Chapter Text
“Your father will be the doom of his people.”
The assassin in the backseat mockingly states. Sooyoung doesn’t spare her a look. Instead, she vaguely focuses on the road. She is in the passenger seat with Jinsoul and Jinsoul’s father in the back.
Jinsoul, bound to her father’s deadly commands, is a harbinger of death who shouldn’t wield such power. She is Sooyoung’s closest friend. Although she never took a life without cause, she still took lives. A tool of destruction that her father eagerly deploys in pursuit of his desires.
“Jinsoul, that’s enough,” the adviser, Jinsoul’s father, interjects, silencing his daughter’s altruistic protests. “Don’t speak unless I instruct you to.”
He is the architect of the coup in Seoul. How could a king be betrayed by his own advisors? It puzzled Sooyoung. After their treachery, they rounded up the same advisors who had aided them and imprisoned those who couldn’t escape. It was the most elaborate scheme she had ever witnessed.
At that moment, Sooyoung was unaware of the intricate plans unfolding. The adviser, Jung Yunho, was seen as a threat by anyone who dared oppose him. He was the shrewdest strategist, building an empire from within.
Wolves typically shunned the idea of ruling, but the recent tyranny of the former vampire King pushed them to act against the oppression they had endured for too long. Even after they had rendered themselves powerless by slaying their sire, vampires continued to target them. Some noble vampire families even opposed the cruel treatment.
The pack now in control of Seoul never extended their support to Sooyoung, yet she was content to assist them. She felt fortunate to have escaped the same fate that befell the former King’s advisors. When she broached the topic with Jinsoul, her friend erupted in laughter, teasing her for an entire week.
“Only if I can have some time to myself,” Jinsoul quips.
Jinsoul, the only child of her late mother, grew up with a clear understanding of her father's true nature. After remarrying, he had a son and a daughter with his second wife. The son, a quiet yet dangerous presence, hides behind a striking Alpha who has a strong aversion to seduction. Sooyoung has also heard whispers that the youngest sibling is an Omega, but she has only interacted with Seungmin and the eldest, who tend to keep their youngest sibling under wraps.
On missions, Jinsoul and Seungmin form the most effective team she has ever encountered, yet outside of their work, they embody the stark contrast typical of siblings.
“Can you really go a day without indulging yourself?”
Sooyoung preferred not to intrude on their banter, but she couldn’t resist the opportunity to poke at the young Alpha’s pride.
“I dare you,” Sooyoung laughed at the lighthearted challenge, then returned to her own thoughts.
Oblivious to the rain-soaked road ahead, the car sped along the highway with its headlights blazing. Sooyoung observed how the bright yellow light danced in the raindrops, transforming the downpour into solitary glimmers. Once, she had been the one behind the wheel, but now she felt a sense of relief in relinquishing that responsibility. This was her moment to let her mind wander, and her heart seek new paths, even as the city loomed closer.
As they approached the bustling capital of the South, her hometown, she reflected on the idealized image others held of it. The city, known for its opulence, is home to the most extravagant and sophisticated individuals. As they ventured deeper, it became clear that the streets were primarily occupied by commoners and tourists, while the affluent elite—those proud lords and ladies—isolated themselves within their towering fortresses, far removed from the rest of the world.
Sooyoung was born into this world, raised amidst its opulence. The extravagant lifestyle and the air of superiority that made ordinary people bow before them no longer repulsed her as it once did in her youth. Instead, she embraced her position and recognized her purpose. Despite her desire to distance herself from her father, an invisible tether seemed to bind her to him, pulling her into every situation against her will.
The car glides into a secluded parking space. She steps out first, confident and self-sufficient, followed closely by Jinsoul. Moving to the other side, she stands beside her as the chauffeur opens the door for the adviser to the new king of Seoul, who happens to be his blood brother. Together, they enter the stunning skyscraper that towers above them.
Four cars accompanied their journey. One was designated for them, while the second was occupied by Seungmin and three unfamiliar faces. The remaining two vehicles were filled with security personnel, always at the adviser’s side..
The three towers that loom over the city belong to her family, the most influential clan in Busan, and she finds herself acting as a bridge between two worlds. They had resisted the allure of the former Vampire King, which had only made them targets over the years. Many from her family had met grim fates—poisoned, publicly executed, or involved in so-called ‘tragic accidents.’
