After resting until the evening and cuddling with the twins - both of which clung to their emmya - Seonghwa gathered his family to meet the titans for dinner. Everyone came together, and they met Yeosang and Jongho outside, lost in the view of the night sky and their tales next to each other. Yeosang looked healthier than ever, drawing strength from the ancient lands of the titans and Seonghwa took the time to hug him softly before they walked the rest of the path to the titans.

Crius and Asteria were curious about the dwarves and how they received the news. With their hammering and digging, the dwarves were considered pests for the titans as much as the golems, often destructive in their greed. Their weapons could harm any individual and any piece of architecture, so they were the ideal allies. Asteria was pleased to hear Nozurri respected Jongho. There were plenty of stories to tell about entire dwarven settlements getting crushed by raging golems.

Sometime toward the end of dinner, when most already finished eating and just sat together to exchange their narratives, Hongjoong and San returned from their duties for the day.

Lonan and Fiorello dashed off their chairs in a flash, wings tangling when they half stormed, half flew towards their father, ever bothered by the limitations of their legs. San caught them with strong arms, careful not to squeeze them too close to his white armour. 

Hongjoong had a book tucked under his arm and he grinned up at the titans as he sat down to have his share of the remaining food.

"Welcome back," Crius greeted them, and San got to settle only after he promised to feed his two ravenous sons. Seeing him helpless about their demands was still incredibly endearing to Seonghwa. His knight softened, fingers gentle as he fed his two chirping baby chicks.

The adults lingered, but Morana soon took off to spend time with Thistle. Seungyoun caught Seonghwa up on their ploy, apologising for getting distracted by her while Morana and Aodhán slipped away.

Seonghwa easily forgave him. His friend did a lot for his family, and even Seonghwa couldn't tame Morana. It was her destiny to be a dark horse.

After an evening spent in the cosy warmth of natural flames and laughter, Seonghwa and his family retreated for some sleep. They would have to plan their campaign soon. The battle, tactics during combat and the weapon of the dwarves once it reached them.

Seonghwa left it for the next morning. For now, he handed Seungyoun the letters his kids had written to their friends, so they could be sent out via their secret system through air and water, using animal companionship since couriers could be blackmailed. Seonghwa had also written a few lines for Lillwen, needing the support of her nymphs at the ready for everyone hurt by the orcs, including their prisoners. 

After kissing his family goodnight, Seonghwa was about to retreat when Hongjoong caught up with him. His black and white hair swooped into his forehead gracefully and his rings twinkled on his fingers, but he donned a soft shirt that dipped down his chest with matching dark pants. When he leaned in the entrance to Seonghwa's cavern, Seonghwa was about to invite him to bed, missing his mage in his arms, but Hongjoong was still holding that leather-bound tome. 

"A word? It regards Mingi," the sorcerer asked, and Seonghwa's tall ears picked up on the hushed intimacy in his voice. He sat up straighter, leaving the pin in his hair for now. Hongjoong mentioned during dinner that things at the spire went well, so what was this about?

The mage disappeared down the edge of the cave system they moved into like bees in their honeycomb. A few minutes later, he came back. Mingi followed behind him, looking equal parts nervous and curious. 

Seonghwa stretched out his hand for Mingi once he was close enough, pulling the demon to sit with him on his soft furs. Hongjoong sat cross-legged on the chest at the foot of Seonghwa's bed, where he stored his belongings. In his lap rested the book.

"I found something for you. Some poor assistant has been searching the archives on all books we had stored about the demons for weeks now. Bunch of nonsense, but their magic helped them sort the entries. This is what you needed." Hongjoong tapped his fingers on the cover, but Seonghwa couldn't make out the letters engraved with silver. 

"What is it?" Seonghwa asked, holding Mingi's hand in his lap, and the demon breathed softly by his side, relishing his touch.

"About Mingi's transformation," Hongjoong replied as he flicked the heavy tome open to find the relevant information himself.

For a moment, Seonghwa and Mingi sat in surprise. They hadn't expected Hongjoong to make the time, or even any records to exist about the rare situation Mingi was in. Few demons went berserk since the time they shared scriptures with their allies, and in general, the demons weren't bothered with archives often. 

But Hongjoong found it, against all the odds. Mingi had stiffened by Seonghwa's side, tail flicking out behind him on its own will. 

"W-What does it say?" The demon asked, almost too scared of the answer. He got used to this new form to the best of his abilities, but he felt more alienated than ever. Was always worried his change might bother Seonghwa. Not that it ever did, but his fear warped his mind. If they found information that could allow Mingi to embrace himself, Seonghwa was all for it. 

"Our guesses were right. Your despair and neglect in those ten years turned you towards your beastly ancestry. This book describes the transformation demons can go through when they encounter situations of extreme stress. Historically, they used it to turn berserk in battles."

Mingi reeled back. Seonghwa caressed his fingers and his chest felt tight, since it was his fault. For leaving Mingi when he promised to be with him. For taking so long. 

