-Jayde’s POV-

“Youngjae!” Zelo called as we walked through the dark, wretched forest. “Youngjae~!” Zelo continued to call out desperately. He was beyond worried about his friend. “Where could he have gone so fast?” Junhong whimpered. He then looked at me, anger mixed with sadness in his eyes. He wasn’t angry with me, he was mad at Daehyun.

“He went this way.” I said, heading towards the direction I pointed to. Zelo nodded walking beside me. “What’s wrong with him (Daehyun)?!” Zelo began. “I believe you already know the answer to that.” I said not even bothering to read his mind. He was hiding something, he and Youngjae.

“But how is he going to snap at Jae like that? He keeps pushing him away. Every time Jae tries to care for him.” Junhong ranted. “Like who does he think he is? Doesn’t he know that Jae is just trying to protect him?” he went on. I suddenly stopped him. “From what exactly?” I asked in a serious tone.

The younger seemed hesitant and ashamed. “Y-Y-You know…” he spoke quietly now. “I chose not to read your minds. I trust you guys.” I told him, but that only made him look even guiltier. “We…we were trying to protect him from the others.” He confessed shamefully. I raised an eyebrow, my arms folded.

“If they found out then…then things would fall apart!” He quickly defended. “Calm down Zelo. I know.” I said smiling at him. “Let’s go get Youngjae.” I said leading the way. The younger seemed a bit relieved and assured. He nodded and stayed close behind me.

It wasn’t until a few minutes later when we finally caught up with Youngjae. He was crouched besides a large tree, his head buried in his knees. “Youngjae!” Zelo cried, running up to the elder, hugging him. Youngjae didn’t respond, nor did he even budge. “Youngjae, how are you going to run away like that? All by yourself? Do you know how dangerous that is? Of course you do! You’re smart! What were you thinking?” Zelo babbled on.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his reaction. The way he acted all motherly, being the youngest, was out of his character. But he was close to Youngjae.

Youngjae slowly lifted his head, his eyes weren’t red or puffy like I had expected. No, they were just glossy. Surprisingly he wasn’t crying, he was stressed. “Jae, what’s the matter?” Zelo asked noticing this as well. “I don’t know.” Youngjae admitted, his voice was cold and filled with hurt. His younger friend just looked at him bewildered, not understanding what he meant. “I don’t know what to do Zelo! I don’t know how to feel…what to feel about this whole situation with Daehyun. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m hurt…I don’t even know why I feel this way.” He confessed.

It was silent for a moment as the younger took in his words. I sighed, understanding how he felt. I couldn’t help but feel a little flustered and confused. I didn’t see the intruders coming…again! And the same thing happened yesterday with the goblins, only this time this one was an actual threat. Goblins are easy to take on, but Incubi and purebloods? That’s a whole different story.

“But why did you run away?” Zelo asked, hesitantly and carefully. The question made Youngjae froze as he reflected back on the scene. His eyes filled up with hurt. “H-He shouted at me.” He whimpered more to himself. “…usually I can handle things like that, and hold my ground. But, this was different. The way he shouted, the way he looked at me…” Youngjae paused for a bit, finding his words. “There was venom in his tone, I could literally feel it. He spoke as if he hated me. He looked at me as if I had…had killed someone he loved or ruined his life…like I was his worst enemy.” He continued.

Zelo, however, didn’t understand. “H-How did you get all of that from all that?” Zelo asked with confusion. “I felt it Zelo, it was weird, but I felt it and it hurt.” Youngjae said. “Jasmine told me that some mages have the ability to sense how someone feels towards them if the emotion is strong.” Youngjae explained. “Really?!” Zelo said surprised. Youngjae nodded.

I furrowed my brow at this. What Youngjae said was somewhat true, but they can only feel it if they purposefully put on a spell to do that. And Youngjae never did that and Daehyun doesn’t hate Jae. Something isn’t right, we have to back to the others. An eerie feeling was coming upon me.

