† Lioncourt De Sovereign

@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa watched him pick the various colors for the bracelet out of the wildflowers that were in her lap. She did find it interesting out of all of the flowers that she had conjured for them to use - he had picked the simple wildflowers that most thought were weeds or not actually flowers - but they were just the same. It was in contrast to the muted tones of this nation and surprising that he didn't choose flowers that matched that aesthetic more - but she smiled anyway. She watched him as he tried to make the bracelet as she wanted to reach out and help him - but stopped herself as he spoke, shrugging a bit. "You did pick very dainty and fragile flowers - but the most vibrant and colorful of them all. I should have made the stems longer so that you would have more to work with," She replied as she gently reached over to where his hands were. She tapped the petals that he bruised - revitalizing their status before they were bruised as she held his fingers for a few seconds. "Like this," She said as she guided his fingers to weave teh stems together. She rested her chin on his shoulder as she did this - her cheek barely brushing the side of his face. She pulled back, glancing down at the start of the bracelet that they had started together. "Now you try to continue and if you want my help just let me know," Yooa smiled to him as she picked out a few flowers herself as she started to weave them together.

@☠ Bang Yongguk￥✔ Her eyes diverted away from him as an unexplained feeling fluttered in the pit of her stomach. She bit her lower lip, more curios about Bang now and rather if his thoughts in this moment with her was as crazy she her's. Tossed to the back of her mind as he started guiding them, she uses her free hand to gather the long train of her outfit up to allow a better footing for her.

Nicole's hand in his felt like an unspoken promise, grounding him amidst the eerie beauty of the Lioncourt Manor. The history it held, the many souls that had lingered on to the hallways. Prince Hendery's manor was timeless, as timeless as the moment Bang was creating for her to hold on to. The shadows and light within the corridor mirrored the delicate tension. The beauty of the winter wonderland in the garden caught her breathe.

The white rose stood out amongst the red ones in the winter scenery. She shook her head, not knowing much about flowers and their meaning. Nicole watches as Bang's delicate kiss transformed the rose. The lavender hue shimmered under the moonlight, each petal sparkled, gazed locked on the flower as if he just showed her the secrets of the universe. Bang's question took her by surprised. What could a lavender color rose mean when there is endless possibilities. Mystery? Passion? Unspoken promises?

The was his ash gray eyes held her, Nicole reached out slowly, brushing her fingers against the petals. "Lavender," she murmured, soft yet resonant between them, "does it mean unknown moments?" She tilted her head, studying hum to see if what she said was even close to it. Nicole said what came first to her mind, that came to time spent with him.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥✔ All of his worries muted, when the fairy picked up the sullen moment. "Alright." Myungsoo held a handful of delicate wildflowers, their vibrant hues a stark contrast to the muted tones he usually preferred. He was attempting, with an impressive amount of concentration that bordered on pained, to weave them into a bracelet. His large, surprisingly clumsy fingers fumbled with the slender stems, occasionally bruising a delicate petal. He sighed, the sound of soft rustle in the close confines of the carriage. "Flowers are deceptively fragile." He admitted, his voice a deep baritone that resonated even at a low volume.

@† Kim Myungsoo After the interaction with the guards, the air in the carriage became awkward and quiet. There was a stillness in the carriage and quiet that Yooa didn't like that much. She didn't want this trip to be dull or sad - or them constantly apologizing to each other. She wanted it to be fun and nice. Yooa glanced up as she gave Myungsoo a smile, nodding to him. She watched him trace the lines on her hand as she smiled at him. "I can talk you through it, here this will be your vine that you'll use to attach the flowers to," Yooa handed him the braided vine that she always used to make these friendship bracelets. She moved some flowers in her lap so that he could look at the all so he could pick which ones to use. "Then you need to pick out what flowers you want to use - and then when you do - you just take the stem end of the flower, slip it through the vine, tie a not, adjust where you want the flower, and then tie it securely with another knot - then snip off the excess stem," She showed him again as she spoke through the steps. "But I will walk you through your first flower - so pick your first one," Yooa pointed at the flowers in her lap.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ After handing the flowers to his friend, Myungsoo remained quiet. There is something about slavery that doesn't sit right with the young noble man. He perched at the edge of velvet seat, shifted uncomfortably. The emblem on the carriage, usually a source of pride, felt heavy and useless within the confines of the carriage. He exhaled heavily and secretly watched the fairy from the corner of his eyes. She still continued to place the flowers on the bracelet around his wrist. Myungsoo forced a grin and took her hand, softly tracing the lines on her palm with his finger. "I'd like to make a bracelet for you. Can you talk me through it?"

