cw // violence, blood, mentions of death, death

to write this, i listened to fairy of shampoo txt version, i'm tired (from euphoria), elliot's song (also from euphoria), sos by twice, and up no more by twice, amor eterno by rocio durcal, and mistki's laurel hell so you already know the vibes 😫‼️

if this may be uncomfortable for you, please refrain from reading past the third "🩸" i will write a shortened version of what happened at the end of the chapter notes, so that you are aware of what happened.

happy reading!

"What am I supposed to do, Yoongi?"

Hoseok tugged uncomfortably at his clothes, ones perfectly ironed, with not a single thread out of place. His eyes met Yoongi's in the mirror, a small frown tugging at his lips. Yoongi made no response to Hosoek's question, focusing instead on Hoseok's beauty. He let his fingers brush across Hoseok's clothes, let his head dip towards Hoseok's neck, breathing in deeply Hoseok's intoxicating scent. Yoongi's head nestled into the crook of Hoseok's shoulder, his arms falling to encircle themselves around Hoseok's waist. Hoseok drew a sharp breath, his eyes never leaving the mirror.

"The moment I am crowned King, I'll lose you," Hoseok breathed, his hands finding themselves on top of Yoongi's. "Forever. Will I forget everything about you? Will things go back to the way they were before? Enemies. Will I hate you?"

Yoongi pressed a light kiss to Hoseok's jaw, tightening his hold of Hoseok. "We're trying, sunshine. I won't let anything happen to us."

"I just got you back," Hoseok whispered, his eyes flitting downwards, "I know everything between us was unconventional, but the little time I have had with you does not compare to anything I've ever felt."

"Careful, Hoseok," Yoongi murmured, looking up at Hoseok with amusement. "It's starting to sound like you're about to confess your feelings for me are more than you've let on."

"If it were, shouldn't you sound happier?" Hoseok chuckled softly, "I seem to recall telling you how I felt many nights ago."

"Ah, but that was before you didn't have any memory of our times together," Yoongi answered, looking up at Hoseok. "Is it not fair that I prepare myself for the inevitable change that will come of us now that the initial shock has disappeared?"

Hoseok smiled. "If it were, Yoongi, I wouldn't be trying to bear my heart out to you."

"You make it sound like a goodbye," Yoongi said, letting go of Hoseok's waist. "Let us not dwell on the negatives, Hoseok. We are with each other now, and I will be every step of the way."

"You should be alongside me."

"The Crown was never something meant for me," Yoongi said, brushing off the dust in Hoseok's robes. "For what's it is worth, you shine in these clothes. Royalty suits you well."

There were so many things that Hoseok wanted to say, but looking at Yoongi's careful watch over him, Hoseok found his throat running dry. A comfortable silence lulled between the two of them, and Hoseok kept it that way, taking the time to look at every trace of Yoongi. Hoseok could permanently forget Yoongi. The feelings he used to have for Yoongi would come back. He'd despise Yoongi and his brothers. He'd hate everyone that wasn't human.

Hoseok didn't want that. He knew he had feelings for Yoongi. In all the chaos, Yoongi had been the one person who led him to discover the truth of everything. Yoongi could have forced Hoseok to be his, made Hoseok a vampire to save himself the trouble, but he didn't. Yoongi had been genuine towards him. He'd liberated Hoseok— given him the option to explore on his own accord. He gave Hoseok the choice to grow to love Yoongi— to realize that Yoongi wasn't a bad person. That Yoongi was someone Hoseok would willingly side with.

In his heart, Hoseok knew that he'd heed every word that could come out of Yoongi's lips.

Hoseok turned to Yoongi, letting his hands cup Yoongi's cheeks briefly. Yoongi's eyes glanced up at Hoseok, though no words came out of his mouth. Yoongi stayed perfectly still, letting Hoseok run his fingers through his hair, his touch delicate. Hoseok paused, hesitating slightly as his finger hovered over Yoongi's bottom lip before letting his finger run across it.

"I don't want to lose you."

Hoseok closed the distance between them, kissing Yoongi as passionately as he could. His fingers threaded themselves to the back of Yoongi's head, and he found himself tilting his head to give himself more room to take in Yoongi. These were lips Hoseok wanted to etch into his memory. This was the man Hoseok wanted never to leave his mind. Yoongi was the one Hoseok wanted to choose to love, over and over again. Eros had hit his mark well with Hoseok, and as their lips continued to touch, Hoseok could feel tears beginning to water in his eyes, though he attempted to push them back, wanting to keep his attention on Yoongi. His fingers slipped down Yoongi's body, and Hoseok committed it to memory, wanting nothing more than to stop time.

He wanted to breathe in Yoongi, consume Yoongi's entire existence. Just the thought of having Yoongi in his arms was enough to set Hoseok's heart ablaze. It was a feeling that Hoseok had thought he'd already felt, but with Yoongi, it was indescribable. Hoseok couldn't explain the hold Yoongi had on him, how Yoongi made him want to do things he never would have dreamed of. His feelings felt intense to the point where Hoseok felt like he might burst, but he found himself wanting it that way. He preferred it that way because that's what Yoongi made him feel.

