Yeosang That I Know I Am Was So Hot Of You But Lets Reconsider Yeah? - Tumblr Posts

away with the wind | xii

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: 6.1K Warnings: violence, kidnapping, mentions of trafficking, cirrus running a fade on everyone 👀

Fic Masterlist

Seonghwa’s fingers trembled as he frantically checked his phone, swiping through a barrage of notifications with growing urgency. Each swipe only intensified his anxiety as he refreshed the screen, desperately hoping for a response from you. The seconds felt like hours.

Finally, a new notification from your number flashed on the screen, its recent timestamp offering a glimmer of hope. With a swift tap, he opened the message, his heart racing as he scanned the attachments. The photos revealed containers in a warehouse each with evidence of illegally captive dragons being transported. His pulse quickened as he took in the details.

As the gravity of the findings sank in, Seonghwa’s focus momentarily shifted from the information at hand. He scanned the room noting the guests' relaxed demeanor as they listened to the guide's animated explanations. The guide, a man with a wide smile and a practiced enthusiasm, moved from exhibit to exhibit, encouraging visitors to admire and even handle the displays. 

Taking advantage of the distraction, Seonghwa subtly signaled to Hongjoong and his father. His gesture was almost imperceptible—a slight, urgent tilt of his head—conveying the gravity of the situation without drawing undue attention.

“Y/N and Yunho sent over some footage,” he said, his voice steady but charged with a sense of urgency. 

Lord Kim’s face tightened as he absorbed the information. His brows furrowed deeply, a sign of his deepening concern. “Containers?” he asked in a hushed tone, his eyes already betraying a grim understanding of the implications.

He leaned in closer, his face darkening as he absorbed the details. The camera panned methodically over the wreckage, capturing the size and shape of each cage with meticulous precision. Scorch marks varied—some indicated intense, localized heat, while others suggested prolonged exposure to flames. Broken restraints lay scattered haphazardly, some still hanging from the remnants of the cages, others strewn across the floor, rusted and mangled. The scene painted a vivid, distressing picture of the aftermath, hinting at the horrors that had unfolded within those walls.

“This is grave indeed,” Lord Kim murmured, his voice low and strained as he crossed his arms over his chest. His gaze remained fixed on the screen, absorbing the full extent of the destruction. The room around them seemed to fade as the reality of the situation became all too clear.

Hongjoong, ever vigilant, glanced over his shoulder to ensure that the guests remained engrossed in the guide’s enthusiastic explanations. The guide continued to weave his tale with animated gestures, oblivious to the urgency unfolding nearby.

“I suspect the illustrious Lady Lee had a hand in this,” he deduced, his tone carrying a hint of grim certainty. “If they’re trafficking dragons, we need to understand what they’re using these creatures for.”

Seonghwa nodded, his expression grim as he absorbed Hongjoong’s words. “No need,” he said quietly. “They’re most likely related to their hybrid dragons.”

The weight of the revelation hung heavily in the air. The footage, the suspicion of Lady Lee’s involvement, and the hint of dark experiments painted a troubling picture. Their next steps would need to be calculated and swift if they were to unravel the full scope of the operation and put a stop to it.

You and Yunho quickly retraced your steps out of the warehouse and into the nearest corridor, seamlessly slipping into your roles as oblivious tourists who had simply taken a wrong turn. Yunho whipped out his phone, launching a holographic map with a flourish that was more theatrical than necessary. He pretended to study it with exaggerated concentration, every movement designed to convince anyone who might be watching that you were just another pair of lost sightseers. You mirrored his act, glancing around with a look of bewildered confusion, as though you were desperately trying to make sense of your unfamiliar surroundings.

As you strolled past several guards stationed along the corridor, their gazes barely flickered in your direction. Your casual, nonchalant demeanor was convincing, but the tension coiled in your chest was nearly suffocating. Each step you took seemed to amplify the pounding of your heart, while the growing clamor of the busy lobby ahead offered a semblance of safety and a potential escape route.

