That Part When Blue Light Illuminated Yeo's Face And He Said Something Menacingly Boy Did I Hear The Evil Cackle?!?!?! - Tumblr Posts

away with the wind | xi

Pairing: dragonrider!Seonghwa x ex-dragonrider!Reader AU: dragon rider au | strangers -> lovers Summary: A spinal injury forces you to retire from dragon racing, and with it, the end of your engagement to Song Mingi. Park Seonghwa, a rising star in the world of dragon racing and heir to the prestigious House Park, seeks a new dragon after an unfortunate accident on the skyway. As the saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Word Count: 5.1K Warnings: hints of dragon trafficking, domestic!Hwa

Fic Masterlist

“Dr. Kang!”

Your voice echoed down the dimly lit corridor, the sound almost swallowed by the bustle of the Institute at day's end. Researchers and assistants hurried past, eager to escape the confines of their workstations, their chatter blending into a low hum of exhaustion and anticipation. You weaved through the throng, quickening your pace as you spotted your colleague’s familiar silhouette just ahead. 

“Thank you so much for the report!” you said breathlessly, forcing a bright smile as you reached him. You tried to inject your voice with enthusiasm, but it came out slightly strained, a side effect of the long hours you’d both been pulling. “It really helped me out!”

Yeosang’s eyes met yours, and for a moment, there was a subtle shift in his demeanor—a flicker of something unreadable behind his composed exterior. He offered you a small, guarded smile, the kind that never quite reached his eyes.

“Of course,” he replied smoothly, his tone polite but distant. “After all, the biology department is crucial to supporting the research that ensures the conservation of future dragon generations.”

His acknowledgment was formal, almost mechanical, as if it were an obligation. You couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze drifted past you, as if his mind was already elsewhere. Yeosang’s smile remained polite, but it didn’t deepen.

You shifted awkwardly, feeling the weight of the unspoken tension between you. “I really appreciate it,” you added, hoping to bridge the gap. “I know it’s been a long week for everyone.”

Yeosang nodded, but his eyes remained distant. “I really should be going. I have lots to prepare for tomorrow,” he replied, already shifting his weight toward the exit.

“Of course,” you agreed quickly, stepping back to give him space, adding a polite bow. “Don’t let me keep you,” you added, your voice light.

You watched him go, a sense of unease settling in your stomach. There was something about his demeanor that felt off. You couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his hurried departure than just preparations for tomorrow.

As Yeosang reached the door, he paused for a moment, his hand on the handle. He glanced back at you, his expression unreadable. “Actually…” he began, his tone less formal, tinged with curiosity. You glanced up to find him hesitating at the door, one hand still on the handle, his brow furrowed in thought. “Why did you need the phenotype sequencing report?”

The question caught you slightly off guard, but you maintain your composure. Yeosang wasn’t typically one to pry, especially about projects outside his immediate focus. His sudden interest felt unexpected, but you kept your expression neutral, not letting on that you noticed the shift in his demeanor.

“It’s for a side project I’m working on,” you explained smoothly, keeping your tone casual and confident. “I’ve been looking into the genetic markers that might influence adaptation to different environments. The Kuku have been particularly interesting because of their extreme intelligence.”

Yeosang’s expression remained guarded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed your explanation. “The Kuku?” he repeated, his tone carefully neutral. “They’re not the easiest breed to study. Most researchers steer clear of them because of their unpredictability. What drew you to them?” There was an edge to his voice now, one that made your nerves tighten. 

You forced a smile, trying to maintain the facade of casual conversation. “But that’s what makes them so fascinating. Their intelligence might hold clues to how they adapt so well to different environments. If we can understand that, it could have broader implications for other breeds.”

Yeosang studied you for a moment, his expression unreadable. “And you think the sequencing report will provide those answers?”

“It’s a starting point,” you nodded confidently, leaning into your explanation. “The report allows me to compare their genetic markers with those of other breeds, which could reveal patterns or anomalies worth investigating further. It’s about building a foundation for more targeted research.”

“I see,” he said finally, though his tone still carried a trace of skepticism. “Just make sure you’re not venturing into areas that could raise questions. The Kuku are… sensitive, and it’s crucial to proceed with caution.”

“I’m aware of the challenges, I just think there’s potential here. But if there’s any concern, I’m more than happy to collaborate and keep everything above board.”

