Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sky outside was dark, the scent of rain was clinging to the air. The wind was strong, blowing his dark brown hair in all directions, the subway station wasn't far, hopefully he’d make it before the rain finally decided it was time. He sighed heavily as he walked down the stairs towards the station, it wasn’t busy so thankfully he managed to get a seat on the train. It wouldn’t take long for him to return to his apartment. 

He froze and looked to the side, the familiar chill ran up his spine when he saw the shadowed figures. Over time, he’d learnt to ignore them but recently the figures were becoming more bolder. Actively following him and sometimes coming close enough to try and take a swipe at him. 

Aaron knew he was special. 

He’d learnt the hard way that other people couldn’t see the shadows. He’d even considered seeing a professional about it, but knew that mentally he wasn’t sick. Whatever the shadows were they were real, and for some reason they had chosen him as a target. 

Aaron was alone, he had no family. He’d moved from America to his parents' apartment in Korea. He wanted to feel closer to his family even though they were no longer with him. 

It was hard, but Aaron was nothing if not determined. He bit his bottom lip and clenched his fist around the black feather necklace he had around his neck. He didn’t remember the origin of the necklace but knew it was important, it made him feel safe, like he was back with his parents. 

Aaron sighed and shook his head, he didn’t need to think of negative thoughts right now. He looked back over and could see that the shadowed figures were all around. The figures never had faces, just like black smog in the shapes of small people. It had frightened Aaron at first, but now it just felt like a sense of normality. 

The train announced his stop and he quickly stood up, pulling his bag onto his shoulder. Since graduating from university he’d been working menial jobs in order to maintain his parents home. Thankfully it was owned by him so he didn’t have to worry about monthly rent, but he still had bills and needed money for food. He currently worked in an office building as an accountant, it was boring and unfulfilling. But Aaron wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in the future, he had no motivation. 

“Think positive thoughts…” he grumbled to himself as he walked out of the train and into the station. He saw more shadows around, they were practically following him at this point. 

Aaron ignored them, like he always did, and walked towards his apartment complex. He made his way inside, he noticed that the shadows were only ever outside or in the stations, they didn’t bother him at work and didn’t come inside the apartment complex. It was strange but Aaron was thankful for it. He struggled to sleep anyway, he didn’t need shadowed figures loitering in his home. 

He unlocked his apartment and quickly re-locked it again, an old habit he’d always had. The apartment wasn't large but it was enough, it was the place his parents had lived before they moved to America to raise Aaron. It had a kitchenette area in the main room and a bathroom and bedroom in the other two rooms. It was enough for Aaron. 

Deciding he was feeling hungry, Aaron pulled out a ramen cup and began to prepare the noodles. He knew it wasn't healthy to live off noodles and rice but he was too exhausted to cook. The kettle whistled and he took some chopsticks from the cupboard before he sat on the sofa. He switched on his tv and began to eat, it was a newscast about the weather. It seemed like the weather was only going to get worse, more rain and storms on the way. 

Aaron sighed before he finished his food, he yawned heavily and couldn’t help but wonder if this was how he truly wanted his life to be. Lounging, eating cup ramen… he shook his head at his negative thoughts.

He turned the television off and headed towards the bathroom, showering the day away. He stared at his feet as the water poured down over him and into the plug. Aaron ran a hand through his wet hair and shook his head before he washed as quickly as he could. He just wanted to sleep. 

He climbed out the shower before he wiped the mirror of condensation. Staring at the mirror, Aaron could see the eye bags and how exhausted he looked. He knew he needed to have some time off work and some time for himself. 

Aaron shook his head, he sighed heavily before he made his way back to his bedroom and changed into some comfortable clothes. He had a day off tomorrow and knew he had to do something to distract himself from how boring his life had become. 

He chuckled at his own thoughts, Aaron needed to be more positive and he knew it. At some point his life would unexpectedly turn and he’d miss the life he had now. 

Aaron climbed into bed and set an alarm on his phone. Maybe he’d feel better after a good night's sleep. 

Aaron was suddenly hit with an overwhelming feeling that something was wrong, it pulled him from his sleep. He sat up and rubbed his eyes before he checked the clock on his bedside table. 03:03.  He yawned before he made a move to get out of bed. He didn’t understand why he’d woken up but headed out of his bedroom and into the kitchen for a glass of water. 

He frowned however when he heard a commotion outside. It sounded like people were crashing into things, Aaron sighed and shook his head. He only hoped it wasn't drunk people that would make it difficult for him to sleep again. The commotion continued, Aaron rolled his eyes before he headed towards the window, it had a good view of the alleyway. He grabbed his phone from his nightstand just in case. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw a man standing in the alleyway, he was posed like he was in a fight. Aaron was surprised to see the shadowed figures were down in the alleyway. The man could clearly see them too. Aaron gasped as he saw that the shadowed figures suddenly began to get larger and had more features than the ones Aaron usually saw. He frowned as he saw the man suddenly pull out a sword. Aaron couldn’t help but glance around, was someone making a movie? It was the only explanation. 

Aaron continued to watch with confusion, the man was fast as the shadow creatures jumped at him. He was quick to slice them; enough so that they blew up into dust. Aaron was amazed by the man’s agility but panicked when he saw the shadow creatures become larger, taller than the man now and they also had long claws and large jaws. 

The man was forced back as he was outnumbered. Aaron knew he wouldn’t be of any help but he had to do something, he couldn’t just stand by and watch. He quickly grabbed a hoodie and pulled on his shoes before he made his way down the apartment complex. He had a thought to call the police but at the same time he didn’t really understand what was going on. 

He made his way towards the apartment complex entrance, he ran around the complex and to the alleyway. Aaron’s eyes widened as he could now see the man up close, he had soft dark brown hair, he had a black mask over his mouth and nose so Aaron could only see his eyes. The man had fox-like eyes that were focused on the creatures in front of him. But suddenly the man looked behind at where Aaron was standing, his eyes widened as he saw Aaron. 

The man was distracted and it gave a chance for the creatures to attack. Aaron watched as the man fell to the floor, one of the shadow creatures on top of him as he used his sword to protect himself. He could see three other creatures approaching the man. 

“Hey!” Aaron called out. Immediately the shadow creatures turned to him. Aaron took a step back in panic, the creatures were petrifying up close. They had no eyes, only a large mouth with huge fangs and long claws. “Shit…” Aaron grumbled before he watched the creatures move towards him. The man’s eyes were looking at him worriedly but all Aaron thought was to run. He turned and headed down the alleyway, only to come to a halt when he saw one of the shadow creatures at the entrance, crouched down not standing like the others. Aaron couldn’t get out. “Shit.” He repeated as he stared at the creature. 

It growled at him, before it suddenly began to charge at him, Aaron’s eyes widened he had nothing to defend himself with. All he could do was prepare himself for impact, he closed his eyes but nothing came. He frowned and opened his eyes only to see the creature on the floor, struggling with an arrow in its chest. Not a second later it blew up into dust. 

Aaron took a cautious step back before he carefully turned around. The mysterious man was walking towards him, a bow in his hand and his sword in the other. Aaron swallowed heavily, the man looked determined as he was walking towards him. Aaron couldn’t help but take steps back as the man approached. Thankfully, the man placed the bow back onto his back, and the sword back in its holder on his waist. Aaron could see his arm was bleeding, his shirt was ripped where one of the creatures had attacked him. 

Aaron knew that the man was still a potential threat but he felt the need to ask. “A-are you alright?” 

The man stopped and pulled down his face mask. “Why did you leave your apartment?” He asked. 

Aaron’s eyes widened at the man’s visuals. He was almost ethereal. He could feel himself blush, he’d never seen a man so beautiful. “Huh? What?” There was something about the man that almost seemed familiar but Aaron couldn’t put his finger on what it was. He kept a close eye on the weapons that the man possessed. Although the man had saved him, it didn’t mean he wasn’t a threat. 

The man sighed heavily. “You were safe there,” he answered swiftly. 

“What..?” Aaron frowned before he looked over the other man cautiously. “What’s going on? Who are you?” He demanded. 

The man sighed again before he looked at Aaron with serious eyes. “Sometimes you should think about your own safety.” 

“Huh?” Aaron frowned at the almost familiarity the other man spoke to him. “What are you talking about? Who the hell are you? And what happened to the shadows?” He asked with confusion as he looked at the piles of dust. 

The man looked to the dust too before he looked back at Aaron with serious eyes. “The ones you saw before were weaker, these ones are being influenced.”

“Influenced— wait,” Aaron paused as he realised what the man had just said. “How did you know I could see them?”

The man’s eyes widened slightly, he clearly hadn’t realised he’d revealed something important. “I know more about you than you do.” He said softly. 

Aaron took a step back. “What the hell does that mean? Who are you?” 

The man took a deep breath before he suddenly bowed to Aaron. “My name is Minhyun.” 

Aaron blinked in confusion. “Minhyun…” he said the man’s name and bit his lip. “Why can you see those things?” 

The other man paused. “There’s a lot you need to know.” 

Aaron frowned. “What do you mean?”

Suddenly the sound of growling made them both look to the entrance of the alleyway again. There were more shadow creatures that looked posed ready to attack. Minhyun’s eyes widened and he quickly unsheathed his sword again. He turned to look at Aaron. “Trust me.” He suddenly said. 

Aaron was taken back. “What?”

“Run!” Minhyun bellowed. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as Minhyun suddenly pushed him. He immediately began to run, he didn’t know where but he knew he didn’t want to go back towards his apartment and potentially put others in danger. He glanced back and frowned as he realised that no one was behind him. He was confused, had he finally broken down and gone mad? Seeing shadows and a beautiful mysterious man? 

Just as he was about to turn back and head back to question his sanity, Minhyun suddenly appeared before him. Aaron didn’t know where the man even came from. “W-what? How?”

“Come with me if you want to live,” Minhyun suddenly said, his tone and expression serious. 

Aaron’s eyes widened at the implication in his words. Live ? “Huh?!”

Minhyun held his hand out to Aaron. “Now!”

Aaron nodded, he felt Minhyun take his hand before they began to run again. The streets were wet from the rain that had come down earlier in the night. Aaron chanced a look behind them but thankfully nothing was chasing them. He frowned when Minhyun slowed down, the taller man was breathing deeply. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as Minhyun suddenly stumbled. “Hey, are you alright?” He asked worriedly. 

The taller man groaned, “we need to take shelter.” 

Aaron nodded before he glanced around, there were only convenience stores open at this time of night. He bit his lip before he noticed a motel. He nodded to himself before he leaned down beside Minhyun. “We can go to that motel,” he suggested. 

Minhyun looked at him with soft eyes before he nodded. Aaron held the other man’s arm and pulled him to his feet. “Be careful,” Aaron said carefully. Minhyun smiled at him, it felt almost weirdly familiar. 

They carefully made their way towards the motel entrance before Aaron looked at Minhyun’s attire, he looked almost like a strange cosplaying assassin. He knew Minhyun’s appearance would cause questions. “Wait here, I’ll get us a room,” Aaron suggested. 

Minhyun raised a brow but nodded solemnly.

Aaron made sure Minhyun was carefully rested against the side of the motel before he made his way inside. 

There was an elderly woman behind the desk, she was reading a magazine but stopped and looked up as Aaron approached. “Good evening, can I help you?” She asked, looking at her watch as she did. 

“Is there a room available?” Aaron asked. 

She raised a brow. “I have some, yes,” she responded before she gave him a serious look. “But it’s almost 4am, if it’s one night you’ll be paying till 11am tomorrow, is that okay?” 

Aaron was thankful that she’d told him. “Yes, that’s fine.”

“Okay,” she tapped on her computer and reached for a key. “That’ll be ₩28,000.” She said. 

Aaron used his phone to pay. “Thank you.” He bowed to the elderly woman before he headed back out, key in hand. He could see Minhyun was still leaning against the wall, he was looking around worriedly. “Minhyun-ssi, let’s go,” Aaron called to him. 

The taller man nodded with a smile. 

Aaron automatically moved toward Minhyun and helped him to stand, the taller man was smiling softly in thanks. 

They headed towards the room, Aaron opened the door and kicked it with his foot before he stepped inside making sure Minhyun got inside too. The taller man gasped as Aaron carefully pulled him towards the bed and made him sit on it. 

“Shall I go to the convenience store and get something for the pain?” Aaron suggested before he made a move to go. 

Minhyun quickly reached out and grabbed his wrist to stop him. “No.” He said swiftly with a shake of his head. 

Aaron frowned at him. “But you’re hurt.” 

The taller man just offered him a gentle smile. “I’ll be okay,” he reassured. Aaron’s eyes widened and he felt his cheeks flush as Minhyun suddenly pulled his shirt off over his head. He was well sculpted, with soft abs and a strong chest. Aaron cleared his throat awkwardly, Minhyun didn’t seem fazed that he’d just pulled off his shirt. 

Aaron could see there was a deep gash in Minhyun’s side as well as the scratch on his arm. He was about to stand up and help Minhyun clean the wounds when he saw what was happening. Aaron watched with wide confused eyes as Minhyun’s injury began to close up. He gasped and took a step away in panic. “What is going on…?”

Minhyun looked to the side before he gazed at Aaron with sparkling eyes. “All you need to know now is that I will never hurt you,” he reassured. 

Aaron shook his head in irritation. “I don’t even know you!” He bellowed, he could see a defeated expression cross Minhyun’s face as he spoke. “I heard the commotion outside my apartment and instinctively went to see what was happening! I didn’t expect to see a sword wielding man attacking shadow things!” 

“Aaron-ssi, I know you’re confused,” Minhyun said calmly. “But I’m not the right person to tell you.” 

That only made Aaron more confused. “What? Then who the hell is?”

Minhyun paused before he searched for the right words to say. “Just know that people are after you, and we need to protect you from them.”

Aaron sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He sat with his head in his hands for a moment before looking back at Minhyun. “Why me?”

Minhyun looked like he was trying to find the right words to say. “Because you’re special—“

“I don’t want to be special…” Aaron growled back in agitation. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened and he carefully nodded. “I know, I’m sorry,” he replied. 

Aaron sighed heavily, he looked over at Minhyun again and could see that his wounds were practically healed. “What are you?” He asked. Minhyun looked back at him with confusion. “There’s shadows that can morph into those creatures, you can heal extremely fast,” he said pointedly. “You’re not human.” 

Minhyun shook his head. “I'm not human, no.” 

Aaron felt his heartbeat increase, nothing felt real; superhuman people? Dark shadow creatures? Aaron just couldn’t wrap his head around it all. He gave Minhyun a serious look. “Then how can I trust you?”

“I would never hurt you.” Minhyun said gently, his eyes were almost sparkling at Aaron. 

Aaron didn’t know what to say, he wanted to know what was going on but he knew Minhyun wasn’t going to say anything. It was hard, he didn’t want this to happen. 

“Maybe you should try and sleep, it’ll be easier for us to move when the sun is up.” Minhyun suddenly suggested. 

Aaron scoffed. “Why? The shadows always follow me during the day too.”

Minhyun sighed. “Please try and rest.” 

Aaron bit his bottom lip, he sighed and nodded. He knew he probably wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway but maybe if he just closed his eyes he’d wake up in his apartment and not a nasty motel room. 

Minhyun moved towards the window and sat down on the chair that was beside it. Aaron was still acutely aware that the mysterious man was shirtless. 

Aaron was surprised that he actually managed to fall asleep, he felt exhausted. 

He sat up in bed as soon as he woke up and looked around. He couldn’t help but clench his fists in the bedsheets when he realised it wasn't a dream and he was still in the motel room. He looked over at the side table where he’d placed his phone and sighed when he saw the time. 10:05. He frowned when he realised he was alone in the room. Surely he hadn’t dreamed of Minhyun… 

Almost immediately, the motel door opened and Minhyun stepped in. He was wearing all black still, but this time he had a white jacket on. He smiled at Aaron when their eyes met. “Good morning.” 

“Where did you go?” Aaron demanded. 

Minhyun blinked at him before he sighed softly, his eyes looking sad. “I went to get some food, and some clothes,” he replied. 

Aaron noticed the bags in his hand, he realised how harshly he’d spoken to Minhyun and clenched his jaw. He could see Minhyun’s weapons sitting on the small table near the door. The taller man had left them in the room, leaving Aaron alone with them. Aaron bit his lip, Minhyun trusted him. 

He nodded softly before he stood from the bed. “I’m going to wash up,” he announced. Minhyun nodded before he moved and handed Aaron one of the bags. Aaron raised a brow. 

“Some fresh clothes,” Minhyun responded with a soft smile. 

Aaron nodded and took the offered bag. Minhyun was still smiling at him as he headed into the bathroom. He still didn’t know how to react to everything that had happened but he could see the sincerity in Minhyun’s eyes. The taller man truly did want to protect him. 

Aaron quickly washed up and pulled on the new clothes that Minhyun had got him. He was surprised by how well they fit, it was a pair of jeans with a T-shirt and a hoodie. 

He opened the bathroom door and could see Minhyun had set up two bowls and some food on the small table. He now had his weapons back on his person. 

Aaron moved across the room and sat opposite the mysterious man. 

“Please eat,” Minhyun suggested. 

Aaron raised a brow as he looked at the offered food, it was obviously convenience store food but Aaron hadn’t expected anything more. 

Minhyun was watching him almost cautiously as he ate, Aaron just nodded his head to reassure him that it was enough. The silence was almost killing Aaron, he didn’t even know if they had a plan, he also didn’t know what they were running from. 

He looked up at Minhyun with a raised brow. “Where are we going…?” Aaron asked. 

Minhyun looked at him briefly before he glanced out the window. “Somewhere safe.” He answered. 

Aaron raised a brow at the vague answer. “Why, is my apartment no longer safe?” He asked. 

Minhyun looked back at him seriously. “The shadows know where you live, so do the people we need to avoid.” He responded. 

Aaron blinked in confusion. “Who are they? I’ve never done anything to invoke people to come after me…” he trailed off worriedly, he just hoped that he hadn’t put anyone else in danger. 

Minhyun reached over and placed a hand over Aaron’s own. “It’s not your fault, hyung.” He said gently. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “Hyung?”

Minhyun quickly pulled his hand back and turned away, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Ah, I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay,” Aaron reassured, it felt weirdly comforting when Minhyun used familiarity with him. “You just surprised me, that's all.” 

Minhyun still looked worried. “If it makes you uncomfortable I won’t—“

“I said it’s okay,” Aaron cut him off with a reassuring smile. Minhyun nodded back at him with a pretty smile of his own. 

“We should head out soon,” Minhyun announced. 

Aaron nodded before he reached for the motel room key. “I’ll go check out,” Aaron suggested getting a nod back from Minhyun. They both made their way out of the motel room. Aaron couldn’t help but wonder what Minhyun was going to do with his weapons on show, surely people would point it out. 

He thanked the younger man that was on the reception and made his way back outside. Aaron frowned when he realised he couldn’t see Minhyun. He bit his lip as he was suddenly hit with a worried thought again, what if he’d dreamed it all—

“Aaron-hyung?”

Aaron turned and smiled as he saw Minhyun walking towards him. The taller man had a confused expression on his face. “Minhyun-ah,”  Aaron sighed in relief. He didn’t know if he really was thankful that he hadn’t dreamt everything. 

Minhyun smiled softly at him, Aaron didn’t really care much for Korean honorifics but the taller man seemed to appreciate the familiarity Aaron called him with. “Let’s go.”

As they walked down the bustling streets of Seoul, Aaron couldn’t help but notice that no one seemed to look at Minhyun’s weapons. The taller man had a bow and arrow on his back and a sword on his waist, he stuck out like a sore thumb. “Why isn’t anyone saying anything about your weapons?” He asked. 

Minhyun looked at him briefly but continued to walk. “They can’t see them…”

Aaron raised a brow at his answer. “What do you mean?”

“Only certain humans can see them,” Minhyun responded. 

Aaron paused, walking slower behind Minhyun. “Certain humans? What do you mean by that?” He asked. 

Minhyun turned and sighed softly. “We need to head towards Daehwa station.” He said distractedly. 

Aaron reached for Minhyun as the taller man turned to walk away, Aaron grabbed his wrist to stop him. “Minhyun-ah, don’t ignore my question.”

“Hyung, please let me get you to safety,” Minhyun replied with gentle eyes. “Then I can answer your questions.” He added in reassurance. 

Aaron just glared at him, he felt completely in the dark about everything still. He sighed heavily before he released Minhyun’s wrist. “Daehwa station…” he repeated. Minhyun smiled and nodded at him. “Do we need to head so far out of Seoul?” 

“Yes.” Minhyun responded before he began to walk again. 

Aaron was beside him, it was getting busier as they walked towards the station. “Is there a specific place we’re heading to?” Aaron asked. 

Minhyun nodded in response. “Yes, there’s others that will help us.” 

Aaron frowned at that, he didn’t know what he’d got himself involved with but now there were more people that were going to help him? Why would they? Aaron couldn’t understand why. 

They made their way into the closest station, Aaron could see Minhyun pause before the taller man looked at the train map with a tilt of his head. Aaron couldn’t help but chuckle. Minhyun looked back at him with confused blinking eyes. 

“Daehwa station? Maybe you should follow me, Minhyun-ah.” Aaron suggested making Minhyun nod his head softly. Aaron pulled out his phone and quickly found the quickest route on his Kakao maps. 

Aaron led the way through the station, he looked at Minhyun curiously as they approached the gates. Did the taller man even have a way to get onto the platform? Aaron used his phone to pay the toll, he frowned as Minhyun just walked through, the gates didn’t even close on him. Aaron was confused but decided it wasn’t as important as the other questions he had for Minhyun to answer. 

They were in a busier station in the centre of Seoul, so the platform was full of people. Aaron couldn’t help but notice a group of high school girls looking at Minhyun and giggling. Aaron narrowed his eyes on them, Minhyun was oblivious as he just looked at Aaron curiously. “Hyung?”

“How do you not draw attention wherever you go?” Aaron asked him with a sigh. 

Minhyun tilted his head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Aaron gestured to where the high schoolers were. “Those girls may as well take pictures of you,” he grumbled with a roll of his eyes. Aaron didn’t know why it irritated him so much. 

Minhyun bit his bottom lip and looked at Aaron with careful eyes. “Hyung…”

Aaron just shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. “The trains here, come on.” 

Aaron knew he was acting almost childish about it but he was irritated. The train was busy as they stepped on, Aaron bit his lip and he and Minhyun had to stand up. The high school girls were still glancing over at Minhyun and giggling. Aaron sighed heavily before he instinctively moved closer to Minhyun. The taller man was still looking at him and smiling, he looked unbothered by the attention he was receiving from the girls. He seemed more attentive to Aaron. 

Aaron grumbled at his thoughts, Minhyun was only attentive to him because he was protecting him. But why is he protecting me? Aaron’s thoughts provided. He had so much he wanted to ask Minhyun, but he knew the other man wouldn’t answer until they were safe. 

The train jolted as it stopped at one of the stations, Aaron accidentally stumbled but felt Minhyun’s hand on his waist, holding him carefully. “Hyung, are you alright?” 

Aaron realised that the girls were now frowning at them and some of the others on the train were looking at them curiously. He quickly pulled away from Minhyun and nodded. 

Aaron looked at his feet and felt like a fool, Minhyun was still looking at him with his pretty eyes. Aaron wanted them to be off the train, or at least wanted the train to be less busy. It seemed like at every station, no one got off but more people squeezed on. Aaron and Minhyun were standing so close together, Aaron could practically feel the younger man’s warmth. 

Aaron quickly glanced at the map and tried to keep his thoughts on the route they were going. “We have to transfer here, Minhyun-ah,” he announced to the taller man. 

Minhyun smiled and nodded. “Okay, hyung.” 

Thankfully, because they were further out of Seoul, it wasn't as busy in the station. They headed to the next train and Aaron breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the car was practically empty. Aaron and Minhyun sat down next to each other, they were at the back of the train with only a few other people sitting. 

Aaron sighed as he sat back, glad that they finally had a seat. It wouldn’t take too long for them to get to the station, but now Aaron was suddenly hit with the realisation that he’d practically just left his life behind. He couldn’t go to work if he was hiding away from people that potentially wanted him dead. Just the thought made him shiver. 

“Hyung?” Minhyun asked cautiously, noticing Aaron’s discomfort. 

Aaron smiled reassuringly at him. “Sorry…”

“I know it’s hard, hyung, but everything will make sense soon,” Minhyun reassured, he looked almost guilty that he hadn’t told Aaron anything. 

Aaron smiled at him reassuringly and nodded. He placed a comforting hand on Minhyun’s thigh too, just so he knew that Aaron had no ill feelings towards him. 

Minhyun’s head suddenly fell to his shoulder. Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw the relaxed expression on Minhyun’s pretty features. The mysterious man looked worn out, Aaron only hoped that Minhyun had rested after the fight he’d had with the shadow creatures.

The few people that were in the car with them began to leave one by one, soon enough it was only Aaron and Minhyun. It wouldn’t be long till they arrived at the right station. 

Aaron raised a brow slightly as a man entered the car, he had a large hood up so Aaron couldn’t see his face. But Aaron was even more concerned when the man didn’t sit down but instead stood at the other end of the car. 

Minhyun shuffled beside him, almost like he could sense Aaron’s worry. “Hyung?” He said softly. 

“Something’s not right,” Aaron said as he kept his eyes on the man. 

Minhyun frowned before he looked over at where Aaron was looking. Minhyun quickly stood up and drew his sword. “Hyung get behind me,” he ordered. 

Aaron frowned but did as Minhyun said. He watched as the man in front of them raised his head, he could see the man smirk playfully. Aaron watched in horror as the hooded man pulled out a sword of his own. 

Aaron felt Minhyun push him before he watched as Minhyun charged at the other man. Their swords clashed. 

Aaron was worried that someone else would see, would come onto the train and be caught up in their fight too. But when the train came to another stop, the doors didn’t open. Aaron realised that it also meant they were trapped. 

Minhyun was suddenly forced into the wall by the other man. “Minhyun!” Aaron called to him and helped the younger man to his feet. Minhyun growled at the man before them. 

Aaron looked over and watched the man take his hood down. He looked younger than Aaron, he had black hair which fell into his large alluring eyes. Aaron noticed a large black tattoo on the side of the man’s neck, it was of a lotus flower. He was also dressed in black, and he was built bigger than Minhyun. 

“Give it up, Minhyun,” the man suddenly said. 

“Youngjo.” Minhyun growled the man’s name. 

Aaron didn’t understand who the man was and what he wanted. 

The man, Youngjo, shook his head at them. His eyes were glancing between them. “You know you can’t stop this,” Youngjo warned. 

“Watch me.” Minhyun growled darkly before he suddenly charged at Youngjo. Again their swords clashed, only now Aaron watched as Minhyun’s sword glowed blue and a burst of energy forced the other man back. Aaron was amazed at Minhyun’s abilities. 

The train was coming to another station, Aaron could see Minhyun was walking over to him with determined eyes, he handed Aaron a piece of paper, inside was a note and a key. Aaron frowned as he looked down at it. “Minhyun-ah?”

Youngjo growled as he stood from where he was crouched on the floor, gripping his sword tightly in his hand. 

Minhyun could see Youngjo was preparing for another attack. He looked back at Aaron quickly. “Go to this address,” he instructed. 

Aaron frowned. “What? But—“

Minhyun’s eyes widened and he quickly blocked Youngjo’s attack before he looked back at Aaron with serious eyes. “Hyung now!” 

Aaron saw the train doors open, he quickly made his way off the train. He looked back into the car and could see Minhyun was holding Youngjo back. Aaron watched in panic as the train doors closed and the two continued to fight. Aaron could only hope Minhyun would be okay, the younger man was a good fighter but it seemed as though whoever Youngjo was he was just as good a fighter. 

Aaron held the piece of paper in his fist and made his way towards the exit to the station. There were still a few stops till he would reach Daehwa station but now he had to find an alternative route. 

He couldn’t help but worry about Minhyun as he walked through the station. The younger man was already exhausted after fighting the shadow creatures. 

Aaron was hit with a wave of guilt, he’d just stood there as Minhyun was protecting him. He felt useless and powerless. Aaron clenched his jaw, he knew Minhyun would be okay. 

To make sure he stayed off people's radars, Aaron decided the safest option was to get a taxi. He gave the driver the piece of paper and they began to drive. Aaron hadn’t ever been this far out of Seoul, everything was unfamiliar and now he was alone. The taxi ride wasn’t long, but they were driving into more rural areas, gone were the convenience stores and the train stations. Only a road and a few scattered homes. Soon they were pulling up to a small house. Aaron frowned slightly, it looked like a family home. 

“You sure this is the place?” The taxi driver asked. 

Aaron nodded. “Thank you.” He paid on his phone and climbed out the cab. He couldn’t help but frown in confusion as he opened the small gate and walked down towards the front door. Everything just seemed so out of place. He held the small key Minhyun had given him in his hand as he approached the front door. 

He bit his lip before he carefully unlocked the door. The door creaked open, and Aaron stepped inside. The house was dark, only the sunlight from outside was lighting it up. He took cautious steps before he pulled out his phone and turned on the torch. He raised a brow as he walked through the house, it was dusty like it’d been inhabited for a while. Aaron couldn’t understand why Minhyun had sent him here. 

He swallowed nervously as he walked further into the house, he saw a light switch and attempted to turn on the lights but it did nothing. 

Aaron kept his phone torch on, but knew his battery was running low. He headed into one of the rooms and frowned slightly when he saw all the furniture had sheets over them. He made his way towards one of the cupboards and could see a photo frame sitting on it. Aaron picked it up, his eyes widened when he realised it was a picture of a family, Minhyun’s family. 

Aaron froze. 

He dropped his phone when he felt something at the back of his head before he heard the distinct sound of a gun clicking. 

“Who are you?” 

Chapter Text

Minhyun growled as Youngjo forced him against the wall. He fell to the ground, Youngjo moved away from him and glared darkly. 

“Where did you send him?” Youngjo demanded. 

Minhyun wiped some blood from his mouth before he scoffed at the other man. “Like I’d—tell you,” Minhyun responded with a growl. 

Youngjo sighed heavily and shook his head, his eyes were dark. “You’re making things more difficult,” he growled in irritation. 

Minhyun held his sword in his hand steady and glared at the other man. “You’ll never get him.” 

Youngjo narrowed his eyes before he pulled his sword out again, he roared as he charged at Minhyun again. Minhyun quickly raised his sword to block the attack but was forced back again. Minhyun was unable to stop Youngjo’s attacks, he quickly jumped out of the way and stumbled to the floor. He was also trying to focus on keeping the train doors closed so that humans didn’t unintentionally get involved. 

Youngjo’s eyes narrowed, “end this now and tell me where he is!” He bellowed. 

Minhyun shook his head, he used his sword to help him stand before he looked at Youngjo with dark eyes. He shook his head, he’d never let the other man know where Aaron was. He knew Youngjo was stronger than him right now, Minhyun had used his energy to fend off the shadow creatures before. Minhyun’s eyes widened as he saw Youngjo walking towards him, the other man looked agitated. He could see the lotus flower tattoo on Youngjo’s neck was turning darker. “Youngjo—“

“Tell me where he is.” Youngjo growled out as he lifted his sword. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened, he prepared for the blow but instead heard Youngjo yelp in pain. He opened his eyes and could see an arrow pointing out of the other man’s shoulder. Youngjo was holding his wound, growling as he looked at the now open door of the train. 

Minhyun looked back at the door and smiled in relief when he saw a familiar face. “Dongho!” He called to the man. 

“Back off,” Dongho growled as he pulled back his bow and arrow and aimed it at Youngjo again. He was dressed all in black, his brown hair falling in his eyes as he focused his aim on Youngjo.  

The injured man growled as Dongho walked further into the train, standing in front of Minhyun protectively. Dongho narrowed his eyes before he released another arrow. Youngjo clenched his jaw before he was engulfed into black smoke, disappearing from the train and making the arrow crash into the side of the train. 

Dongho growled as he looked at the smoke where Youngjo had stood. “Coward.” He grit out angrily. 

“Dongho-yah…”

Dongho’s eyes widened before he turned to his fallen comrade. “Minhyun-ah, can you stand?” He asked as he crouched beside the other man, he placed an arm around Minhyun’s waist and helped him stand. “What were you doing?” He asked in confusion, Minhyun usually stayed away from conflict. 

Minhyun turned to look at him with serious eyes. “I found him.”

Dongho’s eyes widened at what Minhyun was implying. “What..?”

“We have to go…” Minhyun gasped before he fell to the floor again. 

“Minhyun!” Dongho quickly moved beside the other man. “Shit.” Dongho growled as he saw the state of the train, he bit his bottom lip, his fangs catching on the skin. He didn’t have time, he had to get Minhyun to safety. They were coming to another train station. Dongho held Minhyun close before they were engulfed in black smoke and disappeared. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

“Who are you?” The voice was deep, dark. 

Aaron swallowed heavily. He held his hands up, he didn’t want the person to think he was a threat. His hands were trembling as he explained. “M-minhyun sent me here.”

There was a pause, Aaron could feel the gun being moved away from his head. “Minhyun-hyung?” The man said, he sounded almost confused. 

It was silent for a while before Aaron heard the man’s footsteps. Aaron yelped as the lights suddenly came on, the sudden light made him squint. Aaron turned around and could see a man standing there. 

He was watching Aaron carefully, he had his black hair styled off his face. His eyes were dark and were almost fox-like, he looked a bit like Minhyun. Aaron could see the man had placed his gun away, he had two guns on each thigh. Black jeans and a black wife-beater.

“You’re him.” The man raised a brow before he crossed his arms over his chest. 

Aaron frowned at the man’s words. “Him?” He repeated with confusion. 

The man nodded. “The one they’re after.” 

Aaron bit his lip, clenching his fists at his sides before he looked at the man with a glare. “You seem to know who I am, who are you?”

“I’m Geonhak,” the man introduced himself. “Minhyun-hyung is my cousin.” He added. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “Cousin…” he looked the man, Geonhak, up and down. “So you’re not human…” he commented. 

“Huh?” Geonhak raised a brow before he sighed heavily. “Didn’t Minhyun-hyung tell you?” He inquired. 

Aaron shook his head. “He didn’t tell me anything.”

Geonhak rolled his eyes. “Of course he didn’t…” he sighed heavily and shook his head in despair before he looked back at Aaron and nodded at him. “Follow me.”

Aaron nodded, Geonhak began to walk back through the house before he headed towards a bookshelf. “What is this place…?” Aaron asked. 

“A safe house.” Geonhak responded swiftly. 

Aaron raised a brow. “There were pictures of Minhyun.” He commented. 

Geonhak sighed before he turned to look at Aaron with careful eyes. “It’s an old family house.” He said before he turned to fully face Aaron, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Where is Minhyun-hyung? He said you were together.” 

Aaron wondered when Minhyun had contacted Geonhak, he suddenly was hit with the realisation that Minhyun was probably still fighting Youngjo. “Someone attacked us on the train,” he explained. 

Geonhak sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. “Shit…”

Aaron looked at the younger man with worried eyes. “Will he be okay?” He asked cautiously. Aaron already felt terrible for leaving Minhyun to fight alone. 

“Depends what attacked you.” Geonhak answered with a careful expression. 

Aaron bit his bottom lip as he remembered the hooded man. “A man, Minhyun called him Youngjo.”

Geonhak's eyes widened. “Shit.” He growled in response. 

Aaron didn’t like the way Geonhak suddenly looked worried. “Will he be okay? If Minhyun gets hurt it’ll be all my fault and I—“

“Hey, have some faith in him,” Geonhak smiled reassuringly at Aaron. 

Aaron frowned at him. “I do…” he responded. He’d seen how determined Minhyun was when he’d fought the shadow creatures and how he’d kept Youngjo away from him. 

“Good,” Geonhak smiled, he turned around and looked at the bookshelf. “The problem now is that they know you’re on the move,” he commented. 

Aaron was trying to look at Geonhak’s expression but the younger man was too busy looking through the bookshelves. “Who is after me?” Aaron asked carefully. 

Geonhak sighed before he suddenly pulled out one of the books. Like something from a sci-fi movie, the bookcase opened and revealed a small room. “Get in,” Geonhak instructed. 

Aaron climbed in and noticed that the small room was an elevator. Geonhak typed in a pin code on the side of the elevator and it began to move down. 

It opened again and Geonhak stepped out, Aaron close behind him. It looked like a hideout, there were some computers to one side and some wardrobes at the other. There was also a fridge and a small kitchenette. There were two other doors which Aaron presumed was a bathroom and a bedroom. Aaron could see a large pinboard with news clippings and pictures on it. “This is crazy…” Aaron said carefully. 

Geonhak scoffed. “This ain’t even the crazy part…” 

Aaron sighed heavily before he looked at Geonhak with confused eyes. “Geonhak-ssi, what’s going on?” He needed to know what the hell he was involved in and Geonhak didn’t seem the sort to hide things. 

Geonhak took a deep breath before he gestured for Aaron to sit down. “First of all, I want to clarify to you that I am human.” He suddenly announced. 

Aaron frowned. “But how? Minhyun isn't…” 

“My umma fell in love with a human,” Geonhak explained with a smile. “So I’m a rare half breed,” he continued with a nonchalant expression. 

Aaron bit his lip. “What species is your umma…?” Whatever Geonhak answered would also tell him what species Minhyun was. 

“My umma is a Valkyrie.” Geonhak replied. 

Aaron blinked. Confusion laced in his expression. “A Valkyrie?” He repeated. He didn’t even know what to expect, he’d never even heard of it before. 

Geonhak nodded. “Basically an advanced vampire.” He explained. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “Minhyun is a vampire…?”

“Yeah,” Geonhak responded. 

Aaron ran a hand through his hair as he remembered the way Minhyun’s wounds had healed so quickly and how fast he was when he was fighting the shadow creatures and Youngjo. “That’s why he healed so fast…” 

“There’s supernatural beings out there, living amongst humans.” Geonhak explained, he ran a hand through his hair as he leaned against the table. “Most of them stay hidden from humans and want nothing to do with them, others want a war.” 

Aaron gasped. “A war?”

Geonhak nodded. “Unfortunately yeah,” he replied. 

Aaron shook his head. “Shit…” he sighed heavily before he looked over at the other man again. “Why do you have guns?” He asked. 

Geonhak scoffed. “Cos I’m not an idiot.”

“Minhyun has a sword and arrows,” Aaron responded with a raised brow. 

Geonhak shrugged his shoulders. “I find guns more effective.” He answered. 

Aaron sighed before he looked around the hideout. He couldn’t help but wonder how long it’d been under the home and how long people had been after him. “How do I fit into all this?” He asked cautiously. 

Geonhak looked at him seriously before he took a deep breath. “Your blood is what they’re after.” He responded. 

Aaron frowned. “My blood?”

“You’re what they call a ‘pure-soul,’” Geonhak explained. 

Aaron shook his head in disbelief. “Pure-soul..?” He repeated with a more confused expression. 

Geonhak was watching him carefully as he continued. “Some people have blood so pure that it has immortal properties.” 

“I-immortal?” Aaron repeated, he didn’t understand any of this but now it was getting almost unbelievable. 

Geonhak scoffed. “Yeah, sounds like shit to me,” he commented before he shrugged. “But if they’ve started coming after you there must be some truth behind it all.” He added cautiously. 

Aaron just shook his head at the younger man. “But to say I can make people immortal…” he was giving Geonhak an expression of disbelief. 

Geonhak nodded. “I wouldn’t believe it but with some of the things I’ve seen…” he trailed off and shrugged his shoulders. 

“Shit…” Aaron growled. He growled slightly at Geonhak’s implication. “Then why is Minhyun helping me? If my blood can potentially make someone immortal then why isn’t he… trying to kill me?” 

“Ask him.” Geonhak gestured to a screen. 

“Huh?” Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw two figures walking down towards the small family house. “Minhyun…”

Geonhak nodded before he took one of his guns out of his holder, Aaron frowned at him as he watched the other man walk towards the elevator door. Geonhak held the gun up and aimed it at the door. 