The grand entrance of the lobby soon came into view, its opulence a stark contrast to the grim reality of the warehouse. You exhaled a small, controlled sigh of relief as you stepped into the expansive, bustling space. 

In a carefully rehearsed move, you exclaim loudly with just the right amount of faux anxiety, “Oh no, I think we’ve been separated from the group!” Your exclamation was deliberately loud enough to draw attention but still fit comfortably within the ambiance of the bustling lobby.

Yunho immediately picked up on the cue, adopting a tone that mixed concern with a casual air. 

“Let’s try asking someone for directions. Maybe they can help us find our group.” His words were directed at you, but his tone was deliberately pitched to be overheard by nearby staff, laying the groundwork for your ruse.

Nodding in agreement, you headed toward the front desk, adopting just the right amount of distress, signaling your need for the receptionist’s assistance. The act of maintaining your cover was crucial if you wanted to make it out of the lab alive. 

“Excuse me,” you began, your voice edged with concern as you approached the front desk. “We seem to have lost our group. Could you help us find our way back to them?”

The receptionist looked up from her computer, her expression shifting from mild annoyance to professional concern as she took in your urgent tone. Her eyes flicked briefly to Yunho, who was standing slightly behind you, maintaining a stance of worried agreement.

“Of course,” the receptionist said, her voice warm and accommodating. “Let me see if I can assist you. Could you please provide me with the name of your group or the tour you’re supposed to be with?”

You and Yunho exchanged a quick, almost imperceptible glance. Yunho stepped forward, his expression confident as he leaned an arm casually against the desk. With a charming smile that seemed to light up the room, he said, “We were with members of the Assembly.”

The receptionist’s eyes widened slightly, clearly impressed by Yunho’s presence. “Ah, the Assembly,” she repeated, her tone now tinged with a hint of respect. “Let me check the records for you.”

As she turned to her computer, Yunho glanced back at you, a playful glint in his eye. “Don’t worry,” he whispered, “I’ve got this.”

You shook your head, laughing at his confidence. Yunho had always had a way with people, effortlessly putting them at ease and winning them over with his charm. It made you wonder why he dedicated so much time to work instead of enjoying a social life.

“Ah, Y/N!” 

Your heart skipped a beat. “Dr. Kang?” you blinked, genuine surprise coloring your voice as you locked eyes with him. His sudden appearance is far from welcome—it’s a complication that could unravel everything. But you quickly regain your composure, forcing a polite smile.

“We were just exploring and accidentally got separated from our tour group,” you explained, adopting a tone that was light and almost apologetic. You gestured vaguely around you, trying to appear nonchalant. “It’s so easy to lose track of where you are in such a big place.”

“I’m glad I'm not the only one,” Yeosang breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought I was the only one who had taken a wrong turn.”

You nodded sympathetically, maintaining your facade of innocence. “We’re just trying to find our way back to the group.”

“Do you mind if I tag along? Perhaps we can find them together?”

You take a moment to craft your response, aiming to keep the conversation engaging while steering it away from anything incriminating. “Of course, if you don’t mind being surrounded by Assembly members and endless discussions about bureaucracy.”

“Excuse me, your group should be at the reception area,” the receptionist interrupted. Thank gods, you thought to yourself. “The location should be down that corridor and to the left.”

As you strolled down the corridor, your senses remained on high alert. Yeosang continued his small talk with Yunho, pointing out the differences in Cromer’s work against the Institute, but the tension between you was palpable. His questions were too pointed, his interest too keen. Each step, each glance exchanged, felt like a delicate dance on the edge of a precipice.

After a tense journey through the corridors, you and Yunho finally spot Seonghwa and Hongjoong milling about in one of the larger exhibition rooms that doubled as the reception space. The sight of them is a small relief, a sign that you’re successfully blending back into the crowd. 

“It seems we found your group,” Dr. Kang chuckled, his eyes still sharp and observant.

