Chapter Twenty-Seven
Istride through Ruby Hall's grand entrance with my head held high, flanked by both my mates.
Their presence radiates power and confidence, making me feel ten feet tall despite being the shortest of our trio.
Dohwan walks on my right, his usual scowl deepened by the whispers that follow in our wake.
Eunho's easy smile on my left does nothing to diminish the predatory grace of his movements.
“Did you see?”
“Both of them…”
“Another halfblood with multiple mates…”
“The diplomat's son and Elder Kang's youngest…”
The mutters bounce off me like raindrops. The weight of Dohwan's hand at the small of my back and Eunho's shoulder brushing mine with each step grounds me in what matters.
As we approach the kennels, Eunho perks up. “Oh, that reminds me—mother's here today for some council business.” He nudges Dohwan's arm. “She's been pestering me to introduce you properly since I told her about us.”
Dohwan stiffens beside me, his jaw tightening. I recognize that look—the same one he gets whenever family obligations come up. His own mother's cold disapproval has left deeper scars than he admits.
“You should go,” I say, touching his wrist. “I'll be fine here with my pups.”
“Gawon—”
“No, really.” I squeeze his hand. “This is important. And you two will just distract my sprites anyway—they're impossible to train when you're around.”
Eunho grins. “She's right. They're totally smitten with me.”
Dohwan's frown deepens as he looks between us. “I don't like leaving you alone.”
“I'm not alone—I have an entire pack of fire sprites for protection.” I gesture to the kennels where excited yips and barks already greet us. “Go meet Eunho's mother. I'll wait right here for you both after work.”
He hesitates another moment before relenting with a sharp nod. “Don't leave without us.”
“Wouldn't dream of it.” I push them both toward the main hall. “Now go, make yourselves useful somewhere else.”
I watch them walk away together, their long strides perfectly matched.
Dohwan's usual rigid posture softens slightly as Eunho leans in to murmur something that makes him snort.
They cut an impressive figure—both tall and graceful, dark heads bent toward each other as they disappear around the corner.
The female sprite's ears prick forward as I demonstrate the command again, her intelligent eyes tracking my every move. Unlike the others who bounce and bark with excitement, she remains perfectly still, analyzing.
“Come on, girl. Show me what you've got.”
She tilts her head, then executes the complex series of movements flawlessly—better than I showed her, actually. Her Malinois form moves with liquid grace, each step precise. But just as I reach for a treat, she adds an unauthorized backflip and lands with what I swear is a smirk.
“You little show-off,” I laugh, tossing her the treat anyway. She catches it mid-air with a snap of powerful jaws. “Too smart for your own good.”
Working with her is like playing chess with a particularly crafty opponent. For every command mastered, she finds three ways to bend the rules. Not maliciously—she simply refuses to be ordinary. I respect that about her, even if it means constantly staying on my toes.
She would not make a good pet. Soot is a good boy, steady and loyal.
She's … something else entirely. A force of nature packed into sleek muscle and keen intelligence.
She needs to be challenged, and that's something most people can't handle.
She reminds me a little of myself. Maybe that's why I like her so much.
The sun's already dipping below the horizon when I finally wrap up training. My shoulders are sore, and my mind feels sharp from matching wits with my clever student all afternoon.
I step out of the kennels expecting to find my mates waiting, but the courtyard is empty save for a few passing servants.
The thought of them stuck in some formal dinner with Elder Kang makes me smile.
Poor Dohwan is probably suffering through endless questions while Eunho charms his mother effortlessly.
With unexpected free time on my hands, I decide to indulge my curiosity about Ruby Hall.
The palace grounds are peaceful in the twilight, most residents either at dinner or retired to their rooms. A few fae pass me in the corridors, but their gazes slide past without lingering.
It's refreshing to explore without the usual whispers following me.
I trace my fingers along intricate wall carvings, admiring centuries of craftsmanship.
The architecture here is stunning—a seamless blend of traditional and modern elements that somehow works perfectly.
Every corner reveals some new marvel: a hidden courtyard, a ceiling mural, a window perfectly placed to capture the sunset.
My phone buzzes as I'm examining a particularly beautiful garden fountain. It's Dohwan:
“Meet us in the east residential wing. Room 374.”
I turn away from the fountain, orienting myself toward the wing he mentioned.