@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa was placing the flowers in her lap again not wanting to get him in trouble for making a mess in teh beautiful and very expensive carriage. Her eyes shifted up at him when he took hold of her wrist telling her that he was sorry. She shook her head as he had nothing to apologize for - maybe it was her that needed to say sorry. She was a slave after all which meant she would be the one that would cause trouble for them all. "You have no reason to apologize - it's not your fault or anything. I'm okay - really," She mumbled to him She watched him start to pick up the flowers to the point where he gathered them up himself and was handing them back to her. She took in his words, nodding to him. She wanted to tell him that he didn't need to that she wasn't really worth all the trouble - but she could tell that this had worked him up so she didn't want to do or say anything that would make it worse. "Thank you for looking out for me," She finally decided to say instead, picking out some flowers in her lap that she knew had calming properties and tying them gently into the flower bracelet that was still around his wrist. She moved her hands back to her lap, playing with some of the flowers in it.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ The carriage wheels crunched on the gravel drive, the sound a stark contrast to the ethereal silence that had filled the cushioned interior. Myungsoo frowned, energy focused on muffling the strong beat of Yooa's heart. He didn't need to look nor ask, she was scared and it was clear when he looked over at her, saw her patting her eyes. He was furious. And it got worse when she suddenly bent forward and started to clean up the flowers. For the young vampire did not mind it, not her being messy. He reached down, holding one of her wrists and spoke softly. "Please." Myungsoo's eyes beaming with red hue and he could feel his jaw twitch. "I am sorry." He started to pick up the flowers himself, distracting himself from the desire to kill those soldiers. "I promise you this. No will lay a finger on you. Not a strand of hair misplaced. They have to go through me first." He gathered all the flowers before giving it to her.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ "Emily." His voice. The worried behind it. The way he pulled her back to him through space and time. It was the only thing that kept her there, kept her present, and in his room. Clouded by desire, Emily could barely comprehend what she just did, what she may have set off. But guided back by Dawn, she felt yearned for. Like she was needed in someone's life for the first time.

“You’re safe now,” she heard him, through a wavered voice. “I’ve got you. I’m here.”

The energy of the portal drained her even though her body fights to be touched. Emily turned weakly, facing him as she nuzzled against the delicate cradle of his hands - as if she would break and incinerate in front of his very eyes. Wrapping her arms around him, she held him close, body pressed against his clothed one as if it could cover her from the cool winter night. Her face buried against his chest, pressing her red stained lips over his heart, eyes succumbing to the darkness.

"Hyo....jong." Her whisper delicate compared to earlier tonight.

[ Onward with their story. Thank you for a memorable Winter Solstice party. ;) ]

@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa smiled as she had made him his friendship bracelet. She loved making things for others and giving things for others - giving gifts or making things for others was one of her love languages. She moved herself behind Myungsoo a bit as the inspection guards were talking to them. This was pretty scary to her and she didn't like it. This didn't happen in the meadows, so she didn't understand why she as being asked these questions. She gripped Myungsoo's hand hard and hid behind him as they said they needed to inspect her. "Myungie, I don't wanna do that," Yooa whispered to him to where only he could hear. It was clear that she was scared of the situation. Yooa stayed beside Myungsoo almost behind him until she knew that the guards had left.

"They aren't going to do anything to me?" Yooa asked as him as she let go of his hand. She reached up and tapped the edges of her eyes with the ends of her sleeves. She bent over a bit and started to clean up the flowers that had fallen onto the floor of the carriage. "Sorry for getting flowers everywhere, I'll clean it up," She mumbled to him while she was picking up flowers.

@† Lee Soohyuk † ♕ Hendery 1 week ago Reply
@† Lee Soohyuk The familiar vampire caught Hendery's eye. With fine red wine held in his hand and a light charming smile decorating his lips, Hendery returned the bow towards the elder vampire. "Hello, Sir Soohyuk." Hendery took in his former tudor's attire. How he was dressed for the event. Everything said beauty in the Prince's eyes. "You look ravishing tonight. How are you enjoying yourself?"