“Thank you, Dr. Kang,” you say, maintaining the pretense of gratitude. Yunho echoes your thanks, his tone equally courteous. You begin to step away, eager to merge with the group and escape the unnerving presence of Yeosang.

But just as you’re about to join the others, Yeosang’s voice cuts through the air, stopping you in your tracks. 

“Y/N, could you stay back for a moment?” Yeosang’s tone is light, almost casual, but there's an undertone that made your heart skip a beat.

Yunho hesitated, glancing at you with concern. Yeosang quickly added, “Just a quick chat about some of your findings. Nothing too serious.” His smile was friendly, but his eyes betrayed a deeper intent, making you wary.

You share a quick, silent exchange with Yunho, a look that says, I’ll be fine. He nods reluctantly and continues toward the group, though his pace is slower, his posture tense, clearly remaining on edge.

Turning back to Yeosang, you forced a smile, trying to match his casual demeanor. “Of course, what do you need to discuss?”

He motioned for you to follow him to a quieter corner of the exhibition room, away from the prying eyes and ears of the other visitors. As you walked, the weight of the situation weighed down on you. 

“Did you find anything interesting?” he asked, his voice low and casual, though his sideways glance hinted at a more probing interest. “I’d love to know what you’ve uncovered.”

You met his gaze with careful neutrality, the flicker of tension still fresh in your mind. “I didn’t get very far,” you lied, choosing your words with deliberate precision. “I tried comparing the markers from the Kuku to my Dreamwood as an example, but it’s been challenging to draw any definitive conclusions.”

“Challenging?” Yeosang’s interest seemed to intensify, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed your response. 

“The markers are quite distinct from what we have in our records. There are some similarities, but the differences are significant enough that it complicates the comparison. I’m still working on isolating the variables and trying to make sense of the discrepancies.”

Yeosang’s expression shifted to one of thoughtful consideration, his eyes studying you with a sharp focus. “Interesting. It sounds like you’re onto something, even if it’s not immediately clear. Why don’t you stop by the lab next week? We can look at it together and see if we can make any progress.”

The offer seemed genuine on the surface, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that his interest was more than just academic. 

“Sure, I’d appreciate the help,” you replied, forcing a note of enthusiasm into your voice. 

Yeosang’s smile widened, and he gave a nod of satisfaction. “Great. I’ll look forward to it.” With that, he gestured for you to rejoin the group, the conversation having ended as quickly as it began.

Yunho stood at the edge of Seonghwa’s office, his eyes fixed on the expansive holographic display that now filled the room. The footage, captured from multiple angles, hovered in mid-air, creating a three-dimensional map of every corner and crevice.

Every detail of the warehouse was exposed, from the scuffed concrete floors to the claw marks on the containers, as if the very fabric of the space had been unraveled before him.

“Find anything?” Seonghwa’s voice broke through the silence.

Yunho let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly as he shook his head. 

“No,” he said, his tone resigned. “This was all the evidence we were able to capture before the guards showed up. The footage is thorough, but it doesn’t reveal much beyond what we already knew.”

He paused, his eyes tracing the holographic image of the shackles displayed prominently on the screen. 

“The only thing that’s clear is that these restraints are small enough to fit juveniles, not adults.”

Seonghwa nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. “It’s easier to capture juveniles than adults for illegal experimentation, that’s for sure,” he remarked. The words hung in the air, a chilling reminder of the dark nature of their investigation.

There was a brief silence, filled only by the faint hum of the holographic display. Seonghwa’s gaze flicked to his desk, where his phone lay ominously silent. 

“Have you heard from Y/N?” he asked, his tone tinged with concern. “I can’t get through to her.”

Yunho’s expression tightened, his worry evident. “No word from her yet. I know she was going to stop by the lab today but haven’t heard from her since.”

“Dr. Kang, Y/N is here,” Sumin’s voice rang out clearly, breaking the soft hum of activity in the Biology lab. The secretary’s announcement echoed slightly in the pristine, white-walled corridor, his tone both professional and cordial.

