Perilous

Chapter 44 - Silent Agreement

Wandering around the library of the Alliance, Yoonji held herself in a gentle hug. Despite the wool coat and scarf she wore, it wasn't out of the cold she did this, but rather the security. Her body wasn't just her own anymore, and self-embrace and soft touches minded her of that.

A four story museum of literature, an endless surplus of stories and media. Her fingertips grazed across dusted bookshelves as she passed by.

One in particular made her stop in her place, and pull a dusted beige-colored book off of the shelf.

"Egypt, The Sacred Relics of the Tomb."

"Interesting," she mumbled to herself, almost opening the book before stopping herself. With a frown and sigh, she put the book back onto the shelf. Yoonji needed to remember why she was there in the first place.

"The First Year with Your Baby."

Yoonji tucked the much thinner, more modern book under her shoulder. "I suppose my research has changed..." she whispered to herself.

And then, her phone began to ring loudly and echo throughout the large hall. Yoonji hurried to answer despite not noticing who the caller was. "H-Hello?"

"Yoonji, where are you right now?" Seokjin asked in a panic.

"I'm still here at the Alliance in the library. What's happened?" Yoonji asked, suddenly making her way toward the spiral staircase at the end of the way. She could recognize the fear in his voice.

"I can't explain this well, because I have yet to fully understand it—but Naja has placed a curse on Hoseok," Seokjin told. "It's hurting him. I need you to find a way to suffocate it."

"A curse? Naja?"

"As ludicrous as it sounds, it's true. We need your help, please!"

"Alright alright! Meet me in my quarters," Yoonji informed and put her phone into her back pocket, dropping the book once tucked under her arm onto the floor below her feet.

The mentor hurried to the front door of her quarters, only to see her familiars, one of whom had Hoseok tucked closely to his body. The boy was in a daze of sorts, but also in pain.

"Hurry, let's go in," Yoonji unlocked her door using her magic, and let the three rush in before her. And then, she created a seal over the door to hold it shut.

Seokjin led Hoseok to the couch, sitting him down ever so slowly. "We're going to get this fixed," he assured, to which Hoseok only sighed. "I'll be fine..." he whispered in reply.

Seokjin titled Hoseok's head to face him, caressing the side of his cheek while staring at the glowing lines down his face—and the seal around his neck. "I've never seen a magic like this before..." he frowned.

"It's witch magic," Yonghwan responded as he shut the curtains and blinds.

"Which would mean...Naja is a witch?" Seokjin carefully stretched out his fingers, attempting to touch the lines. But, when made contact, stung him and caused him to wince.

Hoseok grabbed Seokjin's hand, "Let go of me. I told you I'm fine didn't I? Why are you worrying so much...?" he asked in a harsher tone, pressing his lips to the finger that was stung.

"You're unlike yourself....what happened for her to curse you?!" Seokjin demanded.

"Let's ask questions afterward, for now we need to get this seal off of you," Yoonji held a book in the palm of one hand. "I need you to lay down on the couch."

Seokjin moved, to which Hoseok rolled his eyes. "Are you all deaf?! I'm fine..!" his eyes begun to glow the darker golden hue, and the mentors reacted concerned.