Aaron’s eyes widened in panic. “What are you doing?” He asked. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes, he looked determined. “A precaution.” 

The sound of the elevator going up made Aaron suddenly feel nervous. There were two people that they’d seen on the camera, which meant that Minhyun was with someone. 

Geonhak cocked the gun as the elevator approached the hideout. Aaron was standing back, he hoped that nothing bad would happen. 

The door opened and an unfamiliar man grabbed the barrel of the gun and turned it away. “Put that shit down,” he growled. 

Geonhak scoffed. “Good to see you too, Dongho-hyung.”

The unfamiliar man, Dongho, was holding Minhyun up. Minhyun looked injured. “Help me with Minhyun,” Dongho asked as he gestured for Geonhak to come closer. 

Geonhak looked at his cousin with worried eyes. “Hyung…” he moved to Minhyun’s other side and put his arm over his shoulder. 

Minhyun looked up and smiled when he saw Geonhak’s familiar face. “Geonhak-ah, is Aaron—“

“He’s fine.” Geonhak reassured quickly with a roll of his eyes. 

Aaron bit his lip, even when Minhyun was in pain and weak he still worried about Aaron first. “Minhyun-ah,” Aaron stepped closer and looked at the Valkyrie with worried eyes. 

Minhyun’s eyes were practically sparkling as he looked at Aaron. “Hyung…”

They moved past Aaron and towards one of the other doors. Geonhak kicked it open and inside was a small bedroom. They both carefully put Minhyun down. 

“Lay down, you need to rest,” Geonhak instructed as he forced Minhyun to lay on the small bed. The Valkyrie struggled for a moment before he relaxed. 

“I-I can heal,” Minhyun argued, making Geonhak scoff at his cousin. 

“Not without blood you can’t.” Dongho announced. 

Aaron’s eyes widened at his words, he watched as the unfamiliar man walked towards the small fridge, he walked back with a blood bag and handed it to Minhyun.  

Minhyun began to drink from the bag carefully, he refused to look in Aaron’s direction as he did. Geonhak sighed heavily as he noticed how awkward Minhyun was. “Rest,” he instructed before he moved towards where Aaron was standing, “you’re making him uncomfortable.” Geonhak commented, grabbing Aaron’s arm and pulling him from the room. 

Aaron bit his lip, he was still trying to work everything out. He sat down back in the main room and watched as Dongho moved into it after them. 

The man walked up to him with a friendly smile. “We’ve not been introduced, I’m Dongho,” he said as he held his hand out for Aaron to take. 

Aaron smiled and took the offered handshake. “Aaron.” He responded. 

Dongho was looking at him closely, Aaron couldn’t help but feel slightly awkward under the handsome man’s eyes. Dongho scoffed suddenly. “I’m a vampire,” he suddenly said. 

Aaron frowned. “H-huh?”

“I could see in your eyes your curiosity.” Dongho responded nonchalantly with a grin.  

Aaron chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m sorry—“

“No, don’t apologise, I get this is all confusing for you.” Dongho reassured with a nod. 

Aaron nodded in response. He looked back over at the room where Minhyun was recovering. He wanted to know why these people were helping him. He looked back at where Geonhak was standing near the pinboard with pictures of people. Including the man that had attacked them on the train. “Why are you all helping me?”

“Because you deserve to live.” Minhyun’s voice came from the doorway. The Valkyrie was leaning against the doorframe. 

Dongho sighed and shook his head at Minhyun. 

“Minhyun-ah…” Aaron smiled at him softly. 

Minhyun stood straight and carefully made his way over to where Geonhak was, the younger man looking at his cousin with worried eyes. 

Minhyun gestured for Aaron to come closer. Aaron made his way towards the table and the pinboard. Minhyun smiled at him softly before he gestured to the board. Aaron could see there were four pictures of people including Youngjo. Three of them were in a line with one of the pictures on top, like a hierarchy. 

“These are the ones that are out to hurt you,” Minhyun explained. Aaron swallowed heavily. “Kim Youngjo, incubus,” Minhyun announced. Aaron looked at the man’s picture and couldn’t help but shiver. 

“Jeon Soyeon, vampire,” Aaron looked at the only female on the board. 

“Choi Seungcheol, werewolf.” The man looked determined in the picture. 

“And the one that controls them, the one that wants to find you. Jung Jihoon, known as Rain.” Minhyun finished. 

Aaron looked over the four pictures and bit his lip, all his life he’d had people trying to find him to kill him. He frowned slightly. “What species is Rain?” Aaron asked as he looked at the picture of the man, he looked like someone Aaron wouldn’t want to see. 

Geonhak and Minhyun looked at each other carefully. Minhyun smiled at Aaron carefully. “He’s a warlock,” he replied. 

Aaron tilted his head with a puzzled expression. “Warlock? Like a wizard?”

“Exactly, he’s the most dangerous and has the other three under his control.” Geonhak answered with a sigh. 

“All of them are now aware that you are with us,” Dongho announced with a growl. “No doubt Youngjo would’ve told the others.” 

Aaron’s eyes widened at the implication. “But that means you’re all in danger!” He said worriedly. 

“It’s a price we’re willing to take,” Geonhak shrugged nonchalantly. 

“But why?” Aaron had to ask, he didn’t want people to help him if it meant they were targeted. “You don’t know me…” 

Dongho and Geonhak frowned at each other before they both looked over at Minhyun. Dongho narrowed his eyes. “Minhyun?” He urged. 

Aaron could see they were all still hiding something from him. “What is it?” He asked, looking pointedly at Minhyun. 

The Valkyrie smiled softly at him, his eyes were always sparkling whenever he looked at Aaron. “Just know that we will protect you.” 

Aaron shook his head as he looked between them all. “I can’t ask you all to do this…”

Dongho scoffed. “You don’t really have a choice.” He responded carefully. “If you go back to your old life, you’ll put all your friends and colleagues in danger.”

Aaron’s eyes widened at that. He truly had left his life behind unknowingly. 

Minhyun walked towards him and looked at him with gentle eyes. “They won’t stop until they find you and kill you.” He warned. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. He felt a lump in his throat, he wasn't prepared for any of what they were saying. “Shit…” 

Minhyun could see the distress on Aaron’s handsome face and reached out for him. “Hyung—“

“I need a minute.” Aaron announced before he made his way into the small bedroom. He sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. He could see the blood bag on the bedside table, it was empty. All of this was because of his supposed ‘pure-soul’. Aaron still didn’t understand it all but he knew he had to be strong. He had to try and protect himself from the people that were going to come after him. He didn’t want to see Minhyun and the others hurt again. 

There was a soft knock on the door, Aaron looked up and saw Minhyun standing there with worried eyes. 

“Hyung?” Minhyun called softly. 

Aaron smiled reassuringly at him before he stood up. “Okay, what’s the plan?” 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

There was a commotion going on, so much so that the roads were blocked. The motorcycle came to a halt and he carefully climbed off the bike. Pulling his helmet off and shaking his dark hair to unflatten it. He frowned and made his way towards the police barricade. 

“Police scene, please move along!” The officer that was in charge of the barricade called to the crowd. Attempting to disperse them in hopes that it wouldn’t draw more attention.

“What happened here?” He asked the officer. 

“I’m sorry but it’s police business—“ he held his badge for the officer. The man raised a brow as he looked it over. “Okay, officer Kang.” 

Daniel nodded his head and made his way under the police tape. He walked towards the station entrance and made his way down underground. He raised a brow as he saw the confused expressions on the officers faces. They were clearly confused as to what had happened. Daniel could see the end train car had smashed windows as well as the remnants of a fight. 

“I didn’t see anything? The cctv has nothing too, it’s just a black screen—“

Daniel scoffed as he walked into the car, he raised a brow as he saw the smashed interior as well as the blood on the floor. 

He looked around the whole car, before his eyes were drawn to something sticking out of the side of the car. An arrow. 

“What is going on..?” Daniel asked himself, there’d been an increase in supernatural activity and he didn’t understand what had got them so agitated. He’d been a Shadowhunter for almost five years and he’d never seen so many incidents. 

He sighed before he walked out of the car, he carefully placed the arrow into his jacket. The officers were pretty mediocre and probably wouldn’t even notice if he took it. Daniel headed straight out of the station and back towards his motorcycle. He narrowed his eyes as he looked out over the crowd, he could see some shadow creatures were loitering around too. 

Daniel pulled on his helmet and started his motorcycle. He’d have to investigate. 

Chapter Text

Youngjo stumbled as he appeared before the large building. His shoulder was still bleeding, he hadn’t taken the arrow out yet. He knew he’d be able to heal but he also knew he’d be extremely weak if his body attempted to heal itself. 

He moved swiftly past the shadow creatures that were outside the building and into the main lobby. He growled darkly before he made his way towards where he knew the other man would be. It was up the large staircase, he ignored all the followers that were in the house. 

Youngjo pushed open the large double doors at the top of the stairs and stumbled slightly. 

There was a large chair the warlock was sitting on, there were some women that were always surrounding him. Youngjo growled as he carefully walked further into the room. 

“You’re back.” Rain said he looked over Youngjo. 

Youngjo bowed his head to the warlock and growled as he felt the tattoo on his neck throb. “I found him…” he said carefully. 

The room fell silent as Rain stood from the chair with large eyes. “The pure-soul?”

Youngjo nodded. 

Rain chuckled darkly before he walked towards the window that was behind his chair. It looked out over Seoul. “He’s finally come out of hiding,” Rain said with a dark grin. 

Youngjo coughed, more blood dripped down his chest as he did. 

Rain paused and looked back at him with dark eyes. “You’re getting blood everywhere. Go heal yourself.” He grit out angrily. 

Youngjo clenched his jaw before he moved out of the room. He walked down the stairs till he came to his own room. He growled as he sat on his bed. He was exhausted. The warlock kept them on a short leash, Youngjo had his orders and he had to accomplish his tasks. He reached for a towel and bit into it as he yanked the arrow from his shoulder. His fangs flexed at the pain but he could immediately see his body beginning to heal itself. 

He held the arrow in his hand with a growl, Minhyun and Dongho had good teamwork and they’d managed to take him off guard. Youngjo clenched his fists and snapped the arrow in his hand, he knew that Minhyun had other allies that were all likely going to help him keep the pure-soul safe and protected. 

Youngjo shook his head in irritation and stood from his bed. He walked towards the small cupboard he had in his room. He had some bandages and quickly wrapped the wound. It might take a few hours for his wound to fully heal and he didn’t want it to get infected. Youngjo looked down at the small fridge and opened it, he growled in irritation as he saw he only had three blood bags left. 

Youngjo knew why Rain did it, so that he’d go out looking for blood elsewhere. So that he’d attack humans. 

Although he was an incubus, Youngjo was able to use blood as a substitute to sex. If he wanted his strength to increase he needed to find a human to satisfy his sexual desires. Youngjo didn’t have time or the freedom to do so. 

Youngjo had known for a while that Minhyun had been trying to find the pure-soul but he’d seen the way the Valkyrie acted around him. Almost like there was something between them. 

Youngjo shook his head. He didn’t need to think about that now, he had to focus on staying alive and completing his tasks. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Aaron walked back into the room with Minhyun. Dongho and Geonhak were waiting patiently in the room for them. Aaron glanced between them all. “You do have a plan, right?” He asked cautiously. 

Dongho chuckled softly and ran a hand through his hair. “Honestly, we didn’t know we’d find you so soon.” He admitted. 

Aaron’s eyes widened slightly at that. “So… what now?” He asked instead. 

Geonhak sighed heavily as he crossed his arms over his chest. “We have to make sure they don’t find us.”

“I lived so long without them knowing about my location, so why would they find me now?” Aaron asked. He’d never had any problems with anyone as he'd gone about his business like usual. Even the shadows were just that, shadows and not the creatures he’d seen. 

Minhyun bit his lip. “Warlocks are extremely dangerous, Rain will be able to find you.” He said cautiously, he looked extremely worried. 

Dongho nodded. “We had another warlock cast a spell on you.” He suddenly revealed. 

Aaron frowned at his words. “What?” He asked in confusion. He didn’t understand when any of this had happened, he always knew something was happening because of the shadows but to think he’d had a warlock spell on him all this time… 

Geonhak nodded. “The necklace—“

“Geonhak.” Minhyun quickly cut him off with a dark glare and a growl. 

Geonhak sighed, shaking his head at his elder cousin. “What? He wants to know,” he shot back in irritation. 

“Be quiet.” Minhyun growled. Geonhak rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. 

Aaron’s eyes widened before he quickly pulled the necklace from under his shirt, it was a black feather, the necklace was special to him but he didn’t know where it’d come from. He’d always thought it was a gift from his parents. “The necklace…” he said softly as he looked at the pendant in his hand. 

“It’s my feather.” Minhyun suddenly announced. 

Aaron stood frozen for a moment as he looked down at the pendant in his palm. He gazed back at Minhyun and realised what the words he’d said implied. “What? You have… wings..?” He asked. 

Minhyun smiled and nodded. “I do.” 

Aaron didn’t think Minhyun could be anymore beautiful but knowing he had wings too… he shook his head of his thoughts before looking at the pendant again and what it meant. “When did you give me this?” He asked Minhyun with careful eyes. 

“It was a while ago,” Minhyun said softly. 

Aaron bit his lip, he felt like he should remember but he just didn’t. “Then why won’t it still work?” He asked instead. 

Dongho shook his head. “We’ve come too far away from your home.” He answered. 

Aaron felt a slight leap in his chest. “So if I go back—“

“Hyung, you can’t go back,” Minhyun quickly cut off his thought. He gazed at Aaron with gentle eyes. “I’m sorry.” 

Aaron sighed and nodded, it was worth a shot. “So what now?” He asked instead as he looked at them all. “Where is the warlock now?” He added. 

Dongho raised a brow slightly before he looked at Minhyun pointedly. “Going to find him would be a good idea…” he suggested. 

Geonhak sighed before he moved from the wall he’d been leaning against. He smiled playfully at Aaron as he approached him. “First, we need to make sure Aaron-hyung can protect himself,” he announced. 

Minhyun tilted his head. “Geonhak-ah?” 

Geonhak looked at Aaron pointedly. “Have you ever shot a gun before?” He asked nonchalantly. 

Aaron’s eyes widened at the question and the way Geonhak had asked it so calmly. “What? No…” he replied with a frown. 

Geonhak smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “Well, let’s go.” 

“Huh?” Aaron frowned as Geonhak gestured for him to follow him. 

“You need some form of protection, unless you’d rather have a sword?” Geonhak said pointedly. 

Aaron looked back at where Minhyun and Dongho were standing with their swords and bow and arrows. He looked at Geonhak's weapons again. “A gun…” he replied cautiously. 

Geonhak nodded. “C’mon.” He grabbed Aaron’s arm and pulled him. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “Wait—! Geonhak—!”

Minhyun smiled as he saw the nervous expression on Aaron’s face as Geonhak pulled him towards the elevator. 

Dongho placed a hand on Minhyun’s shoulder. “Let's go,” he gestured to the elevator too. 

They all stood in the elevator. Aaron bit his lip as he nervously glanced at them all, he couldn’t help it. Minhyun was looking at him with his pretty sparkling eyes again, and Aaron had to look away. There was something about the taller man that made Aaron want to keep him safe. He knew he had to train himself and prepare for what he was going to have to face out there. 

The elevator stopped back inside the family home. Aaron followed Geonhak as the younger man walked towards the back of the house. Aaron was surprised to see there were targets lined up in the backyard. 

Dongho and Minhyun stayed in the house as Aaron and Geonhak walked outside. The younger man turned to him with a look of determination. “Okay, first we need to work on your aim,” Geonhak instructed. 

Aaron bit his lip before he nodded. He looked at Geonhak as the younger man pulled out one of his guns and held it out for Aaron to take. “I don’t know about this—“

“Hyung, you’ll be okay,” Geonhak reassured with a smile. 

Aaron smiled at the familiarity Geonhak called him. He took the offered weapon and took a deep breath before he stood ready to aim at the targets. 

“You cock the gun like this,” Geonhak explained as he carefully showed Aaron what to do. “Aim, and pull the trigger.” 

Aaron nodded and carefully took aim, he was surprised that when he fired it he actually managed to hit the target. 

Geonhak chuckled beside him. “Not bad.” 

Aaron sighed in relief before he did it again, he was determined to actually be able to protect himself in case he was in a situation where he needed it. 

Dongho crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Aaron and Geonhak, he smiled. “He’s good,” he commented. 

Minhyun bit his bottom lip. “I’m worried,” he admitted. 

Dongho raised a brow at him with confusion. “Huh?”

“They’ll find where we are, we can’t stay here for long.” Minhyun said worriedly, he had his arms wrapped around himself. 

Dongho sighed, he knew how much the pure-soul meant to his best friend. “At least let Aaron get more accustomed to what’s going on,” he said carefully. “He’s had a lot to take in.”

Minhyun nodded. “I know…” 

Dongho was watching Minhyun’s expressions closely. “Why didn’t you tell him about the necklace?” He asked. “You’ve been protecting him for years and—“

“It’s because of me that he had to leave his home.” Minhyun responded with a growl. He looked almost angry at himself. 

Dongho scoffed at that. “Did you ask him to help you?”

Minhyun frowned. “Well, no—“

“Exactly.” Dongho cut him off. “It’s just in his nature to want to help people,” he said with a smile, glancing back at where Aaron was shooting. “Stop blaming yourself, it’ll only make you feel worse.” 

Minhyun’s shoulders relaxed as he released a deep sigh. “I know.”

“How do we find Donghyun?” Dongho suddenly questioned. They needed to find the warlock and get his help. “I haven’t spoken to him for years…”

Minhyun sighed, he also hadn’t spoken to the warlock in a while. He felt terrible for not maintaining the contact when he knew they’d eventually need Donghyun’s help. “I’m not sure, but maybe he’s still in his old hideout?” He replied hopefully. 

“It’s worth a shot…” Dongho responded with a shrug of his shoulders. He looked back at where Geonhak was explaining something to Aaron. “But let’s stay here for a few days, at least until Aaron feels more comfortable with everything.”

Minhyun was watching them too, he couldn’t help but feel worried and paranoid. He nodded solemnly. “Yeah…”

Dongho placed a comforting hand on Minhyun’s shoulder. “Minhyun-ah, we’ll keep him safe,” he reassured. 

Minhyun smiled back at the vampire. “I trust you all, of course I do,” he replied. “But Rain has gotten so much stronger…”

“I know,” Dongho growled. “We just have to try and stay off his radar,” he added with a smile. 

Minhyun was silent as he gazed at Aaron, he didn’t want him to ever lose his smile. “For how long…” he said softly. 

Dongho looked at him. “Minhyun-ah?”

“Aaron-hyung deserves to live a life without having to run,” Minhyun said as he clenched his fists. 

“I know,” Dongho agreed before he offered Minhyun a careful expression. “But sometimes we have to adapt to what’s thrown at us,” he said cautiously. He knew that Aaron would be able to handle it, the human seemed extremely strong. 

Minhyun growled softly. “He shouldn’t have to live like that.”

“Minhyun-ah,” Dongho sighed heavily before he shook his head. He gave Minhyun a gentle pat on the back before he turned to walk further into the house. “Is there some food in?” He asked. 

Minhyun was still watching Aaron. The human was smiling awkwardly at Geonhak as the younger man shook his head at him. Minhyun smiled, he didn’t want Aaron to lose hope, he didn’t want Aaron to lose his smile. 

“Minhyun!” Dongho’s voice called from inside the house. 

Minhyun blinked before he turned to look into the house. “What?” He replied. 

Dongho sighed. “I asked you if there was any food in?”

Minhyun nodded in response. “Yeah, Geonhakkie went to get some.” 

“Stop with your negative thoughts and help me make some food.” Dongho shot back. 

Minhyun nodded. He took one last glance at the backyard before he moved towards the kitchen with Dongho. 

Aaron ran a hand through his hair and smiled triumphantly, he was surprised by himself at how well he’d managed to actually hit the targets. 

Geonhak clapped him on the back with a grin. “You’re doing good, hyung,” he commented. 

“Thanks,” Aaron responded with a shy smile. He sighed heavily before he looked back over at the house. “Can I ask you something, Geonhak-ah?”

Geonhak raised a brow slightly. “Sure.”

“Is there any way that they got it wrong? And I’m not a pure-soul?” Aaron asked cautiously. He didn’t wish it on anyone else but he also didn’t know what to do. 

Geonhak bit his bottom lip. “Hyung…”

“I just don’t understand how it can be me?” Aaron responded. 

Geonhak shrugged his shoulders. “Pure-souls come around once every fifty or so years, it’s just something you are born to be, I guess…” he explained. 

Aaron shook his head as he still tried to understand what being a pure-soul actually meant. “If they kill me they become immortal?” 

Geonhak paused and looked at Aaron with careful eyes. “That’s what the scripture tells them,” he responded cautiously. 

“Have you ever seen Rain?” Aaron asked him, if he knew who his main threat was, Aaron would be able to maybe work out the best way to protect himself. 

“No,” Geonhak shook his head. “I haven’t seen any of the four on that billboard downstairs,” he added, crossing his arms over his chest. 

Aaron was confused about his words, Geonhak seemed extremely educated about what was happening. “Why not?” He asked. 

Geonhak sighed. “Minhyunnie-hyung is my only family here in Korea, he wanted to keep me safe while he looked out for you,” he explained. “So, I lived out of Seoul and trained myself, I only came back here when he told me you’d been discovered.”

Aaron nodded in understanding before he tilted his head slightly. “How long has Minhyun been protecting me..?” He asked cautiously, Geonhak had said it like it’d been a long time. 

“A while.” Geonhak responded quickly. He placed a comforting hand on Aaron’s shoulder before he gave the older man a smile. “Hyung, supernatural beings are very loyal,” he explained. 

Aaron frowned. “What do you mean?”

Geonhak took a deep breath before he placed a hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “Minhyun-hyung would die for you.” 

Aaron’s eyes widened at his words. “No, I don’t want that—“ 

“You’d never change his mind, he’ll protect you till the end.” Geonhak said matter of factly, looking at Aaron with stern eyes. Almost like he himself had tried to talk Minhyun out of it. Geonhak smiled at Aaron with confidence. “And so will we,” he added. 

Aaron bit his lip. “How do we stop them?”

Geonhak blinked at him. “Huh? Who?”

“Rain and his followers,” Aaron replied. 

Geonhak ran a hand through his hair and looked at Aaron seriously. “Rain is the strongest warlock in Asia, he’s practically unbeatable.”

“Everyone has a weakness.” Aaron said. 

Geonhak smiled at that. “What’s yours, hyung?” He asked with an almost knowing smile. 

Aaron bit his bottom lip. “Seeing people hurt.” He admitted. 

Geonhak nodded his head, he could see that Aaron was the pure-soul, he always wanted to help people. “Let’s head inside,” Geonhak suggested. Aaron nodded in response, they made their way towards the house. 

Aaron smiled as he smelled food being cooked in the house. He and Geonhak closed the door behind them as they saw Minhyun and Dongho in the kitchen area. 

“So..?” Dongho grinned as he turned to them. 

Aaron could see Minhyun looking at him with sparkling eyes again, the Valkyrie looked almost proud of him. 

Geonhak raised a brow at the vampire. “What?”

“How’s Aaron-hyung doing?” Dongho asked as he grinned at them both. 

Aaron’s eyes widened and he felt extremely nervous under their stares. “We don’t need to talk about—“ 

“For someone that’s never shot a gun, it’s impressive.” Geonhak responded with a chuckle. 

Aaron laughed softly and bowed his head to the younger man. “Thanks…”

Minhyun sighed heavily as he looked at Aaron with worried eyes. “Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it,” he commented. 

Geonhak sighed loudly and shook his head at Minhyun with an unimpressed expression. “Minhyun-hyung, let’s be realistic,” he grumbled with a roll of his eyes. 

“No,” Minhyun shot back. “It’s safer if Aaron-hyung doesn’t have to use it.” 

Geonhak sighed heavily again and shook his head. Aaron looked between the cousins and knew that Geonhak was right, sooner or later Aaron would have to face supernatural forces that wanted him dead. 

Dongho cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence. “We’re going to stay here for a few days before we go and find Donghyun.”

Aaron frowned at the new name. “Who’s Donghyun?”

“The warlock.” Minhyun replied. 

Aaron nodded. “So we’re gonna be able to find him?” He asked. 

Dongho grinned at him. “Hopefully.”

“Thank god.” Geonhak said before he looked at the pot of food they were making. “What are we going to do about sleeping arrangements?” He suddenly asked. “There’s only one bed down in the hideout.” 

Dongho began to spoon out the food into four bowls. Aaron wondered why Dongho and Minhyun really needed to eat human food, so he made a mental note to ask them another time. Aaron looked over at where there was a sofa in the main house. “I can sleep in the main house—“

“No hyung, you need to be downstairs,” Minhyun quickly responded. “It’ll be harder for them to find you.” He said. 

“Oh okay,” Aaron scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “What about you?”

Minhyun smiled at Aaron. “Me and Dongho-yah don’t need to sleep,” he replied before he looked over at his cousin. “Geonhakkie, are you okay in the main house?” He asked. 

Geonhak was helping Dongho place the bowls on the table for them to eat. “I can take the sofa downstairs, then Aaron-hyung won’t feel as lonely.” He suggested. 

“Okay,” Minhyun nodded in agreement.  

They stayed in the main house for a few more hours before the sky turned dark. The four of them headed down in the elevator to the hideout. 

Dongho smiled at Aaron and handed him a bag, “clothes and towels,” he said with a grin. 

Aaron nodded and offered his thanks, he could see Dongho’s fangs everytime the vampire smiled at him. It felt like a constant reminder that he was now going to be surrounded by supernatural beings. He did wonder why Minhyun didn’t have fangs all the time, Geonhak did say that Minhyun was a form of vampire. 

He could hear the sound of keyboard tapping and frowned before he looked over and saw Geonhak on the computers. All the cctv was up and running. 

“No one’s getting on the property without us knowing,” Geonhak grinned. 

Minhyun chuckled at him. “Since when did you get so good with technology?”

“Yah, I had to do something,” Geonhak shot back with a playful smile. 

“I’m going to wash up and get some sleep,” Aaron announced. The three of them all turned and smiled at him, bidding him goodnight. 

Aaron made his way into the bathroom and showered quickly, he changed into the T-shirt and joggers he’d been given and moved back out the room.

Geonhak was laying out some sheets and a pillow on the sofa, Minhyun was helping him. Dongho was sitting looking at the computer screens. 

Aaron smiled, he knew he could trust them all, he just didn’t want any of them to get hurt. 

Minhyun glanced over, he smiled prettily at Aaron. 

Aaron nodded his head to the Valkyrie before he made his way into the bedroom, he carefully closed the door behind him. He was determined to keep himself safe so that no harm came to the others. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

The shadow creature blew up, the dust falling to the floor. Daniel sighed heavily as he pulled his gun back, he’d never seen so many. They all looked almost agitated as they came out of hiding, he couldn’t understand why there were so many of them. 

He revved up his motorcycle and headed towards the Shadowhunter headquarters. He’d been called back to the headquarters and wanted to know what the hell was going on. 

Daniel carefully parked his motorcycle and pulled off his helmet before he climbed from the vehicle. He made his way towards the main doors and raised a brow slightly as he felt a shift in the air. 

Automatically he reached for one of his guns as he swiped his ID to gain access to the building. He carefully walked into the headquarters. It was empty in the lobby, no one was there. Daniel instantly knew there was something wrong and carefully made his way towards the side of the room to give himself more protection. He jumped when he saw some of his fellow hunters. They looked frozen in place, their eyes were glazed over. He swallowed heavily before he shook his head and narrowed his eyes. Someone had called all the hunters back in order to do this to them. 

Whoever was doing it was powerful and dangerous. 

Daniel’s breathing was heavy as he walked carefully through the empty hallways. He automatically walked towards where his unit was based and carefully opened the door, his eyes widened when he saw the room empty. His unit also consisted of one of Daniel’s childhood friends. He was only slightly thankful that the room was empty, meaning that his friends hadn’t been caught up in whatever had happened. 

Daniel clenched his jaw, he shook his head and held his gun tighter, whoever was doing this was going to pay. He decided the best way to find out what had happened would be to head towards the head hunters office. It was located on the top floor. Daniel quickly headed up the fire escape stairs, not wanting to draw attention by going up in the elevator. 

As he approached the head office he began to hear voices. Daniel grit his teeth before he silently made his way closer to the door. It was slightly open so Daniel could see inside. 

There were four unrecognisable people in the room, the head hunter was nowhere to be seen. Daniel could see three men and one woman. 

“The hunters association is now under control, they won’t interfere any longer.” The large man spoke, he held himself with authority. 

One of the other men bowed his head to the first man. “Sajangnim, we may have a location of the pure-soul.” He said carefully. 

Daniel’s eyes widened at the man’s words. He’d heard of pure-souls before through his hunter training but never thought that it was possible. 

“Good,” the leader grinned darkly. “Make sure this place burns.” He instructed. 

“Yes sir.” The female replied. 

Daniel’s eyes widened at the man’s words, they were going to blow the hunter headquarters up, with all the hunters inside. He could hear the familiar sound of a supernatural being transporting away and looked back to see the leader had disappeared. 

He carefully looked around the door and could see the two men setting up a small box, which Daniel presumed was the bomb. 

The woman stood watching them with her arms crossed. She was dressed in a black tank top and black shorts and had blond hair, she had two long daggers that were tied to the garters on her thighs. Daniel could tell by her weaponry that she was supernatural. The other two had guns and were dressed in armor, Daniel knew immediately that the men were probably humans. Daniel couldn’t understand why they were working for a supernatural being if they were human. At the same time, he was thankful they were human so it’d be easier to take them out. He just had to worry about the woman. 

Almost like she could sense him, Daniel could see her suddenly reach for one of her weapons. Daniel growled before he burst through the door. “Put down your weapons!” 

The two men looked at him with shocked faces as they were still doing something with the bomb. 

The woman smirked darkly at Daniel as she pulled out her daggers. “Looks like we forgot one.” She flashed her fangs and Daniel immediately knew she was a vampire. 

One of the men stood to help her. “Soyeon-nim—“

“Make sure this place goes up in flames, I’ll take care of him,” she instructed. The man nodded before he moved back toward the bomb. 

Daniel’s eyes widened as she suddenly lunged for him. He managed to dive out of her way and quickly aimed his gun at her. Daniel shot at her but she was fast, he growled as he felt a punch in the side. He quickly moved away again as she came towards him with her blades. 

Soyeon growled as the human hunter managed to dodge all the attacks she shot at him. 

Daniel narrowed his eyes before he suddenly began to shoot at the small chandelier that was hanging on the roof. Soyeon frowned at him but didn’t manage to get out of the way in time as the large frame fell on her. 

It wouldn’t keep her down for long so Daniel quickly moved towards the two men. His eyes widened as he saw they’d moved out of the room with the box. “Shit,” Daniel growled. He cocked his gun and headed out the room, he could hear Soyeon standing up again.

Daniel could see the two men up ahead, only this time they didn’t have the box. Meaning they’d planted the bomb somewhere. Daniel dodged to the side as they began to shoot at him, he was thankful that none of the inanimate hunters were in the corridor. 

He grit his teeth when he saw Soyeon walking towards him. The two men had stopped shooting now, Daniel narrowed his eyes on the woman before she suddenly began to run towards him. 

Daniel used his gun to stop the blades as they crashed into his weapon. He held her back and could see her eyes flash red dangerously. 

“Give up, human,” she spat. 

Daniel quickly kicked the vampire in the stomach and sent her back, she stumbled slightly before standing with her weapons ready again. 

“Soyeon-nim! There’s not much time!” One of the men called. 

Soyeon didn’t seem bothered as she moved towards Daniel again. Daniel could hear the two men running in the opposite direction, clearly they wanted to get far enough away from the building before the explosion. 

Daniel growled as he felt Soyeon cut his arm slightly as he made a move to dodge. She grinned with all fangs as she’d clearly smelt Daniel’s blood. 

“You can be my next meal!” She shouted before running towards him with her fangs ready. 

Daniel’s eyes widened and he quickly managed to move out of her way. In the process he dropped one of his guns and fell into another room. He groaned as he stood up again only to see the bomb ticking on one of the desks. Daniel quickly headed towards it, he could hear Soyeon approaching too. 

Soyeon’s eyes widened as she saw the bomb, she was about to disappear into black smoke before Daniel managed to shoot her. Right in the leg. She cried out as she fell to the floor. 

Daniel quickly turned his attention back to the bomb, his eyes widened when he saw there was only a few seconds left. Without thinking of anything else, he grabbed the box and opened the window. Daniel used all of his strength to throw the box out, he knew that if he threw it high enough only the aftershocks would get the headquarters. 

He quickly moved towards the desk in the room and forced himself under it just as he heard the sound of the explosion. There was silence before Daniel could hear parts of the headquarters building beginning to groan. Parts of the building were collapsing. 

“Fuck!” 

Chapter Text

Aaron yawned as he began to awaken, he could hear the sound of soft voices. He stretched as he woke up, running a hand through his hair before he glanced at his phone on the side table. 11:47. His eyes widened as he saw how late it was and wondered why the others hadn’t come to wake him up. 

His attention was suddenly drawn to all the messages and missed calls he had from his co-workers. He wanted to contact them but didn’t want to put any of them in danger. Instead, Aaron decided the best thing to do was to send an email, saying that he was returning to America and he could no longer work there anymore. 

He finished the email but hesitated before he pressed send. He ran a hand through his hair and knew he had to send it in order to keep them safe. 

Aaron sighed as he sent the message. 

He climbed out of the bed and quickly grabbed his clothes, dressing for the day before he moved towards the door. He paused as he held the doorknob, taking a deep breath. Over the past few days he’d been with Geonhak, practicing not just gun shooting but also hand to hand combat. Geonhak was a good teacher and he was extremely skilled. Aaron was thankful that he had the others with him. 

Aaron opened the door and smiled when he saw the three of them standing near the computer screens. “Hey,” he called to them. 

They all turned and smiled at him. Minhyun was gazing at him, a pretty smile on his face. “Hyung, did you sleep well?” He asked. 

Aaron couldn’t help but feel embarrassed around the beautiful man. He nodded awkwardly. “Yeah, thank you.” He moved closer to them all and raised a brow as he saw three different things on each of the three screens. One had the cctv, another had news and the other was a map. It was the map screen that they were all looking at. “What are you all looking at?” He asked. 

Geonhak was the one that was sitting at the computer. “We’re trying to find the best route to Donghyun’s home.” The youngest answered. 

Dongho’s attention was suddenly on another computer screen. “What the hell…”

“What is it?” Minhyun asked. 

They all looked at the news screen, Dongho frowned. “Looks like there was an explosion at the hunter association,” he answered. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened. “Shit…”

“Hunter association?” Aaron asked with confusion. 

Dongho was watching intently, the news was a view from above, like there was a helicopter flying overhead. “I’ll go check it out.” Dongho suddenly announced. He moved away from the screen and towards where his weapons were against the wall. 

Minhyun looked at the vampire. “Be careful,” he said softly. 

“I’ll be back soon.” Dongho winked playfully. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw the vampire begin to be engulfed in black smoke before he disappeared. It still amazed him that they were able to transport, he made a mental note to remember it. He looked back at Geonhak and Minhyun. “What is the hunters association?” 

“Hunters are humans that can also see shadows.” Minhyun explained. “They are the ones that keep the supernatural under control,” he added cautiously. 

Aaron’s eyes widened slightly at the revelation. “So normal humans can see shadows too?” He wanted to clarify, so there were others out there that could see shadows as well as him. 

“Yes,” Minhyun nodded, he was watching Aaron’s expression closely. The human looked almost relieved. “Some are approached by the association to become hunters.”

“They’re trained and educated on all things supernatural.” Geonhak inputted. 

Aaron suddenly wondered if that was why Geonhak was so skilled in combat. He looked at the younger man. “Were you trained by them?” 

“No,” Geonhak responded swiftly. “Because I’m a halfbreed, I’m considered a supernatural.” He explained. 

Aaron frowned. “What? So you couldn’t be a hunter?”

“No.” Geonhak replied before he shrugged his shoulders, “I wouldn’t want to be one anyway, they have a bad view of supernaturals.” 

Minhyun sighed. “Because of the education they get from the association.” He added. 

Aaron nodded in understanding. “So there is discrimination against supernaturals?”

“Yeah, that’s probably why Rain has so many followers.” Geonhak said cautiously as he glanced at Minhyun briefly. 

The Valkyrie glared at him. “Geonhak.”

“Well it’s true,” Geonhak grumbled. “Some hunters would shoot before asking.” He announced with a shrug of his shoulders. 

Aaron blinked before he thought about it. “So there are laws that need to be followed in the supernatural world too,” he pondered. 

“Of course,” Geonhak replied. “They’re more strict than human laws.” 

Aaron’s head tilted in interest. “Really?” He wanted to know all the ins and outs of the supernatural world. 

“Yeah,” Geonhak responded before he raised a brow and smiled at Aaron. “I’m sure Minhyun-hyung can explain them to you,” he suddenly said. 

Minhyun looked at Geonhak with a dark glare but the younger man just smirked playfully in response. Geonhak knew that Minhyun wanted some time with Aaron, as just the two of them. 

Aaron smiled at Minhyun. “I’d like that.” 

Geonhak grinned. “The weather is nice out, why don’t you go to the gardens?” He suggested with a wink to Minhyun. 

Minhyun’s eyes narrowed on his younger cousin. “Geonh—“

“Good idea.” Aaron responded, he smiled at Minhyun with a nod. 

Geonhak gestured to the computer screen. “I’ll keep looking for the warlock.” He said with a grin. Minhyun just rolled his eyes at the halfbreed. 

Aaron chuckled softly before he smiled at Minhyun. “C’mon Minhyun-ah,” he said softly. 

They walked to the elevator and it began to take them back to the main house. They headed towards the back door, Aaron paused in the room and smiled as he saw a picture on the wall, it was one of Minhyun as a child. He smiled before he followed Minhyun out into the gardens. 

They sat on the wall, looking out over the garden, the grass was slightly overgrown and there were some overhanging trees but it was still peaceful. 

Minhyun smiled at him. “Is there anything specific you want to know about, hyung?” He asked. 

Aaron bit his lip. He had a lot that he wanted to ask Minhyun. “What are the supernatural laws in regards to humans?” He asked carefully, better to start with an easy to answer question. 

“Humans are always regarded as the superior species,” Minhyun explained. 

Aaron was surprised by his words. “Why?”

“Most supernatural species need human blood to live,” Minhyun explained. “But we’re not allowed to just take it from humans, there are specific places and ways to get blood without harming a human.” He explained. 

Aaron bit his lip as he looked at Minhyun seriously. “What if you have a human that is willing to give you their blood?” He questioned cautiously. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened slightly before he cleared his throat. “Human and supernatural relationships are strictly forbidden.” He said softly. 

That made Aaron frown. “But Geonhak-ah is a halfbreed?”

Minhyun nodded. “His parents are runaways, shunned by the hunter association and supernaturals.” He explained. “halfbreeds are extremely rare, Geonhakkie has blood that to some can be irresistible.” He added. 

Aaron nodded in understanding. It sounded like even Geonhak was someone that could potentially attract unwanted attention. “Is that why you made him train?” 

Minhyun bit his lip. He looked at Aaron with suddenly sad eyes. “I lost my family, my siblings and my parents,” he said carefully. “I couldn’t lose him too.” He added. 

Aaron felt his heart squeeze, Minhyun had been through so much, more than Aaron could possibly imagine. “Minhyun-ah, I’m so sorry,” he whispered as he moved closer to the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun smiled reassuringly at him and shook his head. “It was a long time ago,” he replied before he chuckled softly. “Geonhakkie is too hot headed for his own good,” Minhyun said with a fond smile. 

“He’s lucky to have you.” Aaron added with a smile. 