Her grandfather’s stubbornness stemmed from a desire for independence, leading to a legacy of more enemies than allies over the last century. Sooyoung had hoped her father would change this after her grandfather’s death, but things only worsened. Recently, one of their towers had come under attack.
It was during this turmoil that her bond with Jinsoul deepened, evolving into a sisterly connection. When Jinsoul called for help, they received assistance from the units provided by the adviser. Though it was late, those who survived were still counted as saved. The chaos forced Sooyoung into the fray, and in the aftermath, it ignited a fierce rage within Jinsoul.
From that point onward, Jinsoul’s father sought a meeting, and they reached an agreement, albeit without her knowledge. He branded her a traitor, declaring she was unworthy of inheriting anything. Despite his harsh words, she stood her ground, determined to salvage what remained of her clan. After a heartfelt plea, he relented. This marked the beginning of a partnership they should have established long ago—someone they could rely on and trust.
As they stepped out of the elevator, they were greeted by the security team. Kon, the head of security and chief of operations, bowed respectfully before addressing Sooyoung.
“Lady Sooyoung, it’s good to have you back,” he began. “However, we cannot permit any items that could be considered weapons beyond this point,” he gestured toward the guards accompanying them.
“The guards will remain here; only three will accompany you,” Jinsoul interjected. She unzipped her leather jacket and handed over two sleek, silver-black firearms. Sooyoung followed suit, relinquishing her own weapon.
Just as Jinsoul attempted to move forward, Kon blocked her path. “The assassin stays,” he commanded. Sooyoung, taken aback and irritated by his rudeness, stepped in.
“What do you mean by that?” She ensured her tone conveyed her displeasure.
“My orders are explicit. She cannot enter.”
“Kon, you’re being disrespectful to my guests,” she asserted, stepping closer to him. Though he towered over her, his dark brown eyes flickered with uncertainty.
“I’m merely following orders.”
“Then move aside; that’s an order.” He stepped back and bowed, allowing her to proceed. She walked past the numerous guards lining the hallway, reaching her father’s study first and holding the door open.
Many fathers become ensnared by the pursuit of financial success, allowing it to dominate their lives. Yet, the connection with their children resides in the nurturing aspect of another ambition, should they choose to invest effort into it. For those oblivious to this reality, relationships can become fractured, and bonds can shatter.
Her father’s sudden shift in demeanor left her feeling uneasy. It was as if he had donned a mask, one that concealed his true intentions behind a facade of congeniality. Sooyoung couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath the surface, he was still the same man who had clashed with her just days prior, the man who had stubbornly held onto his beliefs, refusing to budge even an inch for her sake.
He imparted countless lessons to her. He taught her to be resilient and wise, to remain loyal and grounded. He shared with her the values he struggled with himself and encouraged her to pursue the dreams he never realized.
While Sooyoung wouldn’t label him as cruel, there was an underlying implication.
“I apologize for any trouble caused. I was unaware of the connection between our daughters,” he said, stepping forward and bowing his head a bit lower than usual.
“I believe it was merely a misunderstanding. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lord Ha,” the adviser replied, returning the bow. They took their seats at the table on the right.
“Just call me Sungmin. If we’re going to work together, let’s skip the formalities,” he said, a hint of mischief in his tone that would have raised Sooyoung’s suspicions if she didn’t know him better
Sooyoung watched in disbelief. Was this truly the same man who had refused to compromise with her just days ago? It felt like a ruse. He was either engaging in a game that left the three of them in the dark, or his intentions had shifted dramatically.
“It would be my honor,” the adviser likely sensed the shift. Sooyoung had briefed him beforehand, warning him about her father’s cunning nature. After all, he was a businessman skilled at winning every round and retreating before revealing any vulnerabilities.
“Shall we proceed to business?” he said, pressing a button on the phone. “Kon, ensure we aren’t disturbed,” he instructed, lifting his finger from the button. “Sooyoung has brought me a business proposal from your end,” he said, handing over a leather document case. “I’ve also prepared my own terms,” the adviser had come ready, but her father already had a strategy in mind.
father’s sudden shift in demeanor left her feeling uneasy. It was as if he had donned a mask, one that concealed his true intentions behind a facade of congeniality. Sooyoung couldn’t shake the feeling that beneath the surface, he was still the same man who had clashed with her just days prior, the man who had stubbornly held onto his beliefs, refusing to budge even an inch for her sake.
