\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 36 \\

Dusk Court's arena was like none I'd ever seen. The ground was solid lava rock, mixed with ash that colored its floors in a dark texture. Marble white walls rose from the arena, containing multiple gates of red, blue, and black for entry into the field, gold columns lining them. A golden rim topped the wall before the seating area covered in black chairs. Though, the black of the chairs could hardly be seen by the colorful crowd taking up the massive arena, their voices along with it.

It was hard to even hear my comrade speak as we sat in the middle coulombs of the arena. We were just low enough to have a better look at the place but not too close that our view of half of it was blocked. Even in the casing of our seats, the crowds were boisterously loud. A seat was placed for every High Monarch of every Court in the casing, a gap for their Captain of the guard to stand behind them, and a couple more seats in the back for honorary Court guests. That was where Jongho and Heeyoung sat together, hand in hand, as the two chatted amongst themselves. I paid little attention to them, though. Instead, I focused myself to the ones who sat around me. To my left sat Seonghwa and I was thankful for the distance between us.

The Rotational Courts were placed together, as were the Directional Courts. Seonghwa sat at the very end of the group, elbow propped on the throne of sunrise purples, pinks, and gold, his hand cupping his jaw. He was observing the arena below.

Between him and I were two seats meant for Day and Dusk Court. There was no High Monarch for Dusk Court, the throne of black, gold, red, and blue, so there was no need for one to fill the seat. If someone did, that would be considered an insult.

Day Court however...

My gaze lingered on the chair, a bright white sun flashing over-top of the blue gold throne.

Nothing was ever heard about Day Court. No one could enter the Court either and no one ever came out of it. No Day Court members of birth were ever Court Selected. Rumors were that the Court killed ones who would have to leave the Court for others to protect their secrets. Those who were Court Selected to go to Day were never heard from again. Some tried to refuse the nature of Court Selection and faced the consequences of nature: death.

The pulse thrummed in my back and I quickly turned my head to observe the right of me.

Next to me was Yeosang. He was also observing the arena below in his red wood throne that had carved rose petals of rose gold falling down its rim. He was the only Seasonal Court in existence. I couldn't lie to wonder what the others were. Beside him were the Directional Courts.

Bongju was next to him in a snow-white throne. It was complimented with vibrant blue cushions and jutting obsidian stones. He appeared to actually make a bit of conversation with Leeyon who sat beside him in a golden, sea green glass, throne. The inside was actually filled with water and tiny fish swam within it, which I found a bit surprising. However, I knew neither were close and their conversation was most likely more professional than anything. It was also the constant grimaced Leeyon gave. Clearly, she was dreading the Trials and I couldn't really blame her. However, Bongju didn't seem to take the hint, conversing to her about something I couldn't hear.

Behind them sat Hongjoong who merely twiddled his one thumb with his bronze hilt covering his decapitated wrist in his green and bronze throne. I felt a slight twist of pain. I still felt bad for him, even though I loved him like a brother. However, I felt more ashamed in somehow believing no matter what I did or what happened, a part of his heart would always be there for me, as something more than just a friend. His blue-grey eyes were always too revealing on what he cared about.