CHAPTER NINETEEN: "A Premonition of Two Paths"

•••

Hongjoong POV:

Inside my apartment, the three males sat around the living room while I made my way back with glasses of water. The tension in the room was thick with unspoken glances being shared between them, which I assumed to be them trying to figure out the best way to divulge whatever information prompted this visit. However, all I could think about was the words that left Seonghwa's lips. Initially, a wave of uneasiness washed over me once I heard him speak, his voice filled with conviction and confidence.

"Well, that will not be the case with me...I give you my word and my life."

Deep down within me, I knew he meant it. The way his eyes never wavered, along with his voice that remained steady, all of it showed nothing but genuine emotion. There was no doubt in my mind, and for the first time, I felt nothing but trust with him. The idea itself was almost comical to process, a human and a vampire sharing not only apologies but also promises amongst each other.

Placing the tray down, I took a seat next to Seonghwa with a sigh before breaking the silence. "As much as I love visitors...can you two tell me why you came? I already have enough to deal with regarding Wooyoung."

"Rude!" Wooyoung pouted, earning a chuckle from the others while I stuck my tongue out in return.

"Well to start..." Seonghwa began softly, "Hyunjin has the gift of Foresight."

My eyes grew wide. "You mean he can see the future and stuff?"

Hyunjin answered this time, his voice lacking any enthusiasm as he looked at me. "It's quite a long situation to explain...but I'll try to condense it as best as possible. Yes, I can see the future but, it's not clear as you think. I get glimpses of visions of potential paths or outcomes, sometimes to where I cannot even recognize who or what it may entail. It's also sporadic, meaning that I can't control when it happens either..."

"Since being turned, I would only have one or two every year at most. However...in the last month, I've had over five visions...all revolving you Blueberry boy." Hyunjin concluded with a smirk.

Wooyoung chimed in, playfully scowling at the male's comment before turning to me. "Not just you Hongjoong...but you and Seonghwa..."

"What, am I linked to him or something...? Like how in the books, you guys have mates...?" I paused, noticing the faces on each other males before slowly continuing, "...you do realize that I'm a human right? That can't be possible."

Feeling a hand take hold my own, I turned to see Seonghwa smiling at me. "It's rare...but not impossible..."

"Which brings me to the purpose of the visit, other than Seonghwa apologizing to you," Hyunjin rolled his eyes, "this recent vision showed two potential outcomes and the decision revolves around you specifically."

Narrowing my eyes at the male, I muttered, more so to myself than anything. "Me? Why only me?"

"That's the thing, I don't know. All I can see is a figure with your hair color in the glimpse, but you're standing at the entrance of a tunnel. However, the inside of the tunnel is completely dark, but behind you is bright white light. That's all I could see."

Wooyoung raised an eyebrow. "Isn't supposed be the other way around? You know, the light is at the end of the tunnel?"

Hyunjin leaned back into the couch with a sigh. "Exactly, and that only makes things more complicated. I do have a proposition though...But-"

"...Hyunjin, no." Seonghwa interrupted. "We didn't agree to that."

"Seonghwa, it could work."

"I said no."

Glancing between the two, I snapped in frustration. "Can you just say it and let me decide on what I want to do?! You all are acting as if I'm not even in the damn room!"

All three males stared at me, but it was Wooyoung who spoke up to answer with hesitation laced in his voice. "...the idea is to bring you to our home...just to see if anything happens."

Seonghwa squeezed my hand, grabbing my attention instantly. "Listen...this is already a lot to put on to you and I don't want to subject you any further. Your safety and care is my top priority, always."

"You act as if anyone in our court would dare harm him. He's basically be claimed to be yours without any true bonding happening yet." Hyunjin mumbled with an exaggerated eye roll. "So dramatic..."

Wooyoung smiled, but I could sense slight tension in his face. "Whatever you decide, you know I have your back no matter what..."