The door to the lab slid open smoothly, and you stepped into the room, expecting to be greeted by the usual flurry of activity. Instead, you were met with an unusual silence. The bright, artificial lighting cast a sharp, sterile glow over the expansive space, revealing an array of scientific instruments and glassware meticulously arranged across gleaming countertops.

“Dr. Kang?” you called out, your voice carrying through the empty lab but receiving no immediate response. The sound of your voice seemed to dissipate into the vast space, adding to the surreal feeling of the room.

You glanced around, noting the various research stations, each one perfectly maintained but empty of human presence. The silence was punctuated only by the occasional hum of machinery or the soft whirr of ventilation.

As you ventured deeper into the labyrinth of workstations, you stumbled upon an array of dragon limbs, meticulously dissected and strung up on giant hooks. Each limb, massive and lifesize, dwarfed the average man, their sheer scale a testament to the dragons' formidable presence. 

The dissected pieces, preserved with clinical precision, revealed layers of sinew, muscle, and scale, stretching far beyond the dimensions of any human limb. Though lifeless, the specimens carried an eerie dignity, their vibrant, iridescent scales catching the cold, fluorescent light that loomed over everything in the room.

“Y/N, I see you’re here,” a voice broke through the sterile silence, pulling you from your thoughts.

You turned, your gaze still lingering on the lifeless limbs. "What is this?" you asked, your voice barely more than a whisper, the words catching in your throat as the chilling scene unfolded before you. The magnitude of it all made the air feel thick and heavy, like the remnants of something forbidden were pressing down on you, demanding answers that you weren't sure you wanted to hear.

“The future,” he replied smoothly, “Dragons are more than just relics of the past. Their strength, their resilience, it’s all right here, waiting to be harnessed by my hands.”

His words cut through the suffocating silence like a blade, and a shiver ran down your spine. The implications of his statement settled in—a future built on the bones of creatures that once ruled the skies, reduced to specimens and parts for human gain. 

“This is wrong,” you stammered, your voice trembling with a mixture of anger and disbelief. 

“Doing this under the Institute’s nose is illegal—you know that.” Your heart pounded as the enormity of the situation settled in. “You can’t just—”

Yeosang’s expression shifted, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features before he masked it with a calm, almost dismissive indifference. 

“Has anyone ever told you that your deduction skills are—” he paused, a thin smile curling at the edges of his lips, “admirable, but rather inconvenient? You’ve become quite the detective with all the snooping you and your ragtag gang of friends have been up to. I imagine having access to Park Seonghwa’s connections and Kim Hongjoong’s resources has been oh-so-convenient for you.”

“W-What are you talking about?” you demanded, taking a step back. 

His words struck a nerve, and you stiffened. How did he know about your deep dive into Ajax’s lineage? The realization that your investigation was no longer hidden sent a chill through you.

“Requesting a sequencing report, now that’s quite specific,” Yeosang remarked, his tone laced with a mix of condescension and grudging admiration. “Only someone looking to compare two different types of genetic material would go that route. It’s a bold move, bordering on reckless.”

He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as if assessing you with newfound respect, or perhaps wariness. “Then you discovered the warehouse,” Yeosang continued, his tone admiring yet laced with an unsettling edge. 

“How did you–” you whispered, your voice faltering as you struggled to comprehend the gravity of his words. “You weren’t at the lab by chance.”

Yeosang tilted his head slightly, a mocking glint flickering in his eyes. “Oh, not at all, Y/N,” he replied, his voice smooth and casual. “It’s quite impressive, really, how far you’ve managed to get.”

He paused for a moment, as if weighing his next words carefully. “I must admit, Park Seonghwa isn’t as daft as I initially presumed,” Yeosang continued, his tone shifting to one of begrudging acknowledgment. “I didn’t expect him to connect the dots so quickly. But that’s the thing about talent—it occasionally shows up in the most unexpected places.”