As the adviser opened the leather document case, Sooyoung’s heart raced. His gaze roams over the documents laid out before him. Each one requires a signature to solidify the partnership between the new King's adviser and House Ha, which oversees Busan.
“I must say, you have quite the attention to detail,” the adviser remarks, adjusting his glasses with a precise flick of his fingers, his eyes narrowing as he meticulously examines the terms. His voice is smooth, almost condescending, as if he relishes the authority he wields in this moment.
Sooyoung feels a tightness in her jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface like a pot about to boil over. She nervously nibbles on her lower lip, caught in a web of anxiety that feels all too familiar. It’s not just the anger or pain that gnaws at her; it’s the dread of knowing that success is a futile endeavor. This mental strain is torturous, heightening her primal fears while dulling her logic and self-control. She can feel the weight of expectation pressing down on her, a suffocating blanket that threatens to smother her resolve.
“We can go over the terms if you’d like,” her father offers, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. Yet, his tone betrays his unwillingness to budge. Any alteration would jeopardize the intricate plan forming in his mind, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. Sooyoung knows her father well enough to sense that he is not open to negotiation; he has already made up his mind.
The adviser signs the first page, the sound of the pen scratching against the paper echoing in the silence of the room. Sooyoung exchanges a hopeful glance with her sister, both of them sharing a smile that feels fragile, like glass on the verge of shattering. They have put in so much effort to make this alliance happen, to secure their family's future, and yet the stakes feel impossibly high.
The second page changed something in the adviser’s expression. His eyes darting this time faster from one word to the next.
However, the second page shifts the adviser's demeanor. His eyes flicker rapidly across the text, a new urgency igniting in his expression. The atmosphere in the room changes, the air thickening with unspoken tension. “A marriage?” he exclaims, his gaze snapping from the document to Sooyoung’s father, disbelief etched across his features. Did she hear that correctly? “My son to your daughter?”
“No, two Alphas cannot be married. It would only bring suffering to both of them,” and that’s not what she desires. The weight of the situation hangs heavily in the air, thick with tension and unspoken words. “Your noble Omega, to my noble Alpha. These are my conditions” The words spill from his lips, firm and resolute, but the moment they leave his mouth, Sooyoung feels the gravity of their implications.
The adviser doesn't look pleased at all. As he stands, his chair skids backward and crashes to the floor, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the silence that follows. The adviser shoots a furious look at Sooyoung, as if she orchestrated this entire situation on purpose, as if she had somehow manipulated the very fabric of their reality to bring this moment to fruition.
A troubling thought strikes her as she stares her father in his eyes: this is her punishment. All of this is meant to restrain her, to bind her to a stranger, to humiliate her in front of those whose respect she has worked so hard to earn. The realization gnaws at her insides, a bitter taste that lingers long after the words have been spoken.
“Your youngest is an Omega. She’s also the King’s niece. This will enhance our alliances,” he states, revealing his true intentions with a cold, calculating tone. He seeks a hostage to ensure his own safety, someone from their side who could also serve as a valuable asset. The thought makes her stomach churn.
She loathes his twisted reasoning, yet a part of her reluctantly agrees. Is it his bloodline influencing her thoughts? The very idea sends a shiver down her spine. She wishes she could erase that notion from her mind, but she can’t even bear to meet Jinsoul’s gaze right now, the weight of expectation and disappointment too much to bear.
“The king will offer one of his daughters. My daughter is meant for the High Command, not to be a housewife to a pampered fool.” His words slice through the air, sharp and unforgiving. Those last words strip away her defenses, forcing her to reconsider the situation from a more political angle. Damn it, she’s not good at these kinds of discussions, but now Sooyoung realizes that the adviser is trying to shield her and his daughter from this chaos, even if it means sacrificing her own desires.
“Do you not trust her?” he presses, his voice dripping with condescension. “What’s your game here? After all, you’ve taken excellent care of her."
“Please, Lord Jung,” she says, rising to reposition his chair behind him. “Do take a seat.” He locks his gaze onto hers, and Sooyoung hopes he can see the confusion mirrored in her eyes. Her father had orchestrated this entire situation, and neither of them had seen it coming.
“You don’t need to sign anything right away. Talk it over with your family first,” he concludes the negotiations.
“How much time do we have?” Jinsoul’s voice cuts through the tension like a knife aimed at her father.
“You have until next Friday, which is just four days away,” Sooyoung's father replies, and Jinsoul takes the response as her confirmation that this meeting is over.