† Lee Soohyuk 1 week ago Reply
@† ♕ Hendery Lee Soohyuk stepped into the grand hall of the winter ball, his entrance punctuated by the soft click of his polished shoes against the marble floor. The air was heavy with the scent of pine and mulled wine, and chandeliers above cast a frosty glow that mirrored the snow falling outside. His sharp gaze swept the room, pausing only when he found Hendery, the vampire prince. Soohyuk’s tailored white suit, lined with gold embroidery that shimmered like starlight, a testament to his tardy arrival. He strode forward with a quiet authority, and bowed to acknowledge the young prince who had been waiting for him.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ He was amazed at Yooa's ability to be crafty as she step by step showed him how to make a woven friendship bracelets. A pure innocent smile creeping in, eyes adoring the vines and flowers that painted colour along his porcelain skin. It pained him that the heartfelt moment now being interrupted by these vampires, dressed in dark uniforms and armed to the teeth. Myungsoo was educated enough to never turn away an inspection party, they have the power to detain or kill who is lying about their identities and keeping unauthorised individuals sneaking into the vampire realm. "Yooa. House name. Status?" the burly man with thick beard, eyed Yooa warily. Her warm hand holding his and that's enough to tell him she is scared.

"Is this necessary, gentlemen?" he said, his voice dripping with aristocratic charm as he leaned out the window.

The burly man with thick beard, eyed Myungsoo and Yooa warily. "Pardon me, milord. We'll need to inspect your...companion." The vampire reached for the carriage door. Myungsoo, intervened, his hand shooting out to grasp the door handle.

"No! I think that won't be necessary, gentlemen." He said, firm. "My companion, Yooa, is a fairy of impeccable reputation and a guest in my home. I vouch for her personally."

The vampire soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, clearly uncertain how to proceed. After a tense moment, the bearded leader nodded curtly. "Very well, Sir Choi. We'll take your word for it. But be warned: we are keeping an eye on you and your..." The bearded vampire narrowed his eyes at Yooa and said, "guest."

The soldiers stepped aside, allowing the carriage to continue on its way. Myungsoo let out a sigh of relief as he settled back into his seat.

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@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa nodded as she glanced at him, tilting her head to the side and thinking about what would be the simplest to make for him. "Mhm, I think that the simplest to make would be woven friendship bracelets," Yooa nodded as she pulled out some vines and crafted some smaller flowers. "Here, I'll show you how to do it. It is really simple - just braid the vines like this," Yooa showed him how to braid the vines together. It was basically like braiding someone's hair into braids. "Then you do the same with the flowers that you wanna - just braid the stem of the flower into the vines and position the flower how you want. You can add as many flowers as you want. When you are finished, you just tie it securely like this," She tied it around his wrist, smiling up at him.

She blinked as they had stopped wondering what was going on. She wanted to ask why they had stopped and if something had happened. She moved closer to Myungsoo, reaching out and holding his hand as she was a bit scared about hearing that guards wanted to question them. She looked at him and nodded. "Okay," She mumbled to him. When they asked her for her name, she kept her head towards them - but her gaze stayed on Myungsoo since he was in front of her from the window that they were looking out of. "My name is Yooa," She told them.

@დ Jung Nicole The moment Bang felt Nicole’s smaller hand slip into his, his apprehension softened, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth that bloomed in his chest. Her acceptance of his invitation—the way her eyes lingered on him, dark and glossy with trust—stirred something he wasn’t prepared to face. Yet, he welcomed it.

Her playful nod toward the grand doors coaxed a faint chuckle from him. “Shall we?” she asked, her voice light but laced with something deeper, a hidden note he couldn’t quite place.

“We shall,” Bang replied, his tone rich with quiet amusement, as he allowed her to guide them into the vast, dimly lit corridor beyond.

The Vampire Manor was an architectural marvel—grand arches stretched above their heads, carved with stories of centuries past. Soft glimmers from enchanted chandeliers reflected against the polished obsidian floors, casting fleeting patterns that danced like ghostly waltzers.

As they passed the garden entrance, Bang slowed. Moonlight poured through the ornate glass windows, spilling silver light onto the dazzling rose bushes in full bloom. He paused, his ash-gray eyes settling on a single pristine white rose nestled among the blood-red ones. Without a word, he plucked it, the thornless stem cool against his fingers.

He turned to Nicole, holding the flower between them. “Do you know what kind of rose this is?”
Before she could answer, Bang brought the bloom to his lips. The faintest kiss brushed its petals, and a transformation began. The white bled softly, shifting to a mesmerizing, ethereal lavender, sparkling faintly as if dusted with starlight.

Bang extended it to her, his expression calm but his eyes alight with mischief. “In our culture, a Blood Rose takes on a color when kissed, revealing the intent of the gift. Each shade tells a story.” He paused, his gaze steady and smoldering. “Purple…” His lips quirked into a devastatingly handsome half-smile, “…has a meaning I think you might want to guess.”

He held the rose out, his hand unwavering, waiting for her response with a quiet confidence that made the moment pulse with unspoken possibility.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ His fangs teetering as he smiled warmly trying to help lighten the fear she had because of he was thirsty. It sounded so simple when he repeated those thoughts in his head, but the pain was too real. Yooa beamed and it is colourful again. A huge contrast against the gloomy and dampness of the forest. “Hmm. Hmm.” He motioned his shoulders up then down, lips puckering. “Can we start with something simple?” He asked.

