GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

xxxii. ✓

𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒊𝒊.

As we returned to Soyeon Hill, a heavy silence engulfed us, our minds consumed by thoughts of the revelations that had been laid bare. Joohyun announced that we needed to return promptly, fearing that her father might grow suspicious of our absence.

The car ride back was filled with an uncomfortable silence, punctuated only by Bomin's occasional attempts to engage us in trivial conversation. My responses were terse, offering little more than a word or two, while Joohyun remained unresponsive, lost in her own thoughts.

Upon our arrival, Seulgi greeted us with unexpected news. Mr. Bae, Joohyun's father, had suddenly departed on a week-long business trip, a fact that had eluded Joohyun until now. Anxiety etched itself onto her face, and I couldn't help but voice my concerns.

"Do you think he might have suspected something?" I asked, my voice laced with worry. Joohyun met my gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of uncertainty and apprehension.

"I don't know," she replied, her voice tinged with unease. "My father is astute, quick-witted. He may have sensed that something was amiss."

We sighed in unison, the weight of our predicament bearing down on us. We found solace in the common room, Joohyun sinking into the couch while I rested my head on the headrest. "So, the Rose Clan is cursed too," I mused, breaking the silence.

Joohyun chuckled dryly, the sound devoid of mirth. "Indeed, a surprising revelation."

"Shouldn't we inform the other clan members?" I proposed, a glimmer of hope in my voice.

Joohyun's smile turned wistful, her eyes filled with caution. "That would likely result in chaos, a bloody conflict. It's a risky endeavor."

"But if we don't try, we'll never know," I countered, determined to find a way to break free from the shackles of tradition and unite the clans.

Joohyun's gaze softened, her smile tender. "How is it that you possess such fearlessness?" she mused.

"Fearless?" I repeated, puzzled by her observation.

She chuckled softly. "You are fearless, Kim Dani. If I were in your position, I would have left Sakura Island the moment the High King laid eyes on me."

Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. I had never disclosed the events of my past at Sakura High to anyone in Soyeon. "You knew?" I asked, my voice tinged with curiosity.

Joohyun smiled knowingly. "I may risk my head by telling you, but as the High Queen, your word carries weight. There are spies my father has sent to the island."

I coughed, struggling to absorb the revelation. The realization that the Sakura Clan had spies in our midst sent shivers down my spine. "Wait, if your father has spies here, could it be possible that the Sakura Clan also has spies within our academy?"

Joohyun nodded, confirming my suspicions. "Bingo."

The thought of such relentless competitiveness between the clans sent a chill down my spine. They were truly locked in a relentless battle for power and control.

"You should rest, High Queen. Tomorrow will be a long day," Joohyun advised, rising from her seat and retreating to her bedroom.

Sleep eluded me that night, my mind restless with the weight of our burdens. Unable to find solace, I sought refuge in the archives, hoping to uncover any information that could aid in saving both clans from their impending fate.

As I navigated the labyrinthine alleys, I stumbled upon Marku, his back leaning against a bookcase as he engrossed himself in a tome. I approached him cautiously, whispering his name in surprise.