Sacrifice

Chapter 26 : Dawn's Fragile Light

The castle feels different. The atmosphere is heavy, weighed down by more than just the dark clouds looming above. It's as if the sky itself mirrors the broken spirits inside—somber, quiet, and oppressive. The air is heavy, pressing down on your chest as you move through the dim hallways, your heart sinking with each step. The usual warmth of the castle feels muted, replaced by a cold emptiness you can't shake.

When you finally reach Heeseung's room, the door creaks softly as you push it open. The room is so distinctly his—his scent lingers in the air, a comforting mix of something warm and familiar. The space is filled with traces of him: clothes haphazardly strewn near the dresser, his desk slightly disorganized with papers and books scattered about, and small trinkets lining the windowsill. But despite his presence lying in the bed, it feels like the life in the room has vanished. It's quiet—too quiet. The energy that usually fills the space with Heeseung's charm and vibrance is missing.

You tread carefully, your footsteps barely making a sound on the floor, as if the silence might shatter at any moment. In the center of the room, three figures rest—Heeseung, lying motionless on his stomach, Jungwon, slumped in an armchair beside the bed, and Riki seated on Heeseung's desk chair right next to Jungwon. The second youngest prince's hand is wrapped tightly around Heeseung's, holding on as if his grip alone might keep the eldest prince tethered to them. Riki sits protectively beside him, his tall frame draped over Jungwon's as if shielding him from the world outside.

For a moment, you worry you'll need to wake Riki to convince him to get proper rest, but then you notice the soft, circular movements of his hand rubbing soothing patterns along Jungwon's back. He's awake—barely, it seems—but awake nonetheless.

"Riki," you whisper gently, stepping closer and placing a warm hand on his back. His muscles tense for a moment before he hums in response, leaning slightly into your touch when your fingers trail up to rub at the nape of his neck.

"Go get some sleep in your own bed," you urge softly. "You'll be more comfortable there. I'll watch over them now."

Riki lifts his head slowly, his gaze unfocused, as if his mind has been lost in thoughts he's reluctant to share. His eyes are heavy with exhaustion, dark circles etched beneath them, and you wonder just how many sleepless nights he's endured in the aftermath of that terrible night. You can't tell whether he's been replaying the ambush in his mind, worrying about Heeseung's slow recovery, or if he's more concerned for Jungwon, who hasn't left Heeseung's side for three days now.

When you offer him a small smile—more of a ghost of one, all you can manage right now—Riki's eyes flash with a hint of clarity. "Is it morning already?" His voice is thick with sleep, even though it's clear he hasn't gotten much rest at all. None of you have.

"Yeah," you nod softly. "Thank you for watching over them last night. I'll take over from here." You lean down, pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead. "Get some sleep, okay? I'll see you in a couple of hours."

Riki moves lethargically, his actions slow and careful so as not to disturb Jungwon or Heeseung. He rises from the chair with a soft groan, clearly worn down by the weight of the last few days. Jungwon shifts slightly, a soft whine escaping him as Riki's comforting touch leaves his back.

"Not sure how much sleep I'll actually get," Riki mumbles, biting back a yawn as he rubs a hand across his face.

"I know," you frown, your voice filled with empathy. You haven't been able to sleep well either, not with the constant worry over Heeseung's slow recovery gnawing at your heart. "Maybe find Sunoo? He hasn't been sleeping much either. The two of you can keep each other company."

Riki nods, his movements sluggish as he staggers toward the door. You watch him go, your heart aching for him and the rest of the princes. They've all been stretched so thin, waiting for Heeseung to wake, their worry palpable in every interaction.