Samhain

chapter twenty two: where he transforms

"What do you mean we don't have time? We need at least four hours to fully set up the ceremony again -"

"Cut that time in half." Hongjoong cuts off Mingi's protest with indifference. "The moon goddess will have to forgive us if it's not up to par. If we're going to wait out Wooyoung's transformation, the heat or rut, and everything else, we don't have a single hour to spare. Mingi, go get the book."

The urgency in his tone sets off a flurry of activity in Seonghwa's cabin where everyone had gathered. They were still tired after spending all night searching for Wooyoung. No one got more than a few hours of sleep after they returned early that morning, reconvening around sunset at Hongjoong's request.

In a matter of minutes, the room empties out as each pack member rushes to their assigned task. Seonghwa gave specific instructions to everyone, ensuring each aspect of the ceremony was set up as quickly as possible.

Wooyoung gives Seonghwa an expectant look. "What should I do?"

Seonghwa gives him an apologetic smile. "Just hang out here. Rest. You'll need it."

Wooyoung nods, trying to conceal the nerves that dance beneath the surface. This isn't just a significant moment for him - it's significant for the whole pack, welcoming a new member into their fold. It's rare. Unheard of.

He reluctantly accepts his task and reclines in a chair near the wall. His gaze follows Seonghwa's hurried departure, catching a glimpse of the chaos outside.

His thoughts left in silence begin to rot like fruit left in the sun.

Wooyoung has had a lot of time to think about his destiny. His concerns are sleepless, nagging at him despite his exhaustion. The weight of placing his faith in a ceremony - one that might not even succeed - and invoking a goddess that may not help them has left him feeling drained.

Drained is an understatement. His constant overthinking wears him out. There's too much that can go wrong. He wonders if this is how every hero who came before him felt - scared, restless, terrified that he will let everyone down.

Wooyoung never thought he would be a hero. He certainly isn't the epitome of bravery and righteousness. All he knows is that he would do anything to break this curse and save the only friends he has ever had. How does fate decide who gets to be the hero of a fairytale, anyway? What does destiny see in him that he doesn't see in himself?

Time crawls on. It makes him more and more anxious. What haunts him the most is his indecision. Aside from the glaring threat that the bite might send him to the great beyond, he hasn't decided who the hell will be biting him in the first place.

Can't they just draw straws for this sort of thing?

Hongjoong already knows about his escape attempt, so he doesn't have any obligation to choose San anymore, right?

He would've chosen San in a heartbeat, but the way San hovered instead of going in for the kiss makes Wooyoung feel like he's going insane. San's comforting scent, his hand running through Wooyoung's hair as he held him - why the fuck did San hesitate?

Does San even want to bite him anymore?

If the bite doesn't kill him, the anticipation will. Just like Jongho said, his thoughts will whittle him away piece by piece if he lets them.

He almost jumps out of his skin when he hears a knock at the window.

"Who's there? What's happening?" Wooyoung frantically runs over to the window frame, unlocking its latches to fling it open.