SIREN | Newjeans

Fourth

With the first ray of light breaking through the horizon, Haerin swung herself atop her sleek, jet-black horse, the creature's mane and tail shining from the careful grooming it had received. Its wild, voluminous hair rippled in the breeze as she took hold of the reins, her eyes shifting to her father standing a few steps behind her. His royal guards flanked him, supporting the swaying figure of the drunk king. Even at this early hour, he reeked of alcohol.

Haerin clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to laugh out loud at the pitiful sight. Her father—the king, a man who needed the support of mere soldiers just to stand upright. Inside, she loathed him with every fiber of her being, a hatred so deep she could hardly bear it. Yet she kept her tongue silent. She wasn't foolish enough to openly express her disdain. She had spent her entire life carefully manipulating her way into his trust, biding her time, waiting for the perfect moment when she could strip him of his power and claim the throne for herself. But lately, her plans had shifted ever so slightly.

Forcing a tight smile, she gave her father one last glance, and with a sharp kick to the horse's sides, she shot off, galloping away to retrieve the answer she had been promised.

Minji's stomach growled once again, the pangs of hunger gnawing at her insides. She hadn't eaten since the day she left the castle, and now she was trapped in this large, opulent room that felt more like a prison than a sanctuary. Despite its being spacious, the space suffocated her, pressing down on her chest as her anxiety mounted. She rubbed her tired eyes, though sleep would not come to her. Something about today felt heavy, an invisible weight resting on her shoulders.

Today, her father would give his answer to the Valendors. An answer that could seal her fate—or her sister's. Minji's thoughts raced as she worried about Dani, her half-sister. Despite being born from different mothers, their bond was unshakable. They loved each other deeply, without jealousy or bitterness. Even when their father named Minji as the heiress, Dani had embraced her with a warm smile instead of fighting for her own claim.

"Please, Dani," Minji whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. "Please stand up for yourself this time. Don't sacrifice yourself for me." Her plea hung in the air, fragile and desperate, filled with fear of what was to come.

"Hyein! Stop Haerin. This is madness!" Hanni's frantic voice echoed through the halls as she shouted from her locked room, her words directed at her sister standing by the door. Only Haerin knew where the key was.

"Shhh!" Hyein whispered urgently, glancing around nervously. "Hanni, be quiet. If anyone hears us, I'll be locked away too," she warned, her voice trembling with exhaustion. Hanni's frantic voice fell silent, and Hyein let out a sigh of relief, though the fear still gnawed at her. "I'm sure you're starving—it's been two days since you've eaten. The same goes for Minji."

"It's all my fault, Hyein," Hanni sniffled from the other side of the door.

Hyein placed her hand against the cold wood, imagining the warmth of her sister's embrace on the other side. "Be patient, Hanni. You'll be free soon, whether they accept the proposal or not. But I can't say the same for Minji," she whispered, her voice laced with worry.

"Hyein, please... help her escape," Hanni begged, her desperation bleeding through her words.

Hyein shook her head, her heart aching at the helplessness in her sister's voice. "I can't, Hanni. You know how dangerous Haerin is. She'd kill us both without a second thought. And our father... he wouldn't lift a finger to stop her," she said bitterly, rolling her eyes at the thought of their useless, apathetic father.

Haerin dismounted her horse in front of the grand Aurelis castle, her sharp gaze scanning her surroundings. Two armed guards stood by her side as she handed them the reins. "Stay here," she commanded, her tone brooking no argument. Straightening the cuffs of her black button-down shirt, she adjusted her vest and trousers, every movement calculated, exuding power and confidence.

As she approached the golden castle doors, encrusted with precious stones, the guards stepped aside to let her through. Inside, her eyes lazily traced the extravagant hall—the rich red carpet, the massive chandelier glittering overhead. Her lips curled into a small, self-satisfied smile. But the moment her eyes landed on the staircase, her expression shifted. King Alaric was descending the steps, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

"You seem to value punctuality," the king said, his voice firm as he approached her.

"I do, Your Highness," Haerin replied with a smirk, extending her hand. The boldness of her gesture made the servants and guards exchange uneasy glances—no one dared to offer a handshake to the king. They only ever bowed.

Alaric glanced at her hand, then back at her, his gaze narrowing. "And I see you're quite courageous," he remarked, finally taking her hand and shaking it.

"Flattery aside," Haerin said, withdrawing her hand and stepping closer, her voice dripping with a teasing edge, "what's your answer?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the tension in the room.

Alaric sighed, casting a glance at one of the guards. "Fetch her," he ordered softly.

Haerin's eyes lit up with excitement. "Is the princess going to deliver the answer herself?" she asked, but the king remained silent, staring at the stairs. As the guard hurried away, Haerin's eyes wandered around the hall once more. Damn, this place she thought, admiring the lavish decor. Then, she heard footsteps.

Turning around, Haerin's eyes landed on Princess Danielle as she descended the stairs. Dressed in a soft pink gown, her bare shoulder exposed, and her waist cinched to perfection, Dani looked every bit the royal she was. Haerin's gaze roamed up and down, her face remaining impassive, but a faint glint of something unspoken flickered in her eyes.

"Dani, give her the answer," Alaric said, clearing his throat, his voice quieter now.

Danielle met her father's gaze for a brief moment. He offered her a small, reassuring smile, encouraging her to speak her truth. She turned to Haerin, stepping forward with purpose. she just stared at Haerin before the said girl opened her mouth.

"Well?" Haerin teased, her voice breaking the silence. "Are you just going to stare? spit something" The workers exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the tension in the air.

Danielle closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before opening them again. "I, Danielle, accept the proposal of Valendor," she declared, her voice steady.

A heavy silence fell over the room, even the king himself seemed taken aback. But one person was grinning—Haerin.

"Now that is what I like to hear from my princess," Haerin said, her grin widening as she took in the stunned faces around her.