CHAPTER 8
"And I was almost fooled by your act."
Sihyun chuckled, leaning in as if to whisper a secret.
"Would've been more fun if you had been."
Muwon pulled out the sorcerer chain from the bedside drawer.
"I'll put it back on myself. I doubt you'll make it easy for the guards."
Sihyun's smirk widened, but he didn't resist as he stretched his leg out lazily.
"Tch. So cautious. And here I thought we were finally bonding."
Muwon didn't respond, his fingers firm as he clasped the chain back around Sihyun's ankle.
Sihyun watched him, tilting his head.
"You know… if you keep touching me like this, I might start to think you enjoy it."
Muwon shot him an unimpressed look.
"Behave."
Sihyun merely laughed.
Yuhyun stormed into the room, his face a mixture of disbelief and frustration. He had just overheard the guards murmuring about how Prince Muwon barely dodged an attempt on his life that morning. And there was only one person reckless enough to try such a thing.
Sihyun, lounging on the cushioned floor, stretched his arms lazily, looking more amused than guilty. His lips curled into a smirk as he met Yuhyun's stunned gaze.
"You tried to kill the prince?"
Yuhyun asked in a hushed, sharp whisper. His fingers clenched into fists at his sides.
Sihyun tilted his head, feigning innocence.
"Tried? You make it sound like a failure."
His smirk widened.
"I'd say it was an experiment. And a rather fun one."
Yuhyun's jaw tensed.
"Sihyun! Do you even realize what could have happened if you succeeded?"
Sihyun chuckled, sitting up and resting his chin on his palm.
"Then I wouldn't have to see his annoying face again. Sounds like a win to me."
Yuhyun exhaled sharply, pacing the room.
"Are you out of your mind? If the prince dies, we're dead too! Or worse, they might not kill you. They might use you in ways you won't like."
His voice dropped, heavy with warning.
Sihyun waved a dismissive hand.
"Oh, please. As if they'd ever let me live freely in this place. Might as well have some fun while I can."
His eyes gleamed with mischief.
"And don't worry, dear brother. There will be plenty more chances. Next time, I won't miss."
Yuhyun's shoulders tensed at that, his heart sinking. He knew Sihyun's hatred for humans ran deep, but this wasn't just hatred—it was reckless, self-destructive determination.
"You can't keep doing this,"
Yuhyun said, his voice softer now, almost pleading.
"What if one day, you do succeed… and you regret it?"
Sihyun's smirk faltered just slightly before he scoffed.
"Regret? Don't be ridiculous, Yuhyun. I don't feel regret."
He leaned closer, his black eyes gleaming.
"Only excitement."
Yuhyun clenched his jaw, knowing arguing wouldn't change anything. But deep inside, he knew—one way or another—Sihyun was going to push things too far. And when that day came, neither of them would be ready for the consequences.
The grand hall was tense, the air thick with unspoken words. Servants and guards lined the walls, their gazes flickering between the people seated at the long table. The king sat at the head, his expression unreadable, but his fingers tapped impatiently against the armrest.
Muwon stood beside his chair, arms crossed, his face calm despite the heavy attention on him. Across from him, his childhood friends—Lee Dohyun and Jang Taejin—watched him closely, concern evident in their eyes.
The shamans sat further down, whispering among themselves, occasionally glancing toward Muwon. It was clear they had much to say but hesitated to speak first.
Then there was Sihyun. He stood between two guards, hands bound, his usual defiant smirk playing on his lips. If he was afraid, he didn't show it. Yuhyun stood beside him, eyes flickering with worry, but Sihyun ignored him, his focus entirely on the scene before him.
The king's voice cut through the silence.
"So, it's true."
His piercing gaze locked onto Sihyun.
"You tried to kill the Crown Prince."
Sihyun chuckled, tilting his head.
"Tried? You make it sound like I failed miserably."
He shot Muwon a look, lips curving in amusement.
"He got lucky."
Muwon sighed, rubbing his temple.
"You call that luck?"
He met Sihyun's gaze, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.
"You're reckless."
"Reckless?"
Dohyun repeated, leaning back in his chair.
"He's insane. You let him roam free for one night without chains, and this is what happens?"
Taejin, who had been silent until now, frowned.
"What do we do with him? This isn't a small matter."
One of the shamans finally spoke.
"Even if he is the only one who can break the curse, he is dangerous."
The king exhaled, his patience wearing thin.
"Muwon, you've seen firsthand what he is capable of. Do you still think you can control him?"
Sihyun scoffed.
"Control me? That's a funny way to describe it."
His eyes gleamed with amusement
"You all act as if I wasn't planning to kill you all eventually anyway."
Yuhyun's head snapped toward him.
"Sihyun, shut up."
But Muwon merely stared at him, his expression unreadable. Then, he turned to his father and said,
"He stays."
Silence fell over the hall.
The king's brows furrowed.
"What?"
Muwon's voice was steady.
"He stays. The ritual is working. My body is stabilizing. If he wanted me dead that badly, I would be dead."
Dohyun leaned forward.
"You're seriously defending him after he tried to kill you."
Muwon glanced at Sihyun.
"If he really wanted to kill me, he wouldn't have stopped. He's testing me. And I'm testing him too."
Sihyun blinked, surprised for the first time that morning.
The king sighed heavily.
"You're too soft, Muwon."
Muwon smiled slightly.
"Not soft. Just patient."
The king waved a hand.
"Fine. But if he tries again—"
"I know,"
Muwon interrupted, looking straight at Sihyun.
"I'll handle it."
Sihyun smirked.
"How exciting."
The tension in the room didn't ease, but the decision had been made.
For now.
Sihyun won't sit back and watch