There was a brief pause, and then Yeosang nodded, though the suspicion in his eyes hadn’t completely faded. “Good,” he nodded, his tone clipped. “Just keep that in mind. I’d…hate to see any issues arise.”

“Understood,” you replied with a slight nod of your own. “I appreciate the heads up, Dr. Kang.”

With that, Yeosang gave a curt nod and turned away, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. You watched him go, a mixture of relief and unease settling over you. The day had been long and filled with tension, and you were more than ready to leave the confines of the Institute.

The flight home was unusually quiet, with only the distant roar of the wind breaking the silence. You sat in the saddle, lost in thought as Dr. Kang’s words echoed in your mind, their meaning elusive yet persistently nagging at the edges of your consciousness. As Cirrus descended onto the manor’s roof, you noticed Starshine lying obediently by the window, her tail swishing back and forth. Dismounting, you approached her.

“What are you doing out here, pretty girl?” you cooed, gently tapping her snout despite her imposing size. Starshine leaned into your touch, a soft purr resonating deep within her chest. Unlike the other dragons your family bred, she was always more docile, often reminding you more of a cat than a fearsome dragon.

You noticed her gaze was fixed on something inside, her large eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. Following her glance, you peered into the kitchen through the large window and noticed Seonghwa helping your grandmother and Sohee prepare dinner. 

Seonghwa!?

You did a double take, eyes widened in shock at the sight of him cheerfully stirring the pot, a spatula in hand, and completely at ease, as if he had been part of your family for years. 

Your jaw dropped, and your knuckles rapped furiously against the glass, the sound sharp and insistent. Starshine tilted her head in curiosity, but you were too focused on the scene inside to notice. Seonghwa looked up at the sound, meeting your gaze with a wide, innocent grin. He waved the spatula in greeting, completely oblivious to your disbelief.

“That little–!” you muttered under your breath, eyes wide in disbelief. How Seonghwa managed to ingratiate himself effortlessly into your family was a mystery you might never solve.

You huffed in exasperation and stormed into the manor, your braid whipping your face in a disarrayed mess. Glasses slipping down your nose, you stomped through the halls, each step echoing with irritation as your leather messenger bag bounced against your hip.

“Auntie’s home!” Sohee cheered, her voice ringing with excitement as she hopped down from the chair she was standing on. Her small feet pattered across the floor as she rushed toward you, arms outstretched for a hug. 

Your gaze drifted over her shoulder, eyes narrowing at Seonghwa, who stood by the counter, utterly at ease in your kitchen. He met your stare with a casual smile, his expression open and friendly. There was something undeniably irritating about how he had charmed his way into your life—and now into your family—without so much as breaking a sweat.

You couldn’t pinpoint exactly when it had happened, but suddenly there he was, seamlessly fitting into the nooks and crannies of your life as if he had always been there. It was like discovering an unexpected puzzle piece that completed the picture perfectly.

“Did you have fun helping?” you asked your niece, keeping your tone light as if nothing were amiss.

Sohee nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up with pride. “Seonghwa said I’m really good at cutting vegetables and even let me stir the sauce!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

“Seonghwa?” you repeated, arching an eyebrow as you looked down at her. “What happened to Mr. Seonghwa?”

“We’re friends now,” Sohee announced matter-of-factly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, leaving no room for debate. 

“How much did he pay you?” you whispered quietly enough for only your niece to hear. 

Sohee looked up at you with wide, innocent eyes, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Huh?”

“Never mind,” you said, straightening up with a sigh, though you couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at the corners of your mouth. “Why don’t you help Grandma finish dinner? I need to change and put my stuff away.” 

You glanced back at Seonghwa, who was still leaning against the counter with that infuriatingly relaxed posture. He was smiling, of course, and you could tell he was enjoying this far more than he should be.

“I didn’t realize we were to be graced with your benevolence, Lord Park,” you said, your tone half-teasing, half-exasperated.

Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “But of course,” he replied, matching your tone with a mock bow. “I live to serve, my lady.”

You scoffed, crossing your arms as you shot him a pointed look. Just as you opened your mouth to retaliate, the vibration of your phone cut through the playful tension in the room. Without missing a beat, you unlocked the device and opened the message. The text was brief, but it sent a jolt through you:

[Intensive Care Bear]: Test results are in. Call me when you can.

Your stomach tightened. Whatever the results were, they clearly weren’t something Jongho wanted to discuss over text. You held up your phone, the screen still displaying Jongho’s message. 