He stared at her contemplating till they stopped moving. Behind the tiny window is Brendon’s eyes directly at him. “Why did we stop?” He raised a brow. The man hawked a loogie and sniffed. “There are royal guards wanting to check whose my passengers are.”

“Don’t they recognise the family emblem?” Myungsoo beginning to unravel as he pulled his locks.

“We do, my lord.” There was a voice outside the carriage. “But I’m afraid it is the general’s order that we check each carriage that passes through here. We have received news of a fugitive seen in the area. Besides, I could tell you have company.”

Company. A less of an ear sore for someone who isn’t us. Myungsoo rubbed his eyes and groaned. He leaned towards Yooa’s ear and with a gritted teeth whispered, “don’t look at their eyes.”

“My lord?” There was a knock.

“Fine. Alright!” Myungsoo drew the curtains harshly and was greeted by face of the undead. Two men cloaked in black robes looked inside the passenger’s seat. One holding a book and a quill. “A fairy, I see.” One of the vampires spoke, narrowing his sight at Yooa. “Your name miss?”

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@† Kim Myungsoo Yooa glanced at him seeing that there was something else on hs mind that he wanted to ask, but stopped himself when the noise from the driver interrupted his thoughts. Yooa didn't question it as she sat there with him. He probably didn't want Brendon to hear her answers or much about their conversation that Myungsoo didn't want him to know. He would probably ask her about it when they were completely alone together again.

Yooa chucked as she was told that he didn't rest. Oh right, the vampire thing. "Hehe, I forgot," She answered as she looked at him. Ah, right that. "Hmhm, okay - well make sure you tell me when you need it. I don't like seeing you in pain or whatever that was earlier - it was a bit scary," Yooa mumbled, glancing at him. Yooa then beamed at him. She pulled some flowers out of her bag and crafted some that she placed in her lap. "What kind of flower craft do you want to learn?" She asked him She caught his frown and rested her hands on top of the flowers in her lap. "Is something wrong?" She asked, shaking her head. "No, I won't get in trouble. Don't worry - she won't come for you 'cause we are friends," She reassured him, nudging his shoulder a bit.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ He raised a brow, wanting to ask more questions when he heard Brendon clearing his throat. It was a mere gesture but his senses peaking as the carriage go through the dark forest. Afraid that Yooa might slip an important information about her status and family, he nodded and reminding himself to ask her about it in a good time.

He switched seats, sunk beside the fairy and poked her cheeks. “I don’t rest, Twinkle Toes. I only feel the need to have blood.” He raised a hand, shaking his head. “But not at the moment though. Let’s make those flower crafts.” Myungsoo frowned then glanced at beautiful woman next to him. “You won’t really get in trouble to your adopted mother?”

@⚜ ♕ Emily Mei  The moment the burst of light faded, I was already moving. The heat of your scent lingered in the room—wild berries from Kirin’s Peak, sweet and intoxicating, but mingled with something sharper, something raw and untamed. My pulse pounded, panic clawing at my chest as I scanned the room.
You were gone.
“Emily!” I called, the sound of your name breaking in my throat.
My hands trembled as I turned, my eyes darting to every corner, every shadow. The bed was still unmade, the sheets clinging to the faintest trace of your warmth. I could almost see you there, curled up in your quiet torment, calling out to me. But now? Nothing. Just empty air and that maddening scent, wrapping around me like a noose.
I gritted my teeth, my claws digging into my palms as I struggled to breathe through the rising tide of fear. “Where the hell are you?” I muttered, barely able to keep my voice steady.
Then, the thought hit me—what if I’d failed you? What if, in the chaos, something had taken you? I couldn’t lose you, too. Not after everything. Not after the Labyrinth.
“Emily!” I called again, louder this time, desperation threading through my voice. My steps were frantic now, tearing through the room like a man possessed. Every corner I searched, every shadow I pushed aside, only fed the panic clawing at my throat.
And then I stopped. There it was—a flicker, a shift in the air, faint but unmistakable. Your scent hit me stronger this time, like a wave, and my heart nearly stopped. “You’re here,” I whispered, more to myself than anything. “I know you’re here. I can feel you.”
My voice softened, though my pulse still hammered against my ribs. “Emily... I need you to come back to me. Please.”
The promise I’d made to you in the Labyrinth burned in my mind like a brand. I swore I’d always protect you, even if it was from yourself.“I’ll find you,” I murmured, low and determined. “No matter where you go, no matter what’s pulling you away, I’ll bring you back. You hear me?”
But before I could take another step, a ripple of energy shimmered in the air, and you fell—straight out of nothingness, back into the room, your body trembling and glowing with sweat. My breath caught, my heart leaping as relief and terror collided in my chest.
“Emily,” I whispered, dropping to my knees beside you.
Your scent overwhelmed me, your heat radiating like a fire threatening to consume us both. I reached out, hesitating for just a moment before cradling your face in my hands. “You’re safe now,” I said, though my voice wavered. “I’ve got you. I’m here.” But as I looked into your clouded, wild red eyes, I realized the storm wasn’t over. Not even close.