Taking a slow look at all three males, I took a moment to think, ignoring the conflict of emotions brewing with me. There was a deep sense of curiosity that plagued my mind, where the possibility of getting a close look into a world that once seemed to be confined within novels I once used to read was an potential reality. Despite my body rejecting the idea out of human nature to protect itself from possibly danger, I couldn't help but feel more drawn to the idea of opportunity. What started out to be just an assignment given for pay, has now turned into something far beyond my expectations.

I was diving into the unknown...

Looking at Seonghwa, who held nothing but genuine care in his eyes in response to my own, I knew my answer was the right one to make. So, with a graceful smile, I turned to the other two males with determination fueling my veins.

"I'm in. Let's go."

•••

There were many variations in my head as to what the place that held vampires would possibly look like, but as I stood in front of the building in front of me, nothing came close to my expectations. A few feet away from me stood a mansion, but one that resembled closely to royalty. The overall design gave off luxury with the Victorian-style architecture on the exterior, including large open windows and stone-carved statues that adorned the lawn of flowers.

Seonghwa had his hand intertwined with my own as a grounding force, but he whispered near my ear to express comfort. "You don't have to be overwhelmed...if you want to leave, say the word and I'll take you as far away as possible. It will just be the two of us."

"I'm alright...just trying to take it all in. It's beautiful..." I said softly. "Besides...I chose to be here. I want to be here..."

Granting me a smile in return, he led us towards the entrance with both Hyunjin and Wooyoung following behind in stride. My eyes wandered all over, even feeling the change of air as we approached the door, one where without any cue, opened with two males standing with their head bowed.

"Welcome back Master..."

My eyes grew wide, but Wooyoung rushed to my side and whispered. "This is customary...don't worry. He's not happy about it, but he can't change it either."

Nodding softly, the four of us made our way inside, and I fought every fiber of my nerves from gasping in awe. The interior matched the exterior, but with even more lavishly decorated walls and decor. From glass chandeliers to cherry-colored furniture, all of it gave off exemplary beauty. With discrete glances to the left and right sides of the room, I could see over a hundred vampires, male and female alike, all staring at me with a mixture of confused and curious glances in their crimson eyes. I just focused my attention on Seonghwa and his hand, using it to calm my mind as we continued through.

Slowly, one by one, each of them began to bow towards Seonghwa while whispering the same greeting, causing my nerves to spike up once more. However, sensing my discomfort, I felt his thumb rub against the back of my hand softly. Glancing up, he held his face forward without any trace of a smile, and in that moment I realized.

He's truly the leader of them...

We quickly ascended the spiral staircase, and upon reaching the top, San and another blonde haired male met us in the hallway. My eyes grew wide as out of all five of them, his face was the ideal imagine of a fairy in disguise.

Are all vampires blessed to beautiful or something? What the hell..?

San grew wide eyed before breaking out in a huge fanged-grin. "No fucking way...I could either call you impressive or stupid for actually agreeing to come."

Wooyoung instantly rushed over to him and placed a kiss on his cheek. "He's braver than any human I've ever met, that's for sure."

The blonde haired male spoke up next, but his deep voice caught me off guard. "You must be Hongjoong. Pleasure to finally meet you! My name is Felix."

"Don't claim him as your new child, babe. You have enough downstairs as it is." Hyunjin sighed, making his way over to his mate.

Felix only laughed, leaning into his embrace. "It doesn't hurt to have another one, Jinnie. Besides, everyone loves having motherly comfort anyways."

My body stilled, and before Seonghwa could intervene, I abruptly snapped. "I don't need a mother's comfort. My mother died and it's good riddance, so keep that to yourself."

The hall stilled with silence for a moment before Hyunjin whistled. "This kitten has claws, I see..."

Seonghwa raised his free hand with a glare. "Enough. We came here with a purpose, and let's focus on that. We have time for....pleasantries later. Come along now to my office, quietly..."