgot to pull out the lady's seat and the servants had done so instead.

Suri scoffed. Running her finger behind her ears as if pushing a strand of hair back, she cleared silently and took her seat.

"Oh my, what a beautiful a dining hall. The paintings and pottery are exquisite," Suri said, feigning awe to finally get Hoseok's attention.

The attempt was futile as the young man just clasped his hands together and rested his chin on them, deep in thought. He tried recollecting all his memories and analyzing the patterns of his fiancée's distorted flows of black weaved with dark blue and grey showing her hatred, sorrow and insecurities.

He never thought too much of it but he could have sworn he heard her sniffle when he had walked past one day. He didn't make any judgments, it wasn't his job neither did have the rights.

"It seems my presence is rather insignificant at this moment," Suri said finally managing to break through his train of thought after several useless attempts at small talk, "so I'll be taking my leave. Now, if you'll excuse me."

She stood up from her seat, not waiting for the Prince or his servants to see her off as she stormed away.

"Her intentions weren't pure anyway," Hoseok let it slide.

He picked up his fork and knife, using the cutlery to cut a piece of his steak and allowing his train of thought to continue once again as he dined in silence.




"Lady Hae, do you think these will be enough for the children?" Chiyeon asked as she pushed back a lock of baby hairs, with her slender fingers.

She stood up from her kneeling position to look over the baskets of flowers she had picked from the garden for the town's less fortunate children. The stray hairs from her loose bun fell beautifully over the braids that wove from either side of her head to the other.

"I believe so, Milady Yoo," the head maid who was tasked to serve the Prince's fiancée assisted her by lifting up two of the three baskets.

Chiyeon smiled in content, pulling the gloves off her hands and proceeding to lift the remaining basket. Without having to say another word, they set off to the town. What they weren't aware of was the undetectable presence that silently followed them - Hoseok.

His cloaking allowed him to follow right behind her and absorb her aura. It was as pure as it could get.

Just as it usually did, her aura radiated to a point that the aura of others weren't even a hundredth of a fraction in comparison. The energy gave him a pulse of strength in his body as Angels of Light always fed off positive vibes.

As they walked along the path that exited the palace, Chiyeon admired the weather and the atmosphere of the palace garden that was filled with beautiful flora and fauna as well. Squirrels on branches, swiftlets in nests and the occasional bunny that snuck in to get their paws on some of the palace produce. It all put a smile on Chiyeon's face. Hoseok chuckled lowly as he grinned proudly at the fact that his garden added to her joy.

The smile on Chiyeon's face faded and was replaced by an expression of slight confusion.

She her feet to look behind her, surprising the prince who was now standing just inches away from her. Hoseok noticed the tinges of pink and peach that mingle within the expansive protrusion of her white aura.

"Is something the matter, Milady?" Lady Hae asked in concern at the sudden halt of the Queen-to-be.

Chiyeon's lips pursed into a thin line and her brows furrowed slightly, unaware that if Hoseok weren't cloaked, she would be staring right as his chest.

"I just thought I heard the Prince. I guess it was just my imagination," Chiyeon's lips twisted into a subtle frown of disappointment.

Chiyeon resumed her walk towards the town, brushing off the thought. Lady Hae smiled at the younger with pride. She was honored and glad that she could serve such an honest and noble lady.

"Milady, I apologize if I am imposing. But I have a question."

"You know I'm more than happy to answer you if it is within my capabilities," the younger's lips curled upwards once again.

"Why do you not tell the Prince of your true feelings for him? You clearly love him and it hurts you to see him constantly courting other ladies."

Chiyeon's smile remained but the look in her eye changed to one of sadness.

"That's a rather simple question. I was really nervous for a moment there thinking it was a question to test my intelligence," Chiyeon chuckled seeming light-hearted in contrary to how her heart really felt - heavy and bitter, "Lovers shouldn't have secrets. But I have one too many."

Lady Hae frowned in disbelief, "What secret could you possibly have, Milady? You're so honest and bright all the time, I can't even begin to fathom."