“But…but, Daehyun doesn’t hate you!” Zelo reassured, mostly to himself. “He…didn’t, at least.” Youngjae’s eyes were down casted. This time he was on the verge of crying. “Do you…Do you think he…turned?” Zelo asked, not even above a whisper, his voice was shaky. “…I noticed when he was telling me to leave his eyes…his irises they…turned black.” Youngjae said his voice trembling at the memory. Zelo turned pale, just the thought of it terrified him. “You guys…” I said earning their attention.

“Something isn’t right…we need to go back to camp…now.” I emphasized in all seriousness, the eerie feeling was getting worse. The two looked at me, sensing my urgency and quickly scrambled to their feet.

We quickly made our way through the forest, back to where we had come from. “Where is everyone?” Zelo asked seeing that they were all gone. “They walked ahead. Remember? I told them to go.” I informed. “Oh~…how far are they?” he asked. “They got some distance…but it won’t take long for us to catch up if we jog.” I answered. The other two nodded and so the three of us jogged along the path to catch up to the others.

As we made our way closer to them the eerie feeling I was having before worsened. I hope it’s just me and nothing serious is going on or happening, I thought to myself…more like pleaded.

But once we got close enough yelling could be heard from where we were. Zelo looked at Youngjae and I wide-eyed. We stopped jogging and walked slowly over towards the sounds. “Maybe it’s not them…maybe it’s…the DM.” Zelo whispered hopefully. However, there was slight doubt in his tone, for the voices became more and more familiar as we made our way towards the yelling.

It wasn’t just one or two voices, it sounded more like a group of people. I didn’t even bother to read their minds in fear of being right. This seriously can’t be happening. No way, we’re way too close. It has to be some sort of joke. “I am sick and tired of this! I don’t have to put up with this kind of nonsense anymore!” Jasmine’s voice was heard loud and clear.

She sounded as if she had been crying. “Nobody even did anything to you!” Min hissed. My eyes widened. Min? Why is he mad? “Min?!” Tae screeched, sounding surprised as well. “She’s calling Jayde evil!!” Min defended. “She didn’t say that. She said we should watch out for her.” Tae spoke calmly. “You agree?!” Min accused. No! Of course I don’t!” Tae quickly said. “But Jayde wouldn’t like us fighting like this.” Tae said, almost begging now.

Evil? What is she talking about? I just stood there listening closely. Zelo and Youngjae did the same. “I’m just saying that there’s a traitor and she knows it.” Jasmine said. “How can we believe you?” Lee sneered with much venom. “It’s true.” Bang’s voice was present. Zelo’s eyes widened.

“I was with Jasmine when the Oracle prophesied to us that there is a traitor among us and to watch out.” Bang explained. “Oracle? Don’t lie.” Kris murmured. “When did all of this even happen?” Himchan spoke up sounding frustrated. “Last night we heard some strange noise and no one else seemed to have heard it but us…so we went to check it out.” Bang explained.

“But how come none of us heard it?” Himchan questioned. “The Oracle thingy usually only calls certain people, so the people that it’s so called ‘calling’ are the only ones that can hear it.” Kris explained. “And the oracle rarely ever calls people unless it’s important.” Jasmine inputted.

“So that’s why I’m saying we can’t trust Jayde. She knew all this time that there’s a traitor. She said it herself, she’s the one that chose us.” Jasmine explained. “I guess she does have a point.” Himchan shrugged. “What?!” Tae screeched. “How can-,” “She is Dark Magic herself.” Jasmine said cutting him off.

“She’s the most powerful dark being there is. If she’s strongest in her own element it doesn’t make sense for her to go against it. Lee you’re a war expert, you know that.” Jasmine said. “Don’t bring me into your bull!” Lee snapped venomously. “I know you know…or maybe you’re even working with her. I wouldn’t be surprised if that were so.” She snarled back. “But what about everything she said about being united and fighting together?” Jongup spoke up.