The evening air carries the scent of night-blooming flowers as I walk, and I find myself humming quietly.
It's nice, this peaceful moment to myself before rejoining my mates.
Even nicer knowing they're waiting for me at the end of it.
The east wing corridors stretch before me, empty and silent save for my footsteps on the polished wood. Something feels off. The usual bustle of servants and nobles is absent, replaced by an eerie stillness that makes the hair on my neck stand up.
Dark mahogany beams arch overhead, and traditional paper screens line the walls. The modern touches prevalent in other parts of Ruby Hall are absent here, as if this section remains frozen in time. My feet sink into woven floor mats as I count the room numbers.
372 … 373 … 374.
The paper screen door looks identical to the others. My fingers hover over the wooden frame as my instincts scream danger. This has trap written all over it. I should turn around, find Dohwan and Eunho, figure out what's really going on.
But fury rises in my chest at the thought of someone trying to manipulate me. I'm done being pushed around by full-blooded fae who think they can intimidate me.
I slide the door open with more force than necessary. The room beyond lies empty, illuminated only by paper lanterns that cast dancing shadows on the walls. Before I can step back, the door slides shut behind me with a decisive snap.
I turn slowly, unsurprised to find Ga-in leaning against the wall, her perfect lips curved in a smug smile. Her designer dress looks out of place among the traditional furnishings.
“Ga-in.” I keep my voice flat, bored. “Is this your attempt at revenge? How predictable.”
Her smile twists into a snarl. “I warned you to stay away from Dohwan. Now you'll face the consequences.”
I roll my eyes and cross my arms. “And exactly how was I supposed to prevent a mating bond from forming? It's not like I asked for this.”
Ga-in bares her fangs, closing the distance between us with predatory grace. “It was your filthy hands touching him that made those marks appear. You forced this.”
I scoff, cocking my hip. “How do you know he didn't touch me first? Ever think of that?”
“Dohwan would never.” Her voice drips with venom.
A laugh bubbles up from my chest. “Oh honey, you really don't know him at all, do you?”
I flash her a mocking smile, savoring the way her perfectly painted lips quiver with rage.
“Want to know something interesting? Dohwan kissed me first. He was the one who couldn't resist anymore, who finally gave in to what he wanted.” Fury blazes in her eyes as I lean closer, dropping my voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
“You know what? I'm feeling generous. I could tell you all about the things he does just for his mate. How he gets down on his knees…” I trail my fingers through the air.
“The absolutely sinful things he can do with that tongue of his…”
Her scream of rage echoes off the walls as she lunges. Something silver flashes in the lantern light and my fae instincts kick in, sending me diving to the side. The movement saves my life as a dagger whistles through the air where my throat had been.
I stare at her in disbelief, then start laughing. I can't help it—the absurdity of the situation hits me all at once.
“Did you seriously just try to stab me?” I wheeze between fits of laughter.
Her face turns an impressive shade of red. “What's so funny?” she shrieks.
I have to wipe tears from my eyes. “The fact that you brought a human weapon means you know you'd lose if we fought with magic. That's what's funny.”
Ga-in's face twists with rage. “I'll show you power!” She thrusts her hands forward, sending a jet of crimson flames straight at my head.
I sidestep easily, a laugh bubbling up as I feel my own fire surge through my veins. “That's all?” I release a blast that catches her square in the chest, sending her flying back several feet.
She crashes to the ground with a gratifying smack, her perfect hair coming undone. The shock on her face is priceless as she scrambles back to her feet.
“How dare you!” She hurls another fireball that I bat aside like a pesky fly.
We trade blasts back and forth, fire dancing across the traditional floor mats.
But it quickly becomes clear that Ga-in is outmatched.
My flames burn hotter, brighter, more controlled.
Each wave of fire I send her way drives her further back until finally, a particularly powerful blast sends her tumbling end over end to land in an ungraceful heap by the doors.
She looks up at me, hatred and humiliation twisting her perfect features. Then, to my surprise, she turns and bolts through the doors.
“Running away?” I start to follow, but the screens slam shut with a decisive snap. A heavy thud follows—the sound of a wooden beam dropping into place.
“You can't be serious.” I pound on the door. “Both Eunho and Dohwan will track my scent here. You're only making trouble for yourself!”