@† Kim Myungsoo [H] Yooa nodded to him. "Hmhm, I think so - I mean, I am a nature fairy. Weather comes along with the package," Yooa said as she shrugged. "But, I could be wrong on the thunder and lightning - it could just be rain," She knew this would work in their favor since the sun wouldn't be out to hurt Myungsoo if they had to walk outside. But, of course, she didn't want to risk it and Myungsoo getting hurt or injured because they went outside. She would feel horrible if something happened to him.

Yooa nodded as she was told how long the trip would take. She didn't question on why that it would take that long - but she hoped that he would be okay for that long since she wasn't sure if he would need to drink blood again. "Ah gotcha - what do you want to do or talk about while we get there? You want to learn how to make flower crafts or do you wanna rest? Or we could continue to read the books that we found. I brought them with me in my bag," She patted the bag at her side. She then nodded at his warning of to make direct eye contact with anyone. "Okay, I remembered that and not do it," Yooa told her.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ “You think so?” Myungsoo scoot over and peek through the window. The sky indeed appears like a storm is coming and he could only hoped it is just another gloomy day over the kingdom. Ironic since thunder and lighting seemed to be a good time to walk around without worrying about the sun burning him to ashes. Now with her in Lioncourt, the beat of her heart is louder and stronger. Myungsoo wasn’t worried of it, no one would dare hurt Yooa while she is with him. It was the fact that she already encountered a unwelcoming party.

“I’m glad you understand.”He picked up his scattered thoughts and smiled brightly as darkness consumed their surroundings. Lines of towering trees stood like pillars protecting the rough road towards the town. “Half an hour. But the town is another hour away.” Myungsoo said, omitting the reason why they have to move out of town. He kept rubbing his palm against his lap. “Oh! Do not look at anyone in uniform directly in their eyes. They’ll try and get information out of you.”

@† Kim Myungsoo [H] Yooa glanced up at the sky, seeing that the weather was turning fast. It was good that they arrived before it stormed too much. "The sky looks like it will storm today - probably a thunder and lightning storm," Yooa main ability as a fairy was nature so she knew a lot about weather as well. She let Myungsoo lead the way of course as she climbed into the carriage. She heard them speak in a language that she didn't know - but the look on Myungsoo face it was something good or nice - so she sunk into her seat a bit when she sat down in the carriage. It was really the first time so had spoken bad about her or was this to her straight to her face. She perked up her face when Myungsoo spoke to her as to not show her sadness.

Yooa shook her head at him. "People have their ideals and their right to believe what they believe," She answered with a small shrug of her shoulders. "It doesn't bother me too much," She mumbled, meeting his gaze with a smile. She pulled Rui from resting on her shoulder to her lap. "How does it take to get your house from here?" Yooa asked him.

@❦ Kim Hyo-jong ¥✔ Everything around her felt suffocating. Her body. Her mind. Her very breath. The intensity coursing through her mind, body, and soul felt distant. The need to let go was unreasonable. Emily felt like she was not in control no more. It was nawing at her, eating her from the inside out, clawing at her skin.

With a slip of her fingers against her wet walls, Emily let out a loud gasp, red eyes clouded and widen, back arched. Her body no longer on the bed, levitating upwards. Her three tails swings in a playful manner but in truth, it draws a space time portal to keep her safe, making her invisible to the eyes of others.

His scent was strong. She knew he was in the room as her fingers starts ing wishing it was his instead. Just one touch... from his long fingers. Just one kiss... from his mouth on her hardened . Just him. Maybe that will be enough to cure the longing, the neediness.

"Oh...mmm." The tip of two tails teased each harden s. A third finger joined in as she thought of his own moving nice and slow to before ing then back in nice and deep to mess with her. "Daw...dawn..." she cries out, body fire hot covering her skin in a layer of sweat that gives off the sweet wild berries of Kirin's Peak. The more Emily thought of him, the more she pushed against her aching walls, hip bucking up to meet her hand. Her tails flicking against her sensitive buds.