“That’s just BS for her to throw us off. She knows we’ll believe it.” Jasmine answered. “Unfortunately, what you’re saying does make sense…” Yongguk said sounding hurt and conflicted. But before anything else could be said Zelo and Youngjae stormed angrily from behind the trees. I walked up a little closer to get a good view of the scene, but I remained hidden behind the trees.

“How dare you guys talk about Jayde like that?! Behind her back!!” Zelo snapped angrily. He narrowed his eyes at jasmine. Then he looked over at Himchan and Yongguk. “How can you even consider it?” He said disgusted. “Junhong…I never considered it.” Yongguk said, but the younger wasn’t convinced, he was too upset to be swayed back.

“I can’t believe you guys…Jayde is a good person, she cares more about us than we do of each other.” Zelo said. “That’s what she wants you to think Zelo. Think about it, of course she’d want to be closest to you because you’re valuable.” Jasmine said. “I’m not an item!! And Jayde knew nothing about a traitor. It was I who knew about a traitor, I saw it in a vision not too long ago.” Zelo confessed.

Himchan, Daehyun, and Tae looked surprised. “But Jayde knows everything.” Jasmine said. “No she doesn’t. She knows most things, but somethings she can’t see. Like the attack of the goblins, or this recent intrusion. She told me that she knew nothing of a traitor when I told her about my vision. But I couldn’t see who it was and neither does Jayde know.” Zelo said. “But why didn’t you guys tell us?” Himchan spoke up.

“Because of exactly what’s going on right now. We knew this would happen if we told you. So, we were going to look for the traitor ourselves.” Zelo explained, sounding out of breath. “Well, do you have an idea of who it is?” Jasmine asked. Everyone looked at Zelo curiously, except for Youngjae, who looked down shamefully fiddling with his fingers.

The two looked at each other nervously. “Um…I have…an idea…maybe.” Zelo said hesitantly. “But I’m not saying any names! I could be wrong.” He quickly added. Lee looked annoyed, growling deeply in his throat. “Well, I have an idea of who it is. And I know we’re all thinking of the same person.” He spoke lethally. Zelo shook his head, “lee please.” He begged. “No! He tried to ing kill Youngjae! I’m not gonna wait. I’m not gonna keep it a secret, especially if he’s going to try to kill someone he claims he loves.” Lee hissed.

Zelo and Youngjae looked at him surprised, while everyone else’s eyes slowly averted towards Daehyun who stood there wide-eyed. “Don’t act like I didn’t see anything.” Lee said to the only human, his irises turning red. “N-Not Daehyun…” Tae said in denial. “The one who’s been sneaking out at night, giving away our position. That’s how come we were attacked those two times.” Lee sneered. “That can’t be true!” Tae argued.

“Daehyun is our friend! There are no traitors!” Tae insisted. “Let Jae be the judge of that.” He said. Everyone now looked over at the same person. “Is this…true?” Kris asked, tilting his head to the side. Youngjae looked conflicted. He didn’t want to lie, but he was mostly in shock at the news of Daehyun trying to kill him. ‘Daehyun would never do that’, I read his mind. ‘Or maybe…he has turned.’ Just then Jae looked up, feeling eyes stab into his chest.

I looked over at Daehyun who was staring coldly at him, his irises black. He looked angry…the curse was taking over him. He was going to charge him. “Daehyun…” I whispered and he quickly stumbled out of it, trying to catch his breath.

“I can’t.” Youngjae finally said. Kris nodded in understanding rubbing his shoulder. “Let’s just leave it alone you guys.” Kris said. But lee ignored him. “Daehyun take off your shirt.” The vampire ordered.

“I-I’m not the traitor.” Daehyun stumbled over his words. “I’m not gonna say it again.” Lee hissed, extending his fangs.

“Lee. I said let it go.” Kris spoke sternly. “Who the made you captain?!” Lee snapped back. “I’m just saying, it’ll be best to leave it. Wait until Jayde comes.” Kris said. “Or maybe you’re the traitor huh? I mean, you did randomly join our team.” Lee said. “Now stop being irrational Lee. Don’t let your anger get the best of you.” Kris warned.

