CHAPTER 13
But even as he closed his eyes, his heart was still pounding—not with anger, but with something else entirely.
And Muwon, as he watched him go realized that the kiss had only been the beginning of his downfall.
The moon hung full and heavy in the sky, casting a pale glow over the palace grounds. Sihyun lay in bed, his body exhausted but his mind restless. A strange sensation prickled at his skin, an eerie pull, like a whisper carried by the wind. It wasn't just a feeling—something was calling him.
He turned his head to the side, glancing at Yuhyun, who was fast asleep. His twin's breathing was steady, unaware of the invisible force tugging at Sihyun's core. It felt like magic, powerful and familiar, yet unplaceable.
Unable to shake the unease, Sihyun quietly slipped out of bed. His bare feet touched the cold floor as he moved toward the window, scanning the darkened landscape. The pull was strong, urging him forward. With a deep breath, he grabbed his cloak and stepped outside.
The night air was crisp, and the palace was silent save for the occasional rustling of leaves. He walked cautiously, following the sensation as it guided him toward the outskirts of the palace grounds. The further he went, the stronger it became, almost like a heartbeat in his chest.
Then—nothing.
The pull vanished as if it had never been there.
Sihyun stood still, his breath uneven. Was he imagining things? No, he knew magic when he felt it, and this had been real. But why did it disappear so suddenly? His gaze lingered on the distant shadows of the trees, a nagging feeling settling in his gut. Someone was out there.
But he found no answers that night.
With frustration curling in his chest, he turned back, retreating to his quarters before anyone noticed his absence.
By the time he returned to bed, the first hints of dawn were already creeping in.
The next morning, Sihyun sat at the small table in his shared quarters with Yuhyun, lazily poking at his food. His eyelids were heavy, and his body ached from lack of sleep. He barely acknowledged Yuhyun's questioning gaze, offering only a vague grunt when his twin asked what was wrong.
Before Yuhyun could press further, a knock came at the door. A palace servant entered, bowing slightly.
"His Highness, the Crown Prince, has requested both of you accompany him on a stroll."
Sihyun's fingers stilled around his chopsticks.
"…What?"
Yuhyun looked just as startled.
"The Prince?"
The servant nodded.
"Yes, both of you. You are to prepare immediately."
Sihyun exchanged glances with his twin, disbelief flickering between them.
The Crown Prince never took casual strolls with anyone, let alone prisoners.
Even the palace staff looked bewildered as the news spread. Guards whispered to one another, and the maids exchanged uncertain glances.
As Sihyun and Yuhyun stepped out of their quarters, all eyes were on them.
And at the center of it all stood Muwon, waiting.
The news traveled fast. By midday, the entire palace was abuzz with murmurs. The Crown Prince—who rarely entertained unnecessary company—had personally invited the Demon Sorcerer and his twin for a stroll.
The king was seated in his private chamber when an advisor hesitantly approached. The man bowed deeply before speaking.
"Your Majesty, I bring an unusual report regarding His Highness."
The king barely spared him a glance.
"What is it?"
The advisor hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"It seems… Prince Muwon has taken the Demon Sorcerer and his twin for a walk around the palace gardens."
Silence fell over the chamber.
The king's gaze finally lifted, his fingers pausing over the scroll he had been reading. He leaned back in his seat, expression unreadable.
"A stroll,"
he repeated.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The advisor waited, tense. The other officials in the room had stopped their quiet discussions, all ears on their ruler's reaction.
The king exhaled slowly, placing the scroll down.
"And the reason?"
"…Unknown."
A flicker of irritation crossed the king's features. Muwon was many things, but reckless was not one of them. This was… unexpected.
"Have the shamans been informed?"
"They are already aware, Your Majesty. They say it is not in their place to interfere unless the Prince seeks their counsel."
The king tapped his fingers against the armrest.
"And his friends? Do they know?"
"They were informed not long ago."
On the other side of the palace, Dohyun and Taejin had just heard the news themselves.
Dohyun nearly choked on his tea.
"He did what?"
Taejin, who was usually much calmer, looked equally surprised.
"He took them on a stroll?"
Dohyun leaned forward, his brows furrowed.
"This is Muwon we're talking about. The same man who doesn't even like making conversation with most nobles. And now he's casually taking a Demon Sorcerer and his brother for a leisurely walk?"
Taejin crossed his arms, deep in thought.
"This isn't normal."
Dohyun scoffed.
"No, it's not."
He paused, a slow smirk forming.
"But it is interesting."
Taejin shot him a look.
"You find everything entertaining."
"Not everything."
Dohyun's eyes gleamed mischievously.
"Just things that have the potential to be very messy."
Taejin sighed.
"We should find Muwon."
Dohyun grinned, standing up.
"Glad you said that, because I really want to see how he explains this."
And with that, the two of them set off, eager to find their old friend and pry the truth out of him.
The palace gates opened, and the three of them stepped out—the crown prince, the demon sorcerer, and the twin who had no place in this political game.
Sihyun walked alongside Yuhyun, arms lazily crossed, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. The sunlight felt too bright, the air too crisp. His sleepless night was catching up with him, and every step felt heavier than the last.
Muwon, of course, looked completely at ease, walking ahead of them with his usual composed air, nodding in greeting to those who bowed as he passed.