She was near. Emily couldn't remember the last time she had an . Scenting him nearby and needing her just as much as she needs him was enough for her body to let go. Her knees draws together trapping in her hand, toes curled. Eyes closed, head thrown back. Her tails gave a teasing slow drag off her throwing her over the edge. Moans caught in , her body shook as she fell out of the Time portal into his bedroom once more.

She rolled into a makeshift child's pose, riding out her as she moaned into his comforter, tails surrounding her like a blanket in the middle of his bed

@☠ Bang Yongguk￥✔ His groans sends an excited chill all over her body. It stirred something deeper within her knowing that she caused that simply from her kisses. Nicole wanted to tested more. See what more she cane pull from him. What more she can give him. She was addicted and she wasn't sure on how to control herself if she let go all the way. But right now, in this moment, everything felt like it's right.

Nicole let's out a soft whine when he pulled away, nuzzling her nose against his cheeks, catching her breath. She can smell a lttle bit of a forest smell...like moss. An almost steak iron scent....with spice. Cayenne pepper specifically. A soft smile tugged at her lips. He smelt like a home made meal in a kitchen. Her favorite place to be.

She dropped her heels down, hands traveling from the back of his neck to his chest as she rest her head there closing her eyes. It was comforting being held. All the feelings making her oblivious to the shift in the room. Bang's kisses making her forget about the scene that she witness moments before. The dual colored eye mechanic that she was hurting over. All vanished and covered up by the one embracing her.

She shuddered, a shiver sending shock waves. Nicole moved carefully with Bang, big brown glossy eyes locked on his, nodding. "Still ours indeed. I shall be honored to tour it with you, Bang Yongguk." Lacing their fingers together, Nicole walked them off the dance floor grabbing another drink off the tray of the staff. "Shall we?" She nods towards the door leading out to the hallway.

@♅ Kim Junkyu ¥ The auctioneer’s voice echoed through the grand hall, his words coated with the kind of performative charm that made the bile rise in my throat. I felt your presence before I saw you again, the peculiar ripple of unease and purpose that seemed to shadow your every step. You had a look about you—a strange mix of desperation and resolve that made my chest tighten against my will. Whatever you were planning, I was certain it would complicate things for me.

I had no intention of meddling in a stranger’s schemes. My kingdom’s survival depended on finding allies and information tonight, not playing guardian to reckless angels. But then, you dared approach me again, your voice low, yet steady. "My queen," you murmured, and the irony of the title didn’t escape me. You’d caught me at my weakest—my focus fractured by that cursed artifact on the auction block, its pull like the memory of a shackle I could never fully shed.

"Do not let anyone take that item," you said, stepping into my space, your audacity almost admirable. Almost. "Use me, if it will help. Didn’t I say you can have my head? You can do whatever you want...just secure it. I know you understand what will happen if someone evil gets their hands on it."

The nerve of you. My first instinct was to lash out, to put you in your place for underestimating me. I wasn’t some fool to be swept into the fray without a second thought. But as your words lingered, their weight settled uneasily in my mind. It wasn’t just the desperation in your tone or the way your eyes darted to the artifact, a glint of something holy—or unholy—burning in them. It was the cause beneath your plea.

I saw it then: the mark of someone who had witnessed slavery’s cruel hand, who carried its scars in silence. You didn’t speak of chains or masters, but I recognized the quiet fury in your voice, the way you stood as if ready to break something unseen. How many times had I felt the same fire, swearing vengeance for those who couldn’t? How many times had I failed?

The fragment glinted under the ballroom’s gilded lights, and in that moment, I felt its pull—not the seductive promise of power, but a familiar, suffocating weight. The relic carried the Moon Goddess’s energy, an echo of a past I had tried to forsake. Yet here it was, dragging me back. It wasn’t just an object. It was a weapon, one that could destroy or deliver, depending on whose hands claimed it.

"You’re a fool," I hissed in old Draoaken, the Dragon's dead language rolling off my tongue with the kind of venom I reserved for those who truly tested my patience. It wasn’t perfect—my practice was rusty—but it was enough to curse you properly. "A reckless, insufferable fool. Do you have any idea what you’ve done by coming here?"
I wanted to stop there, to turn away and leave you to your impossible quest. But the image of the fragment haunted me, and with it came the faces of the slaves I’d freed in another life, their hollow eyes staring at me from a past I couldn’t outrun. Could I really turn my back on this? On you?

"Fine," I said at last, my voice sharp but quieter now. "I’ll help you. Not for your sake, but because that relic cannot fall into the wrong hands. And because I will not stand by while another fool is sacrificed for something greater than themselves. But if you jeopardize my mission again, angel, you’ll wish for the mercy of the gods you’ve forsaken."