“It’s Jongho. The test results are in.” Your playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a look of concern. “You should probably be here for this.”

You leaned back in your chair, mouth full of pasta, as Jongho’s hologram materialized before you in your home office. The cozy space was filled with the aroma of your dinner, the light from the desk lamp casting a soft glow on the walls lined with research notes and personal mementos. 

Seonghwa lounged comfortably on the sofa nearby, his legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles, holding his own bowl of pasta as you waited for Jongho to pick up the call. 

“Whaddaya got?” you mumbled around a mouthful of food, trying to balance your hunger with the urgency of the moment.

Jongho’s hologram remained composed, his virtual image sharp and precise as a digital dataset materialized beside him. “It’s a match,” he reported, his tone measured and clinical. “I had our folks run the comparison twice just to be sure.”

You set your dinner aside, your attention fully on the data streamed before you, each detail meticulously laid out. Your heart raced as you took in the results, the implications slowly sinking in.

“So what does this mean?” Seonghwa asked, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room.

You took a moment to gather your thoughts, the gravity of the findings weighing heavily on you. “There’s a significant genetic overlap,” you explained, gesturing to the data displayed before you. “Ajax shares key genetic markers with the Kuku. He’s definitely a hybrid, but not the combination we initially expected.”

Seonghwa’s brow furrowed, trying to piece together the implications of your words. “Does this confirm that he has advanced cognitive capabilities?”

“Yes,” you confirmed, your tone resolute as you leaned back in your chair. “It’s the only explanation for how he learned Cirrus’ spiral without ever being taught. Ajax’s ability to mimic such a complex maneuver through observation alone is a clear indicator of those advanced traits.”

“Cromer Labs could be developing dragons with attributes we haven’t even begun to fully understand,” Jongho’s hologram flickered slightly as he responded. “If they are, they’re unleashing forces the public isn’t prepared to handle.”

You rubbed your chin thoughtfully, the weight of the situation sinking in. “Now we have to figure out Jinsik’s whereabouts and the lab’s role in his disappearance. He might be a key piece in understanding that “trial” his father mentioned.”

As you spoke, Jongho’s hologram shifted, his tone changing to one of mild surprise as he glanced towards Seonghwa. “By the way, I didn’t know you were having dinner together.”

You picked up your bowl of pasta, taking a deliberate bite to emphasize the casual nature of the situation. “He was here before I got home. I assumed he was here to pick up Starshine.”

“Uh-huh,” Jongho mused, crossing his arms with a sly smile. “I must say, using your dragon as an excuse is quite the clever coincidence, your grace.”

You felt a flush of embarrassment rising to your cheeks, clearly caught off guard by Jongho’s insinuation. “Are you done?” you asked, trying to keep your tone light despite the heat of the moment. “I’d like to finish my food in peace!”

Jongho raised an eyebrow, his hologram flickering with a hint of mischief. “Alright, alright. I’ll drop it. Just remember to fill me in later on this dinner ‘date’–”

“Goodbye,” you said firmly, cutting him off mid-sentence as you turned off your phone. You set the device down, feeling the heat still lingering on your cheeks. Seonghwa chuckled softly, clearly amused by the exchange.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cromer Labs Opens Its Doors: Exclusive Public Tours Available

[AURORA, EMPIRE OF AURORA] – Cromer Labs is pleased to announce the opening of its state-of-the-art research facility to the general public for guided tours. This initiative reflects our commitment to transparency and public engagement in the field of advanced scientific research.

As pioneers in advanced research and development, Cromer Labs stands at the vanguard of groundbreaking discoveries in genetic engineering and biotechnologies. Our mission is to mitigate the prevalence of inherited diseases in dragons.

Attendees will gain access to our cutting-edge laboratories and research environments, showcasing the advanced technologies and methodologies employed in our work including: 

A comprehensive overview of our current research projects, including developments in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Visitors will also have the opportunity to engage with interactive displays that will provide detailed information on our scientific processes and their potential impacts on future innovations.

We invite you to join us for this unique opportunity to witness the forefront of scientific research and innovation. 

The sleek, modern architecture of the lab’s facility loomed above you, its reflective surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. You could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on your shoulders, excitement and apprehension twisting in your gut. The press area was abuzz with activity, the hum of conversation blending with the click of cameras and the rustle of notepads. Some had their microphones at the ready, while others focused intently on their notepads, poised to jot down any notable details.