Hoseok would accept anything that came from Yoongi. He would give up anything for Yoongi. He would give everything to Yoongi. As long as Hoseok had Yoongi by his side, Hoseok was ready to do everything he could to be by Yoongi's side.

He would have thought it different when he regained all of his memories. But, all Hoseok could feel was understanding. He didn't feel angry at Yoongi for anything that he did. If anything, his anger was directed at his father. His father had done irreparable damage— ones that Hoseok knew his father had no remorse for. Hoseok was ashamed of even having someone like Micah be his father, and everything he had made everyone do, including Yeonjun, was something Hoseok could not forgive of him.

He'd involved Seokjin, someone Micah knew would never be the right match for Hoseok. If things would have been different, Hoseok would have been able to see a future with Seokjin. Maybe human-wise, they were right for each other. But, Hoseok's soul had always belonged to another, and nothing could get in the way of that. Yoongi was intoxicating and irresistible, and Hoseok found himself addicted. He wanted to explore more, to fully be with Yoongi, and live eternity with him.

"I think I love you, Yoongi."

A small laugh bubbled from Yoongi's chest.

"You think, Hoseok?"

Hoseok kissed the top of Yoongi's forehead, before pulling Yoongi for an embrace.

"I would prefer death than to spend the rest of my life without remembering your existence," Hoseok murmured, holding Yoongi close. "The Crown will have to be forced on my head."

"We will do the best we can to ensure you don't become King under these circumstances," Yoongi assured, pulling away from Hoseok. "Yeonjun has already managed to take down the walls keeping us from entering, and we are hoping that we'll fully be able to rid your tie to this palace. But, if all else fails, I have something for you."

Hoseok watched as Yoongi pulled out what seemed to be a small syringe filled with a thick golden liquid. He handed it to Hoseok, who rolled it between his fingers delicately.

"If it comes down to it, you can use it to become one of us," Yoongi said, looking away. "I hope it does not come down to this. I have no idea what the consequences would be if you were to Turn with you being tied down to this place."

"You could see for yourself," Hoseok said, looking at the syringe. Yoongi laughed, shaking his head at the suggestion.

"If I see the outcome, I will take away your freedom to choose," Yoongi responded. "If I see anything in the future that can harm you, I will take it away from you. I want you to have the choice, at least, to choose what you want to do with your future."

Yoongi suddenly tensed.

"What's wrong?"

"Seokjin," Yoongi responded, backing towards the window. "He's coming. He's...different. I must go. I will see you, Hoseok. I promise. Don't let Seokjin get the better of you."

"Wait, but—"

Without another word, Yoongi was out of sight, leaving Hoseok in a state of confusion. He quickly stashed the syringe in his interior pocket, straightening himself up. As Yoongi had said, there was a loud knock on the door, startling Hoseok far more than he thought it would. From the sound of it, Hoseok knew it was Seokjin, and he opened the door, mentally preparing himself for Seokjin.

Though, nothing could have prepared Hoseok for the sight before him.

"What happened to you?" Hoseok audibly gasped, taking a couple of steps back.

Hoseok had never seen Seokjin so terrifying. Just the way that Seokjin walked in the room, emitting power and presence were enough to make Hoseok want to remain miles away from him. But, the most terrifying aspect of Seokijn now was his appearance. His left eye was no longer the brown that Hoseok remembered them to be. In place of the brown was an icy blue, one that could easily be mistaken for white. His hair had also changed— the brunette color only appearing on his right side to match the white of his eye. Danger gleamed in the eyes of Seokjin, emotions that Hoseok had never seen manifested into the former in his life.

"I got better for you, Hoseok," Seokjin smiled, though his smile held no warmth in it. "I'm strong enough now, my love."

Hoseok stiffened as Seokjin wrapped his arms around his body with strength Hoseok didn't know Seokjin had. Seokjin's touch didn't feel the same either. There was something foreign about it, and Hoseok didn't like it. He tried pushing Seokjin away, which proved unsuccessful as Hoseok was no match for the grip Seokjin had on him.

"Strong enough for what, Seokjin?" Hoseok asked, not knowing if he actually wanted to know the answer. Seokjin chuckled, drawing away the hair in front of Hoseok's face and tucking it behind Hoseok's ear.

"I can kill the Purebloods," Seokjin said gleefully. "Every single one of them."

Hoseok froze, his heart dropping at the revelation.

It couldn't be.

"Isn't this great, Hoseok?" Seokjin mused, kissing Hoseok's cheek. "We'll finally be together. Not even the Purebloods can get in our way now."

"Seokjin, what did you do?"

Seokjin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the sound of Hoseok's voice. He cocked his head to the side, gazing at Hoseok quizzically. Seokjin didn't know what he was expecting from Hoseok, but it definitely wasn't that. He sounded frightened, and from the look in Hoseok's eyes, Seokjin seemed to realize that Hoseok wasn't just terrified of what Seokjin had done.

