Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 63

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-Start of Chapter 63-

I sit on the cushioned bench by my balcony doors, hidden behind the delicate lace curtains. I watch the evening unfold beyond the glass, the grounds below adorned with strings of lights and garlands hanging from the trees. The gentle glow adds a hint of warmth to the cool night air, an almost celebratory feel that I don't fully understand.

Some event coming up? Someone's birthday...? I tilt my head, trying to remember, but my thoughts scatter when I see movement by the gates.

The tall, dark figure of Suho appears, his polished stance unmistakable. He waits beside a sleek, carriage as it rolls to a stop. My pulse quickens. A sudden flutter of hope stirs inside me, though I can't yet place why.

And then, she steps out.

"Aera Unnie!" she murmured, her eyes lighting up.

My heart lifts, the spark of joy breaking through the heavy fog that's weighed on me for days. She glances around, then smiles as she takes Suho's offered hand, stepping gracefully from the carriage. Suho bows slightly, then lifts her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her palm—a gesture that draws a soft smile from her.

In that moment, the cold knot in my chest loosens, replaced by an unguarded excitement. Aera is here. 

I can't help the smile that spreads across my face, my fingers gripping the curtain as I watch her, suddenly more eager than I've been in ages.

The moment I spot Aera, joy bursts through me like sunlight after days of rain. I hurry down the stairs, my skirts barely brushing the steps as I make my way to the drawing room. There she is, looking as elegant as ever, standing beside Suho.

The instant Aera's eyes meet mine, she breaks into a warm smile, and I can't help myself—I rush forward, pulling her into a tight embrace. Her laughter fills the room as she hugs me back, and I feel Suho's watchful, affectionate gaze on us, which makes everything feel even more perfect.

"Where on earth did you disappear that night at the ball?" Aera asks as we pull apart, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

I open my mouth to answer, but words fail me. There's so much she doesn't know. How could I even begin to explain? The ball...the strange encounters with Sunghoon, and of course, the truth about my brothers being vampires. I hesitate, searching for a simple response but finding none. Finally, I offer a sheepish smile, shrugging. "Let's just say... it's a long story."

"I missed you so much! I was so worried." Aera says, "I thought your brothers had come to get you. But when I went back, you weren't there so I had to tell them everything."

"I's fine unnie. I'm glad you did." I smile.

But of course, the peace doesn't last long. Footsteps echo, and I glance up to see Sumin gliding into the room. 

She barely spares me a glance before addressing Aera, her voice dripping with feigned politeness. "Aera, it's so lovely to see you. Y/N must have nearly knocked down half the palace in her rush to greet you—quite unprofessional, don't you think? So unroyal." She sighs, tilting her head. "It's so important for a princess to carry herself with grace, to show qualities that, perhaps, a perfect wife would have."

I feel my jaw tighten, ready to shoot back, but Aera gets there first. She releases my hand, stepping forward with a pointed, calm expression. "Oh, Sumin, sweetie." she replies, her voice dripping with mock sincerity, "if unprofessional means being comfortable in my own skin, I think I'll wear that title with pride. But please, tell us more about your so-called 'qualities.' Is it the way you flaunt your 'perfection' or how you always manage to find a way to criticize others?"