The vampire ignored him, his attention going back to the human. Lee don’t do anything stupid…I pleaded in my mind. He was notorious for having anger issues and letting it get the best of him.

“Don’t think I forgot about you human.” Lee snarled. “I’m not the traitor!” Daehyun yelled back, feeling betrayed and stabbed in the heart, which was already aching from the pain he felt earlier from almost harming Youngjae. “Daehyun please take off your shirt…before Lee does something.” Tae whimpered with worry. Daehyun sighed heavily, backing up before pulling his shirt over his shoulders. Turning around, revealing his back.

Everyone gasped at the sight of his shoulder. “I thought you said the mark was light purple.” Zelo whispered to Youngjae, who was also surprised. The color of the symbol on his shoulder blade was a bluish-black. “You traitor!” Lee gasped/yelled. “What?!” Daehyun spat.

He quickly turned around and looked to see that the color on his shoulder had changed. His eyes widened as he backed up. “I-I can explain.” He begged. “Explain what?! You can only choose to be part of the DM.” Lee said, stalking towards him, his fangs fully extended.

“Lee w-,” But Lee didn’t let Jasmine finish or even start, and was about to pounce on the human when Bang jumped in the way. His eyes a darker maroon color than Lee’s bloody ones, his fangs also out. “Lee, that’s enough.” He said in a low deep voice that came from deep in his throat. He was pressing his hand against Lee’s neck, trying to push him away... “I’m stronger than you, new born. So I advise you to move…now.” Lee threatened.

“I know you’re better than this Lee, and more rational. Don’t let your anger control you.” Bang said. “What do you know about me?” Lee’s voice was now deep. “More than you know.” Bang answered, only receiving a growl in return. Lee tried to trip Bang, but the younger stood his ground taking the chance to push the elder back with much force. Lee only moved no more than a few inches. Lee spun on his hands and tripped Bang off his feet.

Bang quickly jumped back on his feet, growling his eyes an even bloodier shade of red. His vampire was now taking over. “Yongguk.” Zelo said, trying to calm him. But it was no use, Bang’s vampire was already in full control. But before anything could happen, I stepped from behind the trees, now visible to the others.

Everyone froze, staring at me. I stared Bang down, looking him deep in his eyes, forcing his vampire to calm down.

It was silent for a long time. No one spoke, no one said a single word. It was as if everyone was scared to breathe or even blink. “Daehyun is not the traitor.” I said speaking first.

No one responded, so I went on. “I did not see a traitor, just how I didn’t see these last two attacks.” I took a deep breath, unsure whether or not I should keep going. I might as well say everything that’s on my mind, since trust seems to already be withering away. “Judging from Zelo’s vision it’s more than a traitor, it’s a spy of some sort. So they were never on our side to begin with.” I studied everyone closely. “Unfortunately…I don’t know who the spy is. But right now that is not my focus. My main focus is to win this war and stick with our original plan.

I looked at Jasmine. “Jasmine, you shouldn’t have mentioned the whole traitor thing. Especially this far into our journey. If you had a problem, you should’ve spoken to me about it. Instead of causing a scare and breaking everyone’s trust.” I spoke sternly. “What? So that you can stop me? And prevent me from revealing you?!” She spat. I narrowed my eyes at her, anger growing inside me.

“Do you not see what you just did?” I nearly snapped. “Oh! So it’s my fault?” She said with an attitude. I was about to snap back at her but I forced myself to hold my tongue and remain composed. “Unity is important.” I breathed under my breath. “Unity is important.” I repeated, looking at everyone.

“We must fight together. That is most important. We have to look out for one another, despite the whole traitor thing.” I said. They all gave me a strange look. “With that said…forget about the whole traitor thing until after the battle.” I finally said, receiving a few gasps. “Jayde, if we don’t catch the traitor, we’ll all die, or be-,” “Just do as I say and trust me.” I said, cutting Lee off. “I will deal with the traitor myself. I’ll handle it, but the rest of you…please.” I urged.