"Well, now that's a question I can't answer," Chiyeon gave her an apologetic look and she pried no further.

Hoseok stopped in his tracks, thoughts rushing through his mind as he witnessed the words that came out of and the rapidly changing energies that protruded from his fiancée's petite figure. From her original peachy pink tinged white, to a dark blue speckled grey and to a final aura of total sadness.

He was dumbfounded at the revelation. Chiyeon was in love with him, but she had a secret she couldn't tell and just at the thought of it, all her happiness was drained away. A lady so pure and kind, had a secret so dark and sorrowful?

Hoseok just watched as she walked away, only continuing his footsteps when he managed to somewhat clear his mind. Not that he actually cleared his thoughts, but rather, just enough for him to be in the right state of mind to continue following Chiyeon.

As they approached the orphanage and the orphan children came into sight, Chiyeon's dissipating sorrowful energy began to be replaced by her joyful white aura once again.

"Milady!"

"Lady Yoo!" all the children ran towards her in excite. She greeted them all by name, remembering each and everyone one of them. A little toddler no older than two years waddled over to her in attempt to catch up with the bigger kids. The sight itself was enough to make Chiyeon giggle. She put down her basket and picked up the little boy.

"How are we today, Jaehyunie," Chiyeon poked the little boy, Jaehyun's, cheek.

"Chi~ Chi~ Hewwo," the toddler giggle as he greeted her with whatever words he could muster up. He clapped his hands with a wide kiddy grin.

"What will we be doing today, Lady Yoo?" A little girl named Hana asked as she inspected the baskets filled with flowers.

"Today I will teach you all how to make flower crowns and garlands," Chiyeon's smile widened as the faces of the children lit up and their cheers became louder.

That said, they all proceeded to sit at the picnic tables that were out on the front garden of the orphanage. Chiyeon and Lady Hae laid out all the materials for the kids who sat obediently in their seats.

Hoseok found a quaint area to stand and watch for the very first time how she tended to the children.

After several examples and teaching the kids how to create the crowns and garlands, she allowed them to complete the rest, using the remainder of her time to take care of the toddler who was too young to participate. She sat right in front where all the children could see her with Jaehyun sound asleep in her arms.

Just as Hoseok thought it was time for him to depart, the words of a certain child piqued his interest.

"Lady Yoo, tell us things about the Prince again!"

The Prince turned around to watch them once again, noticing the smile on Chiyeon's face and the now familiar peachy pink aura.

"Okay. What would you like to know?"

The kids all hummed in thought, thinking of questions to ask.

Hana put up her hand indicating that she had a question, "What is the Prince's special power?"

Without a second thought or a single hint of hesitation, the answer flowed from Chiyeon, "He has a really amazing ability. The Prince is a Truthseeker. It's one of the many forms of an Angel of Light. When he transforms he has big white wings that extend wide enough to hug all of you little ones in them. He cares for everyone very well and will become a wonderful King."

"Lady Yoo must be an Angel of Light too!" another child exclaimed.

Chiyeon's darkening expression went unnoticed amidst the children's excitement.

"Yes! She cares for us so well and she is going to become a great Queen!"

But the darkening aura didn't go past the Prince who still stood by, watching the situation twist into something beyond Chiyeon's capability to control.

"Lady Yoo, do you have wings? Can you show us?"

Chiyeon looked down at Jaehyun who was now awake and staring at her as if he was also anticipating her transformation despite his lack of ability to understand them. But it just put more pressure on Chiyeon whose heartbeat quickened and her breath became shorter.

She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment to calm herself down before facing the children once again.

"I can't use my abilities just anywhere," Chiyeon shook her head with an unnatural smile.

"But why not?" Another little boy, Maru, asked.

Chiyeon paused, unable to answer the posed question.

"Because I said so."

The manly voice turned the heads of all the curious children and surprised Chiyeon as well.

"Prince Hoseok?" her voice came out as a whisper.

