CHAPTER 7
The final surge of energy passed between them, and Sihyun let out a sharp gasp, his body arching as the last of his magic flowed into Muwon's mark. The prince groaned at the sensation, his own body shuddering as the curse mark dimmed under the magic's influence.
Silence stretched between them as the glow of Sihyun's tattoos faded, leaving only the soft rise and fall of their chests.
Muwon pressed his forehead against Sihyun's, his breathing still uneven.
"You handled that better than last time,"
he murmured.
Sihyun huffed a laugh, his voice laced with exhaustion.
"Don't get used to it."
Muwon smirked, brushing his thumb over Sihyun's swollen wrist before finally pulling away. The warmth lingered between them, but neither of them spoke of it.
For now, the ritual was complete. But something unspoken still lingered in the air between
them.
The golden light of dawn filtered through the wooden lattice windows, casting soft patterns on the silk sheets. The warmth of the sun reached Sihyun's skin before he even opened his eyes. His body ached—a dull, lingering sensation from the previous night's ritual. He blinked slowly, adjusting to the light, only to find himself still lying beside Muwon.
The prince was fast asleep, his breathing steady, one arm draped loosely over Sihyun's waist. His usual composed face looked softer in sleep, lips slightly parted, dark lashes casting faint shadows on his cheeks.
Sihyun clicked his tongue.
Even in sleep, he acts like he owns me.
His gaze trailed down, and that's when he noticed it—his ankle was bare.
The Sorcerer's Chain was gone.
A smirk curled on his lips. His fingers twitched, red energy crackling at his fingertips. He wasn't foolish enough to try anything obvious. No, this had to be subtle. Something that wouldn't wake the prince right away.
Sihyun's gaze flickered toward Muwon's neck, his pulse calm and steady. If he was careful, he could stop his heart in an instant. Just a little squeeze—he wouldn't even feel it.
He shifted slightly, pressing his palm against Muwon's bare chest.
The warmth of his skin surprised him.
Muwon stirred, a quiet sigh escaping his lips as he turned slightly toward him. His arm tightened around Sihyun's waist, pulling him closer.
Sihyun stiffened.
"You're warm,"
Muwon murmured, voice husky with sleep. His eyes remained closed, his fingers lightly pressing into Sihyun's back.
"Stay like this a little longer."
Sihyun's fingers curled, the red glow dimming.
What the hell is he saying?
The door slid open just then, and a servant stepped in, carrying a tray of food. Sihyun barely had time to pull his hand away before the man announced,
"Your Highness, breakfast has been prepared."
Muwon exhaled slowly, stretching, but he didn't let go of Sihyun right away. Instead, he glanced down at him, a lazy smile tugging at his lips.
"You're up early,"
Muwon remarked.
Sihyun scoffed.
"Maybe I just couldn't sleep next to a human."
Muwon hummed in amusement and finally sat up. His dark hair was slightly messy, and he rubbed the back of his neck before looking toward the tray of food.
"Eat first,"
he said, standing up.
"You need your strength for tonight."
Sihyun narrowed his eyes, watching as Muwon walked toward the servant. His hand twitched again, the temptation still lingering. He could do it. He could try again.
But as he sat up, his gaze landed on the faint red marks on Muwon's wrist—the traces of where Sihyun had gripped him the night before, where his magic had seeped into his skin.
He clicked his tongue and grabbed a piece of fruit from the tray instead.
It wasn't like the ritual was over yet.
He had plenty of time.
Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the chamber. Sihyun sat cross-legged on the bed, his chin resting on his palm as he watched Muwon eat. His lips curled into a lazy smirk, a playful glint in his red-tinted eyes.
"You eat so properly, Your Highness,"
Sihyun mused, tilting his head.
"Even in the morning, so elegant. It's almost... mesmerizing."
Muwon barely spared him a glance, focused on his meal.
"Flattery doesn't suit you."
"Flattery?"
Sihyun chuckled, shifting closer.
"I'm simply admiring the prince who holds my fate in his hands. Surely, I should show some appreciation."
Muwon didn't react, but the way his shoulders stiffened for a fraction of a second didn't escape Sihyun's notice. He leaned in, resting his chin on his hand as he continued, voice smooth like silk.
"You must be tired after last night,"
he said, his fingers lazily tracing circles on the sheets.
"It must be exhausting, taking all that magic from me… keeping me in check."
Muwon finally glanced at him, eyes narrowed slightly.
"I see. You're in a good mood today."
Sihyun smiled, slow and knowing.
"Maybe I am."
His fingers, unseen beneath the table, twitched ever so slightly. A barely noticeable flicker of red danced at his fingertips before vanishing. Muwon didn't notice. Or at least, he pretended not to.
Sihyun exhaled softly, his gaze shifting to Muwon's throat—so close, so exposed. A single flick of his wrist, a whisper of power, and he could—
His fingers twitched again. This time, Muwon stilled.
"You're being strangely well-behaved this morning,"
Muwon noted, setting down his chopsticks. His gaze flickered toward Sihyun's ankle, and realization dawned in his eyes.
The chain wasn't there.
Sihyun grinned.
"Noticed a little too late, didn't you?"
A dangerous glint flashed across Muwon's eyes. In a heartbeat, he moved, but Sihyun was faster—his magic flared to life, red light sparking at his fingertips, crackling in the space between them.
But before Sihyun could act, Muwon grabbed his wrist, twisting it just enough to stop the spell from forming.
Sihyun winced but didn't resist, his lips still curled in amusement.
"Oh? Reflexes like that first thing in the morning? I'm impressed, Your Highness."
Muwon didn't loosen his grip. Don't want to take any chances.