The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the Paraidal Palace. Inside Jihoon's room, the atmosphere was anything but serene.
The prince sat cross-legged on the rug, a wooden box in his lap. Jake lounged against the sofa, his expression unusually serious as he studied Jihoon.
"So, let me get this straight," Jake began, breaking the silence. "You found this in your locker, no note, no explanation—just… this?" He gestured to the box.
Jihoon nodded, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns carved into the wood. "It's not just any box, Jake. The symbols—they match some of the runes I've seen in the old texts about the prophecy."
Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, but why didn't you tell me earlier? You know we don't have the luxury of time here, Jihoon."
"I wasn't sure it was relevant!" Jihoon shot back defensively. "And then there's Ryan—he's acting so strange, and I can't get close enough to figure out what's happening to him. He's shutting me out."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "He's not shutting you out, Jihoon. You're just not trying hard enough."
Jihoon bristled, glaring at his friend. "Oh, so it's my fault now? Have you met Ryan? He's like a fortress. I can't exactly waltz up to him and say, 'Hey, mind telling me if you're the reincarnation of an ancient demon alpha?"
Jake snorted but didn't laugh. "No, but you could at least try to be subtle about it. Get him to trust you."
"Subtle? I've been bending over backward to get close to him, but every time I think we're making progress, he pulls away."
"Then stop waiting for him to come to you," Jake said firmly, leaning forward. "You have to take control of the situation. If he's the key to all this, then we can't afford to waste time."
Jihoon frowned, his arms crossed over his chest. "And how exactly do you suggest I do that?"
Jake hesitated for a moment, then smirked—a mischievous, almost dangerous glint in his eyes. "What you have been doing up till now? Make him fall for you."
Jihoon's jaw dropped. "Are you insane? You were the one who were freaking out."
"Think about it," Jake said, shrugging. "If Ryan trusts you, really trusts you, he'll open up. You'll get the information we need without him even realizing what's happening."
"And what happens when he finds out I was playing with his feelings?" Jihoon demanded, his voice rising. "Do you have any idea what he'll do to me? To us?"
Jake's smirk faded, replaced by a somber expression. "Yeah, I do. But what other choice do we have? This prophecy isn't going to wait around while you two figure out your feelings."
Jihoon glared at him, his mind racing. The idea was reckless—no, it was suicidal. But Jake wasn't wrong. Time was slipping through their fingers like sand, and Ryan was their only lead.
"This is dangerous, Jake," Jihoon said quietly. "We're playing with fire."
Jake leaned back, his arms behind his head.
"Then don't get burned."
* * * * *
The palace was silent, its grand corridors bathed in dim, silvery light from the moon filtering through stained-glass windows. Shadows danced across the marble floors, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.
A woman emerged from the shadows, her footsteps echoing faintly in the stillness. She moved with a predatory grace, her crimson and black armor-like dress clinging to her form in a way that was both elegant and menacing. The black crystals embedded in her attire shimmered faintly, catching the sparse light. Her hair, dark as midnight, cascaded down her back, and her emerald eyes glinted with a dangerous determination.
The corridor was lined with massive paintings, each depicting grotesque creatures with glowing green eyes. Some were serpentine, others wolf-like, and one bore the form of a massive bird with claws like scythes. Each one exuded an aura of menace, their gazes following the woman as she walked.
She didn't falter. Her destination was clear—the massive door at the end of the corridor. It loomed ahead, its surface adorned with the same ancient symbols carved into Jihoon's box. The air grew colder as she approached, and the faint hum of power resonated in her ears.
The woman stopped before the door, pressing a hand to its surface. A pulse of energy rippled outward, and the door creaked open, revealing a cavernous hall beyond.
Inside, the hall was illuminated by flickering torches set in ornate sconces along the walls. The floor was polished obsidian, reflecting the eerie green glow emanating from the chandeliers above. At the center of the room stood a massive throne, carved from dark stone and adorned with glowing runes.
A figure sat upon the throne, his presence commanding. He was tall, his broad shoulders clad in a flowing black cloak that seemed to devour the light. His face was obscured by a hood, but his aura was unmistakable—powerful, unyielding, and terrifying.
Beside him stood another man, lean and sharp-featured, with an air of cold calculation. He observed the woman with a detached curiosity, his arms crossed over his chest.
The woman knelt before them, her head bowed low. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice reverent but steady. "We have found him. The real demon alpha… and possibly our king, if they succeed."
The figure on the throne leaned forward slightly, his hood shifting just enough to reveal a sharp, predatory grin. "Then it's time," he said, his voice a deep, resonant growl. "The prophecy is unfolding, and the pieces are falling into place. Prepare the others. The war is near."
The woman rose to her feet, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of fear and excitement. "As you command, Your Majesty."
She turned and left the hall, the door closing behind her with a thunderous boom. The two men exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable.
"It's only a matter of time now," the one standing said quietly. "The world will soon bow before its true ruler."
The figure on the throne chuckled, the sound dark and menacing. "And this time, once for all, this war will end."
To be continued...