I only received reluctant silence in return. “Fine.” Jasmine spoke first, eyeing everyone suspiciously. No one else said anything except for Youngjae and Zelo, who nodded in response. I sighed, heavily seeing that it had already gotten dark fast. “Let’s set up final camp for the night. We’re right outside the DM’s core walls. We’re going to need the rest before we take one step there.” I sighed. Everyone slowly dispensed at the command, without saying a word.

That evening I sat in a corner, watching everyone as they prepared to sleep. It was awfully quiet, very few words were exchanged and when they were being exchanged, they were only to those who they were close to before the journey.

Youngjae didn’t even say a word to Himchan, Jongup, and Bang, whom he knew the least out of the six of them, and vice versa.

Lee and Bang didn’t hunt together. They left at the same time, however, they went their separate ways not even acknowledging each other. Nobody ate together either. They just nibbled on something and went straight to sleep, not to mention, everyone slept separately spread apart, paired up with only someone they knew for a while.

No game plan for tomorrow?” Kris said, sitting down next to me when just about everyone else had fallen fast asleep. I slowly shook my head, “The plan is to work together as one.” I said much doubt in my tone. The shadow seeker raised an eyebrow. “Do you doubt that, that’ll happen?” He questioned. “All I can do is hope.” Was my response.

Kris just sighed. “Don’t worry about it too much. You got it. We all got it.” He said. “We were so close…I don’t understand how things could have went wrong.” I said a weird feeling growing in my stomach. “Jayde, what are you talking about?” Kris said. “I’ve read their minds Kris. They’re not on the same page. They will fight, but they’re only going to look out for their own backs and the other person they care about, who they’ve known longer. Who they’ve trusted before all of this. And leave everyone else hanging.” I explained.

Kris just looked at me, a little irritation inside me. “Do you not know what that means Kris?! No one is going to be working together. And it’s not like I can force them to and end up being successful, it’s not going to work that way.” I nearly spat at him. “How can something that took time to develop be destroyed so easily and quickly.” I felt like I was going crazy. “That’s it!” Kris perked.

I looked at him. “What?” I asked. “Think about what you just said.” He spoke excitedly. I studied him closely, giving him my full attention.

“We were just close and tight and all happy, trusting each other with our lives right?” He began. I nodded. “And then the whole traitor situation came up and everyone started hating on one another. Even I felt betrayed and suspicious. None of us could think straight, and somehow Lee’s anger was triggered and he’s usually a rational guy…sometimes.” He went on.

I nodded, he was onto something. “So you’re saying everyone’s reaction, mostly Jasmine’s and Lee’s were…out of Character?” I questioned. The shadow seeker nodded energetically. “That could only mean one thing. There was a spell cast, not a powerful one, but one of those mood spells that just makes everyone feel angry and irrational at the moment.” Kris concluded.

A huge smile grew on my face. “I can’t believe it. I didn’t think about that. You’re a genius Kris!” I said excitedly hugging him, unconsciously. He just laughed bringing me back to reality.

I quickly released my hug, sitting up straight, dusting myself off. “I mean…for someone who’s not a Sphinx, that’s pretty impressive thinking.” I said going back to my cool façade. “Wow, thanks.” He said sarcastically, a sly smile glued to his face.

“Don’t get too full of yourself.” I said playfully pushing him.

It was silent for a moment as I began to think about the next day. “Um…so what about Daehyun? You said he’s not the traitor…even though you said you don’t know who the traitor is.” Kris brought up. “I went with my gut feeling on that. He was being controlled by witches. That gas that he was sprayed with earlier, cursed him and he was under their control. At first he was their slave, but then they marked him, making him officially part of the DM. He’s been giving away our position involuntarily.” I explained. “But why are you so sure he’s not the traitor?” Kris asked curiously.