Minhyun’s eyes sparkled again as he gazed at Aaron. “Thank you hyung.”

They were silent for a moment as they just sat basking in the early afternoon sunlight. It wasn't too hot, just enough. He looked over at Minhyun, the Valkyrie was smiling softly as he closed his eyes and let the sunlight shine on him. 

Aaron suddenly frowned when a thought crossed his mind. “Does the sunlight hurt you?” Aaron asked. 

Minhyun looked at him with a smile, “that’s a misconception about vampires, we don’t mind the sunlight.” He responded. 

“Are there any other misconceptions that humans have?” Aaron questioned. 

Minhyun looked thoughtful for a moment. “Werewolves are most dangerous when there is a full moon,” he explained. “Incubi don’t necessarily need to feed sexually but can live off blood,” he added. 

Aaron nodded in understanding, he was keeping a mental note of everything he was being told. “Geonhak-ah said that supernaturals are loyal,” he asked cautiously. 

Minhyun smiled at him and nodded. “That’s true.”

Aaron paused, he bit his lip as he looked at Minhyun seeing the pure devotion in his pretty eyes. “How long Minhyun-ah?” He asked softly. 

Minhyun’s expression changed to one of confusion. “What..?” He responded. 

“How long have you been looking out for me?” Aaron elaborated. 

The Valkyrie paused, he looked away from Aaron and began to fidget. “Hyung…” he said suddenly, looking back to Aaron with steady eyes. 

Aaron was looking straight back at him. “Why am I so important to you?”

Minhyun was silent, he suddenly reached out and took Aaron’s hand. Aaron’s eyes widened as he felt the Valkyrie’s warm skin against his own. It felt right, like they were supposed to be in this together. 

“I would do anything for you, hyung.” Minhyun said gently, his eyes were so expressive as he gazed at Aaron. 

Aaron bit his lip, he didn’t want Minhyun to risk his life for him but he’d picked up on how stubborn the Valkyrie was. Aaron smiled at him, squeezing Minhyun’s hand with his own. “I know I can’t change your mind,” he said softly. “Just promise me something.”

“Of course,” Minhyun responded quickly. 

Aaron sighed and smiled. “Don’t get hurt.”

Minhyun bit his lip, he couldn’t promise the human that. He didn’t know what they would face trying to keep Aaron safe. “Hyung…”

Aaron looked at the Valkyrie with careful eyes. “Please.”

Minhyun nodded softly. He couldn’t say no to Aaron, he was too far into it now. “I promise.” 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Daniel groaned as he sat up, he shook the debris from his back and coughed. He waved his hand in front of his face to clear the dust before he reached for his gun again. He looked around and felt his heart sink, the building wall was practically destroyed. Daniel gasped as he saw some of the hunters, they were dead. The building had fallen on their inanimate bodies. 

He groaned again as he stood up, he was covered in dust and could feel he had a broken rib or two. Holding his side with his free hand, Daniel limped through the destroyed corridors. He couldn’t see how much damage the explosion had truly caused to the building. He could only hope that it wasn't completely destroyed. 

A sudden angered cry made Daniel’s eyes widen. He looked back down the corridor and yelped as he saw Soyeon. The vampire had blood running down her leg where Daniel had shot her, as well as blood dripping from her head where she’d been caught in the explosion too. 

Daniel moved faster down the corridor, if he got outside hopefully they’d be people out there to help him. He could hear a helicopter buzzing overhead. 

He saw the exit approaching and walked faster, he looked behind him and gasped as he saw Soyeon running after him. She looked determined and angry. 

Daniel pushed open the door and collapsed onto the stairs leading up to the main entrance of the building. Because of its seclusion, he couldn’t see any emergency response teams, Daniel grit his teeth as he tried to stand up again. 

Soyeon blasted through the door, her eyes red and her fangs glistening as she breathed deeply. She was glaring down at where Daniel was struggling to stand and suddenly took one of the daggers out. 

Daniel’s eyes widened as he tried to hold his gun up, he was exhausted and in pain but he wasn’t going to let her get away with it. 

“Prepare to die, you bastard.” Soyeon growled. 

Daniel used his gun to stop the dagger, Soyeon was issuing all her strength to try and get him. Daniel growled as she was forcing him against the rough ground. 

She suddenly let out a scream, Daniel’s eyes widened as he saw an arrow soar into her arm making her drop the dagger. 

Daniel quickly rolled away from harm, he glanced back at where the arrow had come from. His eyes widened as he saw a man approaching them. His eyes were focused as he pulled back his bow, aiming it at Soyeon. 

She looked at him with dark eyes and growled at him, “you!” She bellowed angrily before she glanced back at Daniel. Realising she was outnumbered, in a flash Soyeon disappeared into a cloud of black smoke. 

Daniel released a deep sigh and used one of the cars near him to stand up. He gasped as the man was suddenly pointing his bow and arrow at him.  

“What happened here?” The man demanded, his own eyes flashing red dangerously. 

Daniel knew the man was a vampire. He narrowed his eyes on the man. “Why are you pointing your weapon at me?” He shot back instead. His voice was gravelly from the explosion. 

The vampire scoffed. “How do I know you weren’t involved in this?” He asked, gesturing to the falling building. 

“Are you kidding me?” Daniel growled in response. “I just watched half of my friends and my workplace get blown up!”  

The vampire was looking at him closely before he suddenly lowered his weapon. He ran a hand through his hair before he looked back at the building. Daniel watched as the man suddenly turned and ran into the building. He wanted to follow the man, see what he was doing but he didn’t have the strength. Daniel fell to his knees again, he held his side and growled. 

Dongho walked through the building carefully, his eyes wide at the utter carnage of the hunter association. He had his bow and arrow pointed ready but there was no threat. Just seeing Soyeon meant that it was all Rain’s doing. He’d tried to get rid of the hunters in the most inhumane way, and the man outside had seen it all. 

Dongho could see the pain but determination in the man’s eyes. He seemed like a strong human but seeing what he’d seen would affect him. Dongho paused and frowned, why was he even thinking about the man? 

Shaking his head, Dongho growled as he continued through the building he could feel some of the humans heartbeats, meaning that thankfully there were still some that were alive. He walked to where he knew the head hunters office was but frowned when he saw it was empty, the head hunter nowhere. 

After walking a few floors, Dongho could see that the whole of the building wasn't hit with the blast, although parts were crumbling it was only one part that was badly affected. 

In the distance he could hear sirens approaching, thankfully help was coming for those that needed it. He walked back out of the building and frowned when he saw the man from before was now standing and pointing his gun at Dongho. 

Daniel held his hand steady as he pointed the weapon at the vampire. “Tell me what the hell is going on.” He demanded, the man clearly knew something. 

Dongho sighed heavily, he raised his chin and glared at the human. “This is only the beginning,” Dongho warned. 

Daniel’s eyes narrowed at the man’s words. “The pure-soul.” 

Dongho was unable to stop the surprise from crossing his face and knew that the human had seen it as he smirked almost triumphantly. Dongho quickly aimed his bow and arrow at the human. “What the hell do you know about that?” He growled. 

Daniel scoffed. “So it is?” The vampire clenched his jaw before he surprisingly put his weapon down again. He began to walk towards Daniel. 

Dongho paused before he stood beside the human, he turned to him and glared darky at him, his red eyes flashing dangerously. “If you get in my way again, I’ll kill you.” Dongho warned before he walked past the human. He quickly pulled away, smoke engulfing him as he flew into the sky. 

Daniel clenched his jaw but smirked as he looked at the black smog in the sky flying away. He quickly put his gun back in its holder before he carefully made his way back toward his motorcycle. He could see there were ambulances on the way and knew that he needed to be seen and to tell them what had happened. He unlocked the small screen he had on his motorcycle and grinned when he saw the tracking device. If the vampire hadn’t come so close, Daniel wouldn’t have been able to put it on him. 

He smirked, he’d find the vampire and see what he was up to. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

The room was quiet, still. 

He held his gun close to him, walking down the stairs quietly and looking around the room with wide eyes. The sound of growling made his eyes widen. 

“Donghyun! Run!” A voice called. 

Donghyun moved towards the door, he glanced back and felt his chest squeeze, he didn’t want to leave their home but they’d been found. He pulled the door open and ran out into the open space, living in seclusion meant that they were isolated from others. He could hear fighting and growling coming from the inside but didn’t look back, if he did he wouldn’t be able to leave. 

Donghyun growled as he ran into the trees, using them for cover as he heard the footsteps behind him. He could also hear the distinctive sound of large paws on the floor. 

He closed his eyes as he ran before he quickly turned around, a blast of energy flowing from his hand and forcing the large black wolf away. 

Donghyun continued running, he knew the terrain was dense but he also knew that those behind him would be able to track him down. 

His eyes widened when he heard a loud bang from behind him, he began to slow down. He could see smoke through the trees and knew that it was his home that they’d just blown up. 

Donghyun felt his stomach fall. “Youngmin-hyung…” he whispered, knowing that the other man was still in the building. 

Donghyun gasped when someone suddenly dropped down in front of him, black wings spread dangerously. 

“Stop running.” Youngjo growled, his eyes watching Donghyun closely. 

Donghyun clenched his jaw at the incubus, his hands were glowing purple and he felt his anger taking over him. He made a move to attack the incubus but automatically paused as he looked at Youngjo, he could only see Youngmin in him. Donghyun clenched his fists before he yelled, his energy swept over the trees making Youngjo fly backwards into a tree with the force. 

He gasped at the use of so much energy before he turned and continued running, he had to put distance between himself and Rain’s followers. He couldn’t get captured. 

Chapter Text

They were all sitting eating when Dongho suddenly appeared in the room. Minhyun looked over at the vampire and smiled at him before he saw the concerned expression on Dongho’s handsome features. 

Minhyun stood up and made his way towards the vampire. “Dongho-yah, what happened?”

Aaron and Geonhak stood from their seats too and moved closed. “Are you alright?” Aaron asked. 

“It was Rain,” Dongho growled as he placed his bow and arrow on the table. He ran a hand through his hair in irritation. “The hunter association was blown up,” he told them all. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened. “What?!”

Aaron ran a hand through his hair, he shook his head. People were losing their lives because of something out of his control. Aaron kept telling himself that if it wasn’t him, it would be another unsuspecting person. 

Minhyun looked at the vampire carefully. “Was there anyone..?” He trailed off but his implication was clear in his question. 

“Yes, I could feel some heartbeats.” Dongho responded quickly. Aaron’s eyes widened at his words, he made a mental note that vampires could hear heartbeats. Dongho growled. “But I couldn’t see Choi Dongwook.” 

Aaron frowned. “Who’s that?”

Geonhak bit his bottom lip. “He’s the head of the hunter association.” He answered swiftly. Geonhak looked at Minhyun and Dongho with confused eyes. “Why would Rain try to get rid of the hunters?”

“Less of a threat,” Dongho replied. “Take out the ones that make the rules.” 

Minhyun sighed. “We should start moving,” he suggested with worried eyes. “Tomorrow we can set off to Donghyun’s.” He announced. 

Aaron looked at him. “Did you find it?”

“I think so.” Geonhak responded with a grin. 

Dongho ran a hand through his hair in irritation. “Soyeon was there too. She must’ve been the one that set off the bomb.” He growled, his eyes were red. 

Aaron realised that vampires eyes would turn red if they were angry or irritated. 

Dongho shook his head as he moved through the room and towards the bathroom. “I’m gonna go wash up,” he announced. 

Minhyun held his arm and stopped him. “Are you sure you’re alright?” He asked carefully, looking at his friend with worried eyes. 

The vampire nodded. “I’m okay, don’t worry,” Dongho responded with a smile before he closed the bathroom door behind him. He rested his head against the door and growled again in irritation. Dongho didn’t even know why he was so annoyed, Soyeon looked pretty injured when she disappeared. The hunter from before crossed his mind, Dongho clenched his jaw, he didn’t need to think about him now. He shook his head before he focused on getting cleaned and what they were going to do now. 

Geonhak ran a hand through his hair as he turned in his chair to face where Minhyun and Aaron were standing. “This is getting serious, if Rain has the balls to attack the hunter association then what else is he capable of?”

Minhyun sighed. “We just have to try and stay off his radar,” he replied, looking at Geonhak closely. 

The halfbreed scoffed. “That’s probably easier said than done,” he replied. 

Minhyun shook his head before he looked at Aaron, his face softening as he gazed at him. “Get some sleep, we need to be at full strength tomorrow.” Minhyun said gently. 

Aaron bit his lip and nodded, he could see how stressed Minhyun looked. Geonhak sighed heavily beside him, making Aaron look at the younger man. 

“We can fight.” Geonhak grumbled under his breath. 

It wasn’t quiet enough, Minhyun quickly turned to face him and narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Fighting is the worst thing we could do!” He raised his voice. Aaron hadn’t ever heard him do so before. 

Geonhak stood and approached Minhyun, anger in his expression. “Why are you underestimating us?” He demanded. 

“I’m not!” Minhyun shot back angrily. “I just know how powerful Rain is, and his followers,” he replied, his voice calming slightly. Minhyun sighed before he looked at the younger man carefully. “Geonhak-ah, please, just do as I say.”

Geonhak clenched his jaw. “Fine.” He shook his head before he moved towards the elevator. 

Minhyun narrowed his eyes. “Geonhak—“

Aaron quickly reached for Minhyun, taking hold of his wrist to stop him. Minhyun turned to Aaron with confusion. Aaron just smiled at the Valkyrie. “He’ll come round.” 

Minhyun sighed. “He just wants to fight, but if we do that…”

“It’s okay,” Aaron reassured as he pulled his hand back. “We’ll find the warlock and see what he suggests.” He offered with a smile. 

Minhyun bit his bottom lip, he looked at Aaron with gentle eyes. “Hyung, promise me you’ll stay safe.” He asked. 

Aaron chuckled. “I promise but only if you do the same.”

Minhyun smiled and nodded. 

Aaron nodded his head before he made a move to head towards the bedroom, he looked back at where Minhyun was standing. The Valkyrie still looked worried as he stood looking at the pinboard, Aaron wanted him to relax but he knew nothing he said could help change Minhyun’s mind. 

He closed the bedroom door carefully behind him before he quickly changed into his sleeping clothes. Aaron sighed heavily as he settled into the bed. The journey was truly about to start, he hoped and prayed that no one would be hurt and that there was some way for them to stay out of Rain’s way. 

Minhyun gazed at the bedroom door, he was extremely concerned about the future. He looked over at the bathroom as the door opened and Dongho stepped out. He raised a brow at the vampire, he was shirtless and his hair was wet. “Put on some clothes,” he grumbled. 

Dongho paused and shook his head. “Woah, what’s wrong with you?” He grumbled. 

Minhyun shook his head. “Geonhak-ah thinks we should stand and fight.” He explained to the vampire. 

Dongho scoffed. “You know how much of a hothead he is,” he responded with a shrug of his shoulders. 

Minhyun looked back at the closed bedroom door where Aaron was. “Can we even hide from Rain..?”

Dongho sighed heavily, he placed a hand on Minhyun’s shoulder. “We’re gonna try.” He smiled. He frowned slightly as he looked around. “Where is Geonhak?”

Minhyun scoffed. “He went to sulk somewhere,” he answered as he crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Yah, go get him, he needs to sleep.” Dongho scolded as he pushed Minhyun towards the elevator. 

Minhyun rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He grumbled. Dongho chuckled at him, the Valkyrie was acting like his old childish self again. 

Minhyun made his way out of the hideout and towards the main house where Geonhak had gone. He walked into the living room and could see Geonhak sitting on one of the sofas, he looked over at Minhyun as he walked in but ignored him. 

The Valkyrie sighed heavily. “Geonhakkie, I’m sorry.” He said as he sat beside the younger man. 

Geonhak quickly turned to him. “Do you trust me?” He suddenly asked. 

Minhyun frowned at him. “What? Of course I do,” he replied. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes. “Good.” He turned away from Minhyun again. 

Minhyun sighed as he looked at the halfbreed. “Geonhak-ah, I know your agitated, and I know how strong and skilled you are,” he said carefully. “But the thought of you getting hurt, or worse, it kills me inside.”

Geoanhks eyes widened at Minhyun’s admission, he quickly looked back at the Valkyrie. “Hyung, I’m not going anywhere,” he reassured. “I told you that I’d help you with Aaron-hyung,” he smiled at Minhyun. “I won’t do anything stupid.” 

“I know.” Minhyun replied as he playfully pushed Geonhak’s shoulder. “I just need to know that I can keep both eyes on Aaron-hyung, without worrying about you.”

Geonhak smiled. “Keep both eyes on him,” he replied. “I’m fine.”

Minhyun nodded before he stood from the sofa, he offered his hand to the younger man. Geonhak looked up at him and smiled, taking the offered hand. Minhyun pulled him up before he wrapped his arms around the halfbreed. 

“Hyung?” Geonhak raised a brow, confused as to why Minhyun was suddenly showing him affection. 

Minhyun rested his head on Geonhak’s. “Remember that summer when you stayed here?” He said softly, a sad smile on his face. 

“Yeah, Samcheon was furious when we dug up the yard looking for treasure.” Geonhak chuckled happily. 

Minhyun nodded before he moved back, he looked at Geonhak with sad eyes. “I miss them…” he said softly. 

Geonhak looked at Minhyun with soft eyes, and he smiled. “I know… I do too.” He replied. Minhyun’s parents had looked after Geonhak many times while Geonhak’s own parents had tried to find somewhere safe for them to live. Geonhak looked at the large family picture on the wall. “They're always with us.”

Minhyun nodded, he knew Geonhak was right. He knew that his family were always looking after him. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Daniel sighed heavily as the doctor looked at his chart, he smiled at the woman as she offered him a long sigh. “I would prefer that you stayed another day, but I can see in your face that you want to go.” 

Daniel grinned back at her. “You know me too well, Yuju-yah.” He replied before he stood from the bed. The doctor worked for the hunters and had patched Daniel up many times before. 

“Whatever you want to do, be careful,” she warned. “We can’t afford to lose more…” 

“I will,” Daniel reassured before he grabbed his guns from the side and nodded to her before he made his way out of the department and through the hospital. 

The remaining hunters were all in the hospital, some of them had regained their movements whereas others were still inanimate. Daniel had also been informed that the head hunter, Choi Dongwook, had been kidnapped. He hadn’t heard from any of his unit either, he could only hope that they were safe somewhere. 

He walked out the hospital and towards the car park where he’d left his motorbike. He bit his lip as he thought of all his friends and colleagues that were all lying in hospital beds. Whoever was behind this must be extremely dangerous to go after the hunters like they'd done. 

Daniel quickly pulled up the tablet on the front of his motorcycle and opened the tracking app. He narrowed his eyes as he saw the location of the vampire he’d placed the tracker on. The vampire had come out of nowhere, searched the building and then saved Daniel. 

Daniel wanted to know who he was, why he was there and what he knew of the people that had attacked the hunters. Daniel knew it was something to do with a pure-soul, but other than that he didn’t know. If a pure-soul had been discovered then the hunters would’ve surely known about it. 

He could see the vampire was somewhere out of Seoul, it’d take an hour or so for him to drive to the location. But Daniel needed to know what was going on. He nodded and placed the tablet back onto the machine before he put his helmet on. He revved up the motorbike and turned out of the hospital car park. 

Daniel was determined to take revenge for the hunters that had lost their lives. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Aaron woke with a jolt, he didn’t know what time it was as they were underground but he felt as though he’d had enough sleep. He reached for his phone and sighed, 07:57. He could hear shuffling on the other side of the door. 

Aaron got dressed, looking at his reflection in the small mirror as he pulled on the black clothes that he’d been given. He could see the gun holders as well that were prepared for him. 

He took a deep breath, everything was real now. He couldn’t turn back, he had to face what he’d been born to do. 

Aaron carefully clipped the gun holder onto his hip and pulled the bulletproof vest over his black turtleneck. He looked at the boots that were waiting for him too and pulled them on. He was surprised by how well everything fit him, he laced up the boots and looked at his reflection again. He looked ready, but his eyes reflected fear. He swallowed and tried to push down the feelings. He didn’t need the others to see it, but he knew they were all good at reading expressions. 

Nodding at his reflection, Aaron ran a hand through his dark hair to push it from his eyes before he headed to the door. He paused at the doorknob again, swallowing his nerves and pushing the door open.  

He could see Geonhak and Minhyun were all awake and getting ready, on the table were an array of weapons. Dongho wasn’t in the room but Aaron was sure the vampire was probably ready. 

Minhyun turned and smiled at him with a careful look in his sparkling eyes. “Did you sleep well hyung?” He asked. 

Aaron nodded. “Are we ready?” 

“Almost,” Minhyun responded before he looked at Aaron cautiously. “You need your weapons.”

Aaron’s eyes widened at that. 

Minhyun offered him a reassuring smile. “Geonhakkie can gear you up,” he said as he gestured to where the halfbreed was standing over the table. 

Geonhak smiled at him. “C’mon hyung,” he waved Aaron over. 

Aaron stood still as Geonhak fastened some weapons to him. It wasn't too many, but just one gun was enough for Aaron. “Isn’t this a bit excessive?” He asked carefully. 

“We need as much as we can carry,” Geonhak replied. “Dongho-hyung has already put some in the car.”

Aaron blinked. “We have a car?”

Geonhak chuckled at his surprised expression. “Yeah, it’s one of Dongho-hyung’s pastimes.” He answered. 

Aaron just nodded, still surprised that they had a form of transportation. He was sure they’d use public transport but having their own vehicle would make it safer for civilians. Aaron recalled Youngjo attacking them in the train, Rain’s followers had no boundaries when it came to finding Aaron. 

Minhyun walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Hyung, are you ready?” He asked. 

“As I’ll ever be.” Aaron responded. 

Minhyun bit his lip. “Don’t worry,” he reassured. “Once we find Donghyun-ah we can ask him to place a spell on you to help us hide you.” 

Aaron nodded. He wanted to tell them that he didn’t want to live his life hiding but he knew there was no other way. 

“The car is ready,” Dongho said as he appeared from the elevator. He smiled at Aaron. 

Minhyun nodded. “Let’s go.” 

They all headed up in the elevator, Aaron watched as Minhyun carefully closed the door behind them, moving some of the books on the bookshelf around. 

Geonhak and Dongho headed out the front door but Aaron noticed that Minhyun paused in the main room. Aaron frowned before he moved towards the Valkyrie. Minhyun was looking up at the picture of him and his family. 

Aaron bit his lip. “They’re proud of you, I know it.” He said with a smile. 

Minhyun looked at him with sad eyes. “Thank you hyung.” 

Aaron reached out and took Minhyun’s hand in his own. The Valkyrie looked down at their hands before he gazed back at Aaron, his eyes were almost drawing Aaron in. They were so expressive but also so mysterious. Aaron felt like he couldn’t look away. “Minhyun-ah…” 

“I’ll keep you safe, hyung,” Minhyun whispered softly before he pulled his hand out of Aaron’s. He smiled and made his way towards the front door. 

Aaron bit his lip, he looked down at his hand and clenched it. His heart was pounding, just from holding Minhyun’s hand and looking in his eyes. He shook his head before he followed. 

Outside was a large four by four, it was black and had blacked out windows. Aaron could see the trunk was full of supplies. He wondered where the car had been all this time. 

“Okay, everyone ready,” Dongho asked as he turned to them all. 

Aaron got a good look at them all. 

Geonhak had guns on his thighs, a knife on his hip. He also had a bulletproof vest on as well as Aaron over his black outfit, but had a dagger on the vest too. He also had some other weapons on his belt, they looked like small grenades. His black hair was styled to the side, falling into his determined eyes. 

Dongho had a black wife-beater on, his arms on show showing just how built he was. He had a sword on his hip, his bow and arrows on his back. He also had a dagger on his thigh. His brown hair was pushed back off his face with a few strands falling into his eyes. 

Minhyun was in all black too, like Aaron and Geonhak he had a turtleneck on. His dark brown hair was flat on his head, falling into his pretty eyes. He had two swords on his belt and his bow and arrows on his back like Dongho. He also had two daggers on either thigh. 

Aaron could see the determination in all of their eyes and felt the confidence coming from them. It made Aaron feel safe, and made him feel strong too. He was well equipped with weapons too, as much as he didn’t want to use them, he would if he had to. 

Dongho reached for the driver's door when suddenly a bullet flew into the ground near his feet. Almost automatically, Minhyun pulled out one of his swords, Dongho had his bow and arrow ready. Geonhak stood protectively in front of Aaron, his gun aimed at the man that had suddenly shot at them. 

Daniel appeared from behind a tree, he narrowed his eyes on them all. He was aware that they all had their weapons trained on him. “Put your weapons down,” he bellowed. “Now!”

Dongho growled as he recognised the man as the hunter from the day before. “You.” His eyes flashed dangerously. 

Minhyun frowned. “You know him?” He asked the vampire. 

Dongho nodded. “He’s a hunter.”

Daniel looked over the four of them, then seemed almost out of place. “What is going on here?” He demanded before he narrowed his eyes dangerously as he saw the large car. “Are you planning to blow something else up?” He shouted. 

Aaron’s eyes widened at the man’s words. “You think we did that?”

Daniel narrowed his eyes at the man that had spoken before he looked at the vampire as he spoke. “You were there,” he growled. 

Dongho took a step closer with a threatening growl. Aaron’s eyes widened in panic, the man was misunderstanding what had happened. “Stop! You’re misunderstanding,” Aaron called. “We weren’t involved with the horrendous incident at the hunters association.”

“How did you find this place?” Minhyun demanded of the hunter. 

Daniel smirked, he looked at the vampire before he scoffed. “I placed a tracker on the vampire.” 

Dongho’s eyes widened, he clenched his fists and held his bow tighter. “You bastard!”

“Dongho enough!” Minhyun bellowed. “Look, we have somewhere we need to be,” he announced. 

Daniel scoffed at the man, aiming his gun carefully. “You think I’ll just let you go?”

“It’s four against one.” Geonhak growled at the man, aiming his own gun ready. 

“I know about the pure-soul,” Daniel announced, he watched as they all looked at him with surprise. “Is that why they attacked the association?” He asked cautiously. 

Minhyun narrowed his eyes on the hunter. “What do you know?” He demanded. 

“Only what the vampire woman said, she seemed to know you,” Daniel answered as he looked over at the vampire cautiously. 

Dongho scoffed and shrugged his shoulders. “She’s tried to kill us before,” he said nonchalantly. 

Daniel frowned at that. He didn’t know what the four of them were doing. “Tell me what’s going on.” He demanded of them again. 

“What’s your name?” Minhyun asked instead. 

The hunter raised his chin confidently. “Kang Daniel, hunter level A.” He introduced himself. 

Geonhak groaned. “Damn.”

Aaron looked at the halfbreed with confusion. “What does that mean?” He asked. 

Geonhak scoffed. “It means he’s better on our side than there’s.” He replied. 

“What?” Dongho growled before he saw Minhyun walking towards the hunter. “Minhyun!” He called to the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun put his sword away and stood before Daniel. “I can see the determination and desire for revenge in your eyes,” he said carefully. “You want to avenge the hunters that lost their lives.”

Daniel took a step away from the other man, he could feel the energy coming from the supernatural. “What are you..?”

“A Valkyrie.” Minhyun responded. 

Daniel’s eyes widened as he took another cautious step back. “Shit…”

Aaron frowned at Daniel’s reaction to Minhyun’s species. If a hunter seemed surprised and almost taken back by a Valkyrie, Aaron wanted to know what Minhyun was truly capable of. 

“Do you want to help us?” Minhyun asked the hunter. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened at what his cousin was suggesting, he remained silent and knew that whatever Minhyun had in mind it was for the welfare of all of them. 

Dongho growled at Minhyun’s words. He didn’t trust the hunter. 

Aaron could see how much Minhyun was observing the hunter. The Valkyrie clearly saw potential in the man to offer for him to help them. 

Daniel lowered his gun slightly. “You know who attacked the association?”

Minhyun nodded. “Rain.”

Daniel fronwed. “The warlock?”

“You know of him?” Minhyun asked with confusion, he didn’t think the hunter would know of the warlock. 

Daniel nodded. “He’s been on the hunters radar for years,” he explained. “He’s dangerous and powerful but I never thought he’d come for the hunters…” 

Minhyun sighed. “Rain is trying to get rid of those that will stand in his way,” he said cautiously. 

Daniel looked at the Valkyrie closely. “The pure-soul…” he announced. 

Aaron bit his lip, he clenched his fist before he carefully moved from behind Geonhak. The younger man looked at him worriedly as he walked towards where Daniel and Minhyun were standing. Aaron sighed heavily as he stood beside Minhyun and looked at Daniel. “I’m the pure-soul.” He admitted. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened. “Hyung—“

“No.” Aaron stopped the Valkyrie. Daniel was looking at him with shock. Aaron looked at the hunter with a smile. “He can help us.” He held his hand out for Daniel to take. 

Daniel glanced at the man before him, he gave off a trustworthy vibe. Daniel could see the others had all lowered their weapons now, the man before him really was a pure-soul. Daniel put his gun back into the holder on his thigh. He reached his hand for the other man. 

Aaron smiled as he shook Daniel’s hand. “I’m Aaron, I’m glad you’re going to help us.” He said with a grin. 

Daniel nodded. 

“We need to get going.” Minhyun said with a smile. He could see how determined Aaron was to help Daniel, the man was polite and respectful to everybody. Minhyun moved towards the car, he opened the back door and gestured to Geonhak. 

Aaron nodded reassuringly at Daniel before he looked at where Daniel had come from. He could see a sleek motorcycle behind the tree. 

Daniel followed the other man’s eyes. “That’s my bike,” he said carefully. 

“Maybe your bike will fit on the car?” Aaron suggested as he looked over at the car. 

Dongho growled slightly as he crossed his arms over his chest. “No way.” He replied irritably. 

Aaron sighed. “Dongho-yah…”

Daniel scoffed and shook his head. “It’s okay, I can leave it here,” he replied. 

Aaron nodded at the other man. They moved towards the car, Dongho was in the driver seat. 

Minhyun was standing by the passenger seat. “Hyung. You can go to the front,” he smiled. 

Aaron nodded and climbed into the car. 

Minhyun stood in front of the back door before he crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at Daniel. “You don’t have any more trackers on us do you?” He asked. 

Dongho clenched his jaw, his grip on the steering wheel tightened. He felt embarrassed that the hunter had managed to get one over him. 

Aaron could see the irritation on Dongho’s face but remained silent, he didn’t know what to say to make Dongho feel better. 

Daniel sighed before he shook his head. 

The Valkyrie nodded. “Good.” He moved away from the door and gestured for the hunter to get in. 

Geonhak watched as the hunter climbed into the car. He looked at Geonhak with careful eyes as he sat beside him. Minhyun cleared his throat, looking at Geonhak pointedly as he climbed into the very back of the car. Geonhak rolled his eyes before he looked at the hunter. “I’m Geonhak.” 

“Hey.” Daniel offered the man. 

Geonhak sighed. “This is Minhyun-hyung, and Dongho-hyung,” Geonhak introduced them carefully as he gestured to them both. 

“You’re human?” Daniel asked Geonhak as he saw the weapons he possessed. 

Geonhak nodded. 

Aaron raised a brow slightly, wondering why Geonhak hadn’t told Daniel that he was a halfbreed. Aaron again remained silent, it wasn’t his place to say anything. 

Daniel bit his lip as he looked over them all. He could see the map on the dashboard, indicating they were heading to a specific location. “Where are we heading?” He asked. 

“We’re going to see a warlock friend of ours,” Minhyun’s voice answered from behind him. 

Daniel raised a brow. “Another warlock?”

“Hopefully he’ll be able to help us.” Geonhak added. 

Daniel nodded, he looked at the weapons they were all carrying. He’d also noticed the weapons in the back of the car too. “What is your plan for Rain?” He asked carefully. 

Minhyun sighed. “Right now, our priority is to keep Aaron-hyung safe,” he answered. 

Daniel nodded. “Understandable.” 

“It should take us a few hours to reach Donghyun’s home.” Dongho announced from the driver's seat. 

Aaron could see the destination on the car's dashboard, it looked like they were heading even further away from the main cities. He leaned against the window, looking at the clouds as they passed by. He only hoped that Donghyun would be able to give him some answers.   

Chapter Text

Aaron groaned as he felt a careful tap on his shoulder. His eyes opened and he yawned. He frowned as he took in the unfamiliar surroundings, he was in the car and they were driving off-road. 

“Hyung, wake up, we’re almost there.” Dongho said calmly beside him with a smile. 

Aaron frowned. “I… fell asleep?” He asked, feeling embarrassed. 

Dongho grinned in response. “It’s okay hyung,” he reassured. 

Aaron glanced into the back, Geonhak and Daniel were both looking out of their windows whilst Minhyun was looking back at Aaron. Minhyun’s eyes were always so pretty… Aaron’s eyes widened at his thoughts before he smiled awkwardly at the Valkyrie and looked back to the front. He could see Dongho raising a brow at him but the vampire remained silent. 

They could see a house in the distance, Minhyun smiled as he recognised the home. They were thankfully heading the right way. 

It wasn’t until they began to pull up near the house that it began to feel ominous. The trees around were broken, burnt. Aaron frowned as he saw the destruction around the house. In the late afternoon light, the house looked eerily. 

“This is the place?” Daniel asked cautiously. 

“Are you sure?” Geonhak added, looking back at Minhyun with confusion. 

Minhyun was looking around carefully. He could feel dark energy around the place and was suddenly worried about Donghyun. “Somethings not right,” Minhyun said carefully. 

Dongho stopped the car, they were still a way away from the home but the car was hidden in the still living trees. “Let’s go on foot,” he suggested. 

Minhyun nodded before he bit his lip and looked at Aaron, the elder man was starting to climb out the car after Dongho. “Wait,” Minhyun called, making them all pause. 

Geonhak raised a brow at him. “What is it?” He was about to open the car door and get out too. 

Minhyun looked at Geonhak with careful eyes. “Geonhakkie, stay in the car.” He instructed. 

Geonhak paused before he frowned. “What—“

“Aaron-hyung, you too.” Minhyun added. Aaron blinked in confusion, he could see Dongho nodding in agreement. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes slightly. He was irritated that Minhyun wasn’t letting him be involved again. “But, we can—“

“Geonhakkie, listen to me.” Minhyun responded with a determined expression. 

Geonhak sighed and rolled his eyes. He’d promised Minhyun that he’d listen and follow his instructions. But Geonhak hadn’t realised that he’d be reduced to sitting back and doing nothing. “Fine.”

Aaron looked at Minhyun with worried eyes. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” He asked as he moved towards the backseat. 

Minhyun nodded in reassurance. “Our priority is to keep you safe.” He replied with a smile. 

“I know,” Aaron replied before he looked at Dongho and Daniel before back at Minhyun. “But all of you be careful.”

“We will.” Dongho responded with a grin. 

Minhyun waited for Aaron to get into the back of the car before he gestured to Dongho for them to start walking. They headed down the road towards the house. 

Daniel raised a brow slightly. “What’s the deal with you and Geonhak?” He asked Minhyun curiously. The human seemed to listen to Minhyun’s instructions. 

Minhyun sighed softly. “He’s my cousin,” he responded. 

“Oh.” Daniel frowned slightly at the new information. He narrowed his eyes. “But he’s human?”

“Shit…” Dongho’s voice made Minhyun and Daniel look over. They’d reached the front door of the house, it had been smashed into. The house looked like it’d taken fire damage. “What happened here?” The vampire asked as he glanced around the ruined home. 

Minhyun felt panic run through him. “How did they know about Donghyun?”

Dongho’s eyes widened worriedly. “There’s no way they got to him before us, right?” He asked cautiously. 

Daniel looked between them with concern, he didn’t really know who they were talking about. “Let’s keep going.” 

They walked further into the house, up the stairs. Dongho had his bow and arrows ready, Daniel had his gun pointed ready too. Minhyun was walking calmly behind them, his eyes looking around the house worriedly. He really hoped that Donghyun was okay. 

They stopped when they saw one of the rooms still had the door closed. Minhyun nodded to Dongho, and the vampire carefully approached the door. Daniel stood posed and ready beside Minhyun, both of them watched as Dongho kicked open the door. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened as he saw a figure tied to one of the radiators. He recognised the man straight away and quickly ran towards him. “Youngmin-ah?” Minhyun said as he cupped the man’s face. He could see cuts and bruises on Youngmin’s face. “Are you alright?” He asked with worried eyes. 

Youngmin was once on Rain’s side, he was Youngjo’s twin brother. However, he’d turned against Rain and joined with Donghyun after falling in love with the warlock.  

Dongho looked at the injured incubus with worried eyes. “What happened here?” He asked as he made a move to bend down to help Youngmin too. 

“G-go…” Youngmin’s voice was quiet, like he had no energy. “A trap…” 

Just as he spoke the doorway was suddenly blocked by a large black wolf. Daniel’s eyes widened as the wolf growled darkly at him before it jumped. 

Dongho’s reaction was quick, he ran towards Daniel and quickly grabbed his arm, pulling him out of Seungcheol’s way. He pushed Daniel until he was sure the human was safe before he growled and launched at the wolf. 

Daniel groaned as he landed on the small sofa that was in the room. He looked back and gasped as he saw Dongho using his bow to hold the wolf back. Daniel quickly pulled out his gun and aimed it at the wolf's leg. The wolf howled as the bullet hit its back leg. 

Dongho was able to push Seungcheol off of him and saw the wolf quickly run out the room. He glanced at Daniel, the hunter nodded at him. 

Minhyun carefully pulled Youngmin to his feet, the incubus was extremely weak. He leaned on Minhyun. Dongho quickly ran over and put Youngmin’s arms over his shoulder. 

“We have to get Youngmin some help,” Minhyun said worriedly as he looked at the almost unconscious incubus. 

Daniel moved towards them too, looking at where the wolf had run off. “What about the werewolf?” He asked. 

Dongho scoffed slightly. “He’s the least of our worries,” he responded as he looked out of the window. 

Daniel frowned and moved to stand beside Dongho, his eyes widened when he saw all the shadow creatures running towards the house. “Shadows…”

“Minhyun-ah, get Youngmin back to the car.” Dongho instructed, getting a nod back from the Valkyrie. “Me and Daniel can handle the Shadows.” He added as he nodded at Daniel. 

Minhyun nodded and carefully helped Youngmin walk down the stairs before he paused and growled. The black wolf was standing in the front door, blocking the way. Minhyun placed Youngmin down carefully before he pulled out his swords. He narrowed his eyes at Seungcheol as the wolf began to pace. 

Minhyun could only hope that Aaron and Geonhak were still safe in the car. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Geonhak sighed heavily, he had his arms crossed as he sat back in his seat. They could no longer see the others from the car, Geonhak knew they’d be okay but he couldn’t help feeling frustrated. 

Aaron glanced at the younger man briefly and could see the irritation on his face. He bit his bottom lip, he didn’t know what to say to him but he knew that Minhyun had suggested the right thing. It would be safer for them to stay back until it was clear. 

They waited patiently for what felt like hours but what was probably only a few minutes. Aaron frowned slightly as he was suddenly hit with a strange wave of something. He didn’t know what it was but he felt like he had to look out of the window,  so he did. Aaron tilted his head curiously as he saw a beautiful purple glowing butterfly perched on a tree branch just outside the car. “Geonhak-ah,” he called to the other man, not looking away from the butterfly. 

“What is it?” Geonhak asked, raising a brow as he saw Aaron looking out the window intently. He automatically grabbed his gun in case Aaron had seen something. 

“There’s a butterfly out there…” Aaron replied carefully. 

Geonhak frowned. “So?”

Aaron blinked as he kept his eyes on the purple butterfly. “It’s glowing… and there’s something about it that makes me feel like we should follow it…” he admitted. 

“Follow it?” Geonhak asked with confusion. Aaron still hadn’t looked away. “Hyung, are you crazy? We have to stay put, that was the order.” He responded with confusion. 