Her panic subsided but a new found shock settled in as she watched him approach the children.

"Who are you, Sir?"

"You dress like royalty!" Ara, one of the orphan girls, exclaimed.

Chiyeon quickly got on her feet to put the children in their place.

"Children, show some respect. This is His Highness, Prince Hoseok." Chiyeon informed the youngins.

All of them turned to face him in surprise. Hoseok couldn't help but laugh at their awestruck expressions.

"Don't be so hard on them, they're just children," Hoseok told Chiyeon, patting a little boy's head.

Chiyeon bowed in respect of his words.

A tug came at the Prince's sleeve which diverted his attention from the maiden in front of him. He looked down to see a little girl looking up at him with expectant eyes.

"Hello there, what's your name?" Hoseok kneeled down to be face to face with the child.

"Haneul," she grinned, showing off her incomplete set of teeth. One of her two front baby teeth had already fallen out, making room for her adult tooth.

"Miss Haneul, did you wish to ask me something?" The Prince smoothed the little girl's hair down and tucked the stray strands behind her ears.

"Yes! Why don't you let Lady Yoo show us her wings?" Haneul pouted, disappointment clear on her face.

Hoseok glanced at Chiyeon for a second, thinking of a good excuse, "Because her wings are so beautiful, I'm afraid if any others lay eyes on it then they would not want to let her return to me."

Chiyeon's heart raced hearing his words and several thoughts flashed through her mind in that instant. He never saw her transformation before let alone her wings. Her wings were dark and repulsive but he said they were beautiful. Even if he didn't mean it, it was still enough for her heart to react. Maybe her feelings for him were stronger than she thought.

Meanwhile, the kids were busy chattering and imagining how mystical and beautiful her wings must be. Hoseok looked at the maiden in front of him that now shied away, biting her lip as she let Jaehyun out of her hold to waddle off and join the other kids. He noticed her reddening cheeks and the way she laced her fingers together just like the last times they interacted.



The walk back to the palace was silent yet oddly comfortable. At least until the two began to think about the words they heard earlier that day. The words which caused their hearts to flutter and minds to boggle.

‘You clearly love him’

‘Her wings are so beautiful’

Chiyeon bit down on her lower lip to keep a smile from creeping up on her face. But biting back the smile didn't hide the blush on her face and the way she laced her fingers together. Hoseok was familiar with all her movements which surprised himself. He never knew he paid that much attention to her. Not that he was complaining, but rather felt happy.

Hoseok cleared his throat and awkwardly started, "Do you always prepare these activities for the children?"

Chiyeon looked up at him with wide eyes and her lips slightly agape, processing what he had just asked. She was still dazed at the sheer fact that he showed up out of nowhere and had her heart rate skyrocketing. She gathered her thoughts, "Special activities are only prepared for the children on the weekends. On weekdays, they would attend and return from school, complete their school work then chores. I only read them stories and help with the chores on the weekdays."

Hoseok nodded with a smile. His smile widened into a grin and soon enough he couldn't control the small fit of laughter that hit him. Chiyeon looked at him, confused. The Prince composed himself before continuing, "That was probably the most words you have ever spoken to me in one go without shying away."

At his words her whole world shook. Did she say too much? Sometimes she got carried away when she talked about the children. She resumed her default nervous posture, drawing a sigh out of Hoseok, "Don't worry. It's a good thing. I've always wanted to talk you more."

Chiyeon's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't tell if he meant it but he sounded so sincere. She has always wanted to talked to him comfortably too. Without constantly have the worry of her identity as Pandora's descendant being discovered. But life wasn't all to kind.

The rest of the walk was filled with small talk about the children. It wasn't a long walk or an impeccably fruitful conversation, but through that much, a lot changed between the two.
 

Months passed. Hoseok stopped meeting women and instead began getting to know his fiancée. He would follow her to the orphanage when he did not have any official business to attend and became much more attentive and observant of Chiyeon's habits and tendencies. His affections for the girl grew as the days passed, her purity drew him in like a moth to a flame.

