\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 24 \\

    "What have you done?" Leeyon had practically snarled when we entered the room.

Her green reptilian eyes were radiant in the dark study. They were illuminated only by the lingering green iridescent water foliage that lingered outside of the glass that enclosed the space. It was the only source of light, but it was enough for seeing the marble furnishings laced with gold and green cushioning. Leeyon stood behind her marble engraved desk, nails practically digging into it as she hunched over. The dark blue smooth hair was tucked back into one singular tight braid and her armor from earlier had been replaced with a slick tight golden suit and a turquoise jacket with white and gold embroidering of a serpent's tail.

Yeosang tilted his head, a few petals from his antlers drifting to the ground. His expression towards the Eastern Court High Monarch seemed accusatory, but he kept his tone smooth and unthreatening, "What we've done? We've done nothing but try to help in this situation."

The Serpent barked a laugh in response, though not an ounce of that glare had left her eyes, "Oh really now?"

We'd all stopped at that point, the three of us in the center of the room. I glanced over to Hongjoong to exchange a glance, but found that he looked straight ahead towards Leeyon. Yeosang did the same from where he stood in front of us.

Leeyon's words had cut the room like serpent scales, "Would you care to explain why half of my palace is flooded, my Captain of the Guard was taken into custody, and," One of the hands that had been digging in the marble raised to point a golden-emerald jeweled finger at the three of us, "That this attack played out after you all showed up."

Yeosang raised both of his hands into the air, as if he were guilty. However, he splayed his fingers in a manner of calming a crowd. His voice hadn't lost an ounce of smooth calmness, "I'll admit, if I was in your position, I'd be pointing fingers as well," he lowered his arms, hands slowly falling to his side as he shook his head, "But this wasn't us."

"It was a Taker attack," Hongjoong intervened, hesitantly returning the glance from earlier, "One Taker in particular."

I stiffened before glancing towards Leeyon to find that emerald green gaze of reptilian slits on me. Her eyes slightly narrowed and I bristled at the look. My eyes darted towards the floor as I spoke too weakly for my liking, "I-It was San."

"The traitor from Dawn Court," Yeosang clarified with the title, not seeing the same value in the name as I did, "He was one of the two Takers not in custody from The Black Day."

"And so what would the traitor of Dawn Court be doing here?" Leeyon posed the question.

I shrunk away as the room went silent and I knew all eyes shifted onto me. It stayed like that for a long moment.

"You were the one that walked towards him." Yeosang's murmur was quiet but the silence made it loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I don't remember that." I looked up then to only wish I hadn't.

Everyone's eyes were indeed on mine.