“But even with all of his cleverness and the Kim’s vast network, you’re still playing a dangerous game, meddling in things far beyond your understanding. You’ve poked your nose into places it doesn’t belong.”

“You can’t just play god because you think you know better than everyone else,” you shot back, your voice trembling with defiance and fear.

Yeosang’s lips curled into a cold, predatory smile. “Oh, but I don’t think I’m better than everyone else,” he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. 

“I know I am.”

His eyes bored into yours with an intensity that made your blood run cold. “You see, the difference between us is that I understand the stakes and I’m willing to see them through. You, on the other hand, are just a pawn in a game you can’t even begin to comprehend.”

A chill ran through you as his words sank in. Something about his tone felt off, the confidence in his stance unnerving. 

“You should’ve stayed out of it,” a voice said, smooth and tainted with disappointment. The sound sent a jolt of shock through your system, your heart stuttering as you turned to face the source.

“Wooyoung?” you breathed, your eyes widening as he stepped into view. There he stood, casually leaning against a workstation, his presence out of place in the dimly lit lab. Your mind reeled, the pieces of a sinister puzzle snapping into place with a clarity that felt like a punch to the gut. 

“You’ve been feeding him information this whole time?”

Wooyoung shrugged, his expression calm and unapologetic. “I didn’t think anything of it until you started getting involved.” Wooyoung moved closer, his eyes dark and unreadable. 

“You wanted to be a hero, didn’t you?” he continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “To uncover the truth and save the day? You flew too close to the sun Y/N. And now you’re about to get burned.”

“Jung Wooyoung, how… how could… c-could y-you…” you slurred, your voice barely a whisper as a sharp pain bloomed at the base of your neck. The words struggled to leave your lips, each syllable a battle against the sedative coursing through your veins. Your legs gave way beneath you, and you crumpled to the ground, the world around you spinning into a blur.

Wooyoung’s expression remained impassive, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched you fall. There was no hint of emotion in his eyes, just a cold detachment that sent a shiver down your spine. The edges of your vision darkened, and you fought to keep your eyes open, to stay conscious just a little longer.

Above you, Yeosang’s face hovered, his expression cold and clinical. He withdrew the needle with a practiced ease, his gaze never wavering from yours. There was no sympathy in his eyes, only a chilling resolve.

“When you wake up, you’ll be able to fly again,” Yeosang murmured, his voice a soft, almost soothing contrast to the harsh reality of the situation. His words echoed in your mind as the darkness finally claimed you, pulling you into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Cirrus’ nose twitched, sensing something amiss. The bond linking your minds flickered with distress and confusion, and the dragon’s primal instincts surged to the surface. She felt your fear, your pain, and the sudden, terrifying drop in your consciousness.

She thrashed against the cavern walls, her eyes blazing with fierce, protective fury. A deafening bellow erupted from her, demanding to know where you were and why you were in danger. The sound echoed through the caverns, a call of desperation and anger.

“Cirrus!” your grandmother shouted, her voice nearly drowned out by the dragon’s roars. She raised her hands, trying to project a sense of calm, but Cirrus’s eyes, glowing with an intense, wild light, were locked on the horizon. She wasn’t listening. She couldn’t. The only thing that mattered was finding you.

With a final, bone-chilling roar, Cirrus made her decision. The ground shook from the force of her takeoff, and in an instant, she was soaring into the sky, leaving the chaos of the caverns behind.

Your grandmother watched in helpless dismay as Cirrus disappeared into the clouds, her heart pounding with fear and uncertainty.

BREAKING NEWS – DRAGON FLYING TOWARDS CROMER LABS, ALL CIVILIANS IN THE AREA EVACUATED

“Seonghwa,” Yunho panicked, thrusting his phone at Seonghwa, the live footage of Cirrus charging at full speed toward Cromer Labs filling the screen. “You should see this.”

Seonghwa’s heart dropped as he watched a familiar lavender dragon streak across the sky, her massive wings slicing through the air with terrifying precision. Cirrus was in a frenzy, and there was no mistaking her target. Cromer Labs loomed in the distance, its cold, clinical exterior standing stark against the dragon’s wild, primal energy.

