The dungeon was less so a dungeon for its use of locking up villains and torturing them, and more, since it was below the ground of the castle. In most of the chilly rooms, the servants stored easily perishable foods to keep them cooled. Only two cells could be used to lock someone up in an emergency, as was the case this time.

Hongjoong's hand emitted a pale light to lead their way wherever the glowing moonstones on the walls spaced out far enough that the shadows crept through. Two guards accompanied them, as well as Jongho and Mingi, who didn't have any other choice but to come along. Though Seonghwa wanted to shelter the latter from the source of fear, Hongjoong argued Mingi took too relevant of a role for demon diplomacy to be absent. Thus, Seonghwa caved and took him along. Mingi trudged behind them with a hand on Jongho's shoulder, head lowered and eyes cast downward.

"I rarely come down here," Seonghwa noted when the dungeons looked as foreign as ever to him. He liked the dark, but he had little business under the stifling earth.

"Good to know you don't have that many assassins to spend time with," Hongjoong replied, piqued. The guards before them rounded the corner to guide them down the hallway. Though cold, it wasn't moist here and the dark crystal walls were dulled in their shine.

Seonghwa was nervous in the past to walk these paths with his parents, afraid of the purpose they were built to achieve. Now that he had his husbands with him, however, he knew where to gather strength.

They arrived at the cell tucked into the shadows. Usually, Seonghwa would claim even prisoners deserved better accommodations, but this was most suitable to a demon. With his head leaned against the wall and his horns dimly illuminated by the trapped moonlight, he blended into the darkness he was born from.

Seonghwa didn't dare venture inside. He stayed safely on the other side of the bars while Hongjoong leaned against them with a bold shoulder. Tucked against the wall around the corner, Jongho and Mingi listened over being in sight. The golem wasn't one to spend lots of comfort, but he was a soothing presence by their sides.

Light danced over the demon's features when he lifted his head upon their arrival. Despite his rugged work, he himself was well kept. If Seonghwa saw him on the streets, he wouldn't assume he was an assassin.

Which was the entire purpose behind this.

"Get up. It's time for some questions. Don't think you can get away by claiming you missed your room," the guards grunted as they hauled the demon to his feet. Their ornate and filigree elven armour contrasted with the bulging muscles and the clinking iron chains that dragged his wrists towards the ground.

"What if that were the truth?" The demon chuckled as he positioned himself in the middle of the room between the two. His eyes slid over Seonghwa's healthy and elegant form and the white fur that wrapped around his shoulders. Then, he studied Hongjoong, who grinned lazily.

"I can shred your guts from your inside and you will still die an agonising death over many weeks," the sorcerer warned. At the demon's faint grin, the two guards stood aside to leave them to their conversation.

"I like that one," the demon purred, a mutual in his greed for destruction and pain.

"We know your commissioner expects your death to protect their identity. But if you help us out, we can protect your life. You can hide within the Crystal Sphere as our ally," Seonghwa began. However, the demon already shook his head at him.

"I have no interest in such formalities. I was told I would be questioned and offered a free life, but I took this contract knowing what I would lose if I failed. If it's any comfort to you, elven prince, the one who is after your life underestimates you. I was told you were an easy target so long as I found a way inside, but both you and your guardians are an opposing force to reckon with."

"Are you saying more will come?" Hongjoong didn't miss a beat. While Seonghwa was aggrieved and thought of another way to convince the demon to save his life, the sorcerer was right on the chase for Seonghwa's safety.

"I failed, didn't I? My customer will know as the prince strides around in the best of health. You don't murder someone over a minor matter, so yes, more will come until the prince's heart is sealed in a chest."

Mingi's head whipped up with terror. Jongho was almost invisible; he blended into the wall so much. At Mingi's start, he patted him with a soothing hand.

"So the target was Seonghwa, after all... We theorised whether the demons sent you to get rid of our diplomat. Your king has some strong opinions about this marriage. Unless, of course, someone aware of this political dispute hired a demon to lead us onto a false trail. If Seonghwa called for war, that might kill him just as successfully," Hongjoong shared his thoughts. His face was cast in shadows and the runes on his skin came to life with constant motion as they bundled the magic in his body.

The demon lifted his broad shoulders.

"I get paid to slit throats. Neither politics nor their elaborate schemes interest me."

With a nod, Hongjoong turned to Seonghwa. The elf pondered what he had heard. For being a killer, the demon responded well, but he adhered to his codex of honour concerning his work.

"What do you say? Shall I yank on his liver until he spills?" He flexed his fingers, ready to use his ability to disturb people's minds to douse the demon in agony.

Seonghwa made a mental reminder to ensure he didn't send Mingi dreams anymore. What he tried to do developed in a different direction and Mingi didn't like having his brain messed with. While Hongjoong looked like this, Seonghwa didn't like it, either.

"No need. This man made his decision. Is there anything I can offer you to change your mind? Death awaits you down this road if you don't allow me to help you." It pained Seonghwa to say it, for he wanted to forgive and he wanted to forget, but he couldn't trust him. Neither could his parents let this go without sending out a warning that any assassins would be held up and executed.

The depressing part was that it didn't matter. One man died, his life forever ruined, but his commissioner would simply send another without regrets.