Hoseok was terrified of him.

"You should be happy about this," Seokjin muttered, his eyes raking across Hoseok's features. "Why are you not happy? We get to have a future together without them. We will never have to deal with them again. You look beautiful, Hoseok. Royalty suits you well."

Hoseok's eyes widened a fraction, though he said nothing. He nodded stiffly, itching to get away from Seokjin. He couldn't figure out what Seokjin was now. All Hoseok knew was that there was no way Seokjin could ever size up against the Purebloods as a human.

"What are you?"

Seokjin laughed at Hoseok's question as if it were something that he was being asked out of the blue. He let Hoseok go, taking the time to brush his own outfit. He grabbed ahold of Hoseok's wrist, guiding him towards the mirror Yoongi and Hoseok had been standing at a few moments before. Seokjin smiled at their reflections in the mirror, chest puffing proudly at how they looked like. They both radiated power. They both looked like Kings. They both looked perfect.

"I sacrificed half of my humanity for you, Hoseok," Seokjin spoke gently, though his words were laced with ice. "I will never be able to show you how much I love you. But, that is a small price to pay to be by your side for the rest of our lives. Now, come. Everyone is waiting for you to make your appearance, my King."

🩸

"Artemis has gone too far."

Yeonjun paced back and forth in his mother's room, trying his best to calm himself down. His mother looked just as livid, her eyes shining brightly in anger. Selene had yet to make her appearance, but with Yeonjun's emotions in disarray, Yeonjun knew that it wouldn't take long for her to show up. Yeonjun's direct ties to the moon made it so that whatever emotions he was feeling could impact the moon. He couldn't see the moon right now, but if he were to assume the status of it, the moon was probably dimming its light, flickering on and off in rhythm with Yeonjun's emotions.

"What are we supposed to do?" Yeonjun asked, turning towards Hecate. "No one suspected that Artemis was going to help a man other than her brother for once in her existence."

"I never imagined Artemis would have turned out this way," Hecate murmured, a dangerous expression on her face. "Poor boy. He doesn't know what he's just accepted. I truly did not want him to be considered the antagonist, but, now, I don't think Kim Seokjin can be redeemed."

"Truly?"

Hecate nodded. "It's one thing to accept an offer from Artemis once. What he had accepted originally did not change him or his character. To accept a second offer, let alone one as magnifying as this one. He isn't like you or any of your cousins."

"We all bear similarities now," Yeonjun pursed his lips. Hecate shook her head slightly, pressing her lips into a thin hard line.

"He wasn't born," Hecate emphasized. "He was made. Forged. You came out of my womb. The same with my nephews. I do not know what conditions allowed for the allowance of Seokjin given the gifts of gods. I do not know how a human would have been able to withstand receiving such gifts. What I do know is that anything could happen now."

It should have been impossible.

The Purebloods were half-vampire, half Gods. They retained human qualities that Gods would often take, while also taking traits from their father, who was solely a vampire. Yeonjun had been a different story. Though his mother had never talked about his father, Yeonjun knew that he was at least one-fourth human, but everything else that he had came from his mother. Each of their existence was something unusual, but something that can be understood. Selene and Hecate were women, and they could get pregnant. Artemis, having taken the vow of chastity could never have a child, which made this entire ordeal all the more unusual.

As far as anyone knew, Seokjin held no trace of God in his veins. He was a human through and through, which should have made it impossible for Artemis to be able to give him anything without risking him to death. Seokjin hadn't done anything extraordinary either to be granted the gift of the Gods. But what did that matter now? Artemis figured out a way to do it, and now, Seokjin was similar to them. He was still human, but now his DNA was altered to fit that of God.

Would that mean that Seokjin would have abilities of his own?

Having the blood of God's running always came with gifts. The Purebloods had theirs, Yeonjun had his own, so what would that make Seokjin? Yeonjun knew that Seokjin would more than likely be able to resist Jimin's ability because now he was only half of what he was before. How much more powerful would Seokjin be now? What could he do to permanently drive the wedge between Yoongi and Hoseok?

"I fear that whatever Seokjin possesses will have influence over Hoseok," Hecate murmured, expression souring. "It doesn't matter how strong Seokjin got physically. He still needs a blood-shielded weapon. For that, he needs Hoseok to loathe the mere thought of Yoongi's name."

The shattering of glass startled both Yeonjun and Hecate, who'd been too wrapped in conversation to notice Selene standing there, listening. Selene's expression was unreadable, and she spared no effort to apologize for everything the pieces of glass now scattered across the pristine floor. Hecate immediately stood up, already making her way towards Selene, though she stopped at Selene's brisk hand raise.

"She made that measly human half-god?" Selene asked, her voice strangely calm. Yeonjun and Hecate nodded, not knowing what else to say. "I didn't realize she would stoop so low as to make a man have some of her blood. Would the boy count as her child then?"

"He was made, Selene," Hecate answered. "Not born. But, his loyalties will lie with Artemis. I'm sure she has him on a chastity vow. The moment he breaks it, she'll kill him."