“Because…with all of his will, he never gave away our plan.” I answered.

Kris looked shocked, with a mixture of being impressed. “Then that automatically takes him off the list of suspects.” He said. I nodded. “He’s been through a lot of pain.” I sighed sympathetically, more to myself. “What about the mark on his shoulder blade? Will it go away?” Kris asked.

I shook my head sadly. “He’s a member of the Dark magic now. Thankfully for him, he’s human, so he doesn’t have to worry about his powers working against him. But he may have random attacks where his eyes turn black and he may attack someone. But that shouldn’t be too hard for you guys to handle…” I said, stopping in the middle of my explanation before I went onto something else.

“I have a feeling that there’s more meaning behind that statement than its literal meaning.” He said catching on easily.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow…especially with the traitor and all the trust gone. Anything is possible. I feel like tomorrow’s battle won’t be our only one.” I confessed. “Jayde don’t-,” “Just listen to me Kris.” I immediately cut him off. “…I’m serious Kris…You have to promise me this…if anything happens…” I cringed a little at the thought.

I can’t believe I’m even saying this…but I have to, in case something happens. “…If anything happens…I want all of you guys to go to my sister…Karina. And follow her. She’ll help you win the war.” I finally said with much struggle.

Kris’s eyes widened. “What?! Why?! You don’t even like her!” he spat, which completely threw me off. “I’m just saying. Just in case something happens to me tomorrow.” I said. “Tomorrow, I’m not going to fight to win the war. I’m going to fight to protect you guys.” I said sternly. “Then why fight? Why not turn back and continue once everything is cleared up?” Kris questioned not understanding.

“Because, it’s too late to turn back now. You guys will be the ones fighting to win. But at all costs I will keep you all safe.” I said. “But in case something happens, you need to find her.” I repeated. “No!” He burst once more, out of character.

“I don’t want to work with anyone else. You are a great leader Jayde. You don’t realize the great things you’ve overcome. I’m not talking about historically, but naturally. You pretty much defied the laws of nature. You’re pretty much the glue that holds us together. We can’t possibly work properly without you.” Kris rambled.

“It’s not whether you want to or not. It’s a matter of what needs to be done. And when things don’t turn out the way we expect, we have to make adjustments that’ll give us the upper hand again.” I told him. “But that doesn’t mean anything has to happen to you.” Kris argued. “There’s no unity anymore Kris. Anything can happen.” I stressed to him.

“Maybe it’s not that serious. Unity is needed for anything involving teams and teamwork.” Kris said. “This is different. “So? You’re different. I’m different. All of us are different. So why do we have to apply to some rule that goes with everything? Why not do something different?” he pushed. I sighed, shaking my head, slightly smiling. “It doesn’t work that way for everything. There’s always some kind of consequence.” I said.

“Jayde listen to me.” He said staring into my eyes, his tone as serious as the look on his face. “In this arrogant world, the truth is hidden in lies, all the dreams broken on the small lips, even mistakes become big sins…and endless mystery. When the day ends after the time passes, when you close your eyes and dream…your revolution has started. Your life, your soul, your world…they cannot kill it.”

I sat there just staring back at him my eyes-wide and my body trembling at the words. “Sound familiar?” he asked. I quickly looked away, down at the ground, not saying a word.

“You told that to me and to all of the Shadow Seekers that were left after we learned that our families and our kind died out. We were young then and terrified and lost all of our families, all of our elders, all of our friends that were unlucky. But then you came and spoke to us. Those words helped us get back on our feet…we live on those words to this day.” He said.

I smiled, slightly remembering what he was talking about. But little did he know that those words weren’t mine…somebody had once told me those words long ago when I was young, someone very special…the only and first person who had believed me.

“Now, I’m saying it to you, so that you don’t leave us. Don’t let anything happen to you Jayde. I need you…we need you.” Kris said. I looked back at him. “Promise?” he said. The sincerity in his eyes were apparent and it was screaming in his tone. This was coming from deep within him. “I promise.”