Hongjoong's eyes on Seonghwa scolded him. He was too soft.

"I think you are a good prince," the demon offered. "I'm not too involved with your royal and celestial status, but I know this decision is the best you could make to show a good conscience. Worry not about us who are ready to lose our lives anytime. Worry about the one who lurks in the shadows and is afraid to show their face."

Troubled, Seonghwa bit his lip. He wanted to change his mind, wanted to find a solution to save this man without having to bear the burden.

Before he could, Hongjoong stepped in once more.

"Leave it be. He made his choice. I suggest we wait for a few more days in case he wants to confess. Otherwise, this is everything we need." His hand grabbed for Seonghwa's.

"Come."

Seonghwa stood rooted to the spot. His breathing was irregular and his fingers trembled even as Hongjoong gave him such a clear ultimatum to follow.

He was bad at this. Bad at being cruel, bad at giving up. He couldn't refuse where he still saw hope.

The guards hesitated. They agreed to Hongjoong's call but waited for Seonghwa's approval to drag the demon back into his corner. Those dark, intelligent eyes watched the vulnerable prince.

No, he couldn't give in. If he let the man run free, he might fulfil his purpose after all. This was part of the ploy. This was how he could win, making use of Seonghwa's weakness.

Heavens, did his agent know? Did they count on Seonghwa's mercy?

Overwhelmed, Seonghwa slipped his fingers into Hongjoong's. His nod was jerky, but he knew he could trust his husbands. If they agreed on this matter and no one spoke up, Seonghwa followed along.

"You get three more days before you will be executed. If you wish to speak to me, have the guards call."

"Thank you for your mercy, but it's not needed. I will meet the executioner in three days," the demon declared with a polite nod. He sat back down as Seonghwa stumbled away, feeling nauseous.

It was the first time he had to judge a person's life all by himself without his parents or brother near.

He pressed his hand to his forehead, feeling faint as Hongjoong led him from the cells. Jongho watched him, concerned with this development. Mingi reached out, but his hand never made it to Seonghwa.

"I need some rest," Seonghwa announced as they left the dungeons. "Please assure the others there is no need to fret and to enjoy dinner."

Hongjoong opened his mouth to coach him in matters of endurance, but Mingi's quiet voice had him pause.

"I will bring you to your room." His tone was mellow, understanding. Just what Seonghwa needed. Relieved, he held onto Mingi as they guided each other along.

"San insisted he slept with you tonight since he didn't want to let you out of his sight. Be warned in case he shows up, just so you don't startle," Jongho helped in his way.

Hongjoong backed down. Until now, he advised Seonghwa as well as he could. He left the emotional support to the others.

"That's fine. He is always welcome in my chambers," Seonghwa smiled. His shine was dulled with his defeat.

They parted in the foyer and the other three ambled towards the dining room while Mingi and Seonghwa made their way upstairs. Heroically quiet to speak only if he was needed, Mingi guided Seonghwa along. The tread of Seonghwa's bare feet over the singing crystal felt colder than usual. The melody in his veins didn't want to mingle and relish with that of the castle.

"Are you alright?" Seonghwa asked to seize the few moments of quiet. As they entered his room, Mingi came along to help him out of his cape and opened the clasps of his jewellery when Seonghwa's hands shook too much.

Today, too, the demon wore his hair pushed back to frame his horns.

"I'm upset our night of happiness had to end like this, but nothing changed for me. Though I was deadly afraid something might happen to you, I'm glad you are fine now."

Seonghwa tugged Mingi into a loose embrace, leeching off his heat to heal the coldness in his heart.

"I'm sorry he ripped us apart so cruelly. Did I hurt you?"

Mingi shook his head, his cheek mushing against the top of Seonghwa's head. Within seconds, the elf warmed back up, feeling safe in Mingi's arms. He hoped his hug did the same for Mingi.

"I'm fine. I just feared for your life. Of all people who could have been with you, I was the one who couldn't protect you that night."

Seonghwa's heart was a pool of melted moonlight and it throbbed in his chest. Pure affection had him raise his hand to brush the hair from Mingi's face to tuck it behind his ear.

"Don't startle, I will kiss you," Seonghwa whispered and Mingi readily met him in the middle. Their lips melted into the sweetest kiss. Seonghwa's eyes fluttered shut as his stomach surged at the taste, dancing and jubilating with feeling cherished.

When they parted, Seonghwa's hands lingered on Mingi's face to caress the smokey grey of his skin.

"That night was just right for us two. Tell me if you ever crave more. I will happily embrace you, so splendid memories succeed the sour."

Mingi's lashes fluttered before he nodded. They kissed again before the demon stepped back, reminding himself not to fall into his pleasant trance.

"Get some rest. And try not to think too much about what is happening. The others will keep you safe and I... I will also do my best," Mingi vowed. The blind onyx of his eyes was gentle.

"You too. Ask Yunho to borrow Buddy for company."

Mingi grinned, fond of the idea. He exited Seonghwa's room to leave Seonghwa to his thoughts. As soon as he was alone, apprehension returned to the agitated elf, but he called himself to peace as he picked up his book to distract himself until San arrived.