As time went by and the amount of time he spent learning about her lengthened, he finally put a finger on what day it was that seemed like a cycle of Chiyeon's dark aura - The black moon.

He could not deny that he had fallen for Chiyeon. He knew better than to fool himself and knowing that she had affections toward him too, gave him the courage not to give up. Although she continued to subtly try to distance herself from him, he couldn't help but approach her. He was neither aggressive nor timid in his courting, taking it at an average pace as he fell in love with her gradually.
 

They would dine together for every meal and Hoseok would invite her to have tea and read in his study as he would complete his tasks of writing royal decrees and reading the petitions of the townspeople.

He loved the way she smiled at the children. The way she humbled herself to work hard for them. How she always had a delicate touch to her work which showed her love and care. Everything she did compelled him to follow in her footsteps and even humble himself completely, just like she did.

He would worry over her well-being. Feel upset when she locked herself in her chambers and cried in sorrow. His concern only grew with every passing day as the darkness that expelled from the cracks in her chamber door grew stronger. It brought him to care for her further, making sure to keep the smile on her face day by day.

He was captivated by her.
 

The day of the black moon came around once again - Chiyeon was out in the garden tending the weeds and t the wilting leaves. Hoseok was reviewing the last of the daily complaints and petitions he received from the people.

Today he would accompany Chiyeon to the orphanage once again. He was determined to make a change. That being his desire to change whatever Chiyeon's experience on the day of the black moon was for the better. From one of hatred and despair into one of love and joy.



"Yoo Chiyeon!"

"Your Highness," the younger female stood up from her crouched position in front of the patch of roses and curtsied elegantly, "I apologize for my unkempt appearance."

"You look beautiful," Hoseok's sudden compliment had Chiyeon taken aback and she couldn't contain the blush that spread across her cheeks or the skip of her heart beat.

She lowered her head not knowing how to respond to the sudden statement. Hoseok chuckled, seeing her aura. He grew to love the colors that were emitted from the petite girl. He brought a hand to the side of her face, gently her cheek with his thumb. The action caused Chiyeon's head to shoot up in surprise, looking Hoseok in the eyes with a startled and questioning look. Watching the way his lips spread in a wide smile, she was awestruck- No, lovestruck.

The hand on her cheek slid down to the nook of her neck and to her back, using just enough strength to gently pull her into a hug. Hoseok could feel how fast her heart was pounding against her chest.

"You can breathe you know," Hoseok chuckled as he her hair.

Chiyeon let go of the breath she didn't know she was holding, finally breathing normally again. She felt his hands slide down her arms to guide her hands around his waist. Wrapping his arms around her small frame once again, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. Her aura was so calming despite her heart that was clamoring hard against her ribcage.

"You're beautiful," the Prince started, his charming voice chimed right into Chiyeon's ear that was next to his face, "You're tender, loving and caring. Generous, benevolent, intelligent and elegant."

Chiyeon couldn't bring herself to say anything, let go or push him away. The fact that her darkest secret remained hidden, asked her to pull away, but her heart refused. She was in love with the Prince and she couldn't bring herself to ruin the moment. She would cherish the past months he spent with her and the children.

‘After this. After this I shall refuse him properly. Even if it means I have to break off the engagement and leave the palace.. I have to do it.’

Chiyeon held back the tears that pooled in the rims of her dark brown eyes as he continued his speech, "You care for the people like each and everyone of them are your family. Your intentions are the purest I've ever seen. These past months, after thinking it over once, I thought it over again several more times and every time I came to a conclusion that you were too good for me."

‘No, I'm not,’ Chiyeon let the tears slip out of her eyes. She couldn't explain her feelings in that moment. Bittersweet was as accurate as it got but still far from the jumble of emotions that clumped in her heart. The pain and burden of the secret she bore was so great, it hurt. It was the one thing that held her back from the love in her embrace.

"I looked too far. Looking for someone that could be a great Queen by my side. I searched too wide, so far that I didn't notice the amazing maiden I had in front of me all this time."

