\\ DUSK\\ Fantasy AU \ ATEEZ Fanfic

// Chapter 9 \\

My eyes were wide and my lips parted as I gazed at the smirk that had retorted that bone-chilling remark from moments before. His folded arms made his figure take a stance of robust, but imperil all the same. The purple lavender hair cascaded down his forehead which was tilted down and slightly blocked his sharp, flickering violet eyes. Those eyes were menacing— threatening. Like a slash of those black blades which would finish what was started. I'd foolishly hoped never to see him again.

"Elara Omal," Wooyoung smirked as he casually brushed back the strands of hair out of his face, revealing just how crazed yet composed his eyes were. He leaned back in a loose manner, head tilted up.

I needed to get away— away from this cage.

I stumbled back. It felt as if I was falling back into another voided hole of oblivion. However, I suddenly felt a warmth brace me by the arms. Strong reassuring hands stabled me there. They were the hands of the woman that was behind me. I had little time to think as I was forced back. Suddenly, the woman that had caught me from behind was now in front of me. One hand was still placed on one of my arms while the other held a blade of silver and blue out in a defensive position to the Taker who stood many steps in front of it. I didn't need to see her to know she was gritting her teeth at the utterment of her name.

Elara.

Wooyoung tilted his head to the side, lifting his brows in what would be an innocent manner if it wasn't for the uncomfortable chill that seemed to trace his features, "So you've got nothing to say?"

Elara didn't utter a single word and I much did the same, however, unlike her, I couldn't keep myself from shaking and shrinking behind her. My mind was clouded and confused with who was in front of me. I felt like I'd been blind-sided and all that brood inside of me was on the eventful path of being let out. But my insides remained quiet— a deadly quiet. Just as the deadly quiet that filled the hall with only the cold chilling sensations to speak between us.

This was all only broken by another bone chilling chuckle from Wooyoung. I couldn't quite say it was the unusual cold that made it seem that way. His eyes almost seemed too clear with clarity for a moment before it was covered by his sneer, "What? Are you mute too or something?"

Not a word from Elara.

Wooyoung smirked. It widened in satisfaction before his eyes landed on mine. I found my mind tumbling beyond the floor unlike what my body had done before. He did all of that to me with one single stare.

"Your perception grows weak," Wooyoung flatly stated as his lips curved into what would've been a kind smile if his eyes didn't convey something different. Something different but not something unexpected. It was as fathomable as I found his words unfathomable. It was like he'd read my mind when I was supposed to be the only one with the powers to do such things.

There was a brush on my arm. From the hand Elara had there as she loosened her grip. The hand slowly traced the length of my arm before letting go entirely. There was a slight sense of stability as my eyes moved to her. She stepped further out in front of me, both hands on the hilt of her blade, her figure shining almost purely.