𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙨 || 𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘯 & 𝘞𝘰𝘯𝘬𝘪

17

A/N: Writers block for the first time, but yeah I'm trying :)

As they crossed the threshold into the village, a peculiar transformation unfolded before their eyes. What had appeared from a distance to be a modest settlement now revealed itself to be a labyrinth of narrow alleys and small, almost ancient-looking buildings.

 The transition was so sudden and jarring that Sunghoon couldn't help but exclaim, "What is this place?"

His voice echoed off the stone walls that lined the alley, adding to the strange, otherworldly atmosphere of the village. The buildings, made of dark wood and stone, seemed to lean toward them, as if listening in on their conversation. 

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faintest trace of herbs, adding to the mysterious aura surrounding the place.

Sunoo turned back to face the group. His expression was calm, but his eyes held a glimmer of knowledge that the others had yet to grasp.

 "This village," he began, his voice low but clear, "is not what it seems. The look you see now is due to a spell—an ancient one, cast centuries ago by the witches who lived here. They wanted to keep this place hidden from outsiders, to protect it from those who would do them harm."

Sunghoon glanced around again, his gaze sweeping over the small, seemingly deserted buildings. "So, it's all an illusion?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone. The idea of an entire village concealed by magic was difficult to wrap his head around.

Sunoo nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "In a way, yes. To the outside world, this place might appear as a simple, abandoned village—or perhaps even as nothing at all. The spells woven into the very fabric of this land are meant to keep it hidden from prying eyes. We're only able to see it for what it truly is because we're with Lin."

Jay looked at Sunoo, his expression still amused. "So, we're safe here because of Lin?"

Sunoo nodded, adjusting Lin's weight slightly as he continued walking. "Exactly. The enchantments recognize her, which is why we could enter. Otherwise, we'd be lost in the forest, wandering aimlessly until we gave up and left. The village is designed to protect itself."

"This is so amazing. . . ." Jake's voice trailed as he dramatically turned to look everywhere.

Heeseung had been silently observing the surroundings "This place can give us refuge for a while, long enough for us to regroup and figure out our next steps. But we can't let our guard down completely. Even though we're hidden here, we're not invincible."

They walked further into the village, the narrow streets leading them deeper into its heart. The buildings, though small, were sturdy, with roofs that sloped steeply to shed the snow in winter. Worn stone paths wound between them, and here and there, they caught glimpses of movement—quick, silent figures slipping in and out of doorways, their faces hidden by hoods and shadows.

Ni-Ki, holding Jungwon's hand tightly, glanced at the others, his curiosity piqued. "So, this is where witches have lived for centuries? It's hard to believe such a place has been hidden all this time."

Jungwon  nodded slowly. "It feels. . . .different here."

As they walked, Sunoo led them to a small, modest building near the center of the village. The structure seemed to be made of stone and wood, with a heavy door that looked like it could withstand anything.