Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 51

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-Start of Chapter 51-

Heeseung's POV

The night is still, the silence only broken by the faint crackling of the fire in the hearth. I sit at my desk in the dimly lit study, the soft glow of the lantern casting shadows on the scattered maps and documents before me. My mind is consumed with thoughts of Elaria, the place we're headed to—a place we've been avoiding for far too long.

I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair in frustration. The Blackwood Forest... The name itself brings a sense of unease, memories I'd rather not visit. But there's no choice now. 

The clues point directly to it, and I can't let my fears hold me and my brothers back.

I sigh deeply, wishing for just a moment of peace. 

The weight of everything is pressing down on me, making it impossible to relax. Rest has been elusive these past few nights, my mind too restless to allow even a moment of rest. 

I glance at the pile of papers before me, knowing that planning this trip to Elaria will require every ounce of focus I can muster.

"Maybe I should just steal those knockout pills from Jay." I mutter to myself, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "At least then I might get some rest."

The thought is tempting, but I shake it off, knowing I need to keep my mind clear for what's to come. I lean forward, scanning the map of Elaria's borders, trying to plot the safest route through the kingdom. 

But no matter how hard I try to concentrate, my thoughts keep drifting back to the past—memories of Elaria that I've tried so hard to bury.

I can't avoid it any longer. We're going to have to face whatever lies there, and I need to be prepared. But the longer I stare at the map, the more my thoughts swirl, tangled up in a web of anxiety and anticipation.

With a sigh, I push back from the desk and stand, stretching my stiff muscles. Maybe a drink would help clear my mind, at least for a little while. I ring the small bell on my desk, summoning the butler.

Moments later, the door opens quietly, and the butler enters, bowing slightly. "You called, my lord?"

"Yes." I say, trying to sound more composed than I feel. "Bring me a glass of wine. I could use something to take the edge off."

The butler nods and leaves the room, closing the door softly behind him. I let out a slow breath, turning my attention back to the bookshelf that looms over the room. There's a particular book I need, one that contains information on the ancient rites of Elaria, but it's tucked away on the highest shelf.

Without thinking, I narrow my eyes, using my telekinesis to pull one of the book from its place. 

...No not this one...

I push it back in its place before pulling out another one.

Fucking hell where did I keep it?

...

Oh that's the one I think.

The heavy volume slides forward, but my concentration is elsewhere, my mind still tangled in the details of our impending journey. I barely notice as the book hovers in the air, my thoughts a million miles away.

Wait, won't there be wild animals in the forest?...

Do I take some soldiers or do just go alone?