Aaron bit his lip before he finally turned to the younger man. “Geonhak-ah, trust me.” 

Geonhak paused. “But…” 

Aaron looked back out the window, just as the purple butterfly launched from the tree and began to fly away. “It’s moving,” Aaron opened the car door without even thinking and began to follow the butterfly. 

“Hyung! Wait!” Geonhak called as Aaron began to walk into the trees. Geonhak quickly followed after the elder man, he was extremely concerned about Aaron. Why the hell did he want to follow a butterfly? Geonhak had his gun ready as he and Aaron walked through the trees. It was darker with the shadows of the trees but Geonhak was surprised to see that the small purple butterfly was glowing prettily, almost like it was leading the way for them. 

Aaron felt like a fool but he kept thinking that there was something about the butterfly that made him feel safe. Geonhak was close beside him, Aaron was thankful that the other man hadn’t just completely disregarded him after asking him to just follow a butterfly. 

Suddenly, they came to a stop as the butterfly landed on a tree branch. Aaron frowned before he looked around with confusion. “Is someone here?” He called. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened as Aaron called out in the forest, he held his gun tighter as he looked around too. 

“H-help…” 

Geonhak paused, he frowned as he heard a voice on the wind. “Hyung, listen,” he called to Aaron. 

“What is it?” Aaron asked. He looked back at where the butterfly was before it suddenly burst into purple glitter. 

“H-help…”

“Someone is there!” Geoanhk called out before he followed where the voice was coming from. His eyes widened as he walked through the trees and saw that there was a sudden drop. He could see there was someone down there, his dark hair was messy and Geonhak could see he had scratches on his handsome face. 

Aaron ran after Geonhak and looked down too, seeing the man sitting on a ledge. He looked up at them with weak eyes. “Help.” 

“Hold tight! We’ll get you up!” Aaron reassured before he looked back at the trees. He could see there was some vines that were dropping from some of them. “Geonhak-ah, help me out,” he said as he ran towards the tree. 

Geonhak nodded, he pulled out his dagger and carefully climbed one of the trees. Using his knife to cut the vine down for Aaron. 

Aaron was impressed by Geonhak’s ability to climb a tree so easily. He took the vines and moved back to where the man was. He was now standing cautiously, holding onto the side. Aaron could see there was water beneath the man, they were high up so much that if the man fell it would be uncertain whether he’d survive. 

“Hold on!” Aaron called to the man before he carefully lowered the vine for the man to take. The man held the end carefully. Geonhak came to assist Aaron quickly, holding the vine with him. 

The man began to climb up the vine. Aaron leaned down cautiously and took the man’s arm, helping to pull him up. Geonhak came to the other side, grabbing the man too and helping Aaron pull the man’s weight over the side and back onto flat land. 

The man was breathing deeply. Aaron could see he was holding something against his chest, he looked like he’d been through hell. “Are you alright?” 

“T-thank you,” he responded, smiling at them both. The man attempted to stand but immediately winced and fell again. 

Aaron was quick to help the man. “What happened?”

“They came and attacked my home.” The man explained. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened slightly at his words. “Donghyun?” He asked, he thought he’d recognised the man from somewhere. 

The man looked at them both with confusion. “You know me?” He asked cautiously. 

Aaron smiled and nodded. “We came to find you,” he replied. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened as he suddenly felt the energy coming from the shorter man. “Pure-soul…”

Aaron nodded carefully. 

Donghyun smiled softly. “That's why you followed my butterfly.” He said with a smile of relief. 

Aaron blinked before he nodded softly. Donghyun had sent the butterfly to get help, Aaron couldn’t help but wonder how long the man had been stuck.  

Suddenly they all turned as they heard the sound of someone stepping on the floor. Aaron’s eyes widened as he recognised the man from the train, Youngjo. This time the man was standing there with large black wings, the wings had claws and Aaron could see a tail behind the man. He looked like he was in his full incubus state. 

“There you are.” Youngjo growled as he looked at Donghyun before his eyes were suddenly focused on Aaron. He seemed to pick up on who Aaron was immediately. 

Geonhak could see the way the incubus focused on Aaron. He quickly stood and pulled out his gun. “Hyung stay back,” he said as he walked protectively in front of Aaron and Donghyun. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “Geonhak-ah…”

“Back off.” Geonhak growled at the man before he shot at him. 

Youngjo flew into the air quickly, just dodging the bullet. He growled before he flew at the man with the gun, he was quicker than the man and grabbed him by the wrist and the throat before he pushed him against a tree. Youngjo paused.

Geonhak struggled against the incubus as he held him against the tree. His gun was still in his hand but he couldn’t get the angle right. He was suddenly overwhelmed by an almost comforting scent of apples. He looked at the incubus and growled at him. 

Youngjo tilted his head as he looked over the man. His eyes widened slightly. “Halfbreed…” he said cautiously. He’d never come across a halfbreed before. There was something about the man that intrigued him, the fight and determination in his eyes. The halfbreed’s eyes were almost drawing Youngjo in. Strange. He’d never experienced that before, usually he was the one that drew people to him. Youngjo swallowed heavily when he smelt the scent of raspberries on the man. Youngjo knew that raspberries were his weakness. What he desired when he couldn’t control himself. “You smell sweet,” he found himself saying. 

Geonhak’s eyes were focused on the incubus, he clenched his jaw as he felt the man’s grip on his throat ease up slightly. He briefly looked at where Aaron and Donghyun were and could see Aaron had managed to get the warlock to stand. Geonhak knew he had to keep Youngjo away from Aaron. “Hyung run!” Geonhak bellowed. 

Aaron’s eyes widened but he nodded. He didn’t want to leave Geonhak alone with the incubus but he also knew he had to try and find shelter. If Youngjo was there, the others were probably around too. He and Donghyun ran into the trees. 

Youngjo blinked as he saw the pure-soul and Donghyun running into the trees. His eyes widened when he realised he’d been too distracted looking at the halfbreed he’d let them escape. Youngjo groaned as he felt the man kick him in the stomach. He flinched back and growled. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes on the incubus. He stood in front of the path where Aaron and Donghyun had gone. He had to keep the incubus busy until they got further away. 

Youngjo felt like a fool, he’d been so distracted that he’d forgotten all about his mission. They were there to get the pure-soul but now all Youngjo could think about and scent was the man in front of him. He stumbled slightly, all of his hunger coming to the surface, everything he’d tried to control. 

Geonhak frowned as he saw the incubus stumble back slightly, he was holding his head, his tail swishing irritably and his wings flexing. His eyes widened as the incubus suddenly launched at him again, Youngjo was too fast and this time Geonhak found himself on the floor, the incubus over him. His grip on Geonhak’s wrists was uncomfortably tight. 

“Get off me!” Geonhak struggled. He tried to kick his legs to get the incubus off but Youngjo was stronger. Geonhak growled as he felt the incubus’s tail wrap around his thigh, holding him down more. 

Youngjo tilted his head as he watched the pretty halfbreed struggling underneath him. “What’s your name?” He asked curiously. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes. “Fuck you!” He bellowed angrily. He knew from the books he’d read to avoid eye contact with an incubus, so he kept trying to get free and avoided looking Youngjo in the eyes. 

Youngjo knew what the man was doing, he was doing everything in his power to not look Youngjo in the eyes. Youngjo grit his teeth, he wanted to look the man in the eyes, see the determination. Just that one glance of the halfbreed’s eyes made Youngjo want to see them again. “Look at me.” Youngjo growled, he knew not to let go of the man’s wrists in case he ran. But the temptation to hold the man’s jawline so he was staring at him was almost overwhelming. Youngjo swallowed. “I want to see your pretty eyes.” He admitted. 

Geonhak paused suddenly at the incubus’s words. He sounded almost desperate. Geonhak still refused to look at him and instead began to struggle in his hold again. “Get off!” 

Youngjo bit his bottom lip, his fangs itching as he gazed over the man’s body. He was well built, but not too much. He had nice arms and a small pretty waist, the tight clothes he wore were almost teasing Youngjo. He could see the weapons the man was carrying and knew that he was probably well skilled. Youngjo wanted the man, needed him. 

The hazy feeling in his mind was driving him crazy. Youngjo wanted nothing more than to forget all about the mission and just take the man away from everything. Just the two of them…

Geonhak could feel the incubus looking over him. He chanced a glance at the man, he couldn’t deny the fact that Youngjo was extremely attractive. He had a perfectly sculpted face and body, but Geonhak knew that was because he was an incubus. Geonhak growled, irritated that the incubus hadn’t moved, and hadn't done anything other than stare at him. Geonhak needed to make sure Aaron and the others were okay. He’d had enough. Geonhak felt one of Youngjo’s hands around his wrist loosen suddenly. He took the opportunity and punched the incubus in the jaw making him fall back. Geonhak quickly stood up, he looked at where the incubus was still on the floor before he turned and ran. 

Youngjo groaned as he ran a hand over his jaw. He narrowed his eyes as he watched the halfbreed run into the trees. Youngjo smirked, sometimes chasing prey was more fun anyway. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Aaron ran quickly, Donghyun was beside him. The warlock was struggling slightly but Aaron could see he was determined to follow. In the distance, Aaron could hear the distinct sound of gunshots, “Daniel…” he said softly. The others must’ve been ambushed too. 

They could see the house over the trees and ran towards it, Aaron’s eyes widened worriedly when he saw all the shadows around the house. They had large claws and fangs and were taller than the ones Aaron had seen previously. He could see a large black wolf that was fighting with Minhyun. The Valkyrie had his two swords in front of him as he fought the wolf. 

“Youngmin-hyung…” Donghyun said softly. He could see the incubus was standing against the wall of their home, he was trembling and had bruises all over him. Donghyun didn’t need to think straight and headed towards his partner quickly. 

“Donghyun!” Aaron called out to the warlock as he suddenly ran towards the house. His call caught some of the shadows' attention and they suddenly began to run toward him. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened at Aaron’s voice. He was glad to see that Donghyun was okay but now he was worried about Aaron. Some of the shadows were running towards him, where was Geonhak? Minhyun jumped to the side as the black wolf lept at him again. Seungcheol was quick, he’d managed to bite Minhyun more than once. Minhyun couldn’t ignore the wolf as it kept attacking him, he had to only hope the others had noticed Aaron. 

Aaron pulled out his gun, the others were all preoccupied. He aimed and fired at the creatures, watching as they exploded to dust. There was a growl from behind him and he yelped as he saw more shadows approaching from all angles. Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw the true extent of the creatures, they had no faces, only large mouths that were full of sharp teeth. They had arms and legs, with long claws at the end. They were like a thing of nightmares. 

Aaron shot at the ones he could, but every time he did more appeared. It felt like they were never ending. His eyes widened when his gun suddenly ran out of bullets, his hands were shaking as he reached for the ammo he had on his belt. But the shadows weren’t stopping. He yelped. 

A wave of purple energy suddenly ran over him, all the shadows disappeared around him. Aaron blinked in confusion before he saw Donghyun standing in front of him, his hand open in front of him, glowing purple softly. The warlock had blasted the shadows away. 

Aaron could see another man beside Donghyun, he looked familiar. He was leaning awkwardly on Donghyun. Aaron quickly moved to help. “Thank you,” he offered the warlock. 

Donghyun nodded. He glanced over and could see a car, “help me get Youngmin-Hyung in your car,” Donghyun instructed. 

Aaron nodded. They stood at either side of Youngmin and carried the weak man to the car. 

More shadows were appearing again. Aaron growled slightly, he couldn’t reload his gun with only one hand and no doubt, with how weak he looked, Donghyun didn’t have it in him to blast the creatures again. 

The sound of gunshots and the shadows exploding made Aaron look back again. He smiled when he saw Geonhak. The halfbreed looked determined as he fired at the creatures that were heading towards Aaron and Donghyun. 

Geonhak shot at the shadows and ran towards the car, he gestured for Aaron to get in.

Aaron quickly helped Donghyun get the now unconscious man into the back of the car. 

Donghyun sat in the back of the car, Youngmin’s head on his lap. 

Geonhak climbed into the driver's seat, Aaron quickly sat beside him in the passenger seat. They looked at each other before Geonhak nodded.

Minhyun groaned as he fell to the floor, he quickly stood back up as the wolf came for him again. He needed to focus on the wolf and stop thinking about whether or not Aaron was okay. He knew the pure-soul wasn’t weak and that Geonhak was with him. But Minhyun couldn’t focus. He breathed deeply as he growled at the werewolf. Minhyun had more bites than he would’ve liked, but he wasn’t going to give up. He knew he was stronger than Seungcheol. 

Daniel shot at the shadows as they ran at him, he’d never seen so many in one place. The creatures also looked extremely agitated, like they wanted to tear them all to shreds. He looked and could see Aaron was helping another man towards the car. Daniel could see the shadows were almost never ending, he was running out of ammo. 

He yelped as he felt a kick to his back, making him fall to the floor. Daniel looked back and his eyes widened when he saw the female vampire from the hunter association. 

She narrowed her eyes on him. “You.” 

Daniel stood up quickly and got his dagger out, she narrowed her gaze and jumped out. Daniel moved swiftly on his feet, she was angry and was attacking Daniel with a dagger of her own. They both dashed and threw attacks at each other. Daniel yelped as he felt the dagger cut his arm, deep. “Fuck…” he growled. 

Soyeon grinned, fangs on show as she saw the blood rolling down the human’s arm. His shirt cut open at the arm. 

Dongho paused where he was slicing shadows with his sword. He could smell blood, human blood. Daniel’s blood. He quickly saw where the hunter was and growled when he saw Soyeon prowling towards Daniel. The hunter was holding his arm close to his chest as he looked at the female vampire with narrowed eyes. 

Dongho quickly pulled his bow out again, aiming quickly and just missing Soyeon’s face. The arrow whistled past her and grazed her cheek.  

Soyeon looked over at where Dongho was but he was quickly moving towards her. She yelped as Dongho was suddenly in front of her. 

Daniel watched as the vampires began to fight, they were hauling their fists. Daniel ripped the rest of his sleeve off and wrapped his bleeding arm up, he didn’t need to attract anything else. His eyes widened as he saw the car. 

Geonhak smirked as he ran the car over all the shadows, he could feel them getting squashed by the wheels and he didn’t care. He was driving the car towards Minhyun, it looked like the Valkyrie was struggling. 

Minhyun groaned as he fell to the floor again, the wolf's large paw hitting him in the chest making him feel winded. His eyes widened and he quickly rolled out of the way as he suddenly saw the car heading towards him. Seungcheol didn’t move fast enough, the wolf went flying backwards. 

Aaron quickly opened the door and jumped out, moving towards Minhyun and helping him stand. 

“Hyung?” Minhyun had never felt so thankful to see Aaron. 

Aaron smiled. “Let’s go,” he replied before he took Minhyun's hand in his own, he quickly pulled him towards the car and pushed him into the back. 

Minhyun blinked, he smiled as he saw Geonhak in the driver's seat before he glanced to the very back of the car. Seeing Donghyun and Youngmin. “Donghyun-ah.” 

“Hey,” Donghyun smiled in response. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes as he scanned around, he could see where Dongho and Daniel were. He quickly turned the car and began to drive towards them. 

Daniel smiled as he saw the car, it was running over the shadows and making them disappear. Some of the shadows were even running away from the vehicle. 

Soyeon looked with wide eyes as the car suddenly hit her, she flew backwards and growled dangerously. 

Dongho smirked at her before he quickly turned around, he reached for Daniel and held his hand, pulling him along with him as they ran to the car. They both sat in the middle part of the car, Daniel in the middle with Minhyun and Dongho at each side. 

Once they were all inside the car, Geonhak quickly reversed out and began to drive back the way they came. It wasn’t until they got back on the main road did they all begin to relax. 

Chapter Text

Youngjo bit his lip as he watched the carnage, he’d seen Youngmin being placed safely in the car. He was thankful that his twin brother was safe. Youngjo knew that Seungcheol and Soyeon had hurt Youngmin in front of Youngjo to see where his loyalty was. Youngjo just wanted to keep Youngmin safe, even if it meant holding back and remaining with Rain. 

He couldn’t help but feel proud as he watched the halfbreed drive the car into both Seungcheol and Soyeon, he knew they’d both be extremely pissed but Youngjo couldn’t stop the smile.

Youngjo watched as the car drove off before he made his way towards the werewolf and the vampire. 

Seungcheol quickly transformed back to his human form, he had no shirt on and his trousers were tatty. He was growling darkly as he walked towards Youngjo with irritation. “Where the hell were you?” Seungcheol demanded. 

Youngjo raised a brow as he looked over the two of them, they were bruised and bleeding. He scoffed. “Trying not to get hit with a car,” he responded. 

Seungcheol clenched his jaw, gripping the front of Youngjo’s shirt irritably. “Bastard.”

“Stop it,” Soyeon growled at them, making Seungcheol step back from Youngjo. “We need to report back.” She said carefully. 

Seungcheol ran a hand through his hair. “Rain is gonna kill us. No warlock and no pure-soul…” 

Youngjo sighed, he didn’t really know what the warlock expected of them. He knew they had to try and capture the pure-soul, but with the amount of support the pure-soul had now. It was going to be more difficult than Rain probably predicted at the beginning. 

The three of them engulfed in black smoke as they headed back to Rain’s hideout. They all landed carefully before they walked into the building. Soyeon and Seungcheol were both injured whereas Youngjo wasn’t. Rain would definitely pick up on it. 

They all went down onto a knee as they were in front of the warlock. Rain was standing with his arms behind his back, looking out over the window, his back to them. 

Youngjo could feel the strong energy around them. He could tell that Rain was angry. The branded tattoo on his neck was throbbing and Youngjo knew that Seungcheol’s and Soyeon’s were probably doing the same. Soyeon’s tattoo was on her left shoulder, Seungcheol’s was on his chest. They were all the same black lotus flower. 

Rain’s voice was dark. “Empty handed again.” 

Seungcheol bit his lip before he stepped forward, he was growling in irritation as he spoke. “The pure-soul has more support—ah!” He fell to the floor as the tattoo on his chest throbbed. Youngjo looked at the werewolf but stayed where he was. 

Rain turned to them with dark eyes. “I didn’t ask for excuses.” He shot back. 

Soyeon swallowed heavily as she held her head low. “The warlock was taken too.” She informed Rain. 

The warlock was surprisingly calm as he looked at them with careful eyes before his gaze fell on Youngjo. “Using your twin as bait didn’t seem to work, did it?” He smirked. 

Youngjo clenched his jaw at the warlock’s words. “No.” He responded. Remembering how Youngmin had fought them all off to allow Donghyun to run and escape. 

Rain looked at them all, he frowned as he looked at Youngjo. “You don’t look as beaten as the others, why is that?” He asked, walking closer towards them. 

Youngjo kept his eyes down. “I’m good at avoiding unnecessary situations.” He responded, listening to both Seungcheol and Soyeon growl at him in irritation. 

“Really?” Rain paused in front of them. “And that pretty halfbreed of yours?”

Youngjo’s eyes were quick to look up at Rain. “What..?” Youngjo groaned as he felt the tattoo flare, the energy around him forcing him to the ground again. 

“Do you think I’m stupid?” Rain asked too calmly, his hands glowing red dangerously as he walked closer to where Youngjo was struggling on the floor. “Are you going to be just like your twin? Change loyalties when someone flutters their eyes at you?” He kicked Youngjo in the stomach, making him growl. 

“I… I know my loyalty.” Youngjo responded through gritted fangs. Rain didn’t need to know that Youngjo’s loyalty was keeping Youngmin safe. 

Rain scoffed at him, shaking his head. “We’ll put that loyalty to test,” he growled before he leaned down and grabbed Youngjo’s hair, making him lift his head. 

Youngjo glared at the warlock, his eyes dark. 

Rain smirked. “You’re going to find your twin.” He ordered. “And this time we’re not going to come back empty handed.” 

Youngjo’s fangs were showing as he growled at Rain. He knew that Rain was able to manipulate Youngjo’s ability to find where Youngmin was. Even if Youngjo tried to find another way, he would be able to find where Youngmin was. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Aaron shifted and looked back at them all, everyone was bruised and looked exhausted. Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw Daniel’s arm, the fellow human was holding it carefully but Aaron could see the blood. He looked over at Dongho briefly and could see the vampire had opened the window, his eyes were red and he was growling. 

“Daniel-ah, your arm.” Aaron said carefully. 

Daniel looked at him and offered him a tight smile. “It’s okay,” he tried to reassure. Daniel had to hold back the pain he was feeling, he didn’t want to come across as weak in front of the others. 

“No, it’s not,” Aaron replied with a frown. “We need to stop and patch you up.” He added as he looked back into the front of the car, he opened the glove box and saw a small first aid kit. 

Daniel shook his head. “I’m fine,” he tried to reassure. 

“It’s not you we’re worried about,” Geonhak commented from the driver's seat, his eyes narrowed on the hunter as he looked back at him through the rear view mirror. 

Daniel raised a brow slightly at that before he looked at the others. Minhyun was holding Dongho’s arm, the vampire was glancing out the window. His hand was gripping the car door, tight enough that it looked like the door was bending. Daniel suddenly felt like a fool. “O-oh,” he said softly. “I’m sorry,” he responded. 

Dongho just ignored the human, he was channeling all of control to stop himself from attacking the hunter. Dongho hadn’t been around fresh human blood for so long, the scent of Daniel’s blood was almost overwhelming. 

Minhyun was watching Dongho’s expressions closely, he was worried for his friend and could see Dongho’s eyes were red. Minhyun was also a vampire so he was also affected by the scent of blood in the air. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw both Minhyun and Dongho struggling. “Geonhak-ah, where’s the closest hospital?” He asked the driver cautiously. 

“No, we can’t go to hospitals,” Daniel was quick to answer. “They’ll ask too many questions.”

Aaron looked back at the younger human. “But you need medical attention.”

Daniel scoffed slightly. “We’re in a car with a Valkyrie and a warlock,” he answered before he looked at Geonhak. “Just find somewhere safe for us to pull over.” 

Geonhak nodded. He could see a small turnout, it was beside the river. Geonhak carefully checked the mirrors, seeing that there wasn’t anyone following them. The car stopped beside the river. “Okay, we should be alright here for a bit.” Geonhak said carefully. Minhyun nodded at him with a smile. 

They all climbed out of the car. Minhyun moved around the car and towards the very back of the car. He helped Donghyun with Youngmin, the incubus was still unconscious as they carefully placed him under one of the trees next to the river. 

Geonhak had the first kit in his hand as he, Aaron and Daniel moved towards the river. Geonhak carefully held Daniel’s arm out, the hunter grit his teeth at the sharp pain. 

“Does it hurt?” Geonhak asked with a raised brow as he pulled back the ripped sleeve Daniel had placed over the cut. 

Daniel clenched his jaw. “Obviously.”

Geonhak rolled his eyes. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw the wound on Daniel’s arm. “It’s really deep…” he said softly. He looked over at where Dongho was standing, the vampire was watching them closely, his red eyes focused. 

“Just wrap it up, it’ll be okay.” Daniel responded nonchalantly. 

Geonhak sniggered and shook his head. “If I wrap it up like this it’ll get infected.” 

Daniel sighed heavily in agitation. “Well, what do you suggest then?” He growled at the halfbreed. 

Geonhak raised a brow at him, he lifted his chin to where Dongho was standing watching them. “Ask him.” He suggested. 

Daniel frowned before he looked at where Geonhak was gesturing too. His eyes widened and he quickly looked back at Geonhak as he met Dongho’s eyes. “What? No way!” He growled. 

Geonhak raised a brow. “Why not? It’ll be quick and simple.” He responded nonchalantly. 

“No,” Daniel demanded. “Patch me up.”

Geonhak scoffed again. “Why are you being so stubborn?” 

Minhyun couldn’t help but chuckle as he heard Geonhak’s words.

Aaron could see Daniel looked extremely uncomfortable about the idea of Dongho helping him. “Can vampires heal wounds?” He asked. 

Geonhak nodded with a smile.  “Their saliva has healing properties.” He explained. 

Daniel shook his head. “There’s no way I’m letting a vampire near my blood.” He looked back down at his wound. Geonhak had cleaned it but that was it, it was still bleeding and sore. “You know that’s illegal right?” Daniel grumbled. 

“Only if it’s non consensual.” Geonhak commented. 

Daniel scoffed. “Do I look like I’m consenting?” He responded with narrowed eyes. He looked over at where Donghyun was standing. “What about the warlock?” He suggested. 

Geonhak sighed. “He’s busy.” Donghyun was watching over Youngmin. Geonhak ran a hand through his hair. “Look, it’ll be over quickly and you won’t have to go through the pain of an infected arm. You won’t be much help to us if you lose an arm.”

Aaron frowned at the halfbreed. “Geonhak-ah.”

“What? It’s true,” Geonhak shrugged his shoulders before he stood and walked away from the hunter. 

Daniel’s eyes widened as the halfbreed walked away from him. He looked at the first aid kit Geonhak had left on the rock and made a move to reach for it. His wrist was suddenly grabbed. Daniel looked up with wide eyes as Dongho stood before him. 

“Let me help you.” Dongho growled with narrowed eyes. 

Daniel blinked at him with confusion. “What?”

Dongho rolled his eyes, they were still red. “The scent of your blood is really distracting.” He growled. 

Daniel swallowed as Dongho took hold of his arm and held it out carefully. Daniel couldn’t help but blush softly as he really looked over Dongho’s features. He was extremely handsome, but then all vampires were… but there was something about Dongho that made Daniel want to know more about him. He relaxed his arm and nodded solemnly in consent. 

Dongho was watching Daniel’s expression closely as he leaned down towards the wound. It was a deep gash, one that Dongho felt like he should’ve stopped Soyeon from doing to the hunter. He growled as he felt his fangs itching. Dongho had to control himself as he leaned down towards the bleeding arm, he licked his lips before he ran his tongue over the cut. The sweet taste of Daniel’s blood on his tongue made a spark shoot through him, Daniel tasted good. But Dongho had to control himself. He couldn’t bite, only heal. 

Daniel gasped as he felt the tingling sensation of Dongho’s tongue on his arm. The pain had completely subsided and was now replaced with small jolts of pleasure. The vampire was holding Daniel’s hand in his own gently as he continued to lick the wound. Daniel was gasping softly at the sensations, it was different and scary. 

Dongho growled before he quickly pulled back. He licked his lips again, unable to resist tasting the sweet blood. He looked back at Daniel carefully and could see the hunter was trembling softly, his face flushed. “Daniel-ah?” He called softly. 

Daniel looked at him and quickly pulled his hand out of Dongho’s. He looked down at his arm, his hands were trembling slightly as he felt the pleasurable tremors still lingering. He looked at the cut in his arm, his eyes widened as he saw that it was now closed with a scar. 

Aaron had also curiously been watching the pair, he couldn’t believe that the large gash on Daniel’s arm had now healed itself with just Dongho’s saliva.

Dongho nodded at Daniel, watching him closely as he stood up and walked away from the hunter. 

Daniel wrapped his arms around himself as he watched the vampire walk away and back towards the car. He was extremely embarrassed, his body had reacted to the sensation of Dongho’s tongue on his arm. It wasn’t something Daniel had been prepared for at hunter training. 

Aaron could see how embarrassed Daniel looked and frowned slightly. He didn’t understand why Daniel had reacted so much to Dongho. He looked over at where Minhyun and the others were looking over Youngmin. Aaron made his way over to them, glancing back at Daniel again. 

Daniel stood up on cautious legs, he bit his bottom lip and looked back at where Dongho was. He knew the dynamic between them had now changed, whether Dongho felt it or not. Daniel was embarrassed, he felt almost like he’d shown his vulnerability and he hated it. Daniel carefully made his way towards where Aaron was standing. The elder man smiled at him reassuringly. 

Donghyun brushed some hair from Youngmin’s eyes, looking at his partner with worried eyes. 

Minhyun leaned down beside him. “Donghyun-ah,” he said softly. 

Donghyun looked at the Valkyrie carefully. “Minhyun-hyung, I need your help to heal him.” He said. 

Minhyun nodded. “Of course.” 

Aaron walked towards where the warlock and Minhyun were. He wanted to know more about the man that had practically kept him safe all these years.

Donghyun looked at Aaron with gentle eyes. “Thank you, for saving us.” He bowed his head shortly. 

Aaron nodded. “How did they find you?” He asked, it was strange that Rain’s followers had found Donghyun and his partner the day that Aaron and the others were looking for them. 

Geonhak was looking over the unconscious man leaning against the tree with a raised brow. “He looks familiar…” he pondered. 

Minhyun sighed softly. “Youngmin is Youngjo’s twin.” He responded. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened. “What?” He looked at his cousin with confusion before back at the unconscious man. Geonhak’s thoughts shifted to the incubus; Youngjo hadn’t really attacked them. He seemed almost focused on Geonhak, it was worrying. 

“That’s how they found us,” Donghyun explained. “They used Youngjo… because they’re twins, they can locate each other.” 

Minhyun’s eyes widened at Donghyun’s words before he looked back at Youngmin. It would be dangerous for them to stay with Donghyun and Youngmin if one of Rain’s followers could find them. 

Aaron bit his lip. “Shit…” he ran a hand through his hair. 

“He left Rain’s side to be with me,” Donghyun was smiling down at Youngmin, stroking the incubus’s hair. “Youngmin-hyung usually blocks Youngjo out, but he couldn’t.” He said softly. 

Daniel raised a brow. “Is that because of Rain?” He asked. 

Donghyun nodded. “Yes.”

Minhyun bit his lip. “Donghyun-ah, I need you to help us hide Aaron-hyung,” he said with determination. 

Donghyun glanced at where Aaron was standing. “The pure-soul.” He announced. 

Minhyun looked to Aaron and nodded at Donghyun’s words. “Yes.” He responded. 

The warlock sighed softly, looking at Aaron before back at Minhyun. “I would love to, but I can’t.” He said cautiously. 

Minhyun frowned. “What do you mean? You did it before?” He asked with a confused expression. 

“Rain is too powerful,” Donghyun said softly, his fists clenched. “He must’ve been studying old scriptures, he’s a lot more powerful than I thought.”

Dongho ran a hand through his hair as he walked over. “So there’s nothing we can do?” He asked the warlock, worried about Aaron. And about Minhyun. 

“Stand and fight.” Geonhak suddenly said. 

Minhyun narrowed his eyes. “Geonhak.”

“It’s our only option!” Geonhak snapped angrily. “You can’t expect Aaron-hyung to hide away forever!” He added with a glare at the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun’s eyes narrowed dangerously, he was irritated that Geonhak kept bringing up the option of them fighting. “If it’s what it takes to keep him safe!”

“Minhyun-hyung,” Donghyun called carefully. “There may be something we can do,” he suggested. 

Minhyun growled at Geonhak again before he looked at Donghyun. “What is it?”

Donghyun bit his lip before he stood up and looked at Aaron carefully. “We can try and bring out your full power.” He suggested to Aaron. 

“No.” Minhyun answered quickly. 

Donghyun sighed. “Minhyun—“

“No, that’s out of the question.” Minhyun cut him off quickly, they didn’t even need to think about it as an option. 

Aaron was trying to process what had just been said. “Wait,” he looked at Donghyun with a confused frown. “What do you mean? I have powers too..?”

“Of course,” Donghyun frowned as he looked at Minhyun with confusion. “Minhyun-hyung? You didn’t tell him?” He asked. 

Minhyun clenched his jaw but remained silent. 

Aaron looked at them with confusion. “Tell me what?”

Donghyun but his lip. “A pure-soul, they are the most powerful of all beings.” He explained. “If we bring out your full powers, you have the potential to destroy armies.” 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “What..?”

“But the power is extremely hard to control,” Minhyun added, his eyes narrowed on Donghyun for mentioning it. He’d wanted Aaron to remain in the dark about it, he knew that Aaron would want to do whatever it took to help people. And that’s what Minhyun was afraid of. “Most pure-soul’s don’t attempt to control themselves and keep their powers buried.” He said to Aaron carefully. 

Aaron ran a hand through his hair. “But I’ve never noticed anything…” he commented. He’d always thought he was just a normal human. 

Donghyun nodded. “Because nothing has provoked your powers to come out.” He explained. 

“Enough,” Minhyun sighed. “We can find out another way.” 

Donghyun shook his head. “Hyung…”

“We need to help Youngmin-ah.” Minhyun suddenly said instead. Donghyun smiled at Aaron reassuringly before he nodded at Minhyun. 

Minhyun bit his lip as he looked over the incubus, he could see how much he was struggling. He leaned down and held Youngmin’s hand, closing his eyes. Minhyun frowned. Youngmin was extremely hurt. Minhyun knew he’d have to use a lot of energy to help the incubus. 

He paused. Glancing to the side at where Aaron was standing, he’d never shown Aaron his Valkyrie form. 

Aaron was just watching him closely, he offered Minhyun a soft smile. Minhyun felt his heart flutter, Aaron was just so sweet. Minhyun’s eyes widened and he quickly looked back at Youngmin. He took a deep breath before he nodded, he closed his eyes. 

Aaron watched as large black wings spread from Minhyun’s back, they were covered in black feathers. The wingspan was large. Aaron could see Minhyun was now glowing a soft blue as he kneeled down beside the unconscious Youngmin. Minhyun held his hand over Youngmin’s chest, and the incubus began to glow too. 

Daniel couldn’t help but look with wide eyes. He’d never actually seen a Valkyrie before.

Minhyun’s energy flowed from his hand and into Youngmin, the incubus’s eyes began to flutter as he started to regain consciousness. 

He frowned slightly as he looked up, Youngmin smiled softly as he saw the familiar face in front of him. “Minhyun-ah?”

“Youngmin-ah,” Minhyun responded with a smile. 

Almost as quickly as they appeared, Minhyun’s wings disappeared, it looked like there was glitter falling around him as they disappeared. 

Aaron was mesmerised as he gazed at the Valkyrie, Minhyun was always beautiful to him but seeing his wings made the whole picture so much different. 

Donghyun leaned down and wrapped his arms around Youngmin. “Thank goodness you’re okay.” He said softly. 

“Donghyunnie,” Youngmin’s eyes were smiling with him as he held the warlock closer to him. He glanced back up and at all the unfamiliar faces. “What’s going on?” He asked. 

Donghyun chuckled as he pulled back, he carefully helped Youngmin to his feet. The incubus looked over them all with curious eyes. He smiled at Dongho, recognising the vampire amongst the unfamiliar faces. He tilted his head curiously at the energy coming from one of them, his eyes widened in realisation. 

“We should probably introduce ourselves,” Aaron said as he saw the incubus looking at him curiously. “I’m Aaron.” 

Youngmin smiled and bowed his head. He could feel the aura of the pure-soul and knew he was the one that Minhyun had been protecting. 

Another stepped forwards, he was looking at Youngmin cautiously. “I’m Daniel, grade A hunter,” he introduced. Youngmin nodded his head to the human. 

Geonhak was watching the incubus, he nodded his head. “I’m Geonhak, Minhyun’s cousin,” he introduced himself. 

Youngmin blinked slightly at that, he knew the other man wasn’t a Valkyrie so could only guess he was a rare halfbreed. Youngmin wondered why Minhyun had never introduced them to Geonhak before. 

“Great, now that everyone’s acquainted, we need a plan.” Dongho announced, his arms crossed over his chest. “Any ideas?” 

Aaron ran a hand through his hair, they were all stumped and didn’t know what to do. The original plan was now not possible.

Geonhak clenched his fists and shook his head. He knew they should fight, but he also knew they weren’t ready. “We need to find somewhere safe to stay.” He suggested. 

Aaron nodded in agreement. 

“I can potentially hide us for a short period if we find a home small enough?” Donghyun said with a smile. 

“What about the family home?” Geonhak suggested, looking at Minhyun pointedly. It was annoying that they’d just come from the house but it was the best bet. 

Minhyun still looked unsure. He bit his lip. 

“Hyung?” Geonhak called to him with narrowed eyes. 

Minhyun knew Geonhak was irritated that they weren’t going to fight. “And what are you suggesting we do?” He asked. 

“Get ready to fight.” Geonhak replied. 

Minhyun growled. Dongho held his arm cautiously and frowned at the Valkyrie. Minhyun shook his head and pulled his arm away before he walked past them all. 

Dongho sighed. “Maybe we should relax for a bit, maybe eat some of the food we prepared?” He suggested. The others all nodded in agreement. 

Aaron bit his lip, he looked at where Minhyun was sitting beside the river. He ran a hand through his hair before he stood and headed towards the Valkyrie. 

Geonhak watched Aaron walk towards where Minhyun was before he sighed heavily. He knew he’d pissed the Valkyrie off again but he wanted Minhyun to change his mind. He hoped Aaron would do a better job. 

“You guys act more like brothers than cousins.” Daniel commented as he took a bite of his apple, looking at Geonhak pointedly. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened and he felt a blush on his cheeks as he looked at the apple. His thoughts on the incubus again, he shook his head, glancing briefly at Youngmin before back at Daniel. “We’re as close as brothers,” he responded. 

Daniel raised a brow but shrugged his shoulders. He paused when he felt eyes on him, glancing over and seeing Dongho watching him closely. Daniel frowned. The vampire raised a brow at him but continued watching him. Daniel felt like he wanted to squirm under the vampire's eyes but he refused to show more weakness around him. Instead he clenched his jaw and ignored the vampire.

Dongho knew Daniel was ignoring him. But he couldn’t look away. Daniel almost looked embarrassed that Dongho was looking at him, it was cute. Dongho’s eyes widened at his thoughts, cute..? Shit. Dongho knew this would happen when he tasted the hunter's blood, but it was driving him crazy just smelling the sweet scent. Now Dongho knew at some point he’d need to taste Daniel’s blood again. 

Aaron smiled as he carefully sat beside Minhyun, looking out over the river. “Hey.” 

Minhyun looked back at him with gentle eyes. “Hyung…”

“Don’t be too hard on Geonhak-ah,” Aaron said as he smiled. “He’s only trying to find solutions.” 

Minhyun bit his bottom lip as he looked at Aaron with careful eyes. “Hyung, are you mad at me?” He questioned. 

Aaron frowned. “What? Why would I be?”

“I’ve hidden so much from you.” Minhyun responded quietly. 

Aaron sighed softly, he looked at Minhyun. “I understand why you did it.” He answered. “You just want to keep me safe,” Aaron replied. 

Minhyun nodded. He was fidgeting with his hands as he looked out over the calm water. “What do you want to do hyung?” He asked carefully, still looking at the river. 

“Honestly,” Aaron paused. Minhyun looked at him. “I want to fight.” 

Minhyun’s eyes widened. “Hyung—“

“But we’re not ready yet.” Aaron admitted. “I’m not ready.” 

Minhyun looked at him with fearful eyes. It hurt Aaron to see Minhyun looking so worried. “But hyung, you might get—“

“Stop,” Aaron turned to face Minhyun, he carefully kneeled in front of the Valkyrie. Minhyun’s eyes widened at the gesture. “You’ve been watching out for me for so long, I want to be there for you too.” He said softly, hand on Minhyun’s knee. 

Minhyun shook his head softly. “The pure-soul power could kill you.” 

Aaron bit his lip, he stood up, holding his hand out for Minhyun to take. The Valkyrie looked at him with scared eyes, Aaron was happy that Minhyun showed him his weak side. Minhyun bit his lip and took Aaron’s hand, he pulled the Valkyrie to his feet. 

Aaron felt a wash of confidence flow over him. He carefully held Minhyun’s waist in his hands and pulled the Valkyrie towards him. Minhyun’s eyes widened, placing his own hands on Aaron’s shoulders. 

“Minhyun-ah, your Valkyrie form is so beautiful.” Aaron commented, his voice low and gentle. Minhyun’s cheeks flushed prettily. Aaron smiled at him, one hand coming up to cup Minhyun’s face. “You’re so strong, loyal,” he said softly. “Look at your friends over there.”

Minhyun looked over at where the others were all sitting around together, they were talking and laughing. 

“They are ready to fight with us,” Aaron said calmly. 

