CHAPTER 31
Muwon's gaze, however, was more focused. The way Sihyun moved—effortlessly, like the magic responded to his emotions more than his commands—was captivating. He hadn't known many sorcerers, but he knew enough to realize that what Sihyun just did wasn't ordinary.
"You didn't have to make it that flashy,"
Yuhyun finally said.
"Flashy gets attention,"
Sihyun replied flatly, letting his hands drop.
"That's the point."
The last of the embers faded above them, and the silence returned—only now, it carried something heavier… a mix of curiosity, tension, and something Muwon couldn't quite name.
Not too far from the edge of the valley, the lost guards staggered through thick underbrush, exhausted and muddy. One of them suddenly paused, eyes narrowing as a soft red glow lit the sky in the distance.
"Was that…?"
the younger soldier murmured.
The eldest, squinted upward.
"Sorcerer's magic,"
he muttered.
"That's the boy's signal."
A few others gathered behind them, watching the last glimmer of the phoenix fade.
"Should we head that way?"
one asked.
The eldest nodded.
"Gather yourselves. We move now. If we wait till morning, we'll lose them again."
As the guards started making their way through the forest.
In a shadowed cave tucked deep within a rocky hill, Vanyul stood at its mouth, cloaked in darkness. His sharp eyes reflected the faint sparks that painted the sky from afar.
He watched silently, a cold smirk playing on his lips.
"So… you're already showing off again, Sihyun,"
he whispered.
The phoenix-shaped flare still lingered in his thoughts. His two shapeshifter allies appeared behind him, watching the sky as well.
"Should we move?"
the female asked.
"No,"
Vanyul replied smoothly.
"Let him come back to me… he always does."
But there was something in his eyes—part pride, part longing, and just a trace of dangerous intent.
Back at the camp, Sihyun felt a strange chill brush over his skin, like someone had whispered his name from a distance. He didn't say a word—but he knew Vanyul had seen the signal.
"They'll be here by morning,"
he said quietly, mostly to himself.
Sihyun sat by the now-dimmed fire, fingers tracing idle lines in the dirt as the red glow of his earlier signal faded from the sky. The silence hung thick between the three of them, broken only by the rustle of wind in the trees and the faint crackling of embers.
Yuhyun remained stiff beside him, arms crossed, gaze fixed ahead.
Finally, Sihyun exhaled sharply, the weight in his chest too much to ignore.
"About last night…"
he started, voice quieter than usual.
"I'm sorry, Yuhyun."
Yuhyun turned to him, eyes slightly wide with surprise.
"I shouldn't have snapped at you,"
Sihyun continued, forcing the words out.
"You didn't deserve that."
Yuhyun blinked, then softened. He gave a small nod but said nothing, his lips pressed in a firm line. The apology was rare, and he wasn't about to ignore it.
Muwon, who had been watching them from a short distance, finally stepped closer. His brows knit in concern, but his tone was calm.
"Something happened last night, didn't it?"
he asked.
"You both seem different."
Neither Sihyun nor Yuhyun responded.
Sihyun stood up, brushing dirt from his palms.
"It's nothing,"
he said quickly, avoiding both of their gazes.
"Just tired."
Yuhyun mirrored the lie, standing as well.
"We'll be fine your highness."
Muwon didn't press further, though his eyes lingered on Sihyun for a heartbeat longer than usual. He didn't believe them—but he wouldn't push. Not yet.
The forest was silent, save for the hum of crickets and the occasional rustle of wind in the trees. Sihyun sat upright, his dark eyes flickering to where Yuhyun slept soundly, curled slightly near the remains of the fire. Just beyond him, Muwon lay on his side, his breathing deep and steady.
Sihyun slowly leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to Yuhyun's forehead.
"Don't worry so much,"
he whispered.
"I'll be back before dawn."
With barely a sound, Sihyun slipped into the trees, guided by the faint pull of magic that stirred in his chest. He didn't need Vanyul to summon him anymore—his presence was enough to draw him in.
Not far from their makeshift camp, deep within the woods, the shadows shifted.
Vanyul stood with that knowing smile already on his lips.
"You came again,"
he said, his voice warm with something dangerously close to affection.
Sihyun's eyes met his, unreadable—but he didn't look away.
"Of course I did."
Vanyul took a step closer, then gestured behind him.
"I thought it was time you met them."
From the veil of shadows emerged two figures—one tall and lean, with pale blue eyes and silvery hair tied back in a braid; the other, shorter with dark green eyes, a playful smirk, and messy brown curls.
"This is Aren,"
Vanyul motioned to the silver-haired one.
"And Lira,"
he nodded to the other.
"My allies… my family, in a way."
They both bowed slightly in respect, their gazes lingering on Sihyun with quiet curiosity.
Sihyun offered a small nod in return, something inside him softening at Vanyul's pride.
"I'm glad you're not alone,"
Sihyun said sincerely.
Vanyul stepped closer again, the gap between them narrowing.
"And I'm glad you came back to me… even if just for a little while."
Their eyes locked—history swimming between them, unspoken and heavy.
And for the first time in a while, Sihyun allowed himself to smile.
Vanyul's gaze lingered on Sihyun, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
"You've grown stronger,"
he murmured, voice low and teasing.
"I saw your magic earlier… that golden flare in the sky. Subtle. Controlled. Impressive."
He tilted his head, stepping around Sihyun slowly, like a cat circling its prey.
"But still... so tame."
Sihyun arched a brow, cautious.
"It wasn't meant to impress anyone."
Vanyul chuckled softly, lifting a hand.
"Of course not. But it's still there, isn't it? That power inside you—trying to behave, trying to fit in with humans who don't even deserve to look at you."