"I will never forgive her," Selene let out a laugh. "She'll go to such drastic measures so my son can't have his love? She has gone mad."

"Can you blame her?" Hecate murmured, dipping her head. "She's been waiting since my nephews' existence to get her revenge on you. I don't think anyone thought she would pull this though."

"Gods play by their own rules, Hecate," Selene smiled ruefully, "You can do whatever you wish because you're a God. My children are like Gods because I was made into a God. We will always have our limitations. Artemis doesn't. She can choose to abandon her morality to get what she seeks."

Hecate put her hand on Selene's shoulder as if it to comfort her. Selene looked away, clearing her throat slightly before continuing.

"If my eldest son loses his soulmate, there will be hell to pay."

"How in danger do you think Hoseok is in?"

Yeonjun could hardly care to keep the worry out of his voice. Pain flickered across both Hecate and Selene's features, their bodies becoming frozen in place. He knew that it was a useless question. From the moment Hoseok became of age, he was placed in the middle of danger. For everything that he had already gone through, asking the magnitude of danger was irrelevant. What needed to happen was a solution and fast.

It had taken them days to fully alter the wards around the palace. Hecate and Yeonjun still weren't close enough to rid the barriers of their tie with Hoseok, and with Artemis finally showing her trump card, Kim Seokjin, who could no longer be separated from the evil that he'd been unfortunate to be thrust into from such an early age.

Then, there was Micah, a wild card in itself. What would he do once he realized Hoseok would never be on his side again? He had already started to remember the memories that he'd suppressed, but apart from Yeonjun and the Purebloods, only he and Hoseok would know what actually happened. Would he sacrifice Hoseok to keep his reputation intact? What measures would he take?

"If fate is in his favor, Hoseok will live as he has," Hecate finally said. "If not, this may be the last time you see him alive."

🩸

There was something strange about the way the coronation ceremony was proceeding that left Yoongi on edge.

The coronation ceremony had already begun as Yoongi stealthily worked his way to the front, his eyes never leaving Hoseok's. Seokjin, the now half-God, was by Hoseok's side, piercing into the crowd to ensure that there weren't any unwanted guests. If this were any other situation, Yoongi would have laughed. But, this situation was life and death, and Yoongi wasn't too keen on fueling the flames that were already burning.

He could make this easy on himself and use his abilities to get his way. Yoongi could break every law in existence that bound him to his morals just to get his way, but he didn't have it in him to do it. The Fates had already warned him that events that were meant to happen would no matter what Yoongi did and that the best thing to do was let the strings of fate run their course. Yoongi hoped that things wouldn't go to the impossible.

"I can't feel Hoseok," Jimin whispered in Yoongi's ear. "He's not himself. He's angry. The anger doesn't feel like it's his, but it's still a part of him. It's strange."

"And Seokjin?"

Jimin grimaced. "It's as Yeonjun said, but I can feel him more than I can Hoseok. That sword he has, it's dangerous. Yoongi. It's a blood-shielded weapon."

Yoongi cursed silently. "We have the only one that they were able to make. How'd Seokjin manage it?"

"Hoseok."

That was the only way Seokjin would be able to manage it. But, Hoseok had quite literally professed his love to Yoongi, kissing Yoongi as if he were the only person in the universe. What they had exchanged was real, and if Yoongi hadn't restricted himself, he knew that they would have done more than just kiss. Hoseok was adamant about being by Yoongi's side, hopefully to the end. Yeonjun had warned them about Seokjin, but couldn't offer more advice on how to deal with him. It wasn't like they knew what Seokjin was capable of.

Yet.

"Do you think Artemis is around?" Jimin asked. Yoongi shook his head. "I would have assumed she would want to see her triumph against us."

"I think she knows that she has won already," Yoongi grunted, taking the chance to glare daggers at Seokjin.

"It's never too late to abandon your morals," Jimin smiled crookedly. Yoongi wrinkled his nose, lightly punching Jimin on the shoulder. They both knew that to do so would mean altering the path already forged by the Fates. It could never happen. "You're no fun. They're having him face the crowd."

Yoongi hadn't lied when he had told Hoseok that royalty was a perfect fit for him. Hoseok looked regal as he stood in front of his subjects, holding the royal scepter with the utmost care. The crown was already on his head as his oddly dulled eyes began sweeping across the crowds. Micah's voice rang loud and proud as he continued speaking, and it took all of Yoongi's control not to go up there and snap Micah's neck in half. All Yoongi could do was hope that Hoseok would find him in the crowd, and snap out of whatever hold Seokjin had on him.

As if pulled by an invisible string, Hoseok's eyes met Yoongi's.

Yoongi felt his heart caught in his chest. Hoseok didn't seem to fully recognize him, his irises flickering like a light switch. Yoongi knew neither of them would be able to look away from each other— the world would fade into the background. After a few moments, Hoseok seemed to regain consciousness, and a slow smile spread across his lips. Yoongi smiled back, feeling the heavy weight lift from his shoulders. He was still there. Hoseok was still Hoseok. That was all Yoongi needed for now.