Minhyun’s heart leapt. Us. Aaron was serious about this. 

Aaron smiled reassuringly at the Valkyrie. He wanted Minhyun to relax and have more confidence. “Trust them. Trust me.” 

Minhyun took a deep breath and nodded. “I do.”

Aaron smiled. He held Minhyun’s hand in his own. “Then let’s do it, let’s fight for our freedom.” 

Minhyun smiled at Aaron, he could feel himself falling again. He couldn’t help it, the human was just so desirable. Minhyun nodded. 

Chapter Text

They all sat around beside the river. It was silent, all of them were trying to figure out what their next move was. 

Aaron was glancing at them all, he found himself looking at their newest members. Donghyun and Youngmin. Aaron could practically feel the love coming from them, they were an extremely sweet couple. 

Aaron frowned slightly, he could see a small scar on Youngmin’s neck. Almost in the same place that Youngjo had his black tattoo. Aaron began to think. “The tattoos are a brand…”

Daniel was beside him and raised a brow at his voice. “Hyung?”

“The tattoo on Youngjo and the others,” Aaron announced. The others all looked at him with confused eyes. Aaron looked at Donghyun as he asked, “Is it a warlock thing?”

Donghyun raised a brow. “It’s a curse, one that Rain controls.” He answered. 

“Can you cast the curse too?” Aaron asked. 

Donghyun gave him a confused expression. “What? I guess…?” He replied cautiously. 

Minhyun looked at Aaron with a puzzled look, trying to work out what the man was planning. “Hyung, what are you thinking?” He asked. 

“Youngjo didn’t attack us when he could,” Aaron observed. “He was too focused on Geonhak.”

“What?” Minhyun looked at Aaron with shocked eyes before he turned to Geonhak with concern. 

Geonhak clenched his jaw. “Hyung.” he scolded Aaron slightly. He already felt angry that Youngjo had managed to get into his head. 

Youngmin’s eyes widened at the words, he looked at Geonhak curiously. He could instantly tell that the man was a halfbreed. Is that why Youngjo had fixated on him? Youngmin didn’t like the thought of them using Youngjo’s weakness but if it helped them to somehow get his brother back and away from Rain. 

“We can remain hidden if Rain doesn’t have Youngjo.” Aaron observed. “That way I can try and control my abilities.” He added with a reassuring smile to Minhyun. 

“What are you suggesting?” Youngmin asked carefully, eyes focused on the pure-soul. 

“We need to capture Youngjo.” Aaron suggested. “Try and break the curse.”

Donghyun bit his lip, he glanced at Youngmin briefly before turning to Aaron again. “But if I cast my own curse on him, I need someone to be his master.” He said cautiously. 

Aaron nodded before he carefully looked over at Geonhak. 

The younger man raised a brow as he felt Aaron’s eyes and then everyone else’s on him. He narrowed his gaze on Aaron. “Oh no, don’t look at me like that,” he growled. 

Daniel sighed, offering Geonhak a playful smile. “He’s already infatuated with you.” He responded. Geonhak had left Daniel in the deep end with Dongho, he was just getting his own back. 

“I’m not having an incubus pet.” Geonhak snapped, looking at Youngmin briefly. “No offense.”

Youngmin scoffed before he narrowed his eyes on the halfbreed. “My brother is only by Rain’s side to keep me safe.” He informed them. 

Aaron tilted his head at that. “What do you mean?”

“Youngjo doesn’t share the same opinions as Rain.” Youngmin said softly, smiling. He sighed. “He doesn’t want a war.”

Daniel’s eyes widened. “A war?”

“That’s Rain’s goal,” Youngmin replied. “Those who don’t follow him are enemies.” He informed them. 

Dongho growled. “Shit.”

Youngmin nodded. “That’s why he tried to kill the hunters.”

Daniel’s eyes widened at that, he clenched his fists. “The association…”

“Yeah,” Dongho replied cautiously, looking to Daniel with careful eyes before he looked at Donghyun and Youngmin. “The head hunter is still missing,” he added. 

Youngmin bit his lip. “They probably have him locked up in the mansion.” He said cautiously. 

Aaron frowned. “Mansion?” 

The incubus nodded. “Yeah, it’s where Rain lives and recruits.” He answered. 

Aaron was watching Youngmin carefully. “You know where it is?” He asked. 

“Yes.” Youngmin replied. 

Daniel scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “At least we have a place to avoid…”

Aaron nodded in agreement before he looked at Youngmin carefully. “How do we go about capturing Youngjo?”

Geonhak’s eyes widened at what that implied. “Wait, that plan is still on the table?” He asked. 

“If we can bring another to our side, isn’t that better?” Daniel commented with a raised brow. 

Youngmin bit his lip. “Youngjo won’t go down without a fight.” 

Minhyun smirked at that, looking at Geonhak pointedly. “Good. You like fighting, right Geonhakkie?” He growled. 

“Seriously?” Geonhak clenched his jaw. “Why are we actually considering this?” He crossed his arms angrily. 

“I want my brother back.” Youngmin announced. 

Geonhak scoffed. “Why did you leave him in the first place then?” 

Youngmin growled dangerously in response. Donghyun placed a careful hand on his shoulder. “Hyung…” 

Geonhak was still irritated. “Why didn’t he leave with you? If he doesn’t have the same opinions and he wants to protect you.” He argued. 

“It’s not that simple.” Youngmin shot back. “Rain is extremely powerful and we were cursed, to serve him.” He explained. 

Donghyun sighed before he looked thoughtful. “It might be easier if I show you?” He suddenly suggested. 

“Huh?” Aaron frowned. “Show us?”

Donghyun nodded. “I can show you how it all started, from Minhyun-hyung coming to see me at the beginning, to Youngmin-hyung coming to our side.” 

Donghyun stood and gestured for them to follow. Aaron looked at Minhyun and got a smile and nod of his head in response. Minhyun and Dongho remained seated with Youngmin, they knew the story. 

Donghyun paused as they came to the river. He could see Aaron, Daniel and Geonhak looking at him with confusion. Donghyun kneeled down beside the water and gestured to the others to do the same. They all looked at each other with raised brows before they followed suit. 

Donghyun smiled at them before he took a deep breath, his hand began to glow purple as the memories he wanted to show them came to the forefront of his mind. He carefully tapped the still water with his finger, watching as it rippled before the purple energy began to form shapes. “Put your heads in the water,” he instructed. 

“What?” Geonhak looked at him with confusion. 

Donghyun chuckled, “trust me.” 

Aaron bit his lip but nodded, carefully leaning down and placing his head in the water. His eyes widened as he realised he could breathe normally and that he didn’t even feel the water around him, it just felt like a rush of energy. 

Geonhak and Daniel followed suit, placing their heads in the water. There were some distorted sounds before the shapes began to take the form of structures. It was like watching tv. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Donghyun sighed heavily as he looked over at the door to his office. He moved around the desk and took a seat just as there was a knock on the door. “Enter,” he called. 

Minhyun stepped through the door and bowed his head politely. “Kim Donghyun?” Minhyun asked. 

Donghyun raised a brow at the man. “To what do I owe the pleasure of a Valkyrie’s presence?” He asked cautiously. 

Minhyun bit his lip before he closed the door behind him, he looked agitated as he stepped further towards the desk. “I need your help.” He answered. 

Donghyun crossed his arms over his chest as he sat back against his chair. “Regarding what, exactly?” He questioned. 

Minhyun took a deep breath, his eyes focused. “You’re one of the few warlocks I feel I can trust.”

Donghyun was looking at the Valkyrie with a confused expression. “You don’t know me.” He shot back. 

“I know, but I need your help.” Minhyun admitted. 

Donghyun sighed heavily as he shook his head. “What is this about?” He questioned, he didn’t even know if he had a solution for the Valkyrie. 

“A pure-soul,” Minhyun replied, eyes focussed. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened. “So, the rumours are true.”

Minhyun narrowed his eyes and growled. “Who’s saying these rumours?” He responded quickly. 

Donghyun just shrugged his shoulders. “It’s gossip I hear now and then amongst the warlocks.” He replied honestly. “What’s your name?” The warlock suddenly asked. 

“Minhyun,” the Valkyrie replied. Minhyun was silent for a moment before he looked at Donghyun with worried eyes. “He’s a human.” He informed Donghyun. “He’s unaware.” Minhyun added. 

Donghyun raised a brow. “Do you know him?”

The Valkyrie looked at Donghyun closely as he nodded his head. “Yes.”

“How?” Donghyun pushed. 

“That’s not of your concern,” Minhyun responded swiftly. “All you need to know is that I need your help to keep him hidden.” He said cautiously. 

“Hidden?”

Minhyun nodded. “There are supernaturals out there that will wish to harm him.” He said matter of factly. 

Donghyun knew the Valkyrie was right. “That's true…” he responded. 

“I’m sure you’ve heard of Rain.” Minhyun said with a growl. 

Donghyun scoffed and nodded. “Unfortunately, yes,” he replied. “He was banished from the warlock society for his obscene behaviour.” He explained. 

Minhyun nodded. “He knows of the pure-soul’s existence. But no location, I’d like to keep it that way.” 

“Understandable.” Donghyun ran a hand through his hair. “But why come to me?” He asked with confusion, there were other warlocks that the Valkyrie could’ve chosen. 

Minhyun smiled at him. “My friends say you’re a good man.” 

“Friends?” Donghyun questioned. 

“The NU’EST clan.” Minhyun replied. 

Donghyun blinked before he smiled as he remembered. “Ah, the vampires,” he replied, getting a nod back from Minhyun. “I did help them with location spells before…” 

“That's why I came to you.” Minhyun explained. 

Donghyun bit his lip as he thought about the offer. He sighed before he stood from his seat. “Okay.” He responded. “You know the location of the pure-soul?”

Minhyun nodded. “Yes.”

“Good.” Donghyun looked over the Valkyrie closely. “I’m going to need something from you.”

“What do you need?” Minhyun asked with focused eyes. 

“A feather.”

The Valkyrie paused, blinking in confusion at the warlock's answer. “A feather..?”

Donghyun nodded. “From your Valkyrie wings.”

Minhyun took a cautious step back. “Why..?”

Donghyun smiled reassuringly at him. “Wings are precious to a Valkyrie, if you truly want to hide the pure-soul, your energy will be stored in your wings. The spell will be more effective.” He explained. 

Minhyun bit his lip, he wrapped his arms around himself as he weighed out his options before he relaxed and nodded. “Okay.”

Donghyun raised a brow, he hadn’t expected the Valkyrie to give in so quickly. “You care a lot about this pure-soul?” He observed. 

Minhyun nodded and smiled. “I do.”

“Good, that will help them stay safe.” Donghyun replied, he gestured to the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun took a deep breath before his wings appeared, they were blocking almost the entire room with the wingspan. Minhyun carefully turned to his right side, eyes focused as he reached for a feather on his wing. His face was full of discomfort as he pulled the feather out. He quickly turned and handed it to Donghyun. 

The warlock was watching with wide eyes. He took the offered feather and smiled at Minhyun. “Make sure they have the feather with them at all times.” He instructed. 

Minhyun nodded. “Okay…”

The picture began to shift again, shapes turned to figures as the memory shifted to another place. 

Donghyun looked in shock as his door suddenly slammed open. He frowned when he saw the distressed Valkyrie. “Minhyun-hyung?” He called cautiously. “What happened? Are you alright?”

“We have to go,” Minhyun announced. 

Donghyun frowned in confusion as he looked around his office. “What?”

“Rain knows about you,” Minhyun responded quickly, reaching for Donghyun’s arm. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened. “What? How?”

“I don’t know,” Minhyun replied. “But I have to get you to safety. Follow me.” He pulled on Donghyun’s arm. 

They ran through the building until they were out on the streets. “Why are they after me? I don’t know where the pure-soul is!” Donghyun asked worriedly. 

Minhyun shook his head. “They’re trying everything to find him,” he replied. “There’s been an increase in shadows around him.”

Donghyun frowned at the Valkyrie’s words. “You’ve been watching him?” He asked carefully. 

Minhyun bit his lip. “Sometimes…”

“Minhyun-hyung…” Donghyun called worriedly. 

They were running into some trees now, out of view of humans. Minhyun stopped and turned to look at Donghyun carefully. “I’m scared for him.” Minhyun admitted. 

Donghyun sighed heavily but nodded, he didn’t really have a response. Suddenly Minhyun’s eyes widened as he looked at something behind Donghyun. 

“Run!” He bellowed. 

Donghyun quickly ran after the Valkyrie, he looked behind him briefly and his eyes widened when he saw someone flying behind the trees. “Shit!” He called worriedly. “What was that?” He asked Minhyun. 

“Rain’s followers, we have to hurry,” Minhyun replied as they continued running through the trees. 

They both stopped when they saw someone blocking the way. It was Youngmin. The incubus paused however and his eyes widened as he looked at Donghyun. It was almost as if the incubus was compelled to stop and not attack. 

Youngmin shook his head, maybe to clear his thoughts. He narrowed his eyes on the Valkyrie. “Enough running, Minhyun, where is the pure-soul?” He demanded. 

Minhyun growled. “Let us pass.” He responded. 

The black lotus flower tattoo on Youngmin’s neck began to darken and throb. Youngmin grit his teeth. “I can’t.” He growled in response. 

Donghyun narrowed his eyes before he quickly fired a burst of energy at the incubus. It made him fall backwards and become slightly distorted, it was enough for Donghyun and Minhyun to continue running. 

“They know you by first name?” Donghyun asked cautiously. 

Minhyun scoffed. “They’ve been chasing me for a while.” He admitted. 

“Can you smell flowers?” Donghyun asked suddenly, there were no flowers, only trees around them. Donghyun couldn’t help but think the flower smell was extremely sweet and nice. 

Minhyun looked at him with confusion as he sniffed the air cautiously. “What? No?”

Donghyun yelped as he was suddenly forced back, he watched as Youngmin and Minhyun began to engage in a sudden fight. They both had swords and fought together, Youngmin was stronger but Minhyun was faster. Donghyun could only watch in panic as the two continued to fight, he couldn’t cast spells in case he hit Minhyun.

Minhyun growled as he was forced to the ground by the incubus. Youngmin stood over him with determined eyes. “Where is he?” He demanded with his sword pointed at the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun growled at him. “I’ll never tell,” he replied. 

Youngmin’s expression was one of regret as he lifted his sword. “This is on you,” he replied carefully. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened. “Stop!” He shouted quickly. 

Youngmin paused, the sword close to Minhyun as his expression changed. He looked like he was trying to fight against himself. 

Donghyun took the opportunity to blast the incubus with his energy. Youngmin flew backwards and into a tree. Groaning slightly as he did. Donghyun ran over and helped Minhyun to his feet. 

The Valkyrie was looking at Youngmin with confusion before he grabbed Donghyun’s arm. “Let’s go.” 

Donghyun looked back as they ran through the trees. He could see Youngmin watching them go, he was standing but not following. 

The picture shifted again, this time it looked like a village, surrounded by trees and with small house huts. The shapes formed into people again. 

Dongho smiled as he walked over to where Donghyun was sitting, he had a cup of tea in his hand. “Here,” he offered the cup to the warlock. 

Donghyun smiled and took the offered cup. “Thanks.”

The vampire moved to sit beside him, he looked at Donghyun carefully. “So, Youngmin stopped when you told him to huh?” He observed. 

Donghyun flinched slightly. “Something like that.” He replied. 

Dongho looked at Donghyun. “You know, it’s said that incubi fall in love at first sight, or first scent.” The vampire returned. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened and he felt his cheeks flush. “Yah, hyung,” he growled as he pushed Dongho’s shoulder playfully. “We don’t have time for romance.” He responded. 

“Of course we do,” Dongho replied with a smile. “Even in times of crisis we need someone to fall back on.” He said carefully. 

Donghyun smiled softly at that. “Do you have someone, hyung?” He raised a brow playfully at the vampire. 

Dongho scoffed. “Me? Nah, I guess it’s not my time yet.”

Donghyun chuckled before he glanced over at where Minhyun was talking to some of the vampires. “And Minhyun-hyung?”

Dongho looked at the Valkyrie before he sighed. “That’s something you gotta ask him.” He responded. 

Donghyun nodded before he bit his lip. He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to suggest anymore, Rain is becoming stronger day by day. And gaining more followers.”

“I know,” Dongho replied. “But all we have to do is remain strong,” he said carefully. 

“Dongho-yah!”

Dongho turned and smiled as a pretty vampire man called him over. He waved before he turned back to Donghyun. “Ah, I gotta go,” he smiled. 

Donghyun nodded as he watched Dongho make his way back into the village. He sighed heavily before he stood. Donghyun carefully began to walk further out of the safety of the vampire village, he wanted some space to clear his head. 

He was pacing as he muttered to himself. “Maybe I should read more scripture… learn more spells… Aish…” he ran a hand through his hair in desperation. 

A sudden sound made him frown. Suddenly a figure appeared before him. Donghyun yelped and held his hands ready with energy as he suddenly saw the person that had appeared before him. 

Youngmin’s eyes widened as he saw the warlock prepared with his spell. “W-wait!”

“Why are you here?” Donghyun demanded. 

The incubus paused. He wasn’t posed to fight, if anything he looked unthreatening as he gazed at Donghyun carefully. “I wanted…” he paused before he looked at Donghyun with gentle eyes. “I wanted to see you.” Youngmin admitted. 

Donghyun blinked at him. He lowered his hands. “What do you want from me?” He asked the incubus carefully. 

Youngmin sighed heavily. “I don’t want what Rain wants,” he said carefully. 

“Why should I trust you?” Donghyun responded quickly. 

Youngmin sighed. “He’s going to attack Yanggu, there’s a large village there that he wants to use as a base.” He informed the warlock. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened in horror. “What…”

“He’s willing to kill humans,” Youngmin continued. “And anyone else who stands in his way.” 

Donghyun shook his head with confusion. “Why are you telling me this…?”

Youngmin smiled. “So you and your friends can stop him.” Youngmin replied. He yelped as he suddenly fell to his knees, holding his neck in his hand. 

“What’s happening?” Donghyun asked as he cautiously approached the incubus, leaning down beside him. Donghyun’s eyes widened when he saw how dark the tattoo on Youngmin’s neck was. “A master spell…” he whispered cautiously. 

“Rain is trying to find me,” Youngmin clenched his jaw. He looked up at Donghyun with sad eyes. “Please save them.” He said softly before he disappeared in black smoke. 

Donghyun bit his lip as he looked at where the incubus was. He nodded determined before he turned and ran back towards the village. 

Again the pictures began to shift, only this time it was into a dark room. The shapes morphed into figures. This one was Youngmin’s memory. 

Youngmin appeared in what looked like a large entranceway. He bit his lip as he walked further into the room. 

A door to the side opened and Youngjo stepped out, his eyes widened as he saw Youngmin. “Where the hell have you been?” Youngjo demanded as he walked towards Youngmin. 

Youngmin was holding his neck. “I had to.” He admitted. 

Youngjo’s eyes widened. “What have you done..?” He made a move to take Youngmin’s hand away from his neck. 

Youngmin brushed him away. “Trying to save lives.” He growled. 

Youngjo sighed. “Youngmin-ah…”

“Don’t.” Youngmin turned to Youngjo quickly, eyes dark and narrowed. “You know this is wrong.” He shot back. 

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” Youngjo responded, his own eyes narrowed. “We have to do as he tells us, you know that.” He growled. 

Youngmin paused, looking at his twin carefully. “This isn’t the right side, Youngjo-yah,” he said softly. 

Youngjo sighed. “Youngmin—“

Youngmin shook his head. “Leave me alone.”

Youngjo’s jaw clenched as he looked at Youngmin carefully. “Is it the warlock?”

Youngmin’s eyes widened. “What?”

“That's where you were, right?” Youngjo commented, arms crossed and eyes narrowed. 

Youngmin scoffed at his elder twin. “And?”

Youngjo sighed and shook his head in disbelief. “You're going to get yourself killed!” He bellowed angrily. “All for a warlock?”

“You don’t understand!” Youngmin shouted back in response. 

Youngjo’s eyes narrowed. “Is he more important than your life?” He asked. 

“You don’t know what it feels like to want someone so badly, but you can’t have them,” Youngmin admitted. “It hurts, the longing.” 

“Youngmin…”

“He’s the one I want, the one I need,” Youngmin confessed. “If I can’t be by his side, I might as well—“

“What?” Youngjo demanded. 

Youngmin paused. “You’ll know when you find the one for you,” he replied carefully. 

Youngjo sighed and shook his head. He walked towards Youngmin and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Youngminnie,” he said softly. “Please, you’re all I have left.”

Youngmin nodded, a soft smile on his face as he looked at Youngjo. “That’s why we should leave—“

“You’re finally back.” Seungcheol suddenly walked into the room and glanced between them. He looked at Youngmin with dark eyes. “Rain wants to see you. Now.”

Youngmin nodded reassuringly at Youngjo before he walked further into the mansion. Towards the room Rain was in. They all went down on one knee in front of the warlock. 

Rain raised a brow as he glared down at them. He looked at Youngmin darkly. “Where did you go?” He demanded. 

Youngmin swallowed heavily as he bowed his head. “I wanted some air.” He responded. 

Rain scoffed. “You snuck out to see your warlock, do not lie to me.” He warned before his eyes flashed. 

Youngmin whimpered as the tattoo on his neck throbbed in pain. He fell to the floor. 

“Youngmin!” Youngjo bellowed as he moved and kneeled beside his twin. He looked at Rain with angry eyes. “Stop!” Youngjo shouted. 

Rain scoffed before the pain subsided. He walked towards the incubus twins. Ignoring Youngjo’s angered presence as he gripped Youngmin’s chin and tilted his head so he was glaring at him. “I hope you told him where we’re going, then I can kill him in front of you.” Rain spat. “Get ready to move out.” He ordered them. 

Youngjo helped Youngmin to his feet, looking at his twin with worried eyes. “Youngmin-ah…”

The shapes formed again, this time to a backdrop of buildings on fire, it looked like a battlefield. 

Youngmin panted as he looked at the destruction around them. There were dead bodies around, humans that had lived in the small village. Slaughtered for nothing. 

He looked over and could see Rain’s followers fighting against Minhyun and the NU’EST clan, the vampires were trying to push the others back as much as they could.  

Minhyun was fighting against Youngjo. 

Rain was walking towards where Donghyun was trying to protect the remaining humans. He had an energy shield around them and was trying to keep them calm. 

Youngmin’s eyes widened as he saw Rain’s hands glowing red as he charged his energy. Youngmin quickly extended his wings and flew at the warlock. He didn’t care about himself, only that Donghyun would be safe. He used his sword to block the enemy as Rain shot it at where Donghyun was. The energy was powerful and almost made Youngmin lose his balance. 

“Out of my way, traitor,” Rain growled darkly, his eyes dangerous. 

Youngmin was trembling as he held his sword ready. 

Donghyun looked at the incubus with worried eyes. “Youngmin…” 

Rain narrowed his eyes. Youngmin held strong even as the tattoo on his neck throbbed angrily. He could feel the pain running through him but he wouldn’t give in. Rain scoffed at him, preparing to attack again. 

Rain roared as the energy flew from him. 

Youngmin’s eyes widened, he lifted his sword again, blocking the blast as much as he could but it was too much. The energy blasted into him and he gasped at the pain. 

“Youngmin!” Youngjo’s voice called. 

“No!” Donghyun bellowed, the energy bursting from him, making Rain fly back and away from the incubus. Youngmin fell to his knees in exhaustion. Donghyun quickly moved to his side. “Youngmin.” He brushed some hair from Youngmin’s face with worried eyes. 

“Youngmin-ah…” Youngjo’s voice was quiet as he stood in front of them, he was looking down at his twin with worried eyes. 

Donghyun narrowed his eyes at Youngjo as he stood over them. He could see that Minhyun had taken over and was keeping Rain back. 

“Save him.” Youngjo suddenly said. 

Donghyun frowned deeper at him. “What?”

Youngjo bit his lip as he looked down at his twin. “Transfer his curse to me.” He instructed. 

“But you already have it,” Donghyun responded, looking at the tattoo on Youngjo’s neck. 

“Give me Youngmin’s too,” Youngjo shot back. 

Donghyun shook his head. “But… you’d have twice the pain, twice the amount of control taken away,” he explained. 

Youngjo sighed before he bit his lip. “Youngmin loves you,” he said carefully, looking at Donghyun with serious eyes. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened and he felt his cheeks flush. “He… what?” He looked down at the incubus in his arms. 

“Take him away from this,” Youngjo said carefully. 

Youngmin’s eyes fluttered open, he looked to Youngjo with worried eyes. “Youngjo…”

Youngjo smiled. “If I know you’re safe, that's all I need.” 

Youngmin shook his head carefully. “But… you?”

Youngjo clenched his fists and growled dangerously at Donghyun. “Do it warlock!” He demanded. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened before he bit his lip and nodded. He looked down at the incubus in his arms. Youngmin looked worried for his twin, Donghyun smiled reassuringly at him before he leaned down and placed his lips on Youngmin’s. The incubus gasped as Donghyun kissed him gently. 

They both began to glow, Donghyun growled as he carefully focussed on the curse Rain had placed on Youngmin. He pulled back and the tattoo on Youngmin’s neck came away from his skin and onto Donghyun’s palm. He looked at Youngjo cautiously before he pushed the energy towards him. 

Youngjo fell to the floor. Gripping his neck and yelping at the pain. 

“Youngjo…” Youngmin looked at him with guilty eyes. “Come with me, please,” he said softly. 

Youngjo scoffed and looked at his twin with defeated eyes. “One of us has to betray him later,” he winked playfully before he moved away quickly. 

They watched as Youngjo began to attack Minhyun again, more vampires moved to help the Valkyrie as he fought against Rain and Youngjo. 

“Youngjo…”

The pictures began to distort as the memories came to an end. Aaron, Geonhak and Daniel all pulled their heads back out of the water. Blinking and gasping hard. 

“Woah…” Daniel said as he ran a hand through his hair, amazed by what they’d just done and what they’d seen. 

Geonhak couldn’t help but clench his jaw as he remembered seeing Youngjo in the memories. Youngmin had reacted to Donghyun the same way Youngjo had reacted to Geonhak. He felt bad for the incubus but at the same time, Youngjo had stayed by Rain’s side instead of fighting and following Youngmin. Geonhak didn’t know what to think of the man, but a part of him wanted to help Youngjo. Get him out of Rain’s grip, but the thought of Donghyun casting a spell on Youngjo to make him Geonhak’s… it didn’t sit well with him. 

Aaron sat on the ground, he ran a hand through his hair and sighed heavily. Rain had been murdering people before Aaron had even realised he was the pure-soul. He looked over at where Minhyun was standing with Dongho. The Valkyrie had been looking out for him, fighting for him all this time. Aaron bit his lip, he knew the Valkyrie and he needed to have a long talk about when Minhyun actually found him. But right now, Aaron felt more motivated than ever to train, unlock his powers. He was also curious about the NU’EST clan; they'd also helped him. 

“Do you all understand now?” Donghyun asked them cautiously. 

Aaron nodded. He smiled at the warlock, “thank you,” he said suddenly. 

Donghyun frowned at him in confusion. 

“You’ve been protecting me all this time and I never knew.” Aaron added with a smile and bow of his head. “I hope we can work together to unlock my powers.” 

Donghyun smiled and nodded. 

Geonhak could feel Youngmin’s eyes on him. He frowned as he looked at the incubus cautiously. Youngmin narrowed his eyes slightly before he looked away again. Geonhak bit his lip, he knew for a fact that Youngjo had given his own freedom to save Youngmin. But Geonhak couldn’t help but feel like it wasn’t his responsibility to save Youngjo. 

Chapter Text

“You all look shocked,” Dongho commented as they walked toward where the vampire and Minhyun were standing beside the car. 

Daniel scoffed at him. “We weren’t expecting to be able to see memories like a movie.” He replied. 

“Yeah,” Dongho grinned. “That's warlock magic for you,” he added. 

“We should set off.” Minhyun announced, he had his arms crossed over his chest and he was looking around worriedly. 

Aaron wanted the Valkyrie to feel more relaxed but he knew Minhyun wouldn’t ever relax until Aaron was safe. “Wait.” Aaron suddenly said, an idea coming to his mind. 

Geonhak raised a brow at him. “What is it?”

“Maybe we could take refuge with Dongho-yah’s clan?” Aaron suggested, looking at Dongho. 

Donghyun raised a brow. “NU’EST?”

Aaron nodded. “Yeah, that way we’ll have more protection,” he explained. 

They all looked at Minhyun expectedly. The Valkyrie weighed out their options, the safe house was a good idea, but with the clan they’d have more support. He looked at Dongho. “Would it be okay?” 

Dongho nodded. “I’m sure it'll be fine.” He reassured, smiling at Aaron. 

Minhyun sighed before he nodded. “Let’s head to the NU’EST village.”

Dongho climbed into the driver's seat, he was the only one that knew the location of the clan. Daniel quickly moved into the passenger seat, nodding at Dongho carefully as he did. Minhyun and Aaron sat in the middle section of the car with Geonhak. Donghyun and Youngmin at the very back. 

Dongho started the car and they began to drive. They still weren’t heading towards Seoul but staying on the outskirts of the city. 

Aaron glanced out the window. He was extremely interested in the dynamics of the vampires. In the memory, the clan seemed to acknowledge Minhyun as part of them too. Valkyrie were a form of vampire, but Aaron was intrigued as to how it all worked. He looked at the driver, “Dongho-yah, don’t you need to let your clan know?” He asked. 

“Nah, they’ll be happy to see everyone,” Dongho replied with a smile. He looked at Daniel beside him briefly as he added, “and they’ll be happy to meet you guys.”

Daniel raised a brow slightly but nodded. He’d never even thought about vampire clans. Every time he’d be sent out on a mission by the hunter association it was to either terminate or capture a supernatural. He’d never really versed himself in vampire lore and personalities, all he really knew were supernatural’s strengths and weaknesses. He bit his lip, Daniel realised that he’d been as bad as other hunters and humans, he took the supernatural stereotypes and didn’t care much to actually acknowledge them. 

“It shouldn’t take too long to get there,” Dongho informed them all. 

Geonhak glared out of the window, he was still worried that the others would suggest about Youngjo again. Geonhak felt nervous, he knew the incubus had reacted to him, but he didn’t understand why. He wanted to ask Youngmin about it, but he was too embarrassed to do it in front of everyone. He made a mental note to ask Youngmin when they were alone. 

Donghyun looked over at Youngmin, the incubus was still weak. He was slumping slightly beside Donghyun, his head falling onto his shoulder. Donghyun looked at him with steady eyes. “Are you tired, hyung?” He asked. 

Youngmin mumbled slightly. “I’m okay…” he replied, lifting his head again and smiling at the warlock. 

Donghyun sighed with a smile, lifting his hand and holding Youngmin’s face gently. He moved the incubus back so his head was resting against Donghyun’s shoulder. “Rest, I can wake you when we arrive.” He reassured. 

Youngmin nodded and relaxed against him again. 

Geonhak bit his lip as he heard the couple behind him. Youngmin and Donghyun were almost perfect for each other, they protected each other and supported each other. He couldn’t help but glance beside him at where Minhyun was. The Valkyrie was watching Aaron closely as the pure-soul was drifting into slumber. Geonhak sighed, making Minhyun look at him. 

“What?” Minhyun asked him. 

Geonhak shook his head. “At some point you’re going to have to tell him how you feel.” He commented carefully. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened, he looked to Aaron again but the pure-soul was fast asleep against the window. He growled at Geonhak. “That isn’t important right now,” he said. 

“Aaron-hyung might not see it like that.” Geonhak responded cautiously. 

Minhyun clenched his fists, growling under his breath. “Stop. Please,” he grumbled. 

Geonhak could see how uncomfortable Minhyun looked at even the thought of the conversation with Aaron. Geonhak shook his head before he looked at Minhyun seriously. “I just want you to be happy, to smile again.”

Minhyun paused, looking at Geonhak with gentle eyes. He smiled. “Geonhakkie…” Minhyun knew he’d been extremely distant and stressed for a while. Geonhak had seen him at his best and at his worst. 

“Promise me when we’re in the village you’ll talk to him,” Geonhak sighed. “Some of the memories we saw, Aaron-hyung will have questions.” He said carefully. 

Minhyun bit his lip, he looked back at Aaron before he sighed and nodded. He knew that Aaron had been waiting patiently for Minhyun to tell him everything. 

Minhyun wanted to tell Aaron everything, he was just frightened. He didn’t want to feel the rejection from the pure-soul. Minhyun knew he wouldn’t be able to handle it. 

They drove for another few hours, Dongho smiled as he felt a sense of coming home as they approached the location. He turned down a small road, the car began to shake because of how off road it was. 

Aaron groaned as he began to awaken, he frowned as he realised where he was. He felt comfortable, just the shaking of the car had woken him up. Aaron blinked slightly as he realised he was resting against Minhyun’s shoulder. He looked up at the Valkyrie and smiled shyly. Minhyun smiled back at him prettily. Aaron quickly went back and looked out the window. “Where are we?” He asked. 

“We’re almost there.” Dongho responded before he began to slow the car down. 

Daniel raised a brow from the passenger seat. He looked around and could see they were coming to the end of the so-called road. “Here?” He questioned. 

Geonhak also looked unconvinced. “Are you sure?”

“Trust me,” Dongho chuckled. He stopped the car completely and turned the engine off, opening the door and climbing out. 

The others quickly followed suit, Youngmin had woken up and was standing with Donghyun cautiously.

Dongho led the way as they walked through the trees. It felt like they were heading towards nothing. Only the sound of birds and the wind was in the air, otherwise it was completely silent. 

Aaron frowned slightly, he could see both Daniel and Geonhak had their guns out ready. He couldn’t help but place a hand on his own gun just in case. Minhyun was beside him and he didn’t look threatened by anything, the Valkyrie looked almost calm. 

A sudden shift made Aaron pause, it felt like they’d just walked through energy. Geonhak looked like he’d felt it too as he looked around with a frown. Daniel was also frowning. 

“Dongho-yah!” A voice suddenly called. They all looked at where a pretty man was heading towards them. Aaron, Geonhak and Daniel all recognised the vampire from the memories they’d seen earlier. 

Daniel’s eyes widened as the vampire brought Dongho into his arms for a hug. Daniel clenched his jaw, lowering his gun slightly. He felt irritated as he saw Dongho smiling back at the unknown vampire. 

“Mingi-yah.” Dongho responded with a smile. 

Mingi pouted at the larger vampire. “I thought you’d forgotten about me,” he teased as he gave Dongho a playful punch on his strong chest. 

“Like I would,” Dongho replied playfully with a wink. Dongho couldn’t help but frown slightly as he felt Daniel’s glare. He shook his head before he looked back at the others. “Everybody, this is Mingi,” he introduced the vampire. 

Mingi bowed his head politely to them. “Hi!” He grinned before he looked at the Valkyrie. “Minhyunnie!” He wrapped the man in his arms, glad to see him again. 

Minhyun relaxed against the vampire. “Hey,” he smiled. 

Mingi pulled back and smiled again before he looked over the rest of the group. He nodded, “Donghyunnie, Youngminnie, it’s good to see you guys,” Mingi said. 

Youngmin nodded. “You too.” 

Mingi moved towards one of the unfamiliar faces but paused slightly as he looked over the other man. He could tell by the man’s stance that he was a hunter and raised a brow slightly. 

Daniel was looking at the vampire closely, his eyes were narrowed still. He sighed as he realised how childish he was acting, why did he feel almost jealous of whatever Dongho and Mingi’s relationship was anyway… “Hey, I’m Daniel.” 

Mingi raised a brow and smirked. “Hunter, right?”

Daniel glared. “Yeah.” 

Mingi scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest as he looked at Minhyun and then Dongho. “That's an interesting addition to your posse,” he commented. 

Daniel clenched his fists in irritation. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He demanded. Geonhak placed a careful hand on Daniel’s shoulder. 

“Daniel-ah,” Dongho frowned at the hunter. “Mingi didn’t mean anything by it,” he said carefully. 

Daniel rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. “Whatever.” He felt like a fool for acting so childish, he didn’t even know why he was doing it. 

“Okay…?” Mingi scoffed at the hunter, he could see he looked weirdly jealous for some reason. Mingi shrugged it off before he looked over at the other unfamiliar man. The vampire smiled. “And you must be Geonhak, right?” He asked. 

Geonhak nodded at the vampire. “Hey,” he offered, shaking Mingi’s hand. 

Mingi chuckled softly. “You definitely have a look of Minhyunnie,” he commented. Geonhak just smiled in response. 

Aaron smiled at the vampire as he approached him. 

Mingi’s eyes widened and he glanced at Minhyun briefly before he smiled and bowed his head at Aaron. “It’s good to finally meet you, we’ve heard so much about you.”

Aaron smiled awkwardly. “I hope it was all good,” he said.  

Mingi laughed proudly. “It was all Minhyunnie so of course it was all good!” He replied. 

Minhyun narrowed his eyes on the vampire carefully. “Mingi-yah…”

“Anyway, let’s get you guys some food and a place for you to sleep.” 

As they walked through the trees, Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw a whole community behind the trees. There were huts that were the vampires' homes. He could see there was a large area where some of the vampires were training, swords and combat. They were walking towards a large hut that was in the centre of the village. 

Mingi turned to them and smiled. “First you need to talk to the leader.” He said. Dongho just rolled his eyes.

Aaron was curious as to how the vampire dynamics all worked. 

Mingi nodded to the two vampires that were standing outside the hut. They moved and opened the door for them to enter. They all followed Mingi as he walked into the hut. 

Aaron was amazed by the interior, it was well equipped with weapons and there was also a wall covered in maps as well as pictures of Rain and his followers. Just like there was in Minhyun’s safe house. 

There was a handsome man standing next to the maps, he looked up and smiled at them all. “Welcome to the NU’EST village,” he announced. He moved towards them and bowed his head politely. “I’m Kim Jonghyeon, leader of the NU’EST clan.” He introduced himself. 

Aaron smiled at him. “Thank you for allowing us to stay here,” he replied. 

“Of course,” Jonghyeon responded. “You’re all welcome here,” he added. 

Dongho smiled at his leader before he gestured to the members of their team that the vampire didn’t know. “Jonghyeon-ah, this is Geonhak, Daniel and Aaron-hyung.” He pointed to each one as he said their name. 

“Pleased to meet you all.” Jonghyeon offered. He looked at the pretty vampire standing to the side, “Mingi-yah, take them to the guest house.” He instructed. 

Mingi smiled. “Sure! Follow me,” he began to walk out of the hut again. 

“Minhyun-ah.” Jonghyeon called. “Can I have a word with you?”

Minhyun nodded, he turned back to the leader. He looked over his shoulder at Aaron and could see the elder man looking back at him curiously. Minhyun smiled at him reassuringly. 

Aaron raised a brow slightly but followed after the others as they walked out the leaders hut and back into the village. Dongho, Donghyun and Youngmin all stayed behind. 

Mingi was smiling as he led the theee of them through the village. “You’re welcome to use all the facilities here,” he explained. The vampire paused before he turned to them and smiled playfully. “But, try not to bleed.” He warned. 

Daniel frowned. “What?”

Mingi shrugged and continued walking. “We have some baby vampires here that have never experienced fresh human blood.” 

Aaron nodded. “Okay, we’ll keep that in mind.” He responded. 

Mingi nodded with a grin, fangs on show playfully. He walked towards the centre of the village. Some of the vampires came out of their homes to look at them all curiously. There were families and vampires of all ages. 

Aaron smiled softly, he wondered if Dongho was also raised in the village. Aaron wanted to know more about it all. 

“This is the guest house,” Mingi said as he stopped outside a hut. “There’s a shower room in each bedroom.” 

Geonhak bowed his head. “Thank you.”

Mingi smiled before he nodded and left them to it. 