Are you okay?” Yunho’s voice broke through your thoughts, his tone light and teasing as he shot Hongjoong a curious glance. He walked with an easy confidence, his long strides effortlessly keeping pace with yours.

“This is the first time he’s seen the sun in a month,” you replied, your tone half-joking as you reached out to pat Hongjoong’s back.

Hongjoong, who had been staring intently at the ground, seemed to snap out of whatever daze he was in. He looked up at you, blinking against the brightness of the day, a slight frown tugging at his lips. “Correction: A week,” he muttered, though the pale tone of his skin and the dark circles under his eyes suggested otherwise.

“You’ve been holed up in the archives for so long, I was starting to think you were allergic to daylight,” Yunho chuckled. 

“Don’t let his father know, he might just drag him home,” you added, your tone light but with a hint of teasing. The image of Lord Kim, stern and unyielding, hauling his son away from his beloved work, flashed in your mind. It was almost enough to make you laugh. Before you could dwell on it, your attention was drawn to the arrival of Seonghwa, Lord Kim, and other members of the Assembly, their presence commanding respect as they made their way toward the lab’s entrance.

Seonghwa caught your eye as he walked alongside Hongjoong’s father, and for a moment, you were struck by the transformation he had undergone. Gone was the racing world’s golden boy who lived for speed and thrills, replaced by someone who now exuded the calm, composed demeanor of a dignified leader. His expression was serious, and there was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself.

As your eyes met, Seonghwa gave you a small, almost imperceptible nod, a subtle acknowledgment of your presence amidst the formalities. It was a gesture that spoke volumes, a silent understanding passing between you that, despite everything, you were in this together.

The crowd’s murmur turned into a chorus of whispers as Lady Lee made her entrance with a flourish that matched the grandeur of the facility. Her walk was deliberate and graceful, each step measured to maintain an air of authority and elegance. Her heels clicked sharply against the ground adding a rhythmic emphasis to her entrance.

You glanced over at Yunho, who had fallen silent beside you, his earlier playful demeanor replaced with a more focused expression. He, like everyone else, was captivated by the presence of Lady Lee. Hongjoong, standing between the two of you, remained stiff, his eyes fixed on her as if trying to gauge her next move.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” Lady Lee’s voice rang out clearly and smoothly, amplified by the podium’s microphone. “Thank you all for joining us today at Cromer Labs. It is an honor to welcome so many esteemed members of the press, the Assembly, and our community. Today marks a significant milestone not just for Cromer Labs, but for the future of biotechnology and research itself.”

Lady Lee’s eyes swept across the crowd, meeting the gaze of several key figures. Her poise was impeccable, each word delivered with precision.

“At Cromer Labs, we are not content with merely following the advancements of our field—we aim to lead, to innovate, and to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to our beloved dragons. Today, we are proud to offer you a glimpse into our world. You will see our state-of-the-art laboratories, meet the brilliant minds behind our research, and witness firsthand the innovations that are poised to redefine the health and future of generations to come.” 

She gestured to the towering facility behind her, its sleek design gleaming in the afternoon sun.

“As you tour our facility today, I encourage you to look beyond the technology and the data. See the vision, the passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives every individual here. This is more than a lab—it is a beacon of hope for what the future can be.”

Lady Lee concluded her speech with a poised nod to the crowd, her presence commanding as she silently signaled the researchers to begin the tour.  As she stepped back, the researchers moved forward with practiced precision, their movements synchronized as they began to lead the attendees deeper into the facility. Cameras clicked, and hushed conversations sparked as the visitors were ushered into the heart of Cromer Labs.

You walked alongside Yunho and Hongjoong, but your thoughts were far from the polished presentations. The disappearance of Jinsik weighed heavily on your mind, the unresolved mystery gnawing at you with each step you took through the sterile, high-tech corridors. 

The guide’s voice droned on in the background, detailing the lab’s advancements in gene therapy, but you were only half-listening. Your focus was on the room itself—the layout, the security measures, the people. You noticed the subtle tension in the way some of the staff moved, the quick glances they exchanged, as if they were aware of something more than just the tour.

“This place feels too polished, too controlled. They’re showing us what they want us to see,” Yunho leaned in, his voice low. 

“I was thinking the same thing,” you replied quietly. “But there’s got to be more behind the scenes. We just need to find it.”

Seonghwa, walking just ahead of you, slowed his pace slightly, allowing the two of you to catch up. “We’ll need to split up at some point,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “Cover more ground without drawing too much attention.”