"He's some of himself again," Jimin said, affirming Yoongi's thoughts. "I can feel him more now. When do you think they'll fully crown him? This has gone for far too long."

Jimin had a point. Maybe it was because all the previous coronations that they'd attended were for Micah's short lived sons. For Micah, the coronations had been at most, a formality, before he would end their lives. This was the first time in history that Micah was fully giving his crown away to his son, a son that he was purposefully trying to keep away from the Purebloods. What if this wasn't the actual coronation? What if Micah had already arranged everything? If this was nothing more than just a formality or a way to corner the Purebloods? The latter seemed most likely, but if that was the case, shouldn't have they been singled out by now?

"It was nice of you to join us."

There it was.

Yoongi tensed, immediately putting an arm in front of Jimin, who looked just as confused as him. Yoongi heard the doors close with a loud bang, and as he looked around him, he realized that the only ones that remained standing were Jimin and him.

"Well?" Seokjin asked eyebrow raised. "Aren't you going to fully show yourselves? We don't have all day."

It was a trap.

Yoongi should have expected no less from them. He walked towards them, not a single thought of safety in his mind. He looked at Hoseok for what seemed to be the millionth time, but he got nothing. Micah and Seokjin looked at them triumphantly, motioning towards Hoseok, who was now seated on the King's throne.

"I didn't think it was going to be this easy to fool the lot of you," Micah grinned, his voice taunting. "After the wedding mishap, did you really think we'd do important events publicly? I wasn't going to let you ruin everything for me."

"Hoseok took over the crown only moments after you left him, Yoongi," Seokjin's lips curled into a cold, calculating smirk. "I sensed your presence in his room. How you managed to get in and out undetected is beyond me, but I knew that we could no longer delay."

Micah clicked his tongue. "He did put up a fight. I suppose I have you to thank for that. It doesn't matter anymore. You lost, Yoongi. Hoseok has taken his rightful place on my throne. You are now in violation of the treaty."

Hoseok watched the ordeal through a stranger's eyes. He was fully aware of what was happening. He could feel himself wanting to reach out, to scream, to let Yoongi and the others know that he was still on their side, but he knew better than to try to intervene this early on. He couldn't remember exactly the details of what had happened moments before he felt himself in control of himself, but what he could remember was Yoongi's smile.

What he did know, was that Seokjin had pledged full allegiance to his father's side. Hoseok remembered trying to get him to know the truth, but Hoseok had been struck down. Seokjin hadn't listened to a single word that Hoseok had said, believing instead Hoseok's father, who forced the crown on Hoseok's head. It's why the crown was already on his head. It was why the Purebloods and Yeonjun now seemed to be trapped.

He could feel dull aches on various parts of his body. It felt like tiny cuts had been made throughout his body— ones that he had no recollection of but could feel with every small movement. Despite all of that, Hoseok felt relieved. He still possessed his memories from before. He still remembered everyone, and he knew what side he was on. Most importantly, he remembered Yoongi and the feelings that came along with him. It was strange.

Had something gone wrong with Hoseok being crowned?

"Here, my love."

Hoseok could almost cringe at Seokjin's words. He looked up to see Seokjin offering his hand. Knowing all eyes were on him, Hoseok smiled and took Seokjin's hand, letting Seokjin guide him to the front. Seokjin raised Hoseok's hand to his lips, pressing a light kiss against Hoseok's hand. Then, he took the sword on his side out, placing it gently on Hoseok's hand. Hoseok's fingers curled around the hilt of it, twirling it a bit before pointing it directly at Yoongi.

"Hoseok knows who his enemies are," Seokjin said, smiling affectionately at him. "I didn't even have to tell him to point the sword at you. Just admit defeat, Yoongi. It's all I want to hear. Then, we can forget that you and your family were ever here. Hoseok and I will live our happily ever after and you, well, you can see us from afar."

Yoongi scoffed at Seokjin's words, looking at the sword unafraid. Perhaps it was vain to hope on his part, but he was almost sure that Hoseok was aware of everything that was going on. He could see the slight hesitation that couldn't be seen with the naked eye, and although Hoseok spoke no words, Yoongi knew that Hoseok was trying to tell him something. They wouldn't try anything yet. Not until Yoongi knew if Hoseok was too far gone.

"No," Micah interjected. "I want to see Yoongi get on his knees."

Begrudgingly, Yoongi did as he was told, swallowing up his pride. As soon as his knees touched the marble floor, he felt the sword pierce against the side of his neck, earning yells from Jimin who Yoongi knew was aching to try to do something. But, Yoongi refused to escalate a situation that could be easily diffused. He could sacrifice his pride for a few moments of cockiness from the humans.

He watched as Micah walked up to him, holding what seemed to be thin collars. With a smile, he tossed one to Jimin, who slowly put it on. Then he put the other around Yoongi's neck. In addition, Micah forced Yoongi's arms out, slapping them with handcuffs that from the scent had been stained with Hoseok's blood.