Aaron bit his lip, running a hand through his hair. There was a living room that they were currently in and six doors that were probably the bedrooms. There was also a small kitchen area, it was a cute little house. 

“This is so weird…” Daniel commented as he glanced out the window at the village again. The vampires were still outside looking at the hut curiously. 

“What do you mean?” Geonhak asked as he moved to sit on the sofa that was in the living area. 

Daniel ran a hand through his hair. “It’s like a hotel, in a vampire village…”

Geonhak nodded in agreement and shrugged his shoulders. “I guess so.”

Aaron moved to sit beside Geonhak on the sofa. He bit his lip as he thought back to everything they’d seen. “Those memories were so vivid…” he commented. 

“It really was like watching a movie,” Geonhak replied before he saw the worried expression on Aaron’s handsome face. “Hyung, are you okay?” He asked carefully. 

Aaron sighed. “All this time, I had abilities… I never knew,” he said softly. He couldn’t help but feel regretful that he hadn’t known earlier, that way he would have protected himself and not had to involve everyone else. 

“Hyung,” Geonhak smiled reassuringly at him. “You’re probably more powerful than you think.”

“I’m sure you’ll get a hang of it straight away.” Daniel added with a smile of his own. 

“I’m scared.” Aaron admitted. 

Geonhak frowned and looked at him cautiously. “Why?” He asked. 

Daniel came to sit on the floor in front of Aaron, placing a hand on his knee. “We’re all on your side hyung.” He reassured. 

Aaron smiled at them both. “I know,” he replied. “I’m just worried about what’s going to happen.” 

“Rain isn’t going to win.” Geonhak responded swiftly. He had confidence in them all to be able to hold Rain back. He definitely knew Minhyun would never let anything happen to Aaron.  

Aaron sighed and smiled sadly at the halfbreed. “We can’t be sure of that,” he responded carefully. 

“We can.” Geonhak shot back. 

Aaron bit his bottom lip. “Geonhak-ah…”

“This village is loyal to you,” Geonhak commented, smiling reassuringly. “We are too.” 

Aaron knew they were all loyal to him but he was still worried about Rain and what he was capable of doing. The man hadn’t held back with blowing up the hunters. “But we don’t know how powerful Rain is,” he said. 

“We have Youngmin’s insight too,” Daniel added. 

Aaron sighed. “I’m just worried, I don’t want you guys to get hurt.” 

“We won’t.” Geonhak answered confidently. “Hyung, trust me.” 

Aaron smiled and nodded. He couldn’t help but feel anxious about the future. It’s not that he didn’t believe in the others abilities and skills, but he was worried about how powerful Rain really was. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

“I’m glad you’re all okay,” Jonghyeon said as he smiled at them all. They were all standing around one of the tables in the leader's hut. 

Youngmin couldn’t help but feel his heart tug as he saw the picture of Youngjo on the board. He looked at Jonghyeon distractedly and smiled, nodding. “I owe Minhyunnie and the others my life,” he commented. 

Minhyun raised a brow at him and shook his head quickly. “No, you don’t,” he replied quickly. 

“Rain came looking for us,” Youngmin explained to the vampires. “He knew Donghyunnie was the one that helped Minhyunnie hide Aaron-hyung.”

Mingi blinked in confusion. “How did he find out?” He asked. 

“Youngjo?” Dongho replied cautiously. 

“No,” Youngmin shook his head quickly. “He wouldn’t have told them,” he responded. 

“Hyung,” Donghyun said carefully. “He might not have had a choice,” he said sadly. 

Youngmin ran a hand through his hair, he knew Youngjo was hurting. It still killed him inside that Youngjo had given his own freedom to let Youngmin live happily. “We have to help him…”

“Youngjo?” Jonghyeon asked carefully, looking at Minhyun with careful eyes. “Is that your plan?” He questioned.

Minhyun bit his lip and nodded. “If we can remove Youngjo from Rain’s grasp, we have an extra ally.” 

“Youngjo is pretty strong,” Mingi commented. 

Jonghyeon raised a brow. “What about Rain? What is your plan for him?” He asked. 

Minhyun clenched his fists. “Aaron-hyung wants to unlock his power.” He responded. 

“He does?” Mingi’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“And you’re okay with that, Minhyun-ah?” Jonghyeon added with a careful expression. 

“It’s not my choice.” Minhyun responded. He knew he’d never want Aaron to be in harm's way but the human was extremely strong willed. “Aaron-hyung is extremely valiant, he doesn’t want anyone to get hurt for him.” 

Jonghyeon smiled and nodded. He looked at Minhyun with serious eyes. “Rain is strong, but the NU’EST clan will stand by you.” 

Minhyun bowed his head in thanks to the leader. “Thank you.” 

Jonghyeon nodded again before he looked at Youngmin carefully. “What about the Youngjo situation?”

“We have a plan for that,” Youngmin replied. He looked at Minhyun briefly. “But we just have to convince Geonhak-ah,” he added. 

Jonghyeon frowned. “Geonhak? Why?”

Donghyun stepped up to answer. “The only way we can set Youngjo free of Rain’s curse is to transfer the master.” He explained. 

Mingi blinked. “So… Geonhak would be his new master?” He asked. 

Youngmin nodded. “Exactly.”

Jonghyeon was shocked that the halfbreed had agreed. “Does he understand what that would entail though?” 

Youngmin bit his lip before he smiled awkwardly, “he’s not exactly on the same page as us yet.” He said cautiously. 

“He will be.” Minhyun said swiftly. 

Youngmin raised a brow. “Can you convince him?”

“Not me, you.” Minhyun replied, looking at Youngmin pointedly. 

The incubus paused, looking at Minhyun with complete confusion. “Me?”

Minhyun nodded. “I could see Geonhakkie’s expression when he saw you and Donghyun-ah together,” he explained. “He'll come around soon.” 

Youngmin blinked but nodded, Minhyun knew Geonhak better than anyone else and he seemed confident that Geonhak would help them free Youngjo. 

Mingi raised a brow before he turned his attention to Dongho. “What about you?” He wondered. 

Dongho frowned at the younger vampire. “What about me?” He responded, looking the other man up and down. 

Mingi scoffed. “A hunter? Really?”

Dongho paused. “Daniel?” He asked. 

Mingi rolled his eyes. “Yeah! He was glaring daggers at me when I hugged you!” He said with irritation. 

Dongho’s eyes widened at what Mingi was implying. He swallowed heavily. “W-what?” His thoughts were suddenly back on the human’s sweet blood and how Daniel had allowed him to heal him. 

“Dongho-yah, he was totally jealous.” Mingi chuckled playfully. 

Dongho blinked. “J-jealous..?” He couldn’t help but smile slightly. Why was Daniel jealous? Did the hunter have a soft spot for him? Dongho couldn’t help but chuckle to himself, maybe he could have fun with that… 

Mingi sighed heavily. “Idiot.”

“Hey!” Dongho growled. 

Mingi shrugged nonchalantly. “At least he’s pretty and has a nice body,” he commented. 

“Mingi-yah.” Jonghyeon scolded with narrowed eyes on the younger vampire. 

Mingi just shrugged again before he looked at Minhyun. “Don’t think we haven’t forgotten about you.” 

The Valkyrie frowned at him. “What do you mean?”

Mingi shook his head in irritation. He couldn’t believe how pathetic his friends were. “You need to talk to Aaron-hyung, tell him.” 

“You haven’t told him everything?” Jonghyeon asked with narrowed eyes. 

Minhyun bit his lip before he shook his head. “Not yet…”

Jonghyeon sighed heavily. “Minhyun-ah…”

“I’ll do it.” Minhyun replied. He knew he needed to have a conversation with Aaron to tell him everything, even if it might break Minhyun. “But I just need you all to help me support Aaron-hyung when he starts to unlock his energy.”

Mingi smiled and nodded. “Of course.”

“We’re here for you.” Youngmin added with a smile. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Youngjo growled darkly as he felt the splitting in his mind. Rain was standing over him, his hand held over Youngjo as he continued to attack him. Youngjo clenched his fists, he wouldn’t give up but neither would Rain. 

There was something blocking Youngmin, Youngjo wasn't able to locate him. But Rain didn’t care, he continued pushing trying to locate Youngmin using Youngjo’s bond with his twin. 

Rain growled as he stopped and moved away. “What is happening?!” He demanded. 

Soyeon and Seungcheol were standing to the side, watching closely but not getting involved. 

Youngjo was breathing deeply, the tattoo on his neck was throbbing in pain and his head felt like it was going to explode. He had his wings and tail out, Youngjo was angry and in pain. He looked at Rain with dark eyes. “He’s been shielded…” 

Rain grit his teeth in frustration. “Who’s doing it?”

Youngjo shook his head. He didn’t know. 

Rain ran a hand through his hair before he walked towards where the window was. He growled as he looked outside, it was dark now. He’d been trying to find Youngmin using Youngjo for hours. The incubus was stubborn, Rain knew Youngjo was strong but he was impressed he’d lasted as long as he had. 

“You will find him,” Rain growled as he turned again and walked towards the incubus on the floor. 

Youngjo flashed his fangs dangerously at the warlock. 

Rain scoffed. “Take him to the dungeon,” he instructed. 

Seungcheol nodded, he moved towards Youngjo and grabbed his arm. Youngjo was too exhausted to fight back. He was pulled down the stairs to the basement floor. It was dark, damp and cold. 

Youngjo growled as he felt the heavy cuffs on his wrists, he was thankful for the ability to see in the dark. He watched as Seungcheol walked back into the main mansion. Youngjo sighed heavily, he knew he was extremely weak, he needed blood to help his energy levels. He could feel his head dropping in exhaustion. Youngjo wanted Youngmin to be safe, he knew that his twin and his group would be able to keep the pure-soul safe from Rain. Youngjo had seen the determination in Minhyun’s eyes, the Valkyrie was powerful and seemed almost enthralled with the pure-soul. 

Youngjo swallowed as his mind suddenly drifted to the halfbreed… Youngjo had a strong urge to see him, he knew what it meant. He’d seen it when Youngmin had first seen and spoke about Donghyun, Youngjo never imagined he’d ever find anyone like that. 

He scoffed and smiled sadly, he had no chance of being happy like Youngmin. He gave that up so that Youngmin could live a happy life with Donghyun. 

Youngjo sighed and shook his head. He didn’t need to think about the halfbreed or about what he could never have. He had to focus on keeping Rain away from Youngmin, away from the pure-soul.  

Chapter Text

The NU’EST village offered them all a full meal, it was all equipped for the humans but there was also blood available for the vampires too.

The humans sat at their own table, with Donghyun and Youngmin. It felt weirdly segregated but the humans knew it was nothing degrading. Jonghyeon had told them that they’d feel less awkward if they had their own space to eat freely whilst the vampires drink blood. 

Aaron raised a brow slightly as he saw Minhyun and the others drinking from large goblets. It was almost something surreal and medieval. He couldn’t help but smile at the strange sight of the vampires. 

Daniel couldn’t help but feel picky as he sat between Aaron and Geonhak. He picked at his food with his chopsticks, so much so he could hear a snigger from another table. He narrowed his eyes as he saw Mingi chuckling at him. Daniel grumbled under his breath as he watched the pretty vampire lean over and whisper something to Dongho beside him. Daniel clenched his fists. 

“What’s wrong with you?” Geonhak commented with a raised brow as he saw the irritation on Daniel’s face. 

Daniel looked at the halfbreed and shook his head. He kept his eyes on the food in front of him but he could feel Dongho’s eyes on him. He clenched his jaw at how childish he was acting. He wasn’t even jealous. 

Donghyun was watching Youngmin carefully. He noticed the incubus didn’t eat much and he knew the incubus hadn’t drank blood in a while. Donghyun bit his lip, he knew the best way to give Youngmin energy. He smiled softly and reached his hand under the table, squeezing Youngmin’s thigh. 

The incubus paused and looked at his partner with a raised brow. He could see the confident glint in Donghyun’s eyes. Youngmin smiled and was glad that Donghyun could read his expressions. Youngmin’s urges were clawing at him, he knew he had to have the warlock soon.

The villagers began to disperse and some of the group began to yawn. It was darker now and they were all worn out from travelling. 

Donghyun smiled as he took Youngmin’s hand. He knew which hut was theirs, thankfully they had one to call their own because of how many times they’d been to the village. 

Youngmin chuckled softly as they walked into their hut, Donghyun locked it behind them and turned to Youngmin with a confident smile. 

“What are you thinking?” Youngmin asked with another chuckle. 

“How beautiful you are,” Donghyun responded. He moved towards the incubus and placed his hands on Youngmin’s waist. He looked at the other man with careful eyes. “You need this.”

“Always,” Youngmin responded as he leaned forward and kissed the warlock. Donghyun deepened the kiss, addicted to Youngmin’s taste. He pushed the incubus back further into the hut. Youngmin chuckled as he felt Donghyun push him back onto their bed. “Eager?”

Donghyun smirked playfully. Youngmin giggled and accepted a quick kiss from Donghyun, he trailed his lips down Youngmin’s throat, over the small scar and back to his nose. “I love you, hyung,” Donghyun confessed. He smiled, then leaned over and pressed his lips against Youngmin’s softly. 

Youngmin felt a wash of warmth float over him and smiled back at the warlock. He kissed him back, because that was a thing he was allowed to do, then smiled at him. “Make love to me,” he requested. 

The warlock bit his bottom lip. He smiled, then closed the distance between them and kissed the incubus softly. Youngmin parted his lips a little, capturing Donghyun’s bottom lip, and felt a thrill when he felt Donghyun's tongue trace his top lip. The energy floating from Donghyun was always his favourite thing, it felt pure. Like the love he knew was between them. 

Youngmin smiled into the kiss, then deepened it further, letting his tongue explore Donghyun’s mouth, loving the way Donghyun explored his. The novelty of being able to kiss each other this way never grew old, not to Youngmin, and he was sure Donghyun felt the same. Being able to kiss, to touch, to love was such an unspeakable privilege, and Youngmin was careful not to take it for granted. 

He rolled to his side, facing Donghyun, letting his hand explore his partner’s body a bit. Donghyun’s jacket and shirt kept him from touching all he wanted, but Youngmin slyly slipped his hand between the buttons of Donghyun’s shirt to get to his skin. Donghyun made a little noise in his mouth and rolled to face Youngmin, grabbing at his side to pull him close. Youngmin smiled into the kiss and allowed himself to be pulled gladly. 

They kissed for a long while, touching and exploring each other, rolling around on the bed. Their hands roamed aimlessly and they lazily ground their hips together, creating friction for their cocks, displacing and unbuttoning clothes slowly as they went. The more they touched and caressed, the more Youngmin wanted . 

Donghyun was in no hurry, though: he seemed perfectly content to take his time. So Youngmin decided to take the lead. 

He rolled Donghyun onto his back, straddling his hips, and took a moment just to look down at his partner. The candlelight illuminated him softly and the flames reflected in his smiling eyes, and Youngmin felt his heart clench almost painfully with love for the warlock. He leaned forward to capture Donghyun’s mouth in a slow kiss, his hands working the remaining buttons of the warlock’s shirt and he kissed his way down Donghyun’s neck, towards the skin he’d just exposed.

“You are so beautiful,” he murmured against Donghyun’s skin. “So perfect in every way. I love you so much.”

“Hyung…” Donghyun gasped when Youngmin sucked a mark onto his collarbone, there was no fang but Donghyun almost wanted the incubus to mark him up. 

“Yes?” Youngmin asked, soothing the mark he’d just left with his tongue. 

“I want you.”

Youngmin trailed kisses lower, across Donghyun’s chest. “You’ve got me,” he promised. “I’m all yours.”

Donghyun’s hands came up to grip Youngmin’s shoulders, squeezing them, but it didn't slow Youngmin down at all. He finally finished unbuttoning Donghyun’s shirt and pushed it open, baring his strong chest. Youngmin didn’t hesitate to bathe his chest in kisses, licks and nips, cherishing the taste of his lover's skin. He wanted more of that taste, and knew how to get it. He circled Donghyun’s navel with his tongue playfully, then dragged his tongue down the little trail of hair from his navel into his trousers until his mouth met denim and the hard cock encased within. 

Feeling wicked, he mouthed Donghyun’s cock through his trousers, creating a huge wet spot, and earning a groan for his efforts. 

“Tease,” Donghyun accused breathlessly, and Youngmin couldn’t help but grin wickedly up at him. 

“You want more?” He asked with dark eyes. 

Donghyun smirked. “You know I do.”

“You can have anything you want,” Youngmin whispered. “Anything at all.”

He set to work on Donghyun’s button and zip as quickly as he could, pressing hot kisses to his lower abdomen until he got them loose. Donghyun lifted his hips accommodatingly when Youngmin pushed his pants and trousers down to his thighs, letting his cock bob free. 

Youngmin just looked for a moment, taking in the beauty of it, how long and thick and hard it was. 

He wrapped his hand around it lightly, gently, and began to pump. Donghyun groaned and laid his head back on the bed, his chin towards the sky, and Youngmin felt very powerful in that moment. Something glinted in the candlelight, a small drip of moisture at the head of Donghyun’s cock, and Youngmin couldn’t resist darting his tongue out to taste. Donghyun groaned again, and Youngmin closed his eyes, savoring the flavor. 

“Hyung, Youngminnie, please ...”

Youngmin pumped him lightly. “You want me to suck you?”

Donghyun’s fists clenched in the bed sheets. “Yes. Please.”

“Whatever you want, Donghyunnie,” he said, then opened his mouth and took Donghyun’s cock inside. He swirled his tongue around the head, getting more of that taste, then slid his mouth downward, taking Donghyun deeper. 

Donghyun shouted and clutched at his hair, and Youngmin would have smirked had he been able. He loved knowing that he’d made Donghyun lose some of his control. He hummed approval around Donghyun’s cock, vibrating him, savoring the moan Donghyun gave. 

“God, hyung… yes… your mouth feels so good…”

Youngmin started bobbing his head, hollowing his cheeks on every upward stroke, sucking him greedily. Donghyun’s hands tightened in his hair, and Youngmin sucked harder. He used his hand to pump the lower part in rhythm. 

“Hyung, hyung, so good, love you so much…” Donghyun felt like he was going crazy. He knew Youngmin was extremely talented at things like this because he was an incubus. But sometimes it was almost too much. 

The hand that wasn’t working in tandem with his mouth, Youngmin brought up to play with Donghyun’s balls. He fondled them with the firm pressure he knew his lover liked and used Donghyun’s sounds to guide him. 

“Ah! Ah! Hyung! Shit!”

Youngmin took him deeper, letting Donghyun’s cock head go to the back of his throat and bobbing at that new depth. Donghyun’s hands tightened to almost painful levels and he made animalistic sounds of pleasure. His hips thrust up into Youngmin’s mouth helplessly and Youngmin welcomed it, readying himself for the heavenly taste of Donghyun’s come. His lover was close, he could tell, and he was excited. 

“Wait! Wait!” Donghyun cried out, pulling Youngmin’s hair gently to make him stop. 

Youngmin did at once, looking up at Donghyun quizzically. “What’s wrong?”

Donghyun smiled at him almost sheepishly. “I was about to come.” He admitted. 

Youngmin blinked before he gave Donghyun a naughty grin. “That was the point, Donghyunnie.”

Donghyun gripped him by the arm and pulled him up beside him, meeting Youngmin’s mouth in a messy kiss. “I want to come inside you,” he whispered. 

Youngmin smiled against his mouth. “I told you, you can have whatever you like.”

Donghyun captured his mouth again, their kiss needy and hard, and Youngmin was gratified by the sense of urgency he could feel emanating from Donghyun. He continued to pump and stroke Donghyun’s cock, earning little sounds, and was hardly surprised when he heard a little snap and suddenly, he and Donghyun were both utterly naked. The warlock knew some handy spells… 

At once, Donghyun’s hand was wrapped around Youngmin’s cock, stroking him as they kissed, and Youngmin could feel his own sense of urgency rising. Donghyun rolled him onto his back and was hovering over him, stroking him in rhythm with Youngmin’s hand on his own cock. 

Youngmin whimpered when he let go of his cock, then whimpered again when he felt two slick fingers part his cheeks and started circling his hole. He growled darkly at Donghyun as the warlock continued to just tease him. 

Donghyun chuckled and finally pushed his fingers into the incubus, watching with awe as Youngmin arched prettily off the bed. He leaned down and latched his lips over Youngmin’s own. The warlock grinned into the kiss. “Eager?”

“Yes. Please.”

Donghyun caught Youngmin’s groan in his mouth. He scissored his fingers inside Youngmin, opening him further, and Youngmin whimpered in pleasure. 

“Please, please, Donghyunnie. Please fuck me.” Youngmin growled, his eyes were dark, black. 

Donghyun loved watching his incubus fall apart under him. “Yes, Youngminnie-hyung, anything for you.” He responded. 

Donghyun lowered himself, putting himself between Youngmin’s legs, still fucking him with his fingers slowly, their mouths still locked together. Youngmin whimpered when he felt Donghyun withdraw his fingers, then made a little sound of pleasure when he felt the blunt head of Donghyun’s cock at his entrance. The kiss broke but their faces remained close, their breaths intermingling in the small space between them. 

“Are you ready?” Donghyun asked carefully. 

Youngmin nodded. “I’m ready.” He reassured with a smile. 

Donghyun started to push inside, gently, carefully, and Youngmin let out a long, sustained moan of pleasure. He clung to Donghyun, his fingernails digging into his lover’s back, and spread his legs wider as Donghyun sank deeper. There was still a stretch that was just this side of burning, and Youngmin loved it. Every inch felt like a miracle until finally, Donghyun could go no further. Youngmin was so full he could barely stand it, his eyes closed to let him concentrate fully on the feeling of Donghyun filling him. 

“Are you alright?” Donghyun whispered. 

“Yeah. More, please.” Youngmin responded, back arched. 

Donghyun withdrew slowly, until just the head was buried inside Youngmin, then slid back in. 

“Again. More,” Youngmin demanded. 

Donghyun obliged, sliding himself in and out of Youngmin’s body slowly, fucking him gently. It felt good, it felt so good, Youngmin almost felt like crying. “You’re so good, Donghyunnie,” he breathed. “You’re so good, your cock feels like heaven filling me and I love it. I love you .”

“I love you, too,” Donghyun replied, his voice strained. “I love you so much, hyung, just so much…”

Youngmin opened his eyes, looking at the warlock and felt overwhelmed as the energy surged over him. The warlock’s energy was feeding his beast and he loved it. “Give me more, my love. Fuck me harder.” Youngmin growled, fangs flashing dangerously. 

Donghyun sped up a little, making Youngmin clutch him tighter, groaning. “Yes, Donghyunnie. More. More. I love you. More.”

The warlock did as requested, fucking Youngmin harder, every stroke of his cock stimulating Youngmin’s prostate. He could feel himself getting closer, ever closer to the end. 

“Donghyunnie, Donghyunnie, I love you so much…” Youngmin chanted. 

Donghyun was mesmerised by the incubus’s dark eyes, Youngmin’s expression was full of devotion and love. “I love you, too, hyung,” Donghyun panted, thrusting harder. “Love you so much… you feel so good… fuck! ”

“Let go, Donghyunnie. Let go and come for me. Fill me with it… please… I’m so close…” Youngmin gasped. 

Donghyun put on a final burst of speed, making Youngmin cry out and clutch him for dear life, his orgasm barrelling towards him now. 

“Hyung… hyung… come for me… fuck! Come now!”

Youngmin obeyed, his cock erupting between their bodies, covering his chest and belly with come while every cell in him seized up with pleasure. He screamed something that could have been Donghyun’s name, but he wasn’t sure and it didn't matter. Every nerve in his body pulsed white hot with ecstasy as his cock emptied. Vaguely, he was aware of Donghyun shouting and going stiff above him, finding his own orgasm. 

Donghyun gasped as he saw the sparks of energy around them, he smiled as he looked down at the beautiful creature beneath him. Youngmin was breathing deeply, eyes closed with a pretty content expression on his face. 

They were both panting, basking in each other's presence. Finally, Youngmin opened his eyes to look up at his warlock at the same time Donghyun blinked his eyes open, too. They were both still breathing heavily, but smiled. 

Youngmin pulled Donghyun down into a kiss. “I love you,” he declared in a breathy voice. “I just love you so much.”

“I love you, too, hyung.” 

They kissed a little more, exchanging soft words, before Donghyun withdrew with a groan, flopping onto the bed beside Youngmin. He muttered a spell under his breath and cleaned them both. He was lying on his side as he gazed at the incubus, reaching over and threading his fingers through Youngmin’s hair and brushing it back. 

“Do you feel better, hyung?” He asked with a smile. He could tell that Youngmin was a lot stronger now. 

Youngmin looked at him and pouted, he smiled. “You know.” He responded. Youngmin shuffled closer to the warlock, kissing Donghyun’s chest as he snuggled against him. 

They laid silently together for a long while, just happy to be beside each other. They could hear the soft sounds of the villagers outside. 

Youngmin bit his bottom lip and sighed softly, he looked at Donghyun and smiled when he saw the warlock had fallen asleep. Youngmin knew that Donghyun had given him more energy than he had to, he was thankful to his lover but also wished that sometimes he wasn’t as selfless. 

He reached to the side and pulled the clean bed sheet over Donghyun’s broad shoulders. He moved closer to the warlock until they were nose-to-nose with each other. 

Youngmin kissed Donghyun’s nose softly and couldn’t help but think how lucky he was. His heart tugged again, just thinking about what Youngjo had given up for him. Youngmin was determined to get Geonhak to help him set Youngjo free of Rain’s control. 

He brushed some hair from Donghyun’s face and smiled. He didn’t deserve someone as perfect as Donghyun. 

Chapter Text

It’d been a week since they arrived at the village. Mingi had shown them all around and where the village boundaries were. Warning them that if they went out of the boundaries they were liable to an attack, the shield around the village would protect them. 

Aaron had spent time with Donghyun. The warlock was extremely polite and didn’t force Aaron to do anything he was uncomfortable with. 

But Aaron couldn’t help but feel extremely angry and frustrated with himself. He hadn’t even been able to feel any potential energy from himself. 

Donghyun looked at him with a reassuring smile. “It’s okay hyung, these things take time.” 

Aaron shook his head. “But we might not have time.”

Donghyun was worried that the elder man was trying too hard to pull his energy out, “Hyung—“

“I just want to be able to help people.” Aaron responded with a heavy sigh. He was disappointed in himself and couldn’t help but feel like he was constantly distracted. 

“I know,” Donghyun replied softly, giving Aaron a supportive smile. “But we can’t force the energy out of you, that could hurt you.” He warned.

“I’m sorry,” Aaron knew Donghyun was right, he didn’t want to be overwhelmed by the energy. “It’s just frustrating.”

Donghyun offered him a chuckle. “I know how you feel, I went through that too when I was just starting with warlock spells.” 

Aaron smiled at him before he looked at Donghyun with curious eyes. “Can you show me a spell?” He asked. 

“Of course!” Donghyun replied with a grin. He held his palm out, Aaron watched with fascination and amazement as a purple butterfly began to emerge. The creature spread its wings before it began to fly around them, it had glitter around it too. 

Aaron smiled as he watched the magic happen. “Woah…”

“Some spells like that are easy, others take a long time to master.” Donghyun explained as the butterfly continued to fly around them. “The spell Rain uses on his followers is a complex spell that is actually banned.”

Aaron frowned slightly. “But what happens if you cast the spell to help Youngjo?” He asked with concern. 

Donghyun sighed heavily, the butterfly flew back towards them and landed on Donghyun’s finger. “I could potentially be in trouble with the warlock association.” He replied carefully. “But it’ll be worth it.”

“Donghyun-ah…” Aaron could see the devotion Donghyun had for his incubus lover. It was sweet, but Aaron was worried for the warlock and the repercussions he might face. 

“Youngminnie-hyung feels guilty for letting Youngjo stay.” Donghyun said softly. He could see the pain in Youngmin’s eyes and knew the sparkle would only return if Youngmin knew Youngjo was safe. “They only have each other left.” He added softly. The twins had lost their family a long time ago. 

“We can help him.” Aaron reasserted, he didn’t want Youngjo to suffer if the man wasn’t even a supporter of Rain. 

Donghyun smiled and nodded before he looked at Aaron pointedly. “What about you, hyung?” He asked. 

Aaron frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“Minhyun-hyung.” Donghyun responded.  

Aaron bit his lip. He knew that Minhyun had been avoiding him since they came to the village. Aaron wanted answers but he also missed the Valkyrie. “The memories you showed us has just confused me more,” Aaron admitted. “I don’t understand why Minhyun-ah won’t tell me? He knew I had energy inside me but never said anything.”

Donghyun placed a hand on Aaron's shoulder. “He only wants what’s best for you.” He reassured. 

Aaron nodded. “I know, but why?”

“Ask him.” Donghyun replied. “Make him answer you.” 

Aaron bit his lip, he didn’t want to force Minhyun to talk but it seemed like even his friends were becoming impatient with the Valkyrie. Aaron could always ask the others but he wanted to hear it all from Minhyun, after all the Valkyrie had been looking out for him for the longest time. 

Aaron was determined to find out everything Minhyun knew about him. He wasn’t going to give the Valkyrie any more time. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Daniel and Geonhak got geared up as they headed out of the hut. They were both determined to improve their skills in case they had to fight Rain and his followers. 

Geonhak was glad that so far no one had approached him about Youngjo but he knew that it was only a matter of time before the plan was announced again. 

Daniel tilted his head as he saw Dongho walking towards them. The vampire looked over them both before he smiled. 

“Hey,” Geonhak offered the vampire. 

Daniel couldn’t help but take in Dongho’s appearance. The vampire had his dark hair slicked back, he had on black jeans and a black wifebeater. His arms were always on show and Daniel could even see tattoos on his skin. He raised a brow slightly before he realised he was staring too much and glanced away. 

Dongho noticed the hunters stare. He smirked before he offered Geonhak an eye smile. “Hey, where are you heading?” He replied. 

“Me and Geonhak-ah are going to head to the firing range.” Daniel answered swiftly, narrowing his eyes on the vampire slightly. 

Dongho nodded and grinned. “I’ll join you guys.” He announced. Geonhak smiled and nodded. 

“Me too!”

Daniel frowned slightly as he saw Mingi running towards them. The pretty vampire smirked at him before he grabbed Dongho’s bare arm and pulled him along. 

Daniel couldn’t help but clench his teeth. 

Geonhak smiled and rolled his eyes at the vampires messing with Daniel. He gave the hunter a pat on the back and they followed after the vampires. 

Geonhak and Daniel quickly moved into position at the target practice. They both pulled out their guns and began to shoot, it was easy for them. Daniel was more skilled than Geonhak but they were both still good. 

Daniel raised a brow slightly, curious as to how Geonhak was so good. 

Mingi sat with his chin resting on his hand. He was bored as he watched the hunter and Geonhak fire their guns at the targets and hit them every time. “Maybe you guys should try out bow and arrows?” He asked suddenly. 

Geonhak turned to the vampire. He looked unsure. “I dunno, they don’t seem as reliable.” He answered honestly. 

Daniel nodded in agreement. 

Mingi scoffed slightly at that. “They’re only as reliable as the one shooting them.” He responded, giving a pointed look at Daniel as he did.  

Geonhak shrugged and nodded. “I guess we could give it a go..?” He responded. Dongho grinned and handed the halfbreed a bow and arrow. Geonhak nodded and smiled at the vampire in response. 

Mingi held another bow and arrow and smirked playfully at Daniel. “If you don’t think you can do it..?” He taunted. 

Daniel narrowed his eyes. “Of course we can do it.” He snatched the bow and arrow from Mingi’s hand and moved back to the targets. 

Geonhak was aiming and firing pretty well, he was a little slower than when he was shooting a gun but he was still good. 

Daniel closed one of his eyes as he aimed the bow where he wanted it. He growled under his breath as the arrow soared through the air and landed to the side of the target. He brushed it off and tried again, ignoring the vampires’ eyes on him as he did. 

“Your stance isn’t very good.” Mingi commented with a raised brow. 

Daniel clenched his jaw. He glared at the vampire and was about to tell him where to shove it when Dongho stood in front of him and blocked his view of Mingi.  

“Try again,” Dongho instructed. 

Daniel narrowed his eyes but moved back into the stance he had previously taken. He fired the arrow and growled as it soared through the air and passed the target again. “Shit.” Daniel ran a hand through his hair in irritation. 

Dongho sighed. He quickly stepped behind the hunter. Daniel’s eyes widened as he felt Dongho’s hard body behind his own. Dongho held one hand on Daniel’s waist and the other on his arm to help him with the stance. 

Dongho felt warm behind him, it was almost a weird comforting feeling. Daniel had to bite his lip to stop a gasp from leaving his mouth. He didn’t even know why he was reacting so much to the vampire, but it felt strangely good and safe with the vampire’s hands on him. 

“Try again,” Dongho repeated, only this time his voice was almost a whisper as he stood close to Daniel. 

Daniel’s breathing was more erratic, he could feel his hands trembling slightly. He didn’t know what was wrong with himself. He felt almost nervous having the vampire so close to him. 

Dongho smirked playfully as he felt the hunter trembling in his arms. He could hear Daniel’s heart beating faster, it was soothing to his ears. Dongho’s smirk turned to a genuine smile as he held the hunter close to him. He couldn’t help himself, Dongho leaned forward slightly and took a deep breath, taking in the scent of Daniel. The memory of his blood and his taste was almost overwhelming. 

Daniel’s eyes widened and he quickly pulled away. “W-what?” He turned around and could see Dongho looking back at him curiously. 

Geonhak paused, Mingi was helping him with the bow and arrow. He looked at Daniel with confused eyes. The hunter looked wary as he looked at Dongho. 

“Aren’t you going to hit the target?” Mingi’s voice taunted. 

Daniel blinked at Dongho again before he turned back and aimed. He took a deep breath and focused, his confidence returning as he aimed and shot the arrow. Although it didn’t land in the centre of the target it was close. Close enough that he smirked and looked at Mingi and Dongho and winked at them. 

Geonhak chuckled at him, shaking his head at the sudden confidence Daniel had. He gave the hunter a high five. 

Mingi chuckled. “Your human is interesting.” He commented. 

Dongho watched as Daniel and Geonhak walked towards the other side for a drink. He smirked and nodded. “Yeah, he is.” 

Geonhak raised a brow as he saw Dongho looking over at them, more specifically at Daniel. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. 

Daniel smiled as he saw Youngmin heading towards them. “Hey.” Daniel offered the incubus. 

Geonhak couldn’t help but feel dread run through him as he saw the incubus. Youngmin smiled at Daniel before he looked at Geonhak. “Youngmin-hyung.” Geonhak offered. 

“Geonhak-ah, can we talk?” Youngmin asked calmly. 

Geonhak ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. “I know what you’re going to ask.” He responded. 

Youngmin flinched slightly before he looked at Geonhak with careful eyes. “Please?”

Daniel pushed Geonhak towards the incubus. Geonhak narrowed his eyes on the hunter before he looked back at Youngmin and nodded. “Fine.” 

Daniel smiled at the halfbreed as he walked after the incubus. Daniel was suddenly aware that he was now alone with Dongho and Mingi. He looked behind him and frowned when he saw just Dongho standing there watching him carefully. 

The vampire smiled at him before he made his way over towards Daniel. “Wanna try again?” Dongho asked. 

Daniel took a cautious step back. “Maybe we could do hand combat?” Daniel suggested instead. He knew he couldn’t handle the possibility of Dongho holding him again. 

The vampire tilted his head curiously at the suggestion. “You wanna do that?” Dongho asked carefully. 

Daniel frowned. “Yeah..?” He replied. Daniel was well trained in hand to hand combat and knew that he was probably more skilled than the vampire. 

“Okay,” Dongho shrugged as he placed his bow and arrow to the side. He walked towards the small training area that was near the targets. He nodded his head at Daniel. “C’mon then,” he called. 

Daniel blinked at the vampire in confusion. “Huh?”

“Come at me.” Dongho growled. 

Daniel narrowed his eyes before he gave the vampire a determined look. He would show Dongho how skilled he was and make it so that the vampire didn’t want to ever do hand combat with him again. 

Daniel managed to hit Dongho a few times but the vampire remained on his feet. Dongho wasn’t as quick to react as Daniel was and the vampire growled at him a few times as he got a fist or a leg to the side. 

Dongho couldn’t help but be distracted as he watched the hunter come at him. Daniel was sweating slightly, his hair sticking to his forehead and beads were running down his neck. He had a T-shirt on and Dongho wanted to know how far the beads were going… Dongho knew that judging by Daniel’s reactions earlier, the hunter was definitely interested in him. 

Dongho narrowed his eyes and wanted to test his theory. He carefully planted his foot in the right place, Daniel stumbled slightly as Dongho’s foot was in the way. He yelped slightly as he lost his balance. 

Dongho’s eyes widened as he felt the hunter’s whole weight on him. He hadn’t expected Daniel to fall completely. Dongho was taken off guard and fell to the floor too, the hunter above him. They both groaned in pain. 

Daniel paused as he looked down at the vampire. He couldn’t help but stare. Dongho was extremely handsome, he had a sheen of sweat on his skin that was making his already golden tone glisten. 

Dongho was still as he gazed back at Daniel. The vampire's eyes were focused, there was a red tint to them, it felt almost dangerous. Like something forbidden. But Daniel liked the way they were so focused on him. It made him feel like he was the only one in Dongho’s eyes. 

Daniel was practically straddling him, his thighs on either side of Dongho’s own. The hunter’s body heat was comfortable, Dongho wanted to reach up and take a hold of Daniel’s waist again. Hold him close, make sure he didn’t get hurt and protect him. Dongho swallowed hard at his thoughts, worried about what they truly implied. What he truly felt about the hunter. 

Daniel suddenly bit his bottom lip, Dongho’s eyes followed the action quickly before his eyes were back on Daniel’s own. 

Daniel saw the vampire's eyes watching him closely and couldn’t help himself. Daniel carefully lifted his hand before he moved it towards Dongho’s face. He cupped the vampire's strong jawline and used his thumb to run gently over Dongho’s bottom lip. 

Dongho’s eyes darkened but he allowed the human to do what he wanted. He couldn’t help but growl softly as he opened his mouth, flashing his fangs. 

Daniel’s eyes widened as he focused on Dongho’s lips, he could see the dangerous fangs. Daniel was chewing on his bottom lip distractingly as he continued to hold his thumb against Dongho’s lips. His other hand had moved to rest on Dongho’s strong chest automatically. Dongho was breathing deeply beneath him, his chest rising and falling with his deep breaths. 

Dongho gasped as he felt Daniel’s thumb carefully caress his fang. It tickled and Dongho automatically moved, he sat up quickly and placed his hands on Daniel’s waist. 

The hunter yelped as he suddenly found himself in Dongho’s lap, Daniel’s hands holding the vampire’s shoulders. Daniel blinked at Dongho with round confused eyes. 

Dongho smiled at him. “What are you waiting for?” He asked carefully. 

Daniel paused at the question. He blinked, what was he waiting for? What did he want to do? He licked his lips again before he cautiously moved closer to Dongho’s face. He felt a strange urge to run his tongue over Dongho’s fang. “I—“

“Hey, oh…” Jonghyeon’s voice suddenly made Daniel pull back. “Didn’t realise I was interrupting…” he commented. 

Dongho’s eyes automatically narrowed and flashed red in irritation. “Jonghyeon-ah,” he growled. 

Jonghyeon blinked. “Ah, I can come back later?”

“No!” Daniel quickly pulled away completely, standing up and looking at the lead vampire with round embarrassed eyes. His cheeks were flushed. “We were just training!”

“Training?” Jonghyeon raised a brow. “Okay..?”

Dongho stood up too but was looking at Daniel with a fond expression. He didn’t even care that Jonghyeon would probably tease him about it later. 

Daniel wanted the ground to swallow him. He hated looking weak in front of others and he’d just completely let his guard down. The lead vampire had seen him sitting in Dongho’s lap going in for… a kiss… Daniel’s eyes widened in shame. “I-I gotta go.”

