Ashrain

27. Thundering

I made some plot adjustments and the fic will only have 38 chapters now ^^ Enjoy reading

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With Yunho by their side, the desperate group of friends wasted no more time. Their plan was risky, but Yunho offered information that might save Seonghwa from the claws of the vicious crown prince.

"Ashrain is the son of an influential merchant family. Our clan would save anyone no matter their rank from wrongdoers, but his imprisonment will greatly displease our Eldest. The king of Durnatel risks war with our people. I will remind him he doesn't want that," Yunho gritted between his teeth as he fastened the straps of his leather armour around his body. He yanked them shut tightly so his protection wouldn't slip.

Hongjoong sat on the threshold of the house. He had got dressed an hour ago and his leg bounced nervously at the plan rolling into action. They would go to the palace with Yunho and leave him to do the talking. If the prince didn't listen, Yunho would return with more warriors of his kin, which would eradicate an army as small as Durnatel's.

Hongjoong didn't want war or to get caught up in it. But according to Yunho's strategy, the threat alone should give them the opportunity to free Seonghwa. As long as the prince wouldn't try to interfere or to get Seonghwa back, they would be fine.

"I also want to have a word with that vile elf of yours that got us in this predicament. But that can wait until after Ashrain is back in safety."

Hongjoong gulped when Yunho stood. Towering and intimidating, he checked if his swords were secured and then opened the stable door. He was unfazed by the icy wind hitting his face while Hongjoong cowered in himself. As Yunho disappeared through the snow with his heavy hooves that braced against the ground effortlessly, Hongjoong hurried to follow through the house. Mingi and Wooyoung were here, the latter having been alerted by Mingi while Hongjoong told Yunho their story. He didn't leave out any details about Seonghwa and his involvement. While Yunho had been fascinated to hear about their intimate relationship, he agreed that their primary concern was the abominable treatment of the prince's zoo.

It was deep night, and the streets laid eerily silent under a blanket of snow as the four of them gathered outside. Wooyoung had his bow slung over his shoulder and stood with crossed arms. Mingi and Hongjoong huddled together, apprehensive about their fighting skill, but Yunho had promised them they wouldn't come to harm under his protection. Hongjoong had thanked him while Mingi had just nodded, too intimidated by the tattooed centaur to reply.

"We will spill blood only of those who come into our way. I do not wish to endanger you within your community, but I will fight to save my friend."

Grim nods of determination answered Yunho. They all were ready to help where they could. Hongjoong feared death and pain, but he would rather die on his way to save Seonghwa than live with the nauseating guilt. Yunho shared that sentiment.

"We will be there in about two hours," Wooyoung added. Yunho hummed and went first. His heavy hooves left imprints in the muddy snow as he led their way.

Whirling snowflakes hit their faces. Hongjoong burrowed under his coat and looked up only when he, Mingi and Wooyoung switched around their lantern so nobody's hands froze off. The creaking of the metal squeaking under movement and wind accompanied their sinister journey. In the depths of the night, their path ahead was just as obscure as their plan to save Seonghwa. They knew nothing about the palace, about the guards, about that zoo. Perhaps Seonghwa was already dead and perhaps the rest of them would be too by dawn.

No word was spoken as they travelled through the fields. The humans choked on the howling wind and struggled for breath, but Yunho marched ahead of them like a steady wall of power. He brought a threat with him that made Hongjoong weak in the knees.