As the facility came into view, Cirrus let out a ferocious roar that echoed through the skies like a battle cry. The sound reverberated with a force that shook the very earth, and Seonghwa knew this wasn’t just a dragon on the loose—this was a guardian seeking her bonded.

“Shit.” 

Seonghwa didn’t hesitate. Without another word, he sprinted through the estate, his mind racing. He had to reach Cirrus before she tore the lab apart—or worse, before the lab’s defenses and keepers decided she was too great a threat to let live.

He called out for Starshine, his voice cutting through the night air with urgency. The response was immediate as Seonghwa vaulted onto her back, gripping the reins tightly.

“Let’s go,” he urged, and with a powerful leap, Starshine launched into the sky. 

The wind roared in Seonghwa’s ears as they soared toward the lab, the landscape below blurring into a patchwork of dark fields and city lights. He could see the trail of destruction Cirrus had left in her wake, the telltale signs of her fury etched into the ground.

The lab’s alarms blared, a cacophony of sound that only fueled Cirrus’s rage. She landed with a ground-shaking impact, her claws carving deep gouges into the asphalt as she tore through the barriers in her path. Debris flew in every direction, and the humans in the surrounding area scrambled in panic, but Cirrus paid them no mind. Her only focus was finding you, protecting you, and destroying anything that stood in her way.

Seonghwa urged Starshine to fly faster, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see Cirrus now, a force of nature, her chest heaving with each breath as she prepared to breach the lab’s final defenses. Smoke curled from her nostrils, twisting into the air like a dark omen.

“Hold on, Cirrus,” Seonghwa muttered under his breath as they closed in. He knew they had only moments before things escalated beyond control. Starshine’s wings beat furiously as they approached, and Seonghwa’s mind raced with a single thought: he had to reach her, to calm her, before it was too late.

Yunho, close behind on Voltage, was already scanning the area, trying to piece together what could have caused such a violent reaction from the usually controlled dragon. 

Cirrus’s massive form shifted, her glowing eyes locking onto Seonghwa and Yunho. There was no recognition, no bond to anchor her; all that remained was the raw, primal instinct to protect and destroy. With a snarl that sent chills down their spines, Cirrus suddenly lunged at them, her powerful wings sending a gust of wind that nearly knocked Seonghwa off balance.

“Yunho, move!” Seonghwa shouted, pulling Starshine into a sharp ascent as Cirrus barreled toward them. The impact of her claws against the air sent a shockwave through the sky, and Seonghwa could feel the vibration in his bones. 

Yunho was already moving, as Starshine dove down to intercept Cirrus before she could close the distance on Voltage. The two dragons collided in mid-air, their roars deafening as they grappled with each other. Claws slashed through the air, and the sky lit up with bursts of energy as Starshine tried to hold Cirrus back.

“Cirrus, stop!” Seonghwa called out, but his voice was drowned out by the fury of the fight. Starshine twisted to avoid Cirrus’s snapping jaws, trying to push her back without hurting her. Resetting course, she flapped her wings, diving toward Cirrus with precision. The goal wasn’t to harm but to restrain, to bring her back to herself.

But Cirrus was relentless, her rage blinding her to everything but the perceived threat. She twisted out of Starshine’s grasp, her tail lashing out and clipping her wing. Starshine let out a sharp cry, struggling to maintain balance as they fought to stay in the air.

“Seonghwa! Yunho!”

A flash of radiant light cut through the gloom, slicing across the horizon like a blade of pure sunlight. 

“Lady Sunmi!” Seonghwa exclaimed, a relief washing over him. Your sister had arrived with her dragon, Eos. 

For a moment, the ferocity in Cirrus’ eyes wavered, her primal instincts recognizing the strength and authority that Eos carried. Without any further hesitation, she snapped out of her reverie and let out a furious roar, the sound reverberating across the sky.