Dongho’s eyes widened as Daniel suddenly turned and ran away. He was confused by the hunter's reaction. “Daniel! Wait!” He called as he ran after the hunter, unbothered about whatever Jonghyeon wanted him for. He caught up with Daniel quickly and held his wrist to stop him from walking. “You were going to say something to me, I want—”

“We can’t do this,” Daniel cut him off, pulling his hand out of Dongho’s grasp. 

Dongho blinked in confusion. “Wait… What?” He responded. 

“I’m a hunter, you’re a vampire.” Daniel said quickly, running a hand through his hair. “Whatever is happening between us, it has to stop. Now.” He warned. 

Dongho just stood confused. “But—“

“It won’t work.” Daniel shot back. 

Dongho frowned and shook his head. He didn’t understand why Daniel was being so negative. Nothing had happened between them, the emotions were just running high. Dongho didn’t know what was between them but he knew he wanted to try. “But, we can make it work?” He responded softly. 

“Stop.” Daniel narrowed his eyes at the vampire, ignoring the confusion in Dongho’s pretty eyes. “I don’t want it to work, I’m a hunter, you're a vampire. That's the end.” 

Dongho flinched at that. “Daniel-ah…”

“I’m going to find Aaron-hyung.” Daniel announced as he turned his back on the vampire as walked away. 

Dongho stood, alone. Watching where Daniel had just walked away from him. He felt his heart smash into pieces, he didn’t even know how he felt about the hunter but he knew he felt attracted to Daniel. But now? The hunter had practically told him to forget about any potential between them. Dongho clenched his jaw, in irritation. Daniel was the one that had responded positively to Dongho’s teasing and now he was deciding he didn’t actually want anything? 

Dongho growled darkly as he ran a hand through his hair. He knew he had to blow off some steam, he was extremely agitated now. He shook his head and made his way towards the main village.

Jonghyeon and Mingi saw him and waved him over but he just ignored them and headed into his home. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Geonhak sighed heavily as they walked silently through the village. He turned on Youngmin and narrowed his eyes at the incubus. “Just get to the chase.” He grumbled. 

Youngmin nodded. He gestured to the halfbreed to take a seat and he did. Youngmin sat opposite him. “You know what I want to ask you.” 

Geonhak nodded and raised a brow. “And..?” 

“I want your answer.” Youngmin replied with careful eyes. 

Geonhak sighed. “I don’t want to be responsible for this,” he admitted, running a hand through his hair as he looked at Youngmin with serious eyes. “It’s not my responsibility to save your brother.” He added. 

Youngmin clenched his jaw. He knew Geonhak would be hard to convince but it seemed like the halfbreed had already come to a decision. “I understand that, but can I just ask you one thing?” Youngmin tried. 

Geonhak raised a brow. “What?”

“He stopped when he saw you, didn’t he?” Youngmin questioned. 

Geonhak frowned. “Yeah, so?” 

Youngmin sighed heavily. “That means he’s already chosen you.” He explained. 

“What?” Geonhak’s eyes narrowed in confusion. 

“Incubi are able to locate the one they need to be their life partner.” Youngmin informed him. “It hits us and makes it difficult for us to think of anyone else.”

Geonhak was silent for a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts. He stood up abruptly and began to pace in irritation. He stopped and looked at Youngmin seriously. “Why are you doing this?” 

Youngmin was glaring at the younger man. “Whether you like it or not, Youngjo is obsessed with you.” He replied. 

Geonhak paused. Obsessed? That was a strong word. He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. “I've only seen him once, how the hell can he determine whether he wants to be with me forever?” 

“It’s instinctual.” Youngmin tried to explain. It was difficult to do so when Geonhak wasn’t completely supernatural. 

“Not for me it’s not.” Geonhak replied swiftly with a growl. “I deserve a life too, why should I be chained to an incubus?”

Youngmin could feel his frustration building. “You’re not completely human, right?” He growled. 

Geonhak shook his head. “What’s that got to do with it?”

“By supernatural law, you can’t be with a human,” Youngmin reminded him. 

Geonhak scoffed at that. “My family is already shunned by the supernatural community. I don’t give a shit about rules.” 

Youngmin could feel himself deflate at Geonhak’s stubbornness. “You’re really not going to help him?” He asked cautiously. 

Geonhak bit his lip. “I know he’s been through a lot, but it’s not my responsibility.” He said softly before he bowed his head to the incubus shortly. “I’m sorry.” Geonhak turned and headed towards the main village, he didn’t have anything else to say. He didn’t want the responsibility and didn’t want to be trapped, why couldn’t anyone understand that? 

“Geonhak!” Youngmin called to the halfbreed but he just continued walking away. Youngmin growled darkly, he didn’t know what else to do, what else to say to convince the other man to help Youngjo. It was true, Geonhak didn’t have a responsibility to help Youngjo but he thought Geonhak would’ve felt something and helped his twin. 

Youngmin bit his lip, he glanced around and carefully walked towards where he knew the protective barrier was. If he couldn’t convince Geonhak, maybe Youngjo could.

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Youngjo’s eyes snapped open as he suddenly felt Youngmin’s energy. It was almost like his twin was trying to reach out to him. He didn’t know why Youngmin would do it unless he was in danger, but Youngjo knew the others were all in the mansion. 

Youngjo was in his room, after being subjected to a few days in the dungeon with no food or blood, he was exhausted. Youngjo had been out of the mansion and had unfortunately had to find a willing human. He hated doing it but he had to, he’d been too weak and needed energy. Youngjo knew it was Rain’s plan, the warlock didn’t care if they hurt humans. In fact he encouraged it. 

Youngjo walked towards his window and glanced out into the dark sky. He didn’t understand why Youngmin was reaching out to him. He couldn’t help but wonder if his twin was trying to lure him out. 

There was a sudden knock on his door. Youngjo growled as Soyeon stepped around the door, a dark smirk on her face. “Boss wants to see you,” she announced before leaving. 

Youngjo sighed heavily, he’d hoped that Rain hadn’t been able to tell that Youngmin had reached out. But because of the curse, Rain was able to penetrate Youngjo’s mind even without Youngjo’s knowledge. 

He took a deep breath and made his way out of his room and towards the top floor of the mansion. He didn’t bother knocking and just pushed the door open. 

Rain was standing with his arms crossed over his chest as he raised his head to glare at Youngjo. “Well?”

“It might be a trap,” Youngjo responded quickly. 

Rain scoffed at him. “Your own twin is trying to trap you?”

Youngjo clenched his jaw. “He’d have no other reason to lure me out.” He replied cautiously. Soyeon and Seungcheol were both watching him closely as he spoke. 

Rain was silent for a moment as he gazed away from them and looked thoughtful. He smirked before he looked back at Youngjo. “Good, let’s see what he wants.” He repsonded. 

Youngjo hoped that Rain wouldn’t want to take the bait. He only hoped that Youngmin was prepared. “I can go,” Youngjo announced. 

“You will, and you two.” Rain replied, looking at the werewolf and vampire standing at the side before his smirk darkened. “And my new creation…”

Youngjo frowned at that. “What…?” 

Rain raised his hand and they could see a screen appear. What was on the screen made them all flinch back. Rain’s ‘creation’ was a shadow creature that he’d manipulated, it was at least ten feet tall with long sharp claws, long teeth and scaled skin. 

Youngjo felt extremely worried for Youngmin and wherever he was. If this creature was coming with them, they needed to be prepared. “Shit,” Youngjo whispered. 

Chapter Text

Aaron headed into the main village, there were flamed torches around the village to give it light while the sky was dark. Aaron scanned the faces trying to look for the Valkyrie. He could see Geonhak and Daniel sitting together and headed towards them. He immediately noticed how irritated and frustrated the two looked. 

“Hey, what happened?” He asked carefully as he glanced between them. 

Geonhak looked up at him and smiled. “Hyung, there you are. They just brought out the food,” he gestured to the table in front of them. 

Aaron raised a brow as he sat beside Daniel and opposite Geonhak. He reached for a bowl and chopsticks and began to fill his bowl. He couldn’t help but feel the awkwardness around them. “Are either of you gonna tell me what’s wrong?” He asked again. 

Geonhak looked at Daniel but the hunter was just staring ahead with a frown on his face. The halfbreed sighed heavily before he looked at Aaron. “Youngmin came to talk to me,” he answered. 

“About Youngjo?” Aaron responded. 

Geonhak nodded. “Yeah,” he replied. 

“And?” Aaron urged. 

Geonhak shook his head, running a hand through his hair in irritation. “And nothing, it’s not my responsibility.” He replied with a growl. 

Aaron paused. The halfbreed hadn’t agreed to help Youngjo. “Geonhak-ah…” he said carefully, looking at Geonhak with disappointment. He couldn’t help it. 

“Don’t hyung,” Geonhak responded quickly. “It’s not fair that I have to sacrifice my future because an incubus fancies me.” He elaborated. 

Aaron had to bite his tongue, he wanted to tell Geonhak he was being selfish but the younger man had a point. But Aaron felt terrible for Youngjo, and for Youngmin. The twins had sacrificed for each other, Aaron only hoped there was another way they could help Youngjo. “There might be another way to help Youngjo…” Aaron offered with a weak smile. 

Geonhak shrugged. “Maybe…” 

Daniel was just listening to them carefully as he ate. He felt extremely awkward and uncomfortable. A part of him wanted to just go back to the hunters association but he knew he couldn’t. He wanted to help Aaron. 

Aaron knew whatever was bothering Daniel, the hunter clearly didn’t want to discuss it. Aaron decided not to push him, he didn’t want Daniel to feel awkward. Instead, Aaron finished eating and sat back, looking out at the village. It was a peaceful place and seemed like a good place to live in. He smiled as he finally saw Minhyun. The Valkyrie was walking towards them. 

Minhyun smiled at Aaron. “Hyung, are you free?” 

Aaron nodded and stood up, he was determined to talk to Minhyun tonight, and understand what was going on between them. 

Minhyun nodded to Geonhak as his younger cousin looked up at him slightly. Minhyun could see something troubling Geonhak but Minhyun needed to talk to Aaron. 

Aaron looked at Minhyun patiently as they stood there. 

The Valkyrie smiled at him. “Hyung, I want to show you something.” He said before he turned away from them. “Follow me.” 

“Sure.” Aaron responded. 

Minhyun led him through the village and towards the border. He stayed within the protected area and smiled as he approached a tree. Aaron raised a brow as the Valkyrie stepped on one of the branches, he held his hand for Aaron to take. Aaron blinked but took the offered hand. He yelped slightly as the branch suddenly moved and took them to the tree top. There was a small ledge that Minhyun stood on and gestured for Aaron to do the same. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he looked out over the view from the tree tops. He could see the landscape and just how vast it was, the sun was setting, giving the landscape an orange tinge. “This place is beautiful,” Aaron said softly. 

Minhyun smiled at him and nodded. “The NU’EST clan is one of the younger clans out there,” he said suddenly. “Jonghyeonnie is the youngest vampire clan leader.”

Aaron nodded. “He’s a good guy.” 

“Yeah…” Minhyun responded. 

Aaron couldn’t help but feel like there was an awkward atmosphere around them. He turned to look at Minhyun and could see the Valkyrie was fidgeting almost nervously. Aaron sighed softly. “You didn’t bring me out here to talk about Jonghyeon.”

Minhyun turned to the human but could see a determined expression on Aaron’s handsome face. “Hyung…”

“Why won’t you talk to me?” Aaron asked suddenly. He wasn’t going to back down, he needed answers. 

“I’m frightened.” Minhyun admitted. 

“What?” Aaron faced the Valkyrie and reached for his hand, making the younger man stop fidgeting. “Minhyunnie, why?”

Minhyun looked at Aaron with sad eyes. “I’ve lied to you, kept things from you, I don’t want you to hate me,” he worried. 

“I’d never hate you.” Aaron reassured. “I told you that before.” 

“Hyung,” Minhyun took a deep breath before he looked at Aaron with serious eyes. “We’ve met before.”

Aaron paused. He blinked in confusion. “What? When?” He questioned. 

“It’s the reason I followed you and kept you safe,” Minhyun added. “I owe you my life.”

Aaron shook his head in disbelief. “Minhyun-ah, you’re not making any sense.” He interjected with a frown. 

Minhyun bit his bottom lip. He felt nervous telling Aaron but he knew he had to, the elder man deserved to know. “You saved me then, I won’t let anyone hurt you now.” 

Aaron frowned deeper. “I don’t remember…” he admitted. He knew for a fact he would remember Minhyun’s face, the man was breathtaking. 

“You won’t.” Minhyun stated. 

“What do you mean?” Aaron had a bad feeling about it. 

“I took your memory.”

Aaron remained silent at Minhyun’s admission. He didn’t know what to say or how to respond to that. “You…what?” He instinctively took his hand back. 

Minhyun had to redeem himself, he had to explain but he was so scared that he’d hurt Aaron already. He took a deep breath to calm himself before he continued, “I didn’t want you to be part of this world, it’s too dangerous. So I took your memory.” He explained. “You not knowing of the existence of supernaturals would’ve kept you safe.” 

“That wasn’t your decision to make.” Aaron replied cautiously, looking at Minhyun with narrowed eyes. He felt almost angry but at the same time he understood why Minhyun had done it. 

“I know,” Minhyun reflected. “I'm sorry, I was just so scared for you.” 

“Minhyun-ah, I’m an adult,” Aaron disputed with a raised brow. “I can protect myself, maybe I want to protect you too.”

Minhyun shook his head quickly. “My life isn’t as important as yours.”

“Stop.” Aaron narrowed his eyes. “That’s not true.” He hated it when Minhyun downgraded himself. 

“It is.”

“Not to me it’s not,” Aaron continued, reaching for Minhyun again and taking his hands in his own. He smiled at the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun looked at their joined hands before back at Aaron. “What..?”

“You’re important to me,” Aaron admitted. “I want you to show me the memories you took,” he instructed as he squeezed Minhyun’s hands and looked at him seriously. 

“I can’t,” Minhyun admitted. 

Aaron tilted his head. “What do you mean?”

“I destroyed your memory.” Minhyun answered calmly, looking at Aaron with careful eyes. 

Aaron clenched his jaw slightly at that but knew he could still find a way. “But not your own,” he replied. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened slightly. He could see the determination in Aaron’s eyes. “Hyung—“

“I deserve to see what happened between us.” Aaron remarked quickly. “Minhyunnie, you’ve done so much for me and I want to know why.” 

“Can’t you just believe my words?” Minhyun said with soft eyes. He swallowed heavily and built up all his courage. Minhyun looked at Aaron seriously. “Aaron-hyung, I’m in love with you.” He confessed. 

Aaron paused. He looked at Minhyun and all he could see was devotion in the Valkyrie’s eyes. Aaron knew Minhyun had a soft spot for him but to say… “L-love?”

Minhyun bit his bottom lip as he continued to gaze at Aaron. “I’m selfish, I know, I didn’t want you to know about this world because I wanted you to fall for me as a human. Not because I’m a Valkyrie.” 

“I don’t see you as a Valkyrie.” Aaron quickly responded. He didn’t want Minhyun to think like that. “I see you as you. As Minhyun.” 

“You don’t know me.” Minhyun responded carefully. 

Aaron frowned. Why did it feel like the Valkyrie was trying to convince Aaron that he wasn’t who he was? “Minhyun-ah—“

“Hey! Are you guys up there?”

Both of them frowned slightly at the new voice. Minhyun frowned slightly as he looked down. “Dongho-yah? What’s wrong?” He called. 

“There’s something heading this way,” Dongho responded. “We need to check it out.”

Minhyun nodded. “Okay.” He looked back at Aaron and carefully tugged his hand so that they were back on the ground. 

Dongho looked between them carefully, he could see how Aaron looked almost overwhelmed and Minhyun looked nervous. 

Minhyun turned to Aaron and smiled at him softly. “Hyung, stay in the village.” He instructed. 

Aaron blinked and frowned. Shaking his head. “What? I’m coming—“

“No.” Minhyun replied. “Please.” His eyes were shining with worry. Aaron had to bite his tongue, he wanted Minhyun to have confidence in him but he knew the Valkyrie was just worried about him. 

The three of them ran back to the main village but could see the vampires making their way out. Jonghyeon and Mingi headed towards them. 

“Dongho-yah, Minhyunnie,” Youngmin’s voice sounded as he and Donghyun also walked towards them. “It’s Youngjo.” He informed them carefully. 

Dongho frowned. “What?”

Youngmin nodded. “He’s coming.” 

Donghyun could read the guilty expression on the incubus’s expression. His eyes widened slightly. “Hyung, what did you do?”

“He needs help,” Youngmin replied carefully. 

“I think he’s bringing it,” Jonghyeon responded with a glare at the incubus. He nodded to his clan members. The vampires moved and grabbed their weapons as they headed towards the threat. 

“Youngmin-ah,” Minhyun looked at him with confusion. 

The incubus sighed. “Geonhak refused, I hoped that Youngjo might convince him but Rain can see that I reached out to him.” Youngmin admitted. He felt like a fool for not thinking of the repercussions. “Shit, what have I done…?”

“Nothing,” Minhyun growled slightly, irritated by Geonhak’s selfishness. “This is on Geonhak.”

“Minhyun.” Aaron warned. 

Minhyun looked at Aaron with careful eyes. “He’s being selfish,” he responded. 

Jonghyeon growled. “We have bigger things to worry about.” He said. “Mingi-yah, take Aaron-hyung back to the main village.” He instructed. 

“Okay,” Mingi nodded at his leader before he looked at Aaron with a smile, “hyung, let’s go.” 

Aaron still wanted to stand and fight, but he also didn’t want to be in the way. “All of you be careful.” He said as he looked specifically at Minhyun. The Valkyrie smiled and nodded at him. 

Mingi and Aaron ran back to the main village and saw Geonhak and Daniel standing looking at them with confusion. 

“Hyung!” Daniel called to Aaron. “What’s going on?” He asked. They’d seen the vampires grab their weapons and follow Jonghyeon through the trees. 

“Youngjo is here.” Mingi answered. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened. “What? Why?”

“Youngmin reached out to him,” Aaron said softly, looking at Geonhak carefully. 

The halfbreed frowned. “What the hell for?”

“To find another way to save him.”

Geonhak blinked. “What…?”

“We need to help.” Daniel announced as he pulled out his gun, he wasn’t going to sit back and wait. 

“No.” Mingi stepped forward with a determined expression. 

Daniel raised a brow at the vampire. “Since when do we take orders from you?” He growled. 

“If they need backup, they’ll let us know.” Mingi said carefully, his eyes flashing red. “For now, just sit patiently hunter.” 

“What—“

“Daniel-ah, it’s okay,” Aaron smiled and nodded. 

Geonhak bit his lip, Youngmin was extremely determined to help Youngjo even to the point of putting the NU’EST clan in danger. He sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d made the right decision. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Minhyun’s eyes narrowed as they looked out over the open plains, they could see shadows running towards them but thankfully they couldn’t sense Rain. The man had sent his followers again instead of fighting himself. 

“Everyone prepare!” Jonghyeon called to his clan. The vampires all prepared their weapons and aimed at the shadows as the ran towards them. 

“Shadows?” One of the members said. 

“Where are the others?” Another pitched in. 

“They’re here somewhere.” Jonghyeon said carefully. 

“Weapons down!” 

They all paused, eyes widened as they heard a familiar angered voice. It was Seungcheol. 

Youngmin gasped. “Youngjo…”

“He’s here, like you wanted!” Seungcheol growled. 

Youngmin’s heart broke at the sight of his twin, he looked tired and weak. Youngjo was growling darkly as he struggled against Seungcheol’s grip. The werewolf was holding him tightly, his sharp nails making Youngjo’s arms bleed. 

“Fight us! Don’t use a shield!” Jonghyeon bellowed angrily. 

“Fools,” Soyeon’s voice cackled. “Maybe Youngminnie really is still on our side.” She added with a smirk. 

Youngmin’s eyes flashed darkly. “Bastards!”

“Youngmin!” Minhyun quickly held the incubus back as he made a move to run towards the enemy. 

They all paused and looked in horror at the sound of heavy footsteps. “Oh my god…” Youngmin gasped. 

Dongho’s eyes widened. “What the hell is that?”

“Fire!” Jonghyeon ordered. The vampires began to fire their arrows at the large creature. 

Minhyun shook his head. “It’s not doing anything…” he said worriedly as the monster creature continued walking towards them. 

“Shit.” Jonghyeon growled. 

Soyeon smiled darkly as she flew into the air, more shadows appeared and ran towards them as well as the large creature. The clan were fighting back, shooting at the shadows as they tried to penetrate the vampires and gain access closer to the village. 

Dongho growled as he felt Soyeon’s sword scratch his cheek. He jumped back and pulled out his own sword. The female vampire smirked darkly at him. 

“Where’s your pretty hunter?” Soyeon taunted. 

Dongho clenched his jaw. “Bring it on, bitch.”

Minhyun’s eyes widened as he saw the large creature just walking without flinching as the vampire's arrows penetrated it. The weapons didn’t have any effect on the creature at all. He bit his lip before he grabbed both of his swords, he ran towards the creature and sliced its legs. It roared and turned towards him. It’s large claws swinging towards him. Minhyun quickly jumped out of its way, only just missing the creature. His eyes widened as it moved towards him. He quickly ran from the creature, making sure to move it away from the direction of the village. He yelped as the floor shook when the creature slammed its hand on the ground making Minhyun lose his footing. He fell to the ground and groaned but looked back in horror as he saw how close the creature was. He prepared for a blow but the creature was suddenly blasted by purple energy making it fall. 

Donghyun stood posed and ready, he smiled at the Valkyrie. The two of them would be able to keep the creature busy. 

Youngmin ran straight for Seungcheol, he growled darkly at the werewolf and got a playful smirk back in response. Seungcheol quickly threw Youngjo to the ground and ran at Youngmin too. They both clashed and began to throw punches. 

Seungcheol smirked darkly at the incubus. “Still spreading your legs for that warlock?” He taunted. 

Youngmin narrowed his eyes in anger. He slashed at the werewolf but Seungcheol managed to dodge his attacks. 

The werewolf suddenly transformed and charged at Youngmin in his wolf form. The incubus held himself ready, his own wings and tail appeared as he felt the large paws on him. 

Youngjo groaned as he crawled towards a tree, he was breathing deeply as he tried to regain his strength. He wanted to help Youngmin and the others but he couldn’t. The curse was taking over him again, making him feel the need to attack them and remain loyal to Rain. He hated the feeling, like his mind knew that he was wrong but his body moved of its own accord. 

Jonghyeon could see that the shadows were more advanced, they were larger than normal and more vicious. Rain had placed curses on them to enhance their ability. Jonghyeon ran a hand through his hair as he saw some of his clan falling, he knew they needed backup. He reached for his pocket and pulled out a flare, quickly shooting it in the air. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he saw a flare fly into the air, he looked over at Mingi and could see the vampire was preparing some of the other clan members. 

“We’re coming too,” Daniel announced to the vampire. 

Mingi rolled his eyes. “Do what you want, just don’t get in the way.” He warned before he and the other vampires suddenly ran out the village and through the trees. 

Daniel clenched his jaw and pulled his gun out of his holder, he looked back at Geonhak and Aaron. “Well?” The hunter asked. 

Geonhak wanted to fight, but he also knew that Aaron had to stay in the village. He knew Minhyun would be extremely angry if Geonhak allowed Aaron to fight. 

“Let’s go.” Aaron announced suddenly. 

Geonhak quickly stopped him. “Hyung no, you have to stay safe,” he replied cautiously. 

“They’re here because of me,” Aaron said harshly. “I don’t want to hear that I need to be protected, this village is people's home. Keeping me here is like I’m telling Rain to attack the clan and its people.” 

Geonhak shook his head. “But—“

“I’ll have you both, right?” Aaron asked as he looked between them. 

Daniel nodded. 

Geonhak bit his lip and sighed. “Promise you’ll stay near us,” he asked. 

“Let’s go.” Aaron smiled. The three of them ran through the trees, they could hear the sound of fighting in the distance as well as gurgled growls. Aaron pulled his gun out ready as they looked through the trees at the carnage. 

“Shit…” Geonhak gasped as he saw some of the vampires had fallen. There were shadows everywhere, with large claws and jaws. “What has he done to the shadows?”

Daniel shook his head before he jumped out from the trees and began to shoot at the creatures. The noise of the weapon caught the creature's attention and they began to run towards the hunter. 

Dongho frowned at the sound of gunshots, he quickly forced Soyeon back before he turned. His eyes widened in horror as he saw Daniel shooting the creatures. “Daniel…”

Soyeon growled as she looked over at the hunter. She smirked. “Ah, there he is,” she growled. 

Dongho looked back at her quickly, his eyes flashed red dangerously as he saw her interested expression as she looked at Daniel. Soyeon made a move to head towards Daniel but Dongho quickly cut her off, they both began to fight again. 

Aaron’s eyes were darting all over as he saw everyone fighting, he felt his heart hurt for the ones that had fallen. He felt extremely worried when he couldn’t see Minhyun anywhere. He looked everywhere but couldn’t see him. That was until he saw the large creature in the distance. Minhyun and Donghyun were there, fighting against the creature. There were also some of the clan members helping them. 

Geonhak quickly took hold of Aaron’s arm and pulled him to stand. Aaron frowned slightly as he looked back at the halfbreed. “Geonhak-ah?”  

Geonhak’s eyes were watching something in the distance, Aaron followed his gaze and swallowed as he saw the large wolf stalking towards them. 

Geonhak carefully reached for his gun just as Seungcheol began to charge towards them. Aaron yelped as Geonhak pushed him to the side. The halfbreed shot his gun and Seungcheol whined but continued running, straight into Geonhak. 

“Geonhak!” Aaron bellowed as Geonhak’s body flew into a tree and he collapsed onto the floor. 

The halfbreed groaned as he pushed himself up. He could feel that he’d broken some ribs, he clenched his jaw as he looked up and saw the werewolf standing with a bleeding leg. The wolf glared darky at him and flashed its teeth at him before it made a move again. 

Geonhak yelped as he was suddenly pulled into a tree, he looked and saw Youngmin standing beside him. The incubus was bleeding but looked determined. 

Youngmin quickly moved back down and grabbed Aaron, pulling him into the same tree as Geonhak before he jumped on Seungcheol again. The werewolf struggled and they disappeared from sight. 

Aaron looked at Geonhak with worried eyes as he saw the halfbreed clutching at his side. “Geonhak-ah, are you alright?”

“I will be,” Geonhak growled. 

Aaron bit his lip. “We have to help,” he said softly as he looked out over the carnage. 

Geonhak scoffed. “We just got fucked, this is madness.” 

Aaron bit his lip as he pulled back the branches and looked out over the others again. His eyes widened as he saw Youngjo running towards where Minhyun and Donghyun were, the incubus looked like he was fighting with himself as he pulled out his sword. Donghyun had explained to him how powerful the spell was on Youngjo, that the incubus wasn’t in control of his body and would do Rain’s bidding. Right now, Aaron knew Minhyun was the biggest threat to Rain. “Youngjo…”

Geonhak frowned. “What?”

“We have to go!” Aaron announced as he suddenly jumped down from the tree. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened. “Hyung! Wait!” He called helplessly, holding his side where he knew he’d broken something. He grit his teeth and pulled his gun out again. He had to ignore the pain and help Aaron.

Minhyun paused. He frowned and turned. His eyes widened as he saw Aaron running through the sea of carnage, he was shooting shadows as he went. Minhyun felt his stomach drop. 

“Minhyun!” Donghyun bellowed. 

Minhyun growled as he held his sword out just as Youngjo appeared before him. Their swords clashed and Minhyun yelped as he saw the pain and determination in Youngjo’s eyes. Minhyun fell to the floor due to the force Youngjo hit him with, Youngjo had his wings and tail out and was growling darkly. 

Minhyun quickly got back to his feet and took the stance again. Youngjo ran at him and they clashed again. Minhyun was surprised by how strong Youngjo was considering how injured he was. The incubus was extremely powerful, Minhyun could feel his determination. 

Jonghyeon and Mingi quickly ran over as the large creature made a move to head towards the village. They tried to keep it away, and the rest of the clan members came over. There weren't as many shadows left now but there was still enough. 

Aaron growled as he jumped out of the way of a shadow, the creature growled at him and attempted to scratch him. It suddenly blew into dust by a bullet and Aaron was being pulled to his feet. Daniel smiled at him. Aaron nodded at the hunter, they both shot at the creatures. 

Youngmin managed to force the werewolf back, he was slower because of the gunshot to the leg Geonhak had given him. Youngmin kicked the wolf and it fell to the ground. Youngmin breathed deeply, he was bleeding and scratched but he didn’t care. He frowned as he looked around, his eyes widened when he saw Youngjo and Minhyun. Youngmin clenched his jaw and flew into the air, heading towards them. 

Youngjo groaned, all he could hear in his head were commands, telling him to kill, destroy. He wanted to stop but he couldn’t, he wasn't strong enough to fight back anymore. The tattoo on his neck was throbbing and it felt like a dagger. He looked at Minhyun with dark eyes, the Valkyrie was looking back at him with worry. It irritated Youngjo, he didn’t need their sympathy. Youngjo growled darkly and moved closer again, making the Valkyrie stumble slightly to hold him back. 

Minhyun could feel the power coming from the incubus, he gasped as he jumped out of the way. He was breathing deeply as he looked back at Youngjo, he looked exhausted but the incubus wasn't going to give up. Minhyun could see Aaron was safe with Daniel and Geonhak. Geonhak… 

Minhyun’s eyes narrowed as he watched Youngjo closely. The incubus was powerful, almost on par with Minhyun himself. Youngjo was better on their side. Minhyun could see Youngmin was near them, he nodded at the younger twin before he glanced to the side where the warlock was. “Donghyun! Now!” Minhyun bellowed. 

Donghyun’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Do it! Cast it!” Minhyun ordered. 

Donghyun swallowed and nodded. Youngmin quickly moved beside his partner to keep him safe. He looked at Youngjo with soft eyes and smiled at his twin. 

Youngjo growled darkly as he clenched his hand around his sword again, moving towards Minhyun again. 

Minhyun narrowed his eyes on the incubus. 

Youngjo ran at him but just as he was about to drop his sword on the Valkyrie he paused. He felt a sudden rush of energy run over him. 

Donghyun focused as the purple energy engulfed Youngjo. Donghyun could feel how strong the curse was on Youngjo, but the incubus’s will was stronger. 

Youngjo didn’t want to be controlled by Rain, he wanted Geonhak. 

Donghyun made a grabbing gesture and the tattoo on Youngjo’s neck was pulled free, the lotus flower image flew into the sky. 

Minhyun pulled out his bow and arrow and shot the image, it burst into smoke. 

Youngjo cried out as a new image was ingrained on his neck, a purple rose. It was glowing as he fell to his knees in front of Minhyun. 

Donghyun collapsed, Youngmin quickly pulled the warlock into his arms as he kneeled on the floor. Donghyun had used a lot of his energy. 

Youngjo held his neck, it was bleeding. He looked up at Minhyun with dark confused eyes. His fangs glistened and his tail swishing in irritation as he glared at the Valkyrie. “W-what have you done..?” 

Minhyun narrowed his eyes as he looked down at the incubus. “Take what you want, incubus,” he growled. 

Youngjo was suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to find the halfbreed. He turned and looked around the carnage and was able to locate him straight away. Almost on instinct, his wings spread and he soared through the air. 

Minhyun aimed his bow and arrow at the incubus, just in case. 

Geonhak held Aaron’s arm and moved the elder man slightly as another shadow came for them. He growled slightly at how many there were. Aaron nodded and smiled at him in thanks. 

They were all drawn to the sound of an explosion, they could see smoke in the air and frowned slightly at what was happening. 

Geonhak hoped that Minhyun and the others were all okay. He frowned slightly when he saw something heading towards them. He lifted his gun but he wasn’t fast enough. Geonhak yelped as he felt himself being grabbed by someone, a hand on his waist and the other on his jaw. He gasped when he felt lips on his own and a strong body against him. He could hear Aaron and Daniel calling to him but all he could focus on was the beautiful man in front of him. Youngjo. The incubus was kissing him, holding him. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened as he realised what was happening. He quickly pushed the incubus back, Youngjo gazed at him before he suddenly collapsed. 

“Geonhak!” Aaron held his shoulder carefully. 

“What the hell?” Daniel said as he looked down at the unconscious incubus. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened as he looked over Youngjo’s unconscious form. “His tattoo…” he growled as he saw the now purple rose on Youngjo’s red, irritated neck. “It’s different…”

Aaron’s eyes widened slightly, they’d done it. They’d freed Youngjo from Rain’s curse. 

“Jonghyeon!” Mingi bellowed. 

They all looked in horror as the clan leader fell to the floor, a large gash in his stomach from the large creature. 

It was agitated and was trying to slash at all the vampires. Dongho’s eyes widened as he saw Mingi run towards the fallen vampire leader. He clenched his jaw and turned back to Soyeon, she was panting and looked exhausted. Dongho had enough of her, he narrowed his eyes but before he could do anything she screamed as a bullet hit her in the arm. 

She fell to the ground and looked with dark eyes at where the bullet had come from. Daniel stood with dark eyes glaring at her. 

Dongho looked at the hunter before he quickly turned and headed towards Mingi and Jonghyeon. 

Daniel frowned at the cold shoulder he got from the vampire but focused back on Soyeon. She was struggling. Daniel cocked his gun but paused when the werewolf stood over Soyeon protectively. 

Seungcheol and Soyeon both looked at the creature, then to where Youngjo had fallen. In the next moment they were both gone. 

Daniel narrowed his eyes. “Cowards.” 

The large creature was getting more annoyed as it was being attacked by the clan. Dongho had joined Mingi, trying to help Jonghyeon. Donghyun ran over and threw every healing spell he knew at the vampire. 

Aaron’s eyes narrowed darkly. He clenched his fists at his side as he saw the creature, it was still trying to attack everyone. 

Minhyun and Youngmin were trying to force it back but it wasn’t working. The creature's claws were dangerous as it tried to hit them, Minhyun and Youngmin were faster but Aaron could see they were getting tired as they tried to stop the creature. 

Aaron began to walk towards the creature. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened, he made a move to stop the elder man but bit his lip and stopped. Aaron looked determined and he could see the grass beneath Aaron blowing slightly. 

Daniel watched as Aaron walked determinedly towards the creature. His eyes widened as he saw red energy sparking from the pure-soul. “Hyung…”

Aaron felt determination running through him as he walked towards the creature. There was a strange feeling around him but he ignored it, more focused on the fact that some of the vampires had lost their lives and that Jonghyeon was now on the floor, injured. 

Minhyun gasped as he felt a rush of energy. He turned and looked at Aaron approaching them, his eyes were determined as he glowed red. His energy was spilling free. 

The power caught the attention of the creature. It turned to fully face Aaron before it suddenly began to run towards him. 

“Aaron!” Minhyun cried. 

Aaron narrowed his eyes at the creature and suddenly gasped as he felt a burst of energy jump from him. 

Everyone watched as a large jolt of energy left Aaron and soared straight through the creature like a giant blade. The creature stopped before it suddenly burst into smoke. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened as he watched the creature burst, Aaron had destroyed it with one burst of energy. Minhyun’s wings spread as he flew quickly towards the man. 

Aaron groaned as he felt a buzzing in his head, he was overwhelmed and he lost his footing. He expected to fall to the floor but felt arms wrap around him and something soft on his back. He looked up and could see Minhyun’s beautiful but worried face. 

Aaron smiled. Minhyun held Aaron close, his wings wrapped around Aaron too. He knew he was safe in the Valkyrie’s arms. Aaron let his exhaustion take over and closed his eyes. 

Chapter Text

Minhyun paced outside the healers hut. He couldn’t help it, he was extremely worried about Aaron, the energy had burst from him and now the pure-soul wouldn’t wake up. 

Daniel bit his lip as he watched Minhyun pace. Geonhak was sitting beside him, the halfbreed was extremely quiet but Daniel could feel the anger pouring from him. 

Dongho and Mingi were by Jonghyeon’s side in another healer hut. The leader was extremely injured but the healers had said he’d pull through. He just needed blood and rest. 

Youngmin was with Youngjo. The elder twin was a prisoner in the village for now until he woke up. He was chained to the bed he’d been given. 

Donghyun was in the healer hut with the village healers, helping them with the injured vampires as well as keeping an eye on Aaron. 

Geonhak ran a hand through his hair, he was extremely fidgety and wanted to punch something. He’d been bandaged up around his chest, thankfully the healers had told him that his ribs weren’t broken and that because of him being a halfbreed they were slowly healing themselves. Geonhak felt extremely overwhelmed by everything that had happened in the past few hours. They’d seen people killed, Aaron had unlocked his energy and was now unconscious. And now Youngjo belonged to Geonhak. He clenched his jaw and his leg began to jump anxiously. 

Daniel looked at Geonhak worriedly. He wanted to say something but he didn’t know what. 

Donghyun opened the hut door and Minhyun looked at him expectantly. “Well?”

The warlock smiled in reassurance. “Aaron-hyung is fine, all his vitals are good, he's just exhausted.” He answered. 

Minhyun sighed heavily in relief. “Thank goodness…” he said. 

Geonhak narrowed his eyes on the warlock and approached him angrily, Donghyun’s eyes widened as Geonhak suddenly grabbed the front of his shirt. “What the hell did you do?” He demanded. 

Daniel quickly tugged Geonhak away from Donghyun and glanced at him warily. “Geonhak-ah,” Daniel warned. 

Geonhak was still glaring at Donghyun. “You bast—“

“Don’t blame Donghyun, it was me that told him to do it.” Minhyun suddenly announced, watching his younger cousin with careful eyes. 

Geonhak paused for a moment before he turned his angered expression onto Minhyun. He felt almost betrayed by his cousin. “What? How dare you!” He bellowed angrily. Geonhak walked towards Minhyun and glared at him. “You can’t dictate my life!” 

“Enough!” Minhyun shouted back, frustration running through him as he saw a spark of red in Geonhak’s eyes. “If you weren’t so selfish this wouldn’t have happened!” He bellowed angrily in response. 

Geonhak scoffed and shook his head. “Oh, so it’s all my fault?!” He shot back with venom. 

“Stop, both of you,” Daniel said carefully as he looked between the cousins. “What’s been done is done.” He said. 

Geonhak was still looking at Minhyun with dark, disbelieving eyes. “You’ve destroyed my life.”

Minhyun narrowed his eyes and shook his head in response. “Don’t be so dramatic…”

“Don’t speak to me like I’m a child,” Geonhak growled dangerously. “I deserve to make my own decisions, you can’t just erase my memories.”

Minhyun’s eyes widened at his words. 

“Geonhak! Enough.” Dongho’s voice sounded as he walked out of the hut, he had his eyes narrowed carefully on the halfbreed. 

Geonhak clenched his jaw and his fists before he shook his head and walked away from them all. He made sure to knock Minhyun’s shoulder as he walked past his cousin. 

Minhyun sighed heavily as he watched Geonhak walk away. He shook his head before he looked back at Dongho. “How is Jonghyeonnie?”

Dongho looked at where Geonhak was walking away before he looked back at Minhyun and nodded. “He’s awake and smiling.” He answered. “And Aaron-hyung?” The vampire asked Donghyun. 

“He’s resting,” the warlock responded. “You can all see him if you want?” He suggested with a smile. 

Minhyun nodded. Donghyun gestured for them to follow him as he moved towards the correct hut where Aaron was. 

Daniel looked over at Dongho carefully as they followed the warlock, but the vampire just completely ignored him. Daniel frowned slightly, he could see the bandages on Dongho’s bare arms and wanted to know if the vampire was okay. “Hyung,” he called softly. 

Dongho clenched his jaw, he glanced back at Daniel with narrowed eyes. “What?” He responded. It sounded harsher than he expected. 