You leaned in closer to Seonghwa, your voice barely above a whisper as you scanned the hallway ahead. “This is where we should split,” you said, your tone steady despite the tension coiling in your gut. “Yunho and I will pretend we got lost. It’ll be easier to slip away unnoticed if we act like we’re just trying to catch up.”

Seonghwa’s eyes flicked between you and Yunho, assessing the plan in a heartbeat. His expression remained composed, but you could see the calculation in his gaze—the weight of what you were asking him to do.

“You should stay with the rest of the Assembly members,” you continued, your voice low but firm. “If you stay with them, it won’t draw any suspicion. Hongjoong can help keep the focus off us.”

“Be careful,” he murmured, his voice a quiet command, barely more than a whisper. The simplicity of his words belied the depth of his concern. His voice held a softness, an undertone of worry he couldn’t fully mask. It was a plea disguised as advice, his calm facade barely concealing the raw edges of his anxiety.

Yunho shifted beside you, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced with a seriousness that matched the gravity of the situation. “If we find anything, we’ll let you know.”

You took a deep breath, preparing for your cue. As the guide’s explanations became more detailed and technical, you deliberately slowed your pace, feigning interest in a nearby display. You made a show of looking confused and slightly frustrated, glancing around as if trying to find your way back to the group. Yunho mirrored your actions, keeping close but maintaining a slight distance to avoid drawing suspicion.

With one last look at you, Seonghwa hesitated, his gaze lingering. The concern in his eyes was unmistakable, a deep worry he couldn’t mask. The thought of you venturing into the unknown worried him—every part of him wanted to be by your side, ensuring your safety. But he knew the importance of maintaining the guise, keeping the tour running smoothly to avoid suspicion. Even as he seamlessly rejoined the group, engaging in light conversation and maintaining a composed demeanor, his thoughts never strayed far from you.

Navigating the dimly lit corridors of Cromer Labs, you and Yunho were on high alert, each step echoing softly in the hushed environment. The facility’s labyrinthine design seemed almost purpose-built for concealment, its stark white walls and cold metal surfaces giving little away. You had spent several minutes exploring, Yunho’s keen eyes and your own sharp instincts guiding your search. The halls were filled with locked doors and secured rooms, each labeled with technical jargon that meant little without the context of what you were looking for.

As you turned a corner, Yunho paused, his hand gently gripping your arm. “Look,” he whispered, pointing to a faint trail of scorch marks on the floor. They were barely noticeable, but to a trained eye, they were a clear sign of dragon fire. 

The trail led you both through a series of winding corridors until it opened up into the loading docks. The space was vast and industrial, a stark contrast to the pristine, clinical environment you had left behind. The docks were filled with transportation cages and shipping containers stacked in disarray. The hum of machinery and the occasional clang of metal created a backdrop of industrial noise.

Your gaze swept across the area, “What is this?” you asked yourself, eyes narrowing as you took in the scene.

The scorch marks continued across the floor, leading towards a cluster of large, heavily secured cages. These cages were not typical; they were reinforced and fitted with intricate locking mechanisms, their design suggesting they were meant to contain something more dangerous than standard cargo. Several cages showed signs of recent use—scratches on the metal, faint burn marks around the locks, and disturbed packing materials scattered around. 

Yunho’s eyes fell on a partially open container nearby. The door was ajar, and the interior was dark. With a cautious nod, you both approached and peered inside. The sight that greeted you was troubling—inside the container were several large, empty cages, their contents missing but still bearing traces of dragon fire. The metal was scorched and blackened, indicating a significant amount of heat had been applied.

Yunho stepped closer, his eyes scanning the interior with a mix of concern and determination. “These cages are big enough to transport juveniles,” he observed, his voice low but firm.

You glanced around the container, noting the disarray. The floor was littered with remnants of broken restraints and scattered straw, suggesting a hasty departure. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burnt metal and something else—fear, perhaps.

You ran a hand along the edge of one of the cages. The metal was still warm to the touch, a stark reminder of the recent violence. “They must have transported them elsewhere right as the tour started,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. The thought of the creatures being moved under such duress sent a shiver down your spine.

Without wasting a moment, you pulled out your phone, taking photos of the scorched cages, capturing the blackened metal and the remnants of chains. You made sure to document every detail—the size of the cages, the pattern of the scorch marks, and the broken restraints. Yunho joined you, narrating the scene as he moved the camera around the container. 