‘Don't do this. I can't,’ Chiyeon squeezed her eye shut.

"Forgive me for my insolence, my Queen," Hoseok pulled away, taking her hands in his, "Although we are already engaged, I want to ask you this with my own mouth and heart."

Chiyeon understood what he meant and couldn't bear to let him continue any more. She knew that if he spoke any further, she could only accept his feelings. But she could not live with herself if she were to keep her secret from him in their relationship. She harshly pulled her hands out of his grip and balled them into fists tears continuously falling from her eyes. This is where it all would end.

"I'm sorry," her voice came out broken and shaky, "I can't."

Hoseok features twisted into a frown as he took a step forward, reaching a hand out for hers. But she took a step back, hiding her hands behind her back. The action broke her heart even more, the bittersweet feeling morphing into an emotion that was entirely bitter by this point.

"I'm not the right person. Not for you, not for this Kingdom. I'm not who you think I am."

With those words Chiyeon ran off to her chambers. She pulled the silver engagement band off her finger and placed it on her vanity. She didn't bother bringing any of her belongings besides her money pouch.

For the first time in her life she brought forth her mystical transformation at her own will. Her dress turned black, and what little tinge of color she had in her already pale skin drained out, leaving her complexion white as she could get. Black veins began to spread from her neck and around her eyes as the whites of her eyes began to be devoured by pitch black, like ink staining white cloth. The darkness engulfed her eyes and she cried as she felt the jagged horns on her head begin to emerge.

Finally the stems of her black wings pushed their way through the skin of her back, each wing extending two meters out. A few of the large black feathers fell from her wings and the familiar dark glow glimmered from them. She pushed the large windows of her room open, gripping hard on the pouch in her right hand. With a stool placed in front of her, she took a step up and onto the ledge of the window.

With her wings spread she took a leap of faith. Never had she put her wings to use but as she expected, it came naturally. They carried her up and out of the palace just as she wanted them too. She was deafened by the pounding of her heart, the wind rushing against her skin and the sounds of her own sobs. Nothing else registered to her but the pain of her broken heart. Not even the shrill screams of the palace maids.

Hoseok stood in the same spot, baffled. He couldn't understand what it was that she had to hide so badly. He couldn't see any evil intents from her. She was sincere and pure, every Truthseeker would see it without a doubt. But what pierced his heart most was the fact that as she said those words, not only did they hurt him, he saw how she hurt herself too. Following every syllable, her aura darkened to shades of blue so deep he felt like he was drowning in it. The expanse of her aura always engulfed him.

The shattering scream of the palace maids brought Hoseok back to reality and he rushed towards where the shrill of terror erupted from. Was it Chiyeon? At the thought of it being the girl he loved he allowed his own white wings make an appearance, using them to rush himself towards the scene faster.

“What happened!?” Hoseok's anxious tone clear as the question left his mouth.

“A Dark- Dark Angel.. It just left Lady Yoo’s room through the window,” one of the maids shook in fear as she answered him.

Without a moment of hesitation, Hoseok’s wings ed him up towards the open window. He entered the room landing lightly on his feet. He inspected the room. There was no sign of Chiyeon. All her things were still there, but he noticed the presence of the large black feathers that were scattered on the ground and the engagement ring on Chiyeon's vanity.

He had no idea what happened but in his heart he vowed he would find her no matter the circumstances. He picked up the band and gripped it tight. With large strides he was back on the ledge of the window.

“Search for Lady Yoo!”

Hoseok had no idea where that Dark Angel could have gone but his gut told him to head straight. It was like he could sense Chiyeon's energy. His feeling was confirmed when he saw traces of black feathers that hung on some of the tree branches or on the ground as he flew over the town.

With one huge movement, Hoseok’s wings propelled him forward. He cloaked himself when he felt Chiyeon's energy grow stronger in hopes that he wouldn’t alert the felon of his presence. After several minutes a dark figure appeared in his sight. There was no doubt in his mind that it had something to do with his fiancée's disappearance.