Daniel glared back at him. “I was going to ask you if you were okay, but if you’re going to be hostile with me…” he huffed and shook his head before he walked faster and away from the vampire. 

Dongho sighed heavily and shook his head. 

Donghyun led them to Aaron’s room and smiled at them all as they walked in. Minhyun’s eyes widened as he saw Aaron sleeping peacefully, he smiled happily and moved to sit beside the bed. Dongho stood beside him and Daniel stood at the opposite side of the bed. 

“Hyung…” Minhyun stroked some hair from Aaron’s eyes and smiled sadly. 

Dongho bit his lip, he could see how much Minhyun was worried for Aaron but thankfully the pure-soul was okay and not seriously injured. “Did you speak to him?” He asked the Valkyrie. 

Minhyun nodded. “I told him everything.”

“Everything?” Dongho repeated with a quizzical expression. He didn’t know to what extent Minhyun meant. 

The Valkyrie nodded again. “I told him I’m in love with him.” 

Daniel’s eyes widened. “What…?”

“Minhyun-ah…” Dongho smiled at the Valkyrie and his confidence. 

“No more secrets.” Minhyun said softly as he continued to gaze at Aaron. “I care for him too much to do that,” he added. 

Daniel couldn’t help but glance at Dongho. The vampire was looking at Minhyun carefully with an almost proud smile. He turned to look back at Daniel as he felt eyes on him and raised a brow. Daniel quickly looked back at Aaron’s sleeping form. 

Dongho sighed softly. “You need to talk to Geonhak too.” He added with a careful look at the Valkyrie. 

“He’ll come around,” Minhyun responded quietly. 

Dongho shook his head. “Minhyun-ah.” 

“I don’t need to think about that right now.” Minhyun expressed quickly, looking at Dongho carefully before looking back at the sleeping figure. 

Dongho clenched his jaw. “Don’t act selfish too.”

Minhyun sighed heavily before he turned to look at the vampire again, eyes narrowed in irritation. “If he said he’d help Youngjo, Youngminnie wouldn’t have reached out to him and they’d never have come and put the clan in danger.”

“You can’t just blame Geonhak.” Dongho argued. “He had a point, no one wants to be tied down to someone they don’t like.” 

Daniel frowned slightly at Dongho’s tone. 

Minhyun knew Dongho was right, he’d blamed Geonhak when in reality the younger man was just trying to live his life. Minhyun sighed before he stood up. He looked down at Aaron again and smiled before he leaned down and gave the pure-soul a soft kiss on the forehead. 

Dongho blinked at Minhyun’s blatant action. He didn’t expect it from the Valkyrie but Minhyun seemed more confident and open about his feelings for Aaron now. 

“I’ll go talk to Geonhak,” Minhyun said carefully, looking at Daniel with a smile. “Can you stay by Aaron-hyung’s side?”

Daniel blinked and nodded. “Of course.”

Minhyun nodded back before he moved towards the door. “I’ll be back soon.” He announced, taking a look at Aaron again before he left the room. 

It fell into an awkward silence. Daniel was sitting on the opposite side to where Dongho was standing. The vampire had his arms crossed as he looked down at Aaron carefully. 

Daniel sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. “Are we gonna just ignore each other now?” He grumbled. 

Dongho narrowed his eyes. “Isn’t that what you wanted?” He shot back vehemently. 

Daniel frowned and shook his head quickly. “What? No?” He responded. That's not what he wanted them to be like, not at all. 

The vampire scoffed. “You made it pretty obvious that I made you uncomfortable.” Dongho was still trying to sort his emotions, he didn’t know what it was about Daniel but the hunter made Dongho feel things he’d never felt before. 

Daniel shook his head softly as he looked at Dongho with careful eyes. “I didn’t say that…”

Dongho sighed in annoyance, Daniel looking at him with Bambi eyes wasn't helping him right now. “I don’t know how you want me to act around you,” he admitted. 

“We’re still friends, act like you do with Minhyun-hyung.” Daniel countered with a confused expression. 

Dongho visibly grimaced. How he felt for Daniel was different to what he felt with Minhyun. The vampire shook his head quickly. “I need to check Jonghyeon.” He announced before he suddenly turned and walked out the room. 

“What? Dongho-hyung!” Daniel tried to call for him but it did nothing. He ran a hand through his hair again. “Shit…”

Aaron groaned slightly as he heard the voices around him. He glanced to the side and saw Daniel’s familiar features. “I sleep for a few hours and you’re all falling out…” he commented with a smile. 

“Hyung!” Daniel smiled back at him with relief. “How’re you feeling?” He asked as he stood and looked over Aaron carefully. 

Aaron sat up, Daniel helping him. “I’m tired.” He responded. 

Daniel bit his lip. “Did we wake you?”

“No, it’s okay,” Aaron reassured, he’d practically heard Dongho and Daniel arguing but he didn’t want to tell the hunter. “What happened?” Aaron asked instead. 

“You unlocked your energy,” Daniel answered with a wary expression. 

Aaron’s eyes widened. “What…?” He felt like he’d been hit hard in the head, he couldn’t remember much from the carnage. 

Daniel nodded at him. “The shadow creature, you destroyed it with one blast.” He explained. 

Aaron shook his head, confused. “How..?”

“I don’t know, but it was crazy!” Daniel expressed with an impressed smile on his face. 

Aaron bit his lip before he looked around worriedly. “Where are the others?” He asked. 

Daniel glanced to the door before he smiled at Aaron. “Donghyun-ah should be back soon, Minhyun-hyung went to talk to Geonhak.” He replied. 

Aaron raised a brow. “Is he okay?”

“Geonhak?” Daniel questioned getting a nod back from Aaron. “Donghyun transferred the curse on the incubus under Minhyun-hyung’s instructions.” Daniel explained. “Geonhak is pissed.” 

Aaron didn’t recall any of that happening, he was worried about the repercussions of him unlocking his energy and forgetting about what had happened. Daniel’s words made Aaron realise something, “Youngjo…? He’s here too?” He asked. 

“Yeah,” Daniel nodded. 

The door suddenly opened and the warlock stepped through, he smiled as he saw Aaron sitting up. “Hyung, you’re awake,” he said. 

“Hey.” Aaron offered with a smile. 

Donghyun moved closer to the bed. “How’re you feeling? Is anything hurting?” He asked. 

Aaron shook his head. “No, nothing. I’m just a bit tired.” He responded. 

Donghyun smiled. “That’s a good sign, that means your body didn’t get affected by the energy.” He informed them. 

Aaron bit his bottom lip. “I don’t really remember anything, I just remember an overwhelming feeling of anger.” He explained. 

Donghyun nodded. “It’s understandable you felt like that. Your energy is controlled by your emotions.”

Aaron blinked at the warlock. “I thought my energy had the potential to hurt me…?” He questioned cautiously. 

Donghyun chuckled softly in response. “You’re a lot stronger than you think hyung,” he answered.

“Will I be able to control it?” Aaron asked. 

Donghyun gave him a determined look. “We will work together so that you can,” he reassured. 

Aaron smiled and nodded. He was glad that Daniel and Donghyun stayed in the room for him to talk to. But Aaron couldn’t help himself, he wanted to see Minhyun. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Youngjo groaned as he began to awaken,  his body felt stiff and uncomfortable. He blinked his eyes open, his vision blurred for a moment before he felt a familiar presence beside him. 

Youngmin smiled as he saw the elder twin’s eyes open. “Youngjo-yah…” he called carefully. 

Youngjo groaned. “M-minnie?”

“Yeah,” Youngmin nodded, he was sitting beside the bed with a relieved expression. 

“What’s going on?” Youngjo struggled as he felt his wrists bound against the headboard. He began to breathe deeper as he realised he was trapped. “Where am I?”

Youngmin stood cautiously, looking at the other incubus with careful eyes.“You’re inside the NU’EST clan village,” he explained. 

“What?” Youngjo’s eyes widened in horror and panic, he began to struggle more against the bed, tugging on his bound wrists, not bothered that it was cutting into his skin. “But Rain will—“

“Calm down.” Youngmin said as he placed a careful hand on Youngjo’s shoulder and pushed him back against the bed. “Rain can’t hurt you anymore.” He reassured. 

Youngjo’s eyes widened in realisation. “What did you do…?”

Youngmin paused for a moment, he bit his bottom lip. “Rain’s curse was transferred.” He replied cautiously. 

Youngjo frowned. “Transferred? What do you mean?” 

“Rain doesn’t control you anymore.”

Youngjo was suddenly hit with an almost instinctual ache for the halfbreed, he swallowed thickly. He wanted to see him. “The halfbreed.”

“Yes, Geonhak is your new master.” Youngmin replied with a careful look to his twin. 

Youngjo licked his lips unconsciously. Geonhak. He blinked as he looked around the room. It was only a small room with a bed, drawers and a room to the side that must’ve been the bathroom. “Where is he?” Youngjo questioned. 

“I’m not sure…” Youngmin admitted. He sighed softly before he stood up and moved towards the drawers, he came back with a blood bag. “Here, have some blood,” he said carefully as he pulled the tube towards Youngjo’s lips. 

Youngjo growled as he felt the blood flowing down his throat. He needed the energy but he also wished his new master was here, he needed a different kind of energy too. “Minnie,” Youngjo smiled at his twin. “Thank you.”

Youngmin sighed but he was smiling. He nodded before he looked at Youngjo with careful eyes. “You're still under scrutiny from the clan members but soon they’ll trust you.” 

Youngjo scoffed at that. He growled as he pulled on his restraints again. “You hope they will,” he responded. 

Youngmin tilted his head carefully. “They won’t have a reason not to.”

“I brought an army to their village.” Youngjo growled in response. 

Youngmin sighed. He sat back down on the chair and shook his head. “That’s not on you, that’s on me.” He said softly. Youngmin already felt extremely guilty when he’d seen the clan members who had lost their lives and their families. Youngmin felt selfish. 

“You reached out to me to free me from Rain,” Youngjo acknowledged with a smile. 

Youngmin nodded with a soft smile. He bit his lip, he couldn’t keep Youngjo in the dark about how Geonhak felt. “Geonhak is very hot headed, he is the one you chose but he might take some convincing.”

Youngjo could tell the moment he laid eyes on the halfbreed that he wouldn’t just fall at his feet and would fight. “Nothing in life is handed to you on a silver platter.” 

“Just be careful.” Youngmin warned. “A broken heart is harder to heal.” 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Geonhak had his arms wrapped around his knees as he sat on a bench overlooking a rice field. There were some villagers that were sewing the rice. Geonhak sighed heavily, he didn’t know what to do anymore. 

Everything had been getting more and more intense, people were dying and Rain was getting more frustrated and stronger. 

Geonhak glanced up into the sky, it was early afternoon and there were a lot of clouds. Geonhak couldn’t help but want Minhyun to be more understanding as to why he was so frustrated. Geonhak didn’t want Youngjo to suffer but Geonhak wasn't ready for anything that Youngjo would expect from him. Geonhak didn’t know about the incubus. Youngjo had a strange infatuation with him but Geonhak didn’t have that for him. 

“Geonhak-ah.”

Geonhak narrowed his eyes at Minhyun’s voice. “What do you want?” He demanded, still looking up at the clouds. 

“I came to apologise to you,” Minhyun replied, looking at the halfbreed carefully. “I shouldn’t have said those things to you, I’m sorry.”

Geonhak sighed before he stood up and turned to his cousin, looking at him carefully. “You understand why I’m angry, right?” He asked. 

Minhyun nodded. “I made a decision for you. One that you didn’t want.”

Geonhak crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve not only potentially ruined my life but also the incubus’s.” He said carefully. “I don’t feel anything for him.”

Minhyun bit his lip. He knew that incubi were very passionate and particular with who they chose to be with. If Youngjo had an infatuation it was because Youngjo felt his and Geonhak’s souls were connected. “Not yet,” he said softly. 

Geonhak’s eyes narrowed in frustration. “What the hell? How can you even say that?” He growled. 

“Incubi have a way of finding the one they’re destined to be with,” Minhyun explained carefully. “That means, there’s something between you, whether you feel it now or not.” 

Geonhak shook his head. “That’s for me to decide, not you.” 

Minhyun knew he wouldn’t be able to convince Geonhak now but soon the halfbreed would realise. “I acted irrationally,” Minhyun admitted. He hated fighting with the younger man. “Geonhakkie I’m so sorry.”

Geonhak sighed heavily, brushing his hair back and shaking his head as he smiled sadly at Minhyun. “I can’t stay angry at you, but I just wish you’d taken into account my feelings.”

“Will you help him?” Minhyun asked cautiously. 

Geonhak shrugged. “I can’t exactly ignore him.” He responded. He didn’t want the incubus to suffer but at the same time Geonhak didn’t know what to expect. 

“You know what it means to be an incubi master, right?” Minhyun asked cautiously. 

“I don’t know anything about incubi,” Geonhak admitted, everything was hard for him to process. He couldn’t help but feel like a wave of responsibility had now fallen on his shoulders. “Hyung, I don’t know what to do…” 

Minhyun bit his lip and quickly pulled Geonhak into his arms. He knew he shouldn’t have ever said what he did to the halfbreed. Geonhak didn’t deserve it. “Geonhakkie…”

“I don’t want him to suffer but I don’t want to…” Geonhak trailed off as he placed his head on Minhyun’s shoulder. 

“He will fight for you.” Minhyun said as he pulled back and cupped Geonhak’s face in his hands. “If that’s all you want from him, he’ll have to live with that.” 

“Is that fair?” Geonhak’s voice was small, even in his deep tone. 

Minhyun bit his lip as he looked at Geonhak seriously. “You know what else he’ll expect from you right?” He said carefully. “He’ll want to sleep with you.” 

Geonhak visibly flinched. “Hyung, I can’t…”

“You don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.” Minhyun quickly reassured him. He wouldn’t let Youngjo do anything to hurt Geonhak, ever. 

“But he’s an incubus,” Geonhak argued. “If we want him to help us and be at his full strength, he’ll need…”

Minhyun shook his head. “We can get to that when it comes to it.” He reassured. “For now, we just need him to work with us.” 

Geonhak smiled. “I can do that.” He replied. “No matter how many times we fight, I’m always going to stand with you hyung.” 

Minhyun ruffled the halfbreed’s hair playfully. “I know, I never should have made the decision for you.” He said again with an apologetic expression. 

Geonhak took a deep breath as he looked at his cousin with careful eyes. “People were dying… maybe he is better on our side.”

Minhyun nodded. “He’s one of the most powerful incubi.” 

Geonhak scoffed softly at that. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing…” 

“You’re strong Geonhakkie, if anyone can control Youngjo it’s you.” Minhyun responded confidently. “That’s one of the reasons I didn’t hesitate, I know you can handle this.” 

“I shouldn’t have said those things about erasing memories,” Geonhak bit his bottom lip, he knew Minhyun had confidence in him but Geonhak couldn’t help but still feel overwhelmed by the whole situation. He smiled at the Valkyrie and Minhyun nodded back at him. “You can head back and see Aaron-hyung, I’m going to stay out here for a bit.”

Minhyun tilted his head carefully. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” Geonhak reassured. “Thank you, Minhyun-hyung.” He hugged the Valkyrie again. 

“Geonhakkie…”

Geonhak scoffed as he pulled back, he gave Minhyun a playful wink. “Go get your man.” He teased. 

“Shut it…” Minhyun smiled, a soft pink flush on his cheeks as he shoved Geonhak playfully. 

Geonhak grinned at the Valkyrie as he watched him walk back towards the village. Geonhak was glad they’d worked everything out between them. Geonhak hated fighting with Minhyun, he knew the Valkyrie had a lot on his mind now but at the same time, sometimes Geonhak wished Minhyun was more observant of other people and not just Aaron. 

Chapter Text

Minhyun made his way through the village and towards the hut where Aaron was resting in. He bowed his head politely to the villagers as he walked past them, he could see some of them looked uncomfortable and unsure. Minhyun knew the clan members were now more worried about the threat of Rain attacking them because of Aaron’s presence. 

He bit his lip as he walked into the hut, he opened the door carefully and smiled as he saw Aaron sleeping and Daniel still sat beside him. The hunter had a phone in his hand but he pocketed it when he saw Minhyun at the door. 

“Hyung, you’re back,” Daniel smiled. 

Minhyun nodded, he moved into the room and sat down on the opposite side to Daniel. “Thank you for watching Aaron-hyung.” He smiled. 

Daniel looked at the sleeping man. “He just fell back to sleep,” he explained before he himself yawned. 

Minhyun chuckled at him softly. “You can take a break,” he suggested. 

Daniel nodded as he stood up. “I might go for a walk, stretch my legs,” he replied. He gave Minhyun a pat on the shoulder as he walked past him and headed out of the room. 

Minhyun smiled down at the sleeping man in the bed. Aaron looked stronger again, Minhyun was thankful for Donghyun and the others for helping Aaron heal. Minhyun also could’ve helped but Donghyun had reassured Minhyun that a warlock's healing magic would be more effective. 

He reached over cautiously and stoked some hair from Aaron’s face before he paused and gazed at the pure-soul. 

Minhyun was overwhelmed again with feelings of longing for the man, he’d let it spill to Aaron about their past and knew he’d have to show the man the memories he’d taken. He pulled his hand back and began to fidget with his hands, he couldn’t help it. He was worried about Aaron’s reactions, the pure-soul was already in shock about everything else. 

“Minhyun-ah?”

Minhyun’s eyes widened as he saw Aaron looking back at him with soft eyes. “Hyung, are you alright?” He asked as he sat forward. “I was so worried about you…”

Aaron smiled at the Valkyrie. “I’m okay,” he reassured. He could see a slight change in Minhyun’s expression and tilted his head. “What’s wrong?”

Minhyun blinked. “What? Nothing…”

Aaron sighed before he reached for Minhyun’s hand and took it in his own. Minhyun looked down at their hands. “Smile for me,” Aaron said softly. 

The Valkyrie tilted his head. “Huh?”

“You look pretty when you smile.” Aaron responded. 

Minhyun’s heart fluttered, he couldn’t help it, he smiled in response to Aaron’s words. The pure-soul was smiling back at him. “Hyung—“

“It’s okay Minhyunnie,” Aaron responded quickly, he could see the almost nervous expression on Minhyun’s pretty face. He knew the Valkyrie was nervous about showing Aaron the memories but right now Aaron knew he didn’t need to worry. “I think we need to focus on my powers.” 

Minhyun was thankful that Aaron wasn’t pressuring him into telling him about their past. He knew it would come up again, but for now they had to focus on Aaron’s energy. 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Daniel walked through the hut and yawned again. Daniel was tired but not enough to actually go to sleep. He walked through the village and towards the guest hut, closing the door behind him before he slumped on the sofa. 

Daniel ran a hand through his hair as he looked over his phone. He could see the amount of hunters that were active was a lot less than before. Daniel growled, the headhunter was still missing and most of Daniel’s friends were still in the hospital. He wanted to avenge them and take Rain down. They needed to wait for Aaron to be strong enough but Daniel wasn’t patient. 

Daniel clenched his jaw as he placed his phone on the table. He wanted to see his friends, his colleagues and see if they were all okay. 

He kept thinking of Dongho too, the vampire confused him. He didn’t understand why Dongho was being so hostile to him. 

Daniel bit his lip, he knew he’d originally initiated what had happened on the training field. He’d straddled the vampire, ran his finger over his fang, leaned in for a… kiss… 

Daniel’s eyes widened and he quickly sat up. Why had he done that? Dongho’s eyes were dangerous, they were easy to fall into.

He couldn’t help but think he was being selfish himself, was he leading Dongho on? But the vampire had never really expressed an attraction towards him. He’d tasted Daniel’s blood though. 

“Is that why he’s acting like that..?” Daniel asked the room. He ran a hand through his hair. Whether he wanted to or not he knew he’d have to address the awkwardness between them. Dongho didn’t even want to be friends with him and Daniel didn’t understand why. 

His phone suddenly began to buzz. Daniel frowned, he’d not received anything all the time he’d been with Aaron and the others. His eyes widened when he saw an incoming call from the headhunter’s phone. Choi Dongwook.

Daniel quickly answered the call. “Hello? Sajangnim?” He said cautiously. 

There was a pause, before suddenly the familiar voice of Choi Dongwook came from the other end. “ Kang? Is that you?”

“This is Kang Daniel, grade A,” Daniel answered almost automatically, knowing the procedure when answering. “Are you alright?” He quickly added, the headhunter had been missing for weeks now with no communication. 

“I need you to do something for me, it’s urgent and could save the hunters.” Dongwook instructed. 

Daniel’s eyes widened at his words, concerned. “Save the hunters? What do you mean?” He asked. 

There was another pause before Dongwook’s worried voice answered. “There isn’t just one bomb…” 

“No…” Daniel whispered. He’d already seen the carnage of the first bomb and the hunters that had lost their lives. But to know there was another somewhere. “Where is it? What can I do?” Daniel quickly asked. 

“Innocent people will be killed but you must do this alone. Do you understand? No supernatural can be trusted.” Dongwook responded cautiously. 

Daniel bit his lip. No supernatural? He took a deep breath before he answered. “I understand.” 

“Good.” There was another pause. Dongwook growled suddenly before he continued. “I managed to escape from Rain’s captivity but they’re after me.” 

Daniel’s eyes widened and he quickly reached for his gun belts to prepare himself. “I can come get you now—“

“No,” Dongwook cut him off. “I need you to do something for me.” He responded. 

“Of course Sajangnim, what is it?” Daniel asked. 

“The pure-soul has been identified.”

Daniel felt his whole body freeze at Dongwook’s words. Even the hunters association knew about Aaron now. “A-ah, yes,” he responded awkwardly, cursing internally at his unprofessionalism. 

“We need him to be detained,” Dongwook asserted seriously. 

“Detained?” Daniel blinked with confusion at the orders. 

“He is a threat to humans and supernaturals.” Dongwook clarified. “I need you to join the team I sent out to apprehend him.”  

Daniel couldn’t help the panic that ran through him, the hunters had sent out a team to find Aaron? “Do… Do you know his location?” He asked carefully. 

“Somewhere out of Seoul.” Dongwook answered. 

Daniel’s eyes widened at that, there was a hunter team out there looking and coming for Aaron and they had a brief idea where he was. “What do you need me to do?” 

“If you come across the pure-soul, try and get some of his blood if you cannot apprehend him.” Dongwook instructed. 

Daniel frowned. “His blood?” He repeated. 

“It’s the key to his power.” Dongwook stated. “I have to go, I will send you the location of the team.” 

Daniel bit his lip. “Be careful Sajangnim.” 

“You too Kang, remember, supernaturals cannot be trusted.” Dongwook responded before the phone clicked. 

Daniel ran a hand through his hair, he didn’t know what to do. They now not only had Rain trying to find them but also a hunter team. Daniel didn’t know why Dongwook had said that the supernaturals couldn’t be trusted. There’d always been friction between the supernaturals and hunters, but to say that all of them were untrustworthy when Daniel had seen how determined they were to protect Aaron. 

His eyes widened, what if they were protecting Aaron to keep him on their side…? Daniel shook his head to clear his thoughts. The NU’EST clan, Minhyun, Donghyun and Youngmin only wanted the best for Aaron. Right? 

🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸🖤🩸

Youngmin blinked slightly at the knock on the door. He smiled reassuringly at Youngjo, the elder twin had fallen asleep again. He was extremely exhausted. Youngmin stood and made his way to the door, closing it behind him as he walked out. His eyes widened at the person outside. “Geonhak-ah?”

“Is he awake?” Geonhak asked cautiously. 

Youngmin nodded. “He's just resting.” He replied, giving Geonhak a confused expression. “Why are you here?” He demanded. 

Geonhak sighed heavily. “It’s only fair that he’s properly introduced to his new master.” He said as confidently as he could. 

Youngmin was taken back, he was watching the halfbreed’s expression cautiously. “You’re okay with this?” He challenged. 

“I have no choice,” Geonhak responded quickly. “I can’t let him die.” 

Youngmin flinched at that. He was glad that Geonhak was coming around to the idea, but he also knew that Geonhak didn’t completely understand what he’d gotten himself involved in. “Wait.” He called to stop Geonhak as he reached for the door. 

Geonhak raised a brow at him. “What?”

“He’s weak,” Youngmin warned. “He hasn’t fed in a long time,” he added cautiously, trying to make Geonhak understand the implications. 

The halfbreed narrowed his eyes. “He’s going to have to learn to control it.” He grumbled. 

“He’s done that all his life,” Youngmin quipped. He sighed as he gave Geonhak a serious expression. “Incubi become stronger through sexual activity.”

“I know that!” Geonhak bellowed in response. He was irritated that people kept bringing it up, he wasn’t prepared for that but knew he might have to sacrifice himself to help the incubus. 

“Then you know what he’ll expect from you.” Youngmin advised.  

Geonhak’s eyes were narrowed carefully. “He can expect all he wants, that doesn’t mean he’s going to get it.” He responded darkly. 

“Hyung,” Donghyun suddenly made his way towards them, he was smiling reassuringly at Youngmin. 

The incubus visibly relaxed as he saw his partner. “Donghyun-ah.” 

Geonhak could see the devotion practically falling from Youngmin as the incubus gazed at Donghyun, like he was holding onto every word. 

“Let me take you for some fresh air,” Donghyun suggested to Youngmin, giving a nod to Geonhak as he did. 

Youngmin tilted his head with a frown. “But Youngjo—“

“I’m going to talk to him, alone.” Geonhak announced, nodding back at Donghyun. 

Youngmin didn’t look convinced but Donghyun quickly placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly at him. “It’s okay hyung, let’s go.” He took Youngmin’s hand and pulled him towards the exit. 

Geonhak took a deep breath to calm himself before he walked towards the door. He carefully pushed it open and was suddenly overwhelmed with a sweet scent of apples. It was almost a comforting scent and Geonhak found himself smiling before he could stop himself. 

He shook his head and narrowed his eyes as he closed the door behind him and cautiously walked further into the room. 

Youngjo was still sleeping on the bed, his strong chest raising and falling with his breaths. 

Geonhak took the opportunity to properly look at the man. He was undoubtedly attractive, but he was an incubus so that was a given. His black hair was falling into his face, he had a strong jawline but almost soft features. Youngjo was the same height as Geonhak but he was built larger.

Youngjo's shoulders were broad and he had strong legs. His arms were flexed as they were restrained above his head. Geonhak’s eyes widened slightly as he saw the irritated skin on Youngjo’s wrists where he’d been pulling on his restraints. 

His attention was on Youngjo’s throat where a new tattoo sat, a purple rose was imprinted on his skin. His skin was red and irritated around the tattoo. 

Geonhak couldn’t help but look over the man, maybe under different circumstances he might’ve fallen for Youngjo. He was handsome and loyal, Geonhak frowned at his own thoughts. He didn’t need to think about things like that right now. 

Almost like he could feel Geonhak’s eyes on him, Youngjo began to awaken. His eyes fluttered open and focused on the halfbreed straight away. 

Geonhak growled and quickly pulled his gun out ready, aiming at Youngjo’s head. 

The incubus scoffed in response. “Well hello to you too, Master.”

“Don’t call me that.” Geonhak shot back quickly. He watched as Youngjo’s eyes narrowed, like he was trying to read Geonhak’s expression. 

Geonhak sighed heavily before he relaxed his aim, lowering his gun and looking at the incubus carefully. “Look, I don’t want you to suffer, but we’re going to have some ground rules.” He said cautiously. “You’re going to help us take down Rain.”

Youngjo’s arms flexed as he held the restraints tightly, he was breathing deeply and growling under his breath. 

Geonhak frowned at the incubus. “What’s wrong with you?” He demanded. 

Youngjo took a deep breath of the air and groaned darkly, his eyes dark as he looked at the halfbreed. “You.” He responded with a growl. “Your scent is driving me crazy…” he admitted. 

Geonhak’s eyes widened as he felt something wrap around his thigh, he looked down and saw Youngjo’s tail carefully moving around his thigh and carefully tugging him closer. “Hey! L-let go.”

Youngjo’s face broke out into a smirk as Geonhak’s grip on his gun faltered as he tried to keep himself balanced. The gun fell to the floor as Geonhak held the wall to stop himself from falling on the incubus. 

Youngjo took another deep breath of the air, completely mesmerised by the beautiful man above him. Geonhak was looking back at him with narrowed eyes. 

The tail around his thigh hadn’t shifted and was still trying to tug him closer. Geonhak held steady and glared at the incubus. He wouldn’t show him any weakness. 

Youngjo smirked. Geonhak just continued glaring at him, it was funny how much the halfbreed was trying to fight him off. Youngjo knew if he was at full strength, the halfbreed wouldn’t stand a chance. “Don’t be shy,” he purred. 

“Don’t push your luck,” Geonhak warned suddenly, he could feel an almost hazy feeling around him, he fought it. “Let me go. Now.” He instructed. 

Youngjo blinked, his allure wasn’t working as much as he wanted it to and he wondered if it was because he was weak or because Geonhak was a halfbreed. His tail loosened, enough that the halfbreed could move away from him. 

Geonhak quickly picked up his gun and put it back in its holder on his thigh before he looked back at Youngjo. “If you want this to work out, you don’t touch me.” 

Youngjo felt like a ton of bricks just landed on him. He blinked at the halfbreed. “You know I’m an incubus, right?” He growled irritably in response. 

Geonhak scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked at Youngjo pointedly. “You didn’t sleep with Rain, right?” He shot back. 

Youngjo grimaced. “What? No!” He replied. 

Geonhak looked at him matter of factly. “Exactly, so you don’t need to sleep with me.” He concluded. 

Youngjo quickly shook his head. “No…” he growled under his breath. “You don’t understand, I need it…”

“You’ll do as you’re told.” Geonhak shot back, ignoring the almost alarming overwhelming urge to give into Youngjo. He clenched his jaw. “Your loyalty is to protecting Aaron-hyung.” He instructed. 

Youngjo was glaring at the halfbreed. “Will you at least let me out of these restraints?” He shot back, tugging on them again so they rattled. 

Geonhak raised his chin and looked at the incubus with careful attention. “Can I trust you?” He asked him. 

Youngjo raised a brow almost challengingly. “Can you?” He offered. 

Geonhak scoffed. He carefully moved towards the incubus, moving around the bed and going towards his wrists. He bit his lip as he saw the sore skin, Youngjo must’ve really been pulling on them. Geonhak carefully unlocked the pin coded restraints and was instantly taken off guard as he was pushed against the wall. 

Youngjo held Geonhak’s chin in his hand. “You smell so good,” he purred as he leaned towards the halfbreed. 

Geonhak sighed heavily before he reached for his gun, he pushed it against Youngjo’s stomach. 

The incubus looked down and blinked at the weapon pointing at him before he growled and took a step back. He had his fists clenched at his sides as he turned his head. 

Geonhak watched him carefully. “The trust between us right now… you need to work on that.” 

Youngjo’s jaw clenched. “I need… fine.” 

Geonhak nodded at him. “C’mon, we need to find Minhyun-hyung.” 

Youngjo had to control himself as Geonhak walked past him, his scent was almost too much for him to handle. Youngjo knew he had to control it, he couldn’t go against Geonhak when he was his new master. No matter how much his body craved it. 

He followed after the halfbreed as they walked out of the hut and back into the main village. Youngjo couldn’t help but growl as he felt the villagers eyes on him, they were looking at him like he were the devil. And in their eyes he was, Youngjo kept his head down as he followed the halfbreed. 

Geonhak could see the villagers glaring at the incubus, he knew that Youngjo didn’t deserve it but at the same time maybe it would help Youngjo realise he was now on the right side. 

He stopped outside the hut he knew Aaron and Minhyun were inside. Geonhak turned to Youngjo. “Wait out here, I’m going to find Minhyun-hyung.”

Youngjo nodded. A part of him didn’t want to be separated from the halfbreed, having been aching to be close to him since he’d laid eyes on him. However, he definitely could use a break from Geonhak’s addictive scent. 

Geonhak walked towards the room he knew Aaron was in, he knocked on the door to announce his presence before he walked in. 

Aaron was pulling on his shoes and Minhyun quickly looked over, and visibly relaxed when he saw it was Geonhak that had entered. 

“Hyung,” Geonhak called to him carefully. 

Minhyun looked over Geonhak’s expression quickly and immediately noticed a change in him. “Geonhakkie? Are you okay?” He asked. 

Geonhak swallowed. “Youngjo is outside,” he announced. 

Minhyun’s eyes widened. “You… freed him?”

Geonhak nodded. “I want to build trust, that way he might be more inclined to help us,” he replied. He knew Youngjo would be a good asset to their group especially if he followed instructions. 

Minhyun didn’t look completely convinced but gave Geonhak a supportive nod. “Just be careful.” He warned. 

Geonhak smiled before he glanced at the pure-soul. “Aaron-hyung, should you be out of bed?” He asked. 

Aaron chuckled softly. “I’m okay,” he reassured. 

Minhyun sighed heavily. “We need to go talk to Jonghyeon-ah.” He informed them carefully. 

Aaron frowned slightly. “About what?”

Minhyun looked at Aaron with a smile. “After what’s happened, the villagers are all on alert, I think we might have to head to the safe house.” 

Aaron sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair, the guilt almost immediately hit him. “This is my fault, I put them in danger…”

“No hyung,” Geonhak replied quickly. “It’s my fault.”

Minhyun shook his head. He knew he’d planted the guilt in Geonhak’s heart but he didn’t want him to feel the feeling any longer. “Geonhakkie—“

“No, if I had just helped Youngjo then Youngmin-hyung wouldn’t have reached out to him and we could’ve made a safer plan.” Geonhak growled. 

“What’s been done is done.” Minhyun said carefully, placing a comforting hand on Geonhak’s shoulder and smiling at him. “Let’s go see what Jonghyeon-ah has to say.” 

Chapter Text

Minhyun led the way out of the hut and back into the village. Aaron’s eyes widened slightly as he saw Youngjo standing outside. Minhyun and Youngjo both glared at each other but other than that the Valkyrie just walked past. The incubus turned his attention to Aaron and looked at him with curious eyes before his strong gaze focused on Geonhak again, the incubus remained silent as he followed behind them. 

Aaron felt slightly awkward that the incubus was following behind them like a pet, he kept his eyes on Geonhak almost like he was waiting for instructions. Aaron chose to ignore the incubus and instead focus on the task at hand. The villagers around them were glancing over at them cautiously. Aaron couldn’t help but feel guilty, their homes had been exposed because of him. 

“Hyung,” Minhyun called to him softly with a reassuring smile. 

Aaron nodded in response as they stood in front of the door to the leader's hut. 

Geonhak tunred to the incubus again, Youngjo tilted his head in response. Geonhak felt terrible having to order the incubus to do things but Youngjo looked like he was almost expecting it. “Wait here,” Geonhak said cautiously. 

Youngjo nodded. 

Minhyun raised a brow slightly and could see a soft flush on Geonhak’s face as he pushed past and walked into the hut. He sighed as shook his head as he followed the halfbreed. 

Aaron glanced back at Youngjo. The incubus had his arms crossed over his chest as he looked around curiously. He noticed Aaron looking at him and turned to the pure-soul, he offered Aaron a nod of the head. Aaron nodded his own head in response before he followed the cousins. 

Thankfully, Jonghyeon looked a lot better now. The vampire clan leader was sitting on a chair with Mingi and Dongho beside him. Jonghyeon looked up when he saw the others enter the hut. 

“Jonghyeon-ah,” Minhyun called carefully. 

The leader looked at the Valkyrie with a serious expression. “Minhyun-ah, we need to talk,” he said softly. 

Minhyun sighed heavily and nodded, he knew it was coming anyway. “You’re worried about the village,” he answered for the leader. 

“Yeah…” Jonghyeon responded. 

“I know.” Minhyun sighed again. “People shouldn’t have lost their lives, I apologise.” He bowed his head to the leader. Aaron’s eyes widened at the Valkyrie, surprised that he’d taken full blame. 

Jonghyeon shook his head and placed a hand on Minhyun’s shoulder. “This isn’t anyone’s fault but Rain’s,” he replied with a smile. 

“Maybe you should stay here, Dongho-yah.” Mingi suggested, looking at the vampire with careful eyes. 

Dongho shook his head with a smile at his leader and Mingi. “I promised Minhyun I would help him.” He replied as he looked at Minhyun with a nod. The Valkyrie smiled back at him. 

Mingi scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Minhyun, huh?” Dongho knew what he was getting at, Mingi had seen how Dongho had acted around Daniel and knew there was something between them. 

“Enough Mingi.” Jonghyeon warned before he looked back at Dongho. “It’s your choice, but I just can’t put the clan in danger again.” Jonghyeon explained. “Once Rain has been stopped, everyone will be welcome here again.” 

Minhyun nodded. “We understand.”

“We are still your allies, and will fight for you.” Jonghyeon reassured. “But I can’t put my people in danger any longer.” 

Aaron knew what the leader meant, after all it was because Aaron was there that the village was under attack. He sighed and smiled at the leader. “We can leave tomorrow,” Aaron said softly. 

Minhyun looked at Aaron with concerned eyes. He didn’t want Aaron to feel guilty but he knew the man did. 

Jonghyeon smiled at the pure-soul, “thank you for understanding hyung.” 

“Of course.” Aaron nodded. He turned to Minhyun with a smile, “I’m going to head back to the hut, Goodnight everyone.” 

Minhyun’s eyes widened. “Hyung—“

“Let him go,” Geonhak cut him off with a reassuring smile. 

Minhyun bit his lip as he watched Aaron walk back the way they’d come. He sighed heavily. 

Aaron couldn’t help but feel disappointed. He’d enjoyed being in the village, he pushed open the door to the hut and blinked as he saw Youngjo standing there. The incubus raised a brow at him cautiously. Aaron just nodded at him before he walked around Youngjo and headed to the hut he’d called home for the past week. 

He ignored the looks he got from some of the villagers as he walked past them. He couldn’t handle the guilt he felt when he looked at them. Aaron sighed heavily as he reached the hut and opened the door. 

He could see Daniel sitting on the sofa. “Daniel-ah, we’re moving out tomorrow,” Aaron announced as he entered the hut, he raised a brow as he saw Daniel staring at the floor as he sat on the sofa. He looked deep in thought. “Hey, you okay?” Aaron asked as he moved towards the younger man and placed his hand on his shoulder. 

Daniel blinked before he looked up at Aaron and smiled. “Huh? Oh yeah…” 

Aaron wasn’t convinced, usually Daniel was extremely alert. “You sure? Did something happen?” He questioned cautiously. 

Daniel knew he had to try and think of a plan, try and keep Aaron safe but also help the hunters. “Hyung, I heard that your blood has healing properties and I was just…”

“Are you hurt somewhere?” Aaron quickly responded with worried eyes. 

Daniel blinked and awkwardly nodded. “Uh, yeah,” he replied, cursing himself for playing with Aaron’s kindness. 

Aaron’s eyes widened as he moved towards Daniel.  “Where? Did you tell Dongho?” He asked suddenly. 

Daniel frowned, raising a brow slightly. He clenched his jaw as he felt his heartbeat flutter. “Huh? Why would I tell him?” He quipped. 

Aaron paused before he tilted his head softly. “Oh, well… He cares about you,” he answered swiftly. 

The hunter scoffed. “No, I didn’t tell any of them because I didn’t want them to worry.” He lied through his teeth. 

Aaron bit his lip, he looked thoughtful for a moment before he spoke again. “Oh, well I don’t really know much about my abilities so I wouldn’t want to try it out in case it made things worse.” He offered. 

Daniel clenched his jaw, he knew it wouldn’t be easy to get Aaron’s blood. It was practically impossible. 

“Where are you hurt?” Aaron asked as he looked over Daniel worriedly. 

Daniel racked his brain quickly as he tried to find a place where Aaron wouldn’t be able to see a wound. “A-ah it’s just my shoulder that is sore,” he said. 

Aaron nodded. “I can ask Minhyun to have a look?”

Daniel smiled reassuringly but shook his head in response. “It’s okay, hyung, I probably just need to rest it.”