"The instincts heighten. Sense of smell, sight and taste go up while feeling lowers. Your body became a weapon, something akin to a wild animal that listens to its instinctive urges. A fearsome foe, almost immune to pain," Hongjoong continued his summary. He flicked through the yellowed pages with quick fingers, already having proof-read the information for its relevancy.

"Can it be reversed?" Seonghwa asked for Mingi when he felt his rising fear that he might get worse. Nervous hearts thrummed in Mingi's chest.

"The morphing of his body happened along many years, and his tail and hooves are no concern to us. As for the fur and the horns, his body should calm its defences once he feels safe. He crossed a threshold, but he doesn't teeter on madness because his will was strong. The book describes the full morphing as frying the logical sense of demons and leaving them as snarling beasts." Hongjoong's golden eyes flicked over the pages, soaking up the information like a sponge. "There are no records of reversal once the demons are fully lost, but I think with the proper amount of safety for Mingi and some magic, I might be able to tackle it. But it will take time. I need Mingi's blood for that research, and I can't make promises that it works the same, since he is part fae."

"Do it," Mingi begged without missing a beat. He held out his hand for Hongjoong to take whatever blood he needed and the mage drew forth a small scalpel he carried around for this very reason. A vial was prepared in his satchel.

He was as gentle as he could be, pricking Mingi's finger carefully, and Seonghwa squeezed the demon's other hand when he flinched. A moment later, it was done. Hongjoong stored the demon's blood away.

"Thought you would say that. I'll work on it as soon as possible. Another thing you need to know is that you will experience mating seasons like most animals do. This is a yearly period during which the reproductive drive is heightened. You will want to breed, might go a little stupid about it. But regular intimacy should soothe the urge."

So far, they hadn't experienced that, but Mingi had been in distress after the reunion with the family. Now that he felt safer, it might start anytime.

Seonghwa knew of mating periods from other animals, so he knew what to expect, but Mingi shuddered.

"I don't want that. That sounds scary. Make me turn back quickly, please. My body can't hurt Seonghwa or my imp..."

"You might, actually. Especially with that weapon of yours." Hongjoong peered down at Mingi's crotch, eyes interested, but he tactfully kept it a secret from the demon.

"However, we can prepare for that. Demon ruts last about 2 weeks, but not every day is as dangerous. You will feel feverish and itchy, starving, perhaps, or dying of thirst. And then there will be times you need to be inside someone or you feel like dying. According to the person who wrote this. An elf who loved a demon, might I add," he read to them. 

"I never had one of those while I was alone. I don't think..."

"Nothing to trigger it, you were lost in your dreams. But with Seonghwa nearby and smelling like a treat... Your body will send its signals." Hongjoong glanced at Seonghwa to make sure he wasn't insulted by that statement, but the elf took it in stride.

"I will take care of you, my love. You know my body withstands such challenges easily," he told Mingi, but the demon had become more restless. His hand had already healed, thanks to his own abilities and Hongjoong's magic, and he nervously clutched to his legs.

"No, I might hurt you for real. If I lose myself..."

"I won't allow you to be alone during your rut. Sorry, Mingi, but it's too risky. Someone will have to watch over you to stop you if need be," Hongjoong threw in and though Mingi would have been mortified otherwise, the news seemed to calm him. 

"Good. That's good," he whispered to himself, and the frown on his brow was all too familiar to Seonghwa. It came from hatred of his current shape.

"I'm sure he wouldn't. He's good at controlling himself," the elf argued on his behalf, but Hongjoong was resolute.

"Not during the rut. It sounds violent and animalistic. I know you deal with San no problem, but Mingi might actually rip you apart by accident. Let's be overly cautious once it happens." Hongjoong shut his book and rose to his feet, leaving the two of them to discuss the topic alone.

"I need more records to find out if we can reverse it. Best if it's documents from his own people. As soon as we gain access to the Cavern of Nightfall, I'll raid their library. Until then, he has to be careful with his strength and this rut. Tell us once you feel off, and we will prepare accordingly. San or I can be there with you." Pity tinged Hongjoong's voice. Their demon already struggled with his sense of self and with the disabilities nature gave him. This added another layer, and it was more dangerous than they thought. Seonghwa doubted he would lose himself now after being strong for ten years, but he was saddened that Mingi felt held back again.

"I'll leave you to it. If I come up with anything more, you will hear it first, promise." Hongjoong turned on his heel and Seonghwa called after him.

"Good night, my love. Thank you for finding this book for us."

Hongjoong threw a smug grin over his shoulder, aware Seonghwa would thank him further when he had the time.

"It's my pleasure, Damiana. Have a good rest." With that, he stepped out and left Seonghwa and Mingi alone.

The demon looked depressed, shoulders curling into himself and head sunken. The weight of his horns looked heavy, so Seonghwa coaxed him to crawl under the blankets with him. Their bodies pressed close, stretching out, and Seonghwa sighed in bliss at finally getting to sleep in his bed again. 

Mingi looked worried and kept gnawing on his lips, but Seonghwa tugged him close and held him through the worst shock of the news. Gradually, Mingi calmed down and his heat enveloped the elf, bringing back that sense of safety. They managed to relax side by side and Seonghwa left him the time and space to sort it out in his mind while the elf dozed against his chest.