Giving himself a couple last s forward, he was able to catch up and pace himself right above the Dark Angel. But Chiyeon was nowhere in sight. Hoseok could sense and see her energy strongly but the girl herself didn't reach his eyes. It wasn't until he observed the figure closely that realization began to hit him. The loose hair, petite frame and the gloomy aura so strong it reached the depths of Hoseok's senses.

The Truthseeker increased his speed to surpass hers, positioning himself right infront of her with his arms open in such a manner that would receive her in his embrace. He slowed down and uncloaked himself, allowing Chiyeon to slowly glide herself into his grasp.

The sudden touch shocked the girl, her tear brimmed eyes finally processing the image of the man in front of her. Panic rose in her as she came to a realization that he was now looking at her in her dark form. The beads of tears escaped her eyes uncontrollably as she used all the strength she could muster up to push him away, but he wouldn't let go.

“Let me go! You're not supposed to see me like this,” Chiyeon cried as she struggled in his grip.

Her desperate cries grew as the depression in her heart weighed down on her further. The last person she wanted to know about her secret was Hoseok himself but he was the very first to find out. She couldn't help but break down and sob.

Chiyeon gave up struggling and weakly dropped her arms. He still had his arms around her back, keeping her close, her head buried in his chest. She didn't have the strength to fight anymore, he already saw her, it was the end. Hoseok slowed them to a stop and lowered their bodies down to the land, they stepped down in front of a lake.

Chiyeon's depressed cries were barely masked by the harsh sound of the water that cascaded from the waterfall above the lake and the Prince just held her closer, her hair. Her legs began to give way and her cries reduced. It was as if all her energy was drained.

She wasn't accustomed to using spell power let alone the large amount she spent by flying such a long distance. Hoseok supported her weak figure and kneeled, holding her body close to his. Her eyes were only open a crack, and she breathed lightly. Bead of cold sweat formed on her forehead and neck.

“Just leave, you don't have to show me pity,” Chiyeon croaked with a wobbly voice looking away from the Prince.

Hoseok sat down, facing the lake as he pulled Chiyeon’s back to his chest, embracing her from behind and supporting her lifeless figure. He wrapped his left arm around her body.

“I won't leave the woman I love behind,” Hoseok tucked his chin the the crook of her neck.

Chiyeon lets a few more tears slip out of her eyes, “I'm not a woman, I'm a monster.”

“How could you say that? A Queen must uphold herself confidently. You're a woman,” Hoseok said cupping her face with his right hand to make her face him, “the one I love regardless.”

The drained maiden spent the last of her energy in an attempt to push herself away from the Prince’s hold, but it only resulted in her weak figure losing the final strand of consciousness.

Hoseok watched as the girl in his arms morphed back into her familiar self. Her wings and horns retracted, the dark veins around her eyes and neck faded and the little tinge of color on her usual pale skin resurfaced. The dark spell power from her dress dispelled, revealing her original floral print gown.

Hoseok wrapped his wings around their bodies, holding Chiyeon tighter in his embrace as he whispered, “Don’t run away from me.”

Hoseok landed softly on the ledge of Chiyeon’s window that was still ajar with the girl’s frail body in his arms. He floated down to her bedside, carefully placing her down on the mattress. He propped her head perfectly on her pillow, one knee on the bed to keep himself stable as he held her head in his arm.

Chiyeon’s breaths became heavy when he let go of her entirely. Her brows met in a frown as she let out a soft sob, “I’m sorry.”

Hoseok’s heart pinched as he watched the girl writhed in her sleep. She must have felt this guilt this entire time. He sat next to her, one hand holding hers and the other her cheek.

“I’m sorry, I love you,” she murmured, a tear escaping the corner of her eyes landing on Hoseok’s palm.

“I love you too,” he said and gave her hand a squeeze. He watched as the heart wrenching frown on her face settled and a peaceful sleep washed over her.

A soft knock came at the door, “Enter.”