I stepped closer, my breath warm against your cheek as I whispered my final warning. "You’ll follow my lead. No theatrics, no deviations. This is my world, not yours, and you’ll do well to remember it."
As the auctioneer called for the first bid, I caught the flicker of hope in your eyes and cursed myself for caring. My path was already treacherous, and now, thanks to you, it had become something far more dangerous. Yet even as the tension mounted, a part of me welcomed the chaos, the chance to prove that even in the darkest corners of this wretched world, I was still my own master.

@⚜ ♕ Emily Mei  Through the door, I could feel you. The sound of your breath—uneven, desperate—cut through the silence and into me like a blade. Your scent was everywhere now, thick and intoxicating, clouding my thoughts, testing every ounce of restraint I had left. Cedar and lilies, fire and heat—everything about you called to something primal in me, something I wasn’t sure I could control.
But I wouldn’t open that door.

Not because I didn’t want to—Gods, I wanted to. You’ve no idea how badly. I wanted to gather you into my arms, to ease the heat that’s driving you mad, to lose myself in the very thing I’ve spent my life trying to deny. You, Emily Mei, were the one constant in my life when everything else fell apart. And that’s exactly why I couldn’t let this happen. Not like this.

"You have no idea what you're doing to me, do you?" I muttered, leaning my head back against the door. My voice was low, strained, as though speaking the words aloud might make them less dangerous. "I can hear you, Emily. Every sound you make is another crack in my resolve."
I closed my eyes, drawing a breath that burned like ice in my lungs. "But this isn’t you. Not really. Whatever the Demon Prince put into those fruits, it’s twisting things. You’ll hate me for it tomorrow if I let this happen tonight."

Even through the thick wood, your scent hit me again, sharper this time. My claws dug into my palms, my body screaming at me to give in, to let instinct take over. But I wasn’t just a predator. I was more than that. I had to be.

"I’m not that man, Emily," I said, forcing my voice to steady, though it came out quieter than I intended. "No matter how much I want you—and I do—I won’t take you like this. When this happens, it’ll be when you want it, when you’re sure."
I pushed off the door, pacing the hallway, trying to drown the roaring in my ears. But when I stopped, I realized something.

The shadow beneath the door was gone.
My chest tightened, panic creeping in. "Emily?"
The silence that followed sent a chill down my spine. Spinning, I grabbed the door handle, throwing it open—only to find the room empty.
And the faint scent of lilies was already fading into the cold night air.

@❇︎ Yooa ¥ There is tension in the air like the dark clouds threatening to pour tears anytime soon. Myungsoo stood behind Yooa as the lady approached the carriage and checking his surrounding for any threat that may come their way. He fears that her scent alone may attract wayward vampires and it’ll be difficult to run them over if they decided to pounce on her. He looked over the platform and saw towering vampires in military uniform patrolling the station. The young vampire gripped the bronze handle tightly that it broke.
“Tsk.” A loud groan of exasperation came from Brendon, shaking his head at the young vampire especially when the fairy called Myungsoo “Myungie.”

The elder vampire glare at Myungsoo and spoke in his language, “The doctor won’t even dare do what you’re doing now.” But the young vampire only scoffed and got inside the carriage. “So sick of him.” He grumbled and slumped down the red leather seat but opened the small window behind him to check the coachman. The elder vampire peered into the darkness of the forest, envisioning the trail that lay ahead. Seeing that the man stopped cursing him, Myunsoo closed the window and glanced at Yooa and Rui. He immediately felt guilty and said, “I’m sorry about Brendon. He is too close-minded with these things.”

@დ Jung Nicole The warmth of Nicole’s lips against his was a contradiction Bang couldn’t ignore, a paradox of sensations that made his undead heart ache in ways he had long forgotten. Her kiss was soft yet insistent, teasing yet full of promise. Her hands tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck, pulling him closer as if she feared he might slip away. The faint chime of enchanted icicles and the lilting strings of the orchestra faded into the background, leaving only the sound of her shallow breaths mingling with his own.

He savored the moment, the world around them dissolving like snowflakes on warm skin. But then, as the tip of her tongue brushed against his lips, coaxing a deep, throaty groan from him, he became acutely aware of the shift in the room.

Bang pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as he caught his breath. The air between them crackled with unspoken emotion, yet something cold and heavy pressed against his senses. His ash-gray eyes, darkened with desire, flicked up to scan the ballroom.