"Did Artemis bless you with weapons that hinder our abilities?" Yoongi chuckled, sighing dramatically. "Whatever will we do now that we are all chained up like prisoners of war?"

"I'd be careful with your words if I were you," Micah hissed, kicking Yoongi in the chest. "Right now it's us that has the upper advantage. You'd be wise to humble yourself."

"You could control us, Micah, but as long as the Moon still shines, we have the upper advantage," Yoongi responded cooly, looking up at him defiantly. "You forget, there are only two of us here. Everyone else is unaccounted for. All they need is my signal for the odds to turn against you."

"Are you really willing to go down as the villain?" Micah asked, letting his finger graze the sword that Hoseok was pointing. Yoongi only smiled, raising his head high.

It didn't matter that Hoseok was wielding the sword that could kill Yoongi. It didn't matter that Yoongi knew that the sword actually had the power to kill him. He could very well be seconds away from death, but Yoongi couldn't bring himself to signal to his brothers for help. Not a single thought crossed his mind. The only thing Yoongi found himself doing was looking up, straight at Hoseok, waiting expectantly for his next action.

"How does it feel, Yoongi?" Micah asked, getting closer to him. "Did you already give up? Not a single fight is coming from you or your siblings. It's a shame, really. I would have loved a fight."

"You'd all be dead faster than I blink," Yoongi mused. "Do you consider all of us powerless right now? Everyone is waiting for my signal, Micah. Your petty attempts at threats do not phase me. Hoseok won't kill me. I know it."

Micah let out a laugh. "The sword is touching your skin and you think he won't slice your head off?"

"Hoseok would have done so already," Yoongi smirked, looking back up at Hoseok. "Isn't that right, sunshine?"

Hoseok's lips twitched slightly, but he continued to say nothing. Instead, he walked closer, making sure that the sword was as close as humanly possible. Yoongi chuckled, ignoring both Seokjin and Micah's ridicule. Hoseok and Yoongi's eyes met once more, and in one swift motion, Hoseok turned his sword towards his father and Seokjin, gaze hardened.

"As King, I order the both of you to stand down," Hoseok said, "I may have hesitated on hurting Yoongi, but I will not hesitate on hurting either of you."

"You would hurt your own father?"

Hoseok's jaw clenched. "You lost the right to that the moment you decided your greed was more important than raising your kids. I had a family. Siblings. A mother. You killed them. You hurt your own family."

"Oh, here we go again with this nonsense!" Seokjin snapped. "Just how much did those stupid bloodsuckers manage to brainwash you? Your father would never kill his blood. You don't even have siblings."

"I had siblings," Hoseok snapped back, "But because of him, I lost them. You killed them and then had Yeonjun fix your damage! It's no wonder you wanted me to take over for you. You're a coward, through and through."

Micah's lips pressed into a thin line. "Everything I have done Hoseok is for you."

"You lied to me my entire life," Hoseok said, continuing to hold the sword against both of them. He took a couple of steps towards them, watching as they began to huddle together. "The Purebloods showed me the truth. They showed me who you really are father. Someone's who has been alive for centuries. Someone who replaced the original royal line with your own. You're a fraud and I believed you."

"You don't know what you're talking about," Micah retorted, though his face had gotten considerably pale. "It's not possible that I have lived for centuries. I'm human."

"You made a deal with the Purebloods," Hoseok said, shaking his head. "That's how you've stayed youthful all this time. Give it up. I know. You wanted me to take the Crown because you knew once I did, I'd forget everything I had learned. I'd be the person you wanted me to be. You roped Seokjin into this and look what you made him! He's not even human anymore. All because of your schemes and want of revenge."

Hoseok could feel the slight sting in his eyes, his surroundings becoming momentarily blurry. He blinked back the tears he could, but let the rest fall. His father should see the pain he's caused. Why should Hoseok be trying to hide to spare his father's feelings? His father had spared no one in his conquests. Micah deserved to see the pain that he caused. He deserved the see the son he loved the most in tears because of his actions.

"I don't know what you tried to do to me," Hoseok's voice wavered slightly, as his gaze swept from Seokjin to Micah. "What I do know is that I'm myself now more than ever and as King, I need the both of you to leave."

"You don't mean that Hoseok," Seokjin said, stepping closer to Hoseok. "You're bewitched. You're not yourself. Just listen to yourself. You've gone mad. You don't actually want to kick us out."

"If I didn't, the words would have never left my lips."

"Hoseok, love, this is what they do to," Seokjin said, gesturing towards Yoongi and Jimin. "They want you to side with them. Remember what we talked about before you were crowned King? How could you let them regain that hold on you?"

Hoseok's resolve faltered slightly.

"We've been keeping you safe, darling," Seokjin continued, keeping his voice mellow and sweet. "They're the bad guys. Not us."