The Prince put a slender finger to his lip indicating the maids to remain silent. They were aware of the couple’s return when the guards informed them of the Prince’s reappearance. The havoc in the palace settled, but worry for the Crown Princess overcame the people including the Prince himself. With a bow they quietly approached the bed.

“I will tend to Lady Yoo. Return in an hour with our meals. Till then you may attend other business,” Hoseok dismissed the maids after giving them the precise orders.

The maids placed down the basin of water, cloths and other grooming items on the bedside table next to the prince. With a final bow they all left to complete other tasks at hand.

Hoseok picked up a small cloth and dabbed off the beads of cold seat that had formed on her forehead and neck. He paused when he felt Chiyeon's grip on his hand tighten slightly as she shifted a little bit. Her grip loosened slightly but her fingers still curled over his as a subtle smile graced her features.

Her smile was contagious, plastering one on the Prince's face at sight. Using one hand and a lot of effort, he worked to remove the hairpins from Chiyeon's loose hairdo, letting her hair loose so she could lay back comfortably.

Hoseok gazed at her sleeping features, absorbing every detail. The way her lips would be slightly agape, how she snuggles into her pillow, the light sounds of her breathing. Everything about her drew him in and before he was even aware of it he was already leaning in to her face.

The vast colors of the evening sky that shone through the window panes only enhanced the mood. Sweeping a lock of hair out of the way he planted a soft kiss on her temple. He allowed his lips to linger on her skin for a moment, relishing how soft it was against his lips.

He only pulled away when a knock came on the door.

“Enter.”

Three palace maids walked in, one holding a silver platter with a teapot and cups on it while the remaining two each held dome covered platters with the royal pair’s meals in their hands.

They cautiously placed the platters on the vanity so as not to make any sounds that would wake the Crown Princess. A final bow and they were dismissed to wait outside for any further instructions.

As soon as they left the vicinity, Hoseok diverted his attention back onto the girl in front of him noticing how all the color from her skin had drained again. He watched as her body transformed, the dark spell magic he had seen earlier spread out once again covering her dress in black. Her horns and wings emerged and the dark veins reappeared.

Throughout the whole process, Hoseok didn't let go of her hand. He took that her sudden transformation was owed to nightfall. Thankfully, the maids had left the room before her transformation took place.

Chiyeon's eyes fluttered open feeling a surge of power and energy run through her body. The first thing that was registered her pitch black eyes was the Prince sitting next to her with a loving gaze that he casted upon her. Following that was the feeling of her hand in his, clasped together in a perfect fit.

“Good evening, love,” Hoseok greeted her, his charming voice and the way he called her ‘love' melted her heart. There was a rush of strength that flowed through her being, consisting of enough energy to wreak havoc if she wished, but she was weak against his genuine smile.

Hoseok lifted her hand up to his lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles before finally releasing her to retrieve her meal. She couldn't deny the disappointment she felt at the loss of touch, but it was well made up for when he placed the now uncovered platter on the bedside table and wrapped his arms around her smaller figure to prop her up.

He made sure her wings were positioned comfortably before lifting the bowl off the platter to feed Chiyeon. He was steady with his movements and was careful not to spill on her.

Chiyeon bit her lip, unsure, “It's alright, I can feed myself.”

Hoseok retracted his arms so she wouldn't be able to grab the soup bowl or spoon from him, “I insist. Just lay back and allow me.”

Knowing how hard-headed he could be, Chiyeon gave in. She leaned back against the headboard and played with her fingers, trying to hide her dark nails. How unattractive.

He resumed his actions, feeding her one mouthful after another and giving her sips of tea every now and then. Chiyeon ate in silence, watching how Hoseok concentrated. They would meet eyes once in awhile where the Prince would smile at her lovingly. Flustered and at a loss of how to react she would just lower her gaze, eliciting a chuckle from him.

After what seemed like mere moments to Chiyeon who was entranced by the man in front of her, she finished the bowl of soup that was being fed to her. He placed the dish back onto the platter and carried out to the maids in the hall.