“I have a bad feeling about this,” you muttered, shaking your head as you quickly typed out a brief message to Seonghwa and Hongjoong, detailing your findings and urging them to review the photos. You glanced around, hoping to find any further evidence—shipping logs, scales, anything that could provide more clues. 

The rhythmic clatter of boots caught your attention, accompanied by the occasional murmur of voices. You and Yunho exchanged a tense glance, your senses on high alert. The footsteps were heavy and deliberate, suggesting a group of staff members making their rounds. The jingle of keys and the creak of a nearby door opening added to the tension. You could hear the faint rustle of clothing and the occasional cough, indicating their proximity.

Your heart raced as you motioned for Yunho to stay quiet, your finger pressed to your lips. You both pressed yourselves against the container, trying to blend into the shadows. The footsteps grew louder, and you could see the beam of a flashlight sweeping across the room.

“Looks like the latest shipment has already been taken down to the lab for processing.”

“Yeah, I saw the transport teams moving those dragons earlier,” the second guard replied, his tone carrying a hint of unease. “It’s a lot of dragons to handle all at once.”

“Tell me about it,” the first staff member replied. “Heard they’re prepping them for some new kind of project.”

The second guard’s brow furrowed. “A new project? With the kids?”

The mention of “kids” made your heart skip a beat. You and Yunho exchanged worried glances, fully grasping the gravity of the situation. Your muscles tensed as the light crept closer to your hiding spot, casting ominous shadows where you crouched. 

As the guards’ conversation began to drift away, the sound of their boots grew fainter. The flashlight beam pulled back, casting fewer shadows in the immediate area. You and Yunho remained motionless, barely daring to breathe as the footsteps receded into the distance. The door creaked shut behind them, its sound echoing with a finality that left both of you trembling in the aftermath.

You waited a few more seconds to ensure the coast was clear before slowly easing out of your hiding spot. Your pulse was still racing, and Yunho’s expression mirrored your own, both of you silently grappling with the disturbing implications of what you had overheard. His eyes met yours, filled with urgency and determination. 

“We need to move quickly before they come back.”

Nodding, you both began to move, your footsteps as silent as you could manage, the need for speed warring with the necessity of stealth. The close call had left you both on edge, every sound and shadow now seeming like a potential threat. 

Yeosang’s gaze remained fixed on the monitors as he watched you and Yunho track the trail of scorch marks leading out to the loading docks. The tension in the room was palpable, but Yeosang remained unnervingly calm, his mind already churning with possibilities.

“We need to stop them!” Minjae’s voice broke through the tense silence, his tone laced with urgency. He moved toward the controls, but Yeosang calmly raised a hand, silencing his assistant with a single, measured gesture. Minjae hesitated, his eyes darting between the monitors and Yeosang, clearly struggling to understand why they weren’t intervening.

“No.” Yeosang’s voice was cold and calculating, a stark contrast to Minjae’s frantic energy. He turned slowly, his gaze settling on the massive incubation tube dominating the room behind him. The dragon inside was suspended in a thick, translucent liquid, its enormous form outlined in an eerie, otherworldly glow. The creature was still, its eyes closed, its breath slow and even, as if lost in a deep, dreamless sleep.

For a moment, Yeosang studied the dragon, his expression unreadable. The beast was a marvel of bioengineering, a living weapon with untapped potential. “Tell me…How was the last trial?” his voice was smooth but laced with an underlying tension.

“The candidate exhibited a high level of initial compatibility. However, as the process progressed, there were significant issues. We observed severe neural disruptions, and the subject experienced extreme mental strain.”

He eyed the neural interface, the console lying abandoned next to the incubation tube. “And the candidate?”

Minjae shifted uneasily. “The candidate was stabilized, but the mental strain left lasting effects. They experienced severe psychological trauma, and recovery is ongoing.”

Yeosang’s lips curled into a faint, inscrutable smile as his attention shifted back to the screens. Your every move with Yunho was reflected in his glasses, casting a cold, blue light across his face. “The search continues. But perhaps…”

He watched intently as you both navigated the maze of shipping containers, his eyes narrowing with interest. The determination in your movements was unmistakable as you and Yunho pieced together the dark secrets hidden within the facility. 

“The right candidate is closer than we think.” 

<< x | xii >>

taglist: @litolmochi @syubseokie @park-simphwa @szakias @babymbbatinygirl @oddracha @maliamaiden @signingsongbird