Seokjin's eyes glinted dangerously under the lights. It was an expression that Yoongi had seen many times before— primarily on Jimin. He looked towards Jimin, who seemed to come to the same conclusion. There was a reason why Seokjin was the one taking the reigns in trying to lure Hoseok back. It was how they had managed to blood-shield so many weapons at once. It was how Seokjin was going to get Hoseok back on his side. Seokjin wasn't just half-God.

"I didn't peg Artemis to be a copycat," Yoongi snorted, to which Jimin laughed. "First, She makes you half-God and with it, She gave you a gift similar to Jimin's?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Seokjin hummed, looking back at Hoseok. "Come here, Hoseok. I'll protect you from them."

"It doesn't," Jimin interjected, smirking triumphantly. "Even that would be too much for Artemis's ego to handle. I was wondering why I couldn't feel Hoseok at first. I see why now."

Seokjin raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.

"Hoseok, Seokjin is manipulating you the way Jimin manipulates other humans," Yoongi said, looking up at Hoseok. "He can make you feel things you don't actually feel. He can make you believe him. It's how you got crowned. It's why you're faltering now."

Seokjin sighed. "This is how they lie to you, Hoseok. Are you going to fall for it?"

"Seokjin, we have nothing against you," Jimin said, briskly walking towards Yoongi. He made a slight face, saying, "Is this how slow you humans walk? Unbelievable. I almost feel sorry for you."

Jimin looped his arm around Yoongi's, pulling him back up. Micah began to protest, but Hoseok quickly raised the sword higher, pointing it at Micah. Seokjin stayed still, an indiscernible expression on his face. The glint in his eyes had yet to disappear, and Yoongi suspected that Seokjin was still trying to hold on to the small pull he thought he had on Hoseok. It was almost pitiful.

"You have nothing to do with this, Seokjin," Jimin continued, "Our issue is with Micah. You can still get out. You can still be forgiven."

"I don't need forgiveness from you."

Despite how much Yoongi wanted to rip Seokjin limb from limb, he had to give Seokjin the benefit of the doubt. After all, Seokjin was unwillingly wrapped in this from the moment he was three years old. He was just as much of a victim as Hoseok, and everyone deserved redemption— even those who made deals with other Gods under false pretenses. There was a chance that Seokjin could get on the right side, even if that involved letting Hoseok go. Yoongi would never know how Seokjin currently felt, and he didn't want to try to.

While it wasn't Seokjin's fault that he'd been put in this mess, Seokjin was being stubborn. He was refusing to see reason, preferring to live in ignorance. Perhaps Seokjin admitting that their side was the right side would mean that Seokjin would have to give up Hoseok romantically. Personally, Yoongi didn't see the problem. Seokjin had already given up the chance to be intimate with someone through his deal with Artemis. It was possible to bounce back from that. He had seen it with Jungkook's family, and Yoongi knew that it was possible for Seokjin to find someone new. All Seokjin had to do was see reason.

"Hoseok was fine without your intervention," Seokjin said. "My problems come from you. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Hoseok and I would be happily married, ruling over this country the best that we could. Instead, I have to be fighting for the person that was meant to be with me for the rest of my life."

"If I didn't exist, Seokjin, Hoseok would be yours," Yoongi spoke, "But it's because I exist that you crossed paths with him. That's the beauty of fate. I told you once, and I will say it again. You cannot prevent the unpreventable."

"I never stood a chance with you in the picture, did I?" Seokjin smiled ruefully. Yoongi shook his head. "So that's the end of it, then."

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," Yoongi said. In some ways, he meant it. Without Micah intervening, Seokjin wouldn't have been paired with Hoseok. He would have been saved from the heartbreak that comes with love. He would still be human. "You didn't deserve this."

"Don't listen to them, Seokjin," Micah said. "They're just trying to get you the same way they got Hoseok."

"Father, don't force my hand," Hoseok cut in. "I told you both to leave. I don't want to spill unnecessary blood."

Micah opened his mouth to argue but was stopped. Seokjin raised his hand to silence everyone. He slowly let his eyes go around the room, letting the tension permeate the room. Finally, he caved in, kneeling in front of Hoseok. Hoseok's lips parted in surprise at the action, and he slowly brought the sword down, before fully letting it clang onto the floor.

"I'll do as you say," Seokjin said, keeping his gaze on the floor. "All I ask is for one last embrace."

"Seokjin—" Micah began, his voice quickly drowned out by Hoseok's.

"Okay."

Hoseok gave Seokjin his hand and lifted him from his knees. Hoseok smiled sadly, pulling Seokjin into his arms for what thought would be the last time between them. Despite all the wrongs that Seokjin had done, Hoseok couldn't fully blame him. For Seokjin to take this step meant there was a shot of redemption in him. It was far more than what his father could ever have, and Hoseok didn't want to be like his father. If Seokjin and his father disappeared, then everything would be solved.

"I love you."

Hoseok nodded once. "I know, Seokjin. I love you too."

He felt Seokjin smile against the side of his head. "You'll be remembered as a hero."

"No!"

But it was too late.

Tell me, Hoseok.

Hoseok was flipped towards the Purebloods too fast for him to comprehend.