There, across the sea of swaying dancers, Kang Daesung stood near the edge of the crowd. His gaze was sharp, piercing, and directed squarely at them. The moment Bang’s eyes locked onto his, Daesung’s expression morphed into something forced—a thin, brittle smile that did nothing to hide the storm brewing beneath.

Bang straightened instinctively, his hand slipping from Nicole’s cheek to settle protectively at her waist. Daesung lingered for a long, uncomfortable moment before turning abruptly on his heel and disappearing into the shadows beyond the gilded doors.

Bang’s brow furrowed. Guilt prickled at the edges of his thoughts, uninvited and unexplainable. He owed Daesung nothing. The man was a mere acquaintance, a thread in Nicole’s tapestry of connections. And yet… his thoughts remained tangled, shadowed by the questions Daesung’s departure left behind.

Were they truly just friends? And why did that possibility gnaw at him like a truth too bitter to swallow?

Bang leaned down, brushing his lips against Nicole’s temple. “Come,” he said softly, steering her toward the center of the dance floor once more. “The night is still ours. I’ve never been in the house of Lioncourt. Would you like to tour it with me?”

@☾ Dove Cameron (Continuing from the ballroom)



☾ Sora Choi￥✔ 3 days ago Reply
@☾ Dove Cameron Sora’s ruby eyes flicked down to Dove’s outstretched hand, a silent invitation wrapped in the delicacy of the moment. She allowed a slow, sensual smile to curl at her lips, letting the anticipation hang thick between them. Without missing a beat, she accepted the offered hand, her fingers brushing Dove’s with a feather-light touch that sent a shiver through her own skin.
As they moved into the dance, Sora led with flawless grace, her steps elegant yet purposeful, as if each movement was a silent conversation between them. She guided Dove effortlessly across the floor, her body close, but never too much—just enough to make the space between them charged with the heat of a thousand unspoken words.
“You’re an interesting one,” Sora murmured, her voice low and warm, threading through the orchestra’s melody. “Not often I meet someone who keeps me guessing, especially at a place like this. So, tell me, Dove—do you dance like this often, or am I just lucky?”
Dove’s eyes, sharp and icy as winter’s bite, didn’t break from Sora’s, but the slight tension in her frame didn’t go unnoticed. Sora chuckled softly, her fingers tightening around Dove’s wrist, pulling her just a little closer as they spun with fluid precision.
"Tell me," Sora continued, her voice a teasing whisper, "do you always act so composed? Or is there something...more dangerous lurking beneath that poised exterior?"
Her lips brushed against Dove’s ear as she whispered the last words, letting the heat of her breath mingle with the tension in the air. She could practically feel Dove's pulse beneath her fingertips, and it only made her more intrigued, more eager to learn the wolf's secrets.

@☠ Bang Yongguk￥✔ [From the Winter ballroom replies]

She held on tighter to him with each turn and spin as they avoided the other dancing couples on the dancefloor. Moving her handfrom his shoulder to the nape of his neck, it allowed her to move easier with him. The palm of her hand glides along the length of his neck. "Last dance? Perfect moment." She hums liking the sound of that. Bang's words were very well said. Sweet, playful, with just the same kind of teasing she did, too. "You are making this a very magical night, Sir Bang." The blush deepened from her small confession.

She observed the way he would react to each of her responses. Nicole was glad that he for once was not as reserved like the first time that she met him. He's definitely been more open to her now. It made her heart swell with happiness, knowing that he's more comfortable around her now.

And when the second song started and her feet came to a halt right between his own, her soft chocolate brown eyes flickered up to his ash grey ones. Was this the end of their dance, a moment of time that she came to enjoy far more than she could ever admit. She was not ready for it to end. Nicole leaned into his touch, heart racing against her ribcage. How does one say her name almost bringing her to her knees the way Bang just did? "Mmm." Words was going to fail her, she can just tell as her eyes focused just on him and nothing else in the moment.

With his lips pressed against her, for a split second, her world and breath halted. So many thoughts and memories of hers came flooding in. The good. The bad. All walls that she put up to protect herself, lost in the midst of his lips, cool against her heated one. A wave of emotions washed over her body, needing more of his closeness and his lips. Both hands now held on to the back of his neck, tiptoeing up to his height, returning the kiss gently. Fingers tangled with the hair at the base of his neck. Was this what it's supposed to feel like to be wanted?

Lost under the moonlight, Nicole gave in for once, letting her guard down and living in the moment. Closing the space between their bodies, her lips moved against his slowly, savoring everything of Bang Yongguk. Gentle pecks in between the longer ones, Nicole closed off the world around them. The tip of her tongue grazing against his lips teasingly. His hands on her cheeks burn, yearning for more of his touches. With a tikt of her head, her lips pressed harder as if to ask for more.