Without warning, Cirrus lunged at Eos, her claws outstretched, teeth bared in a savage snarl. Eos barely had time to react, pulling up sharply to avoid the full force of the charge. She flapped her wings with powerful strokes, trying to gain altitude, but Cirrus was relentless.

Eos twisted in the air, countering with a sharp turn of her own, her claws slashing through the sky as she retaliated. The clash of their massive forms shook the ground below. Angling her wings just in time, Eos narrowly avoided the strike, and retaliated with a swift, calculated blow to Cirrus's flank.

The hit landed, and Cirrus snarled in pain, momentarily losing her momentum. Cirrus whirled around, using her powerful hind legs to launch herself at Eos once more. The two dragons became a blur of motion—claws slashing, tails whipping, wings beating furiously as they fought for dominance.

Cirrus lunged, her jaws snapping mere inches from Eos’s neck. Eos countered with a powerful wing swipe, sending Cirrus spiraling out of control. Letting out a roar of frustration, Cirrus’s breath came in ragged gasps as she struggled to regain her bearings. But Eos was ready.

With a final, commanding bellow, Eos surged forward, wrapping Cirrus in a tight, unyielding grip. It was a move that combined raw strength with the gentle pressure of authority, signaling the battle’s end.

The younger dragon thrashed wildly in the air, fighting against the hold. But Eos held firm, her wings encircling Cirrus in a protective embrace. Slowly, Cirrus’s struggles weakened, her energy spent. The wild light in her eyes dimmed as exhaustion took over, and she finally relented, collapsing against Eos in a shuddering heap.

From a distance, Seonghwa and Yunho watched with bated breath, their hearts pounding in their chests. The tension in the air was almost suffocating as Cirrus fought against your sister and her own instincts.

"Y/N’s in there," Yunho said quietly, voice tinged with horror as he pieced together the damage. The thought of you being trapped inside that cold, clinical building while Cirrus tore through it like a force of nature was almost too much to bear.

"We have to get her out of there," Seonghwa said, his voice laced with urgency. He couldn’t let you stay in that place a moment longer, not while Cirrus was in a blind rage, and not while the lab’s security systems were likely more focused on containing the dragon than ensuring the safety of those inside.

When you come to, a sharp, throbbing pain radiates from the back of your head, and you squint against the dim light of the room. The disorientation is overwhelming, but as your vision clears, the reality of your situation slams into you with the force of a freight train. You’re strapped to the seat of a console, the cold metal biting into your wrists and ankles as you instinctively try to free yourself. Panic surged through you, your breath quickening as you tugged desperately at the restraints.

Your heart raced as your bleary eyes settled on the ominous sight before you—a life-sized incubation tube dominating the center of the room, its sleek, metallic frame reflecting the sparse, sterile light that filters through the darkness. 

The dragon was still, its eyes closed in what appeared to be a deep, dreamless sleep. The liquid around it was a pale, ethereal color, giving the impression that the dragon was floating in a kind of otherworldly cocoon. The sight was both mesmerizing and disquieting, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the dragon you were familiar with.

You try to steady your breathing, to push back the rising tide of fear, but the sight before you only deepens the sense of dread that clung to your thoughts. What is this place? Why are you here? And, most terrifying of all, what have they done to this dragon?

“You’re awake,” Yeosang sings, his tone dripping with a cruel sort of amusement.

Your blood runs cold as you turn your head to find him standing just a few feet away, his expression a twisted mask of satisfaction. The light casts sharp shadows across his face, highlighting the dangerous glint in his eyes. He’s been watching you, waiting for this moment, and the realization makes your stomach churn.

"What is this?" you manage to choke out, your voice trembling despite your efforts to stay calm. 

“This,” Yeosang continued, his voice softening with a rare hint of reverence, “is the result of years of research and experimentation. It represents the pinnacle of my efforts to unlock the limits of dragon physiology and enhance their abilities. Everything I’ve worked for has led to this moment.”