If this was your affirmed reality, your fate, would you be prepared to die?

"I'm sorry, my love."

Seokjin sliced cleanly through Hoseok's throat. Blood began to spill as soon as the blade broke Hoseok's skin, and Hoseok gasped for air, his hand trying to stop the blood from spilling. The palace began to crumble, the paintings and pillars beginning to become undone, restoring the palace to the way it was before Seokjin had made the deal with Artemis. The light fixtures were bubbling in and out as Hoesok began to bleed out, fully giving out as Seokjin plunged the blade into Hoseok's chest.

"Our sacrifice will not go in vain."

Hoseok fell to his knees, his heartbeat ringing in his ears. His breath was erratic, vision blurring, his consciousness becoming lost in the wind. He could hear the shouts for him, the cascading of marble and granite beginning to fall on top of him, but he couldn't do anything. He knew nothing about what was going on in his surroundings— if the palace crumbling around him would take Yoongi and Jimin with it.

They wouldn't be able to save him. With their abilities hindered, Yoongi and Jimin could do nothing more than to leave the palace before it also injured them. Hoseok's father and Seokjin no doubt were going to make it out in time. Seokjin had betrayed Hoseok and had now left him for dead. His father, who had sworn up and down that he only wanted what was best for Hoseok, had left him for dead too.

Is this what it felt like to be dying?

To feel all the pain at once and then feel nothing at all. To feel as if you were burning alive one second and then the next to be enveloped in warm light. It was almost pitiful, really. Yoongi had tried warning what could happen to him, and he'd played into Seokjin's hands. At least, he wasn't being burned alive like in the vision Yoongi had given him so long ago. That would have been more painful.

Hoseok's eyes flitted up to the sky, now nothing more than lights too strong for him to see. A small smile slipped his lips, heartbeat slowly slowing as the world caved around him. He could no longer see, no longer feel, no longer touch, no longer smell.

The chaos around Hoseok heightened, the tears of his home falling down with him. Hoseok knew nothing about what was happening outside of what he was hearing, but if his castle was falling to the ground, he was too. He coughed once, a guttural noise escaping his lips, before his body fully relaxed, surrounding itself with the crescendo of the remnants of his life that was now coming to a close.

And then, there was silence.

a/n: for those who did not read past the third "🩸" (or who want a recap):

yoongi and jimin go to stop the coronation, only to find out that hoseok had already been crowned king. to their surprise, hoseok is actually fully aware of himself, and remembers everything. it isn't until micah hinders both jimin and yoongi's abilities (through collars & yoongi w/ handcuffs too), that hoseok reveals himself. seokjin tries to get him back; he fails, and it's discovered that seokjin has similar abilities to jimin, but he can only use them to hoseok. yoongi and jimin try to convince seokjin to stand down, and it seems like he is. he kneels in front of hoseok, then asks to embrace him, only to say the words he'd said in yoongi's vision (back in chapter 9). he betrays hoseok and kills him. because hoseok's life is still tied to the palace, the palace starts to crumble as hoseok loses life. the chapter ends with hoseok taking his last breath.

i wonder if you guys are up because of ptd seoul. i know i am! i accidentally napped after i got back from work and ended up not waking up until past midnight. i didn't even realize that they were having a concert (i've been so busy ahgdsh), and when i saw the lives appear on my tiktok [*ALLEGEDLY*], i was like hmmm might as well [*ALLEGEDLY*]. so now here we are! i was determined to finish writing this chapter, and i did!

crying and throwing up as i was writing this <3

i'm sure the way that the chapter started (and ended) was completely different than what you had imagined, but ahaha i will happily give tissues to those who need it. i'm sure you have lots of questions, ones that will hopefully be answered in the coming chapters. i was lowkey scared that wattpad wouldn't let me upload this but i guess you can upload more than 7,000 words at once. that's crazy!

fun fact, i was actually looking into what i had written as an outline, and for like the fifteenth hundred time i changed a lot of the ways i decided to approach certain scenes. i know it was a long time ago, but if you look back at chapter nine, one of the visions that yoongi had showed hoseok was seokjin betraying him, except with that one, hoseok was burned at the stake. if you think about it, it's some real good foreshadowing. everything kept changing, so that one specific reality didn't happen— instead of this one, but the premise remains the same. seokjin plays a role in...well yeah (:

yes, both seokjin and yoongi said 'royalty suits you well'. that was on purpose.

this is actually the first time i've ever written something where i'm describing someone dying. i think that's what made it extra difficult to wrap the chapter up. i didn't wanna go to other people's point of view, so i had to describe as much as i could hoseok...dying. i have never died especially not by stabbing and slicing of throats, but i tried my best.

did i know this was going to happen? yeah. it had been foreshadowed from the very beginning. it just happened in an entirely different way. that's how fate works!

anyways, if i don't head to bed, i'm going to head to work early, so wish me luck! as always thank you for reading! i appreciate your love and support always 💜

(definitely not edited; total word count so far: 92,668 words)