Darkmist

Part 11

Boughs of the willow trees hang overhead, dripping to brush the grey banks of the river. Aberbwlch is a lonely stream, narrow where it separates the Real world from Shadow. Steam rises from its surface, curling shapelessly before dissipating to night. If there are any stars, they do not shine here.

On the bank of the river, a shadow steps from the darkness.

Her cloak is dark, trimmed with fur against the emerald green of the forest. She does not look at her surroundings, merely stares straight ahead.

"I know you're here," Y/N finally says.

A moment passes, maybe two before Hoseok appears.

He is dressed similarly to the first night they met, plain black clothing hewn from darkness itself. Cocking his head to one side, he regards Y/N warily. She is the one who arranged their meeting, after all.

"I was surprised to hear you sought me, human."

Y/N's upper lip curls. "Were you?" she asks. "You're a terrible liar, Hoseok."

Surprise flits across his face. Only a moment, before he throws his head back and laughs – it is not a pleasant sound. Lowering his chin, he regards her again.

"You are much younger than I thought," he remarks, beginning to circle around her.

Darkness curls at her fingers, displeased by his movement. Y/N expression remains stoic, as though this whole interaction is merely a social call. In a way, it is. She has seen many things these past months; things she will never forget, and Hoseok's actions are child's play compared to those of the Shadow realm.

Slowly, she looks at him. "Is there a problem?"

Hoseok comes to a stop. "No," he murmurs. "It is just odd. It is not often one of your kind asks for my help."

"By my kind, you mean human?"

"No." His smile flashes in darkness. "I mean pure," he breathes, caressing the word. "There is not blood on your soul."

Y/N nearly stiffens. "Then, you must know why I'm here."

"I've heard rumors." Hoseok raises a brow. "Musings, if you will."

"Then you know I am serious."

"Perhaps," he agrees, gaze sparking with interest. "Or, perhaps I am merely curious of the girl who seeks the Otherworld." Slowly, Hoseok takes a step forward. "Curious of the human who dares request an audience with Arawn – Lord of all things dead and unseen."

Y/N stares back. "What would make you curious about that?"

He merely smiles, shaking his head. Closing his eyes, Hoseok deeply inhales. Y/N does not move, tries not react while Hoseok scents out her intentions. It does not last long – his brow swiftly furrows, not understanding what he finds.

"It's true." Hoseok's eyes snap open. He stares at her in wonder – and possibly, a touch of fear. "Your soul remains pure and still, you seek an audience with the devil. A meeting with Lord Arawn. Why?"

For the briefest of seconds, Y/N's façade slips and Hoseok sees the determination beneath. He sees her raw anger, the soul-wrenching longing and nearly recoils in shock.

"Perhaps he has something of mine," Y/N says quietly. Just as swiftly, her boredom returns. "And perhaps I am determined to get it back – at whatever the cost."

Her hand clenches around a note in her pocket.