You glanced back at the dragon, the sight of its serene slumber now tinged with a new layer of complexity. The creature was no longer just a subject in a high-tech incubator but a living embodiment of Yeosang’s ambitions and research.

He stepped closer, his gaze flicking briefly to the dragon in the tube before settling back on you. "And you are going to be a part of it."

Yeosang watched you struggle with a detached interest. His gaze drifted towards the sleek console that contained you where a complex array of wires and screens are meticulously arranged. 

"What are you doing? Let me go," you demand, your voice stronger this time, though still edged with fear. You tug against the restraints once more, ignoring the pain as the metal digs into your skin. You have to find a way out, a way to stop whatever nightmare Yeosang is orchestrating.

Yeosang ignored your pleas. "The neural link is nearly complete. When activated, it will fuse your consciousness with the dragon's. The transmitter embedded in your neck interfaces directly with the dragon’s neural pathways, creating a seamless telepathic connection."

“Let me go!” you screamed, your voice breaking with fear and desperation.

“Let you go?” he repeated, his tone devoid of sympathy. “Not when we’re on the brink of witnessing how the regenerative function operates. It’s one of the most crucial aspects of this experiment,” Yeosang continued, his voice almost reverent. 

“Don’t you want to fly again, Y/N?” He glanced at you with a hint of curiosity, as if testing the waters of your desperation. “Don’t you want to heal that broken back of yours?”

The notion of flying again, once a cherished dream, was now twisted into a horrifying spectacle of manipulation. The thought of being bound to the dragon, subjected to its primal force and the invasive technology that linked you both, was overwhelming.

“You know,” he said with faint amusement, “you’re the first candidate to fight back. Most of the others were quite compliant.”

“The kids,” you managed to choke out, your voice barely a whisper. “What have you done to them?”

“Yes, the children were part of the initial trials,” he sighed, ignoring you again. “Their young minds were more adaptable to the neural interface. But there were… complications.”

“Complications?” you echo, your stomach churning.

“Some of the connections were too strong,” Yeosang admits, his tone almost clinical. “The riders lost their sense of self, becoming too intertwined with the dragons. It was a setback, but one that provided valuable data. Physically, they’re fine, though they do face some… emotional challenges.”

The room seemed to close in around you as you processed the enormity of his words. The children had become casualties of Yeosang’s ambition, their identities obliterated in the name of progress. 

“Where are they?” you gritted. 

“They’re being monitored,” he explained, his voice devoid of any hint of empathy. “Their bodies are intact, but their minds—well, they’re still part of the ongoing research. We’re studying the effects of the integration and how to refine the process.”

As the machinery around you began to hum with increased intensity, the final preparations for the experiment were being set into motion. The neural link cables glowed brighter, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls.

Panic surged through you as you strained against the metal restraints. “No, no, please, no,” you cried, your voice cracking with desperation.

The sudden blare of alarms pierced through the hum of machinery, their shrill wail growing louder and more urgent. Yeosang’s face darkened as the alarms were interspersed with the rhythmic pounding of what sounded like heavy impacts from outside. The building itself seemed to shudder, its walls vibrating as if responding to an unseen force.

“Hey, bastard,” a voice growled from the shadows, carrying an unmistakable authority and defiance. “You better get out of there before the authorities shut down your little operation. Her dragon’s about to tear the place down.”

The voice, emerging from the very darkness of the lab, stood in stark contrast to the mechanical whirring and the blaring alarms. Your heart raced with a mix of hope and disbelief as you turned your head and saw a familiar figure stepping into the dim light.

Mingi…?

<< xi | xiii >>

a/n: chapter xii is finally here! it might be a while before the next chapter as i'll be out for a procedure in a week. but uhhh yeah, mingi 👀

taglist: @chngbnwf, @sunnysidesins @litolmochi @syubseokie @park-simphwa @szakias @babymbbatinygirl @oddracha @maliamaiden @signingsongbird @passionandsuga @mitchii