What Lies Beneath ✅

Peal 13

[Geonhak]

The bubble shattered and we found ourselves in Pehsawi.

"So, we'll split up and ask about Dallulel. Hwanwoong you're with me, you three are together." Dongju said.

We split up then asked around about Dallulel.

"Oh, that school. The ground was shaking a lot one day. I looked out my window and it was up in flames. Terrible sight." the woman said.

"Was there anything else you saw?" I asked hoping it wasn't an inside job.

"Hm, there was a mohaw* flying around by the school that day. They aren't from around here." she said with concern.

I lookedat Keonhee and Youngjo who nodded. We were getting somewhere.

"Did it leave?" I asked.

"Mhm. But it was carrying something in its talon. I'm not sure what though, I'm sorry." she said with a sorrowful look.

"It's fine. You provided us with plenty of information." I said with a smile.

"Oh." she said while covering her face. "I should get going now...sorry."

We watched her close her door then hurry down the street.

"Your smile makes a woman weak." Youngjo teased.

"Please. I'm only being polite." I said as we made our way to go find the others.

"A mohaw in this part of Magicia. That's crazy." Keonhee said.

I didn't know much about animals, but if they both seem worried about it, then it was a cause of concern for me too. We kept walking around in hopes of just running into Dongju and Hwanwoong.

"Do you think Mr. Lee has a connection to that mohaw?" asked Youngjo curiously.

"Probably. And seeing as how it didn't look like someone from the outside did it. But let's formally talk it over with Dongju." said Keonhee.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

"So, did you find out anything?" Dongju asked as we all sat down at a table.

"Yeah. A mohaw was here while the school was in flames. The ground shook too." Keonhee said.

"A mohaw? We didn't learn of that..." Hwanwoong said quietly.

"Apparently a qate was here as well during the attack on Dallulel." Dongju said while he thought.

"Well that explains the shaky ground." Youngjo said happily.

"Oh! The mohaw had flew away with something in its talon." I added as I had just remembered.

"Did she say what it was?" asked Dongju.

I shook my head. It really would've been nice to know.

"Maybe it was carrying people. Mohaws are pretty big." Hwanwoong said from Dongju's side.

"I think she would've noticed if it was carrying a person." I said flatly.

"Guessing isn't getting us anywhere. You should've asked in which direction it flew in as well." said Dongju in his usual dictator style.

"Just say I did a poor job and go." I said sharply.

"Now you're putting words in my mouth." Dongju retorted.

"You're probably thinking it." I shot back. I wasn't going to lose this fight.

"Look, enough, both of you. Let's head back and ask. Simple." Keonhee said as he left his seat.

I looked at Dongju who looked at Keonhee with sad eyes. I unconsciously balled my hands into fists as he never looked at me like that. Why was I always treated differently? I exhaled loudly then left the table.

"Geon-" Youngjo started before I cut him off.

"Leave me be." I said in a serious tone.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

I kicked pebbles as I wandered around the city. I found myself losing my composure whenever it came to Dongju, whether it was from something good or bad. When did things change? Why did they change?

"It's not easy being the black sheep of the group, right?" a voice in my head said.

I looked around, but didn't see anyone suspicious. I kept walking, wondering if someone was talking to me telepathically.

"Not only the black sheep, but the sacrificial lamb too. They really know how to use you." the youthful voice said.

I wanted to talk back, but then I'd seem like a lunatic. I decided to move to a move deserted place to avoid judgmental stares.

"Show yourself!" I said while looking around.

"That eager to see me? Well, after hearing about you from Dite, I just had to see for myself." the voice said.

"Dite? Who's Dite?" I asked full of confusion.

"Dite's the demonic angel who's head you severed." the voice said more distorted and low pitched.

"And who are you?" I asked now feeling uneasy.

Suddenly arms were wrapped around my waist and a body was being pressed against me.

"She wasn't lying when she called you handsome. That's it! I'm making you one of my husbands." the voice said from behind me.

I looked back then felt my eyes widen at the sight. It was basically Dite, but as a male and young at that. Were they related? Then he'd have a reason to hate my very being. Yet he seemed pleased.

"Are you related to Dite?" I asked nervously.

"Not at all. Anyway, enough small talk. You're mine." he said as his hands started to roam my body.

We soon vanished before I could utter a word.

a/n: mohaw - a large white crow with the intelligence that could match a 4 year old human