Eclipse || Seongjoong

Chapter 13: Paradise

It was not Yeosang's first time being on a human island.

He had been alive long enough to know what he had to do to stay hidden and safe. He was not to leave Jongho's side; he knew that.

Throughout Yeosang's time on the boat, everyone except for Soyeon treated him as an outcast. Soyeon saw something unique in him that even Yeosang didn't realize. She claimed that his Siren powers would greatly benefit her, particularly at sea, where a Siren's abilities are at their strongest. Yeosang explained to her that when he was in his human form, he had no powers and was simply a human with Siren features. However, Soyeon was undeterred by this and decided to abduct him.

As time passed, Yeosang grew fond of the positions and knowledge he gained about Witchcraft and everything that came with it. Soyeon helped him discover the different aspects of Witchcraft, and he learned new things every day. Although he had no idea why Soyeon had taken him, he followed her lead and hoped for the best. He became more comfortable with his Siren powers as he practiced them, and he was excited to see what would happen next.

Yeosang was lost in thought as he reflected on his mentor Soyeon's teachings about Witchcraft. According to her, this powerful force was traditionally associated with women and could be harnessed for both good and bad purposes. If used with care and respect, it could promote healing and growth, but if abused, it could inflict destruction and poison.

As he looked back on the women in his life, including his sisters, friends, and mother, Yeosang could better understand the depth of Soyeon's teachings. She explained that the key to controlling the power within the craft was first understanding the pain and heartache of earning such a title.

Soyeon had gone into great detail about the history and traditions of Witchcraft, explaining that it was a practice that had been passed down through generations of women. She had taught Yeosang about the different types of Witchcraft, and how they could be used to achieve different goals. She also emphasized the importance of respecting the power of the craft and using it only for good.

Still, Soyeon instilled in Yeosang a deep respect for Witchcraft's power and taught him how to use it responsibly and carefully. As he looked back on her teachings, he felt grateful for the knowledge she had imparted to him and vowed to continue learning and growing as a practitioner of the craft.

Yeosang was acutely aware that he was not a master of the healing arts but determined to try his most challenging. He spent months studying and practicing healing positions, working tirelessly with Felix to assist the sick. Despite his challenges, Yeosang remained committed to his newfound role as a witch nurse. He was curious about how he had become in this position but didn't let his lack of understanding deter him. Yeosang dedicated himself to learning everything he could about the art of healing, striving to become the best witch nurse he could be.

And...He enjoyed it.

As the ship pulled into port, Yeosang wrapped a white...well, it used to be white, cloth around his face, covering everything but his eyes. One wrong move, and he would be fish bait for the humans on this island.

Yeosang was gripped with an unsettling sensation that his survival on the ship was due solely to the terror that Jongho and the Captain instilled in their crew. He could see that the crew held them in high regard, but he also noticed the way they flinched and scattered out of their way whenever they passed by. They were cautious to maintain their distance, averted their eyes, and conducted themselves with absolute propriety in their presence. Yeosang couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to their authority than just their rank, as if they had some inexplicable power over the crew that kept them in check.