Hoseok returned into the room to see Chiyeon standing by the window. He was dazzled by the way the moonlight shone perfectly over her features. The only words his brain could bring about at the sight came as a whisper, “Always beautiful.”

He took his time in admiring the way her skin illuminated and the glow of her wings picked up. The darkness around her grew with the passing moments but it couldn’t overshadow the beauty Hoseok saw. In his eyes, her inner beauty made her outer as beautiful with no regards to what her mystical being was and how it looked.

The trance was broken when he saw how she stepped up onto the stool in front of the window.

“No!” Hoseok rushed to her, grabbing her by the wrist off the stool and into his embrace, “Don’t run away from me.”

The maiden blinked, “I was just shutting the windows.”

Hoseok pulled away, taking a good look at her face. She meant it. She wasn’t going anywhere. Looking at her face again only further assured him of his long thought out decision. He pulled out the ring Chiyeon had left from his pocket and lifted her left hand to slide back on her ring finger, where it belonged.

“Can I continue what I was saying in the garden earlier this evening?”

Chiyeon nodded timidly in reply and looked down. Hoseok placed a hand under her chin to prop it up so they could lock eyes. His wings emerged from his back, expanding far wider than Chiyeon’s before they wrapped around her entire being.

In the embrace of his wings, she stared at him in wonder.

“Will you marry me?”

The pitch black eyes of the girl in front of him glistened as she heard the rest of his speech.

“Dark Angel or not, you are who you are. The kind, loving and warm, Yoo Chiyeon. Nothing can change that. not even the way you look. I stand here looking at you, only thinking you look stunning. Because how you look doesn’t define who you are.”

A tear escaped the corner of her eye. He pulled on every one of her heartstrings, knowing her exact insecurity.

“I love you, Yoo Chiyeon.”

The finger under her chin now guided her face closer to his own. Her eyes fluttered to a close, heart light, all the burdens she carried with her up to that point falling away with the teardrops that made their way from her eyes to her cheeks.

Hoseok’s eyes were locked on Chiyeon’s thin lips, coming to a close only when he felt his lips grazing over hers. He pressed his full lips on her own, an immense way of emotions washed over them.

Chiyeon felt her caged emotions being set free in that single moment. The love she kept locked in her heart over the year erupted and drew an itching eagerness from within her. Instinctively, she deepened the kiss by parting her lips to capture his. Not a second later he followed suit.

The liplock was not rushed or aggressive, they poured their longing and gentleness into the one action, fulling conveying the mutual emotion.

Hoseok’s lips left Chiyeon’s for a moment only to settle right on her cheek, kissing away the tears she had allowed to fall. Another kiss to the other cheek and one to her forehead. She savored the feeling of his supple lips against her heated skin and the way his arm s around her waist.

“I love you, too”

Chiyeon locked lips with Hoseok once more, wrapping her arms around his neck and closing the gap between them. It took them a long time to get to this point but there were no more secrets, no more insecurities and no more fear. It was all as it should be.

Fin.

Dear Pika,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HAPPY VALENTINE’S MY CHILD.

I clearly can’t write oneshots. I don’t know how to write endings either apparently. Probably because I never complete my stories, huhu :’)

I apologize for the crappy flow but I hope the length makes up for it somehow. (That sounds wrong xD)

I was kinda proud that I got this idea according to your wishlist, but I don’t have execution skillz zzz T_T It was gonna be longer but I decided I had to cut it at this. Too many words.. e_e

Btw, have you guessed who I am yet?

If you have, good! That’s what I was going for! :D

If you haven’t (which is probably impossible), I actually dropped some tiny hints in the story itself. You probably wouldn’t get them cause they’re that tiny tbh. But maybe if you observed me a lot (because I kinda take that you’re observant to some extent) xD

The hints are in the names of the minor characters!

Anyway, this message is getting as long as the story so, I hope you enjoyed! Thank you for reading <3

Love

Uhu