“Then we’re finished here,” she declares, stepping ahead to hold the door open for her father. Sooyoung glances back at him one last time before joining him. She ushers them out of the study. “You did nothing wrong, HaSoo,” Jinsoul reassures her just before she steps into the elevator. Sooyoung keeps her gaze lowered, and as the doors begin to close, she bows deeply in apology.
Back into his study, she finds him pouring himself a drink. He had took off his jacket and his reading glasses. His tie now loose around his neck.
“They are more accepting than I thought them to be.”
“By holding their daughter a hostage?” he throws his head back and laughs. A playful smile on his old face. His eyes squeezed shut. Lines define the lack of young cells in his body. Age has finally caught up to the leader of their pack.
“It is the first step to peace. The wedding will symbolize our unity. My daughter marrying the King’s niece” he says it with pride in his voice. “The two of you, will set the perfect of standards" in his head, this is a victory already. “Read my terms” he proudly presents her the two pages.
Sooyoung takes the pages from her father’s outstretched hand, her fingers brushing against his as she does so. The paper feels heavy with the weight of expectation, and she can’t help but feel a knot tighten in her stomach. She glances at the neatly typed words, but they blur together as her mind races with the implications of what this all means.
“Father, this isn’t just a negotiation. This is our lives,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. She can feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as she tries to process the reality of the situation.
“Exactly, Sooyoung. Our lives. This is about securing our future, about ensuring our family’s legacy,” he replies, his tone firm yet laced with an undercurrent of excitement. “You’ll be marrying into the royal family. Think of the influence we’ll have, the alliances we’ll forge. This is bigger than you and me.”
She shakes her head, trying to dispel the whirlwind of thoughts. “But what if I don’t want this? What if I don’t want to marry someone I barely know?” The words tumble out before she can stop them, and she watches as her father’s expression shifts from pride to something more serious.
“Do you think I wanted to be thrust into this position? To carry the weight of our family’s expectations on my shoulders?” he counters, his voice rising slightly. “I did what I had to do for our survival. You will understand one day, Sooyoung. This is how the world works.” His eyes move from hers to the pages still in her hand and urges her “keep reading.”
She looks down at the pages again, her heart racing as she reads through the terms laid out before her. “It’s brilliant.” The stipulations, the expectations, the timeline—it all feels like a trap closing in around her. “And what if I refuse?” she asks, her voice trembling slightly.
Her father leans forward, his expression softening. “You won’t refuse. You’re stronger than that. You’ll see the bigger picture. You’ll do what’s best for our family.” He pauses, his gaze piercing into hers. “And you’ll do it for yourself, too. This could be your chance to shine, to step into a role that’s meant for you.”
Sooyoung sighed, frustration bubbling within her like a pot on the verge of boiling over. “This was never my goal,” she insisted, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. She tried to make him understand that her aim was not to seize control, but to maintain harmony, to find a balance that seemed increasingly elusive.
“You need to learn to adjust your priorities,” he urged, his tone condescending, as if he were speaking to a child who had yet to grasp the complexities of adulthood. She wished she could drown out his words, to block them from her mind like a shield against arrows. “It’s time for you to settle down and start a family,” he continued, his eyes glinting with a misguided sense of authority.
That was the last straw.
As she stormed out, her heart raced with a mix of indignation and sorrow. She slammed the door with such force that she hoped it would rattle his foolish mind, a physical manifestation of her pent-up frustration. The sound echoed in the hallway, a sharp reminder of the tension that had built between them. With every step she took away from him, Sooyoung felt the weight of her powerlessness pressing down on her shoulders like a heavy cloak.
The cycle continued, a relentless loop that left her feeling trapped. He would feel superior, basking in the belief that he had the answers, while she remained ensnared in a status quo she couldn’t seem to change, no matter how hard she fought against it. Each argument felt like a battle lost, each conversation a reminder of the walls that surrounded her.
She paused for a moment in the hallway, her breath coming in quick bursts as she leaned against the cool wall, trying to steady herself. The world outside felt so vast and full of possibilities, yet here she was, confined by expectations that didn’t align with her dreams. She longed for freedom, for the chance to carve her own path, but the weight of tradition and obligation loomed large, casting a shadow over her aspirations.
With a deep breath, Sooyoung pushed herself away from the wall and walked toward the door leading outside. She needed to escape, to find a place where her voice could be heard, where her desires could flourish without the suffocating grip of someone else’s vision for her life.