The Moonstone (6/?)
Title: The Moonstone (6/?)
Pairing: Sehun/Luhan, Chanyeol/Baekhyun, Kai/Kyungsoo, Kris/Tao
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Wolf!AU, drama, mpreg, M/M , M/F
Warnings: Highlight to read: Boa/Luhan dubcon touching
Disclaimer: They are not mine, obviously.
Summary:: Luhan's the most beautiful and cherished omega in the pack. Comparing to Sehun he's as weak as a child, as easily breakable as a baby deer - and more desirable than any treasure a man can ever possess.
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Warnings for this chapter, highlight to read: Boa/Luhan dubcon touching, mentions of Sehun/Boa (? not really but just to be safe:p)
Also, take my advice and don't freak out too much after you're done.
Baekhyun's beaten up so badly that it's almost hard to recognize him, dried up blood staining his clothes and pale skin marred with countless cuts, some still dripping blood. They have a few moments of beguiling privacy in one of the huts when Yixing, their pack healer, checks up his bones and muscles for any fatal wounds, hands cautiously sliding down Baekhyun's bruised body; careful not to make his condition worse. He announces a few broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder, but no internal damage than could endanger his life.
''He's in a lot of pain right now,'' Yixing says hesitantly, hand on Baekhyun's forehead. ''But with a little healing...everything will be alright. Chanyeol, your mate is tough and not easily destroyed, he will make it. Be strong for him.''
After Yixing is done said male takes his place, hugging Baekhyun close and kissing his temple tenderly. ''I can't smell anyone's scent on him...'' he whispers after a while, rocking his mate back and forth ever so slightly. ''They didn't...if they did, I wouldn't...''
''They won't.'' Luhan says firmly and everyone turns to look at him. ''I won't let anything happen to him. To any of you.''
They purposedly don't mention Xiumin - the man disappeared among the crowd of ice soldiers as soon as he poured venom into their ears and no one managed to react in time, not like there was much they could do in the current situation. Even if they did succeed in punishing him right then and there, all of it would be futile - outnumbered and weak, they would just sign themselves for certain and immediate death. That given, although shock and betrayal grips their hearts like an iron claw, no words are spoken, at least not about Xiumin's treachery. Not yet.
''Luhan...'' Kris starts but the other stops him, eyes almost burning with some kind of passionate rage; a sight rather bizzare to all of them. ''They marched all the way from the North, all that long way to find us.'' the golden-haired boy says, eyes shifting from still unconscious Baekhyun to their leader. ''For what? To kill us? Some insignificant creatures inhabiting the other side of the realm? There's little reason in that.''
When no one says anything, Luhan continues. ''If killing us is not their purpose for coming here...there must be something that can be done. A way out, without further...''
''And there is.''
It's all too soon when the Ice King appears again, accompanied only by a few guards this time but inspiring no less fear than before. For some bizarre reason it actually feels more terrifying this way, and even that small mercy of being excused from seeing rows of expressionless, white faces isn't enough to lessen the dread their king himself arouses. Luhan holds his ground, however, now more than certain that it's him who holds the key to...to what?
''We are glad for the gift. I take it that you meant Baekhyun's life, my lord.'' he says, eyes set on the tall figure of their oppressor. ''And I know it's me you want in return, even if I fail to see reason in it.''
Luhan doesn't flinch when long, freezing fingers start tracing his jawline, drawing unknown patterns on his porcelain skin. There's no room for fear when stakes are that high, he tells himself, and closes his eyes.
''I'm a generous man, Little Sun. There's much more I can offer than his life.''
Luhan's eyes snap open. He's pretty sure that he has heard that odd nickname before, somewhere. A long time ago. What does it have to do with him, though? Will the Ice King kill them if he realizes his mistake?
''I'm not...''
But then all words die on his lips as the door open with a loud crack, two ice guards dragging a body and throwing it inside unceremoniously. Luhan lunges forward and catches the man in his arms, all self-confidence crumbling beneath petulant pressure of emotions he futilely tried to repress for the last three weeks.
''Sehun!''
The silver-haired male circles his arms around Luhan's waist instantly and it takes all of Luhan's self-restraint to stop himself from bursting into tears. ''I thought....where have you been? I waited...but you didn't...'' he babbles, palms reaching up to rest on Sehun's cheeks. ''I feared that I will never see you again...''
''I'm so sorry...'' The taller man says quietly, forehead resting on Luhan's shoulder and hands massaging his back gently. ''I will never, ever forgive myself for failing you. It's all my fault.''
''You deserve some credit, don't be so modest, Sehun.'' the king's voice sounds so grave and final that Luhan shivers in the embrace, painfully aware that their reunion isn't going to last long. He buries his nose in Sehun's silver hair, breathing in the sweet scent he missed so much, trying to grasp as much of Sehun as he can... while he still can. ''No one ever escaped us, you were the first one to break chains that held down even titans...and you hid your presence well. I am proud like a father.''
Luhan doesn't understand what's being said, nothing of this makes sense anymore. All he desires right now is to turn back time and return to their happy days, days when everything seemed simple...when he and Sehun could be together. But that , a malicious voice in his head whispers, is no longer an option.
''Perhaps I should explain, Little Sun. I feel like I owe you that much, and I'm a man of honor,'' the Ice King adds and Luhan can feel his whole pack staring at them, puzzled. ''Sehun was quite loyal to you. As soon as he smelled our presence near your territory he tried to hunt down every single scout so that they couldn't report back to me, and he succeeded. What he didn't expect , however, was treason within your own pack - a grave miscalculation that doomed you both in the very end. He saved us a lot of trouble, finding you so fast...but that's probably how it was meant to be from the very beginning.''
Sehun nearly crushes Luhan in his tight embrace, making the smaller male realize that it's actually the first time they are so close physically. It almost feels... intimate. Almost. ''I was a fool to think that they won't hunt me down.''
''Sehun, listen, I - ''
But the guards tear the taller male away from him already , leaving Luhan hanging with his confession unspoken and hands reaching out for nothing but empty air. Behind his back, Kyungsoo sobs miserably and Suho shushes him quiet.
''I see that you appreciate both of my gifts.''
Luhan forces himself to break eye contact with Sehun, his sight landing on the king's cold face again. ''Is that the moment of my death?'' he asks simply, because it doesn't matter much anyway. ''Will you spare them after you're done with me?''
The Ice King laughs joylessly at that, calloused hand grabbing Luhan by the chin and yanking forward suddenly. ''Death? The only fair trade in exchange for life is...life.''
---------------------------
''I'm not sure what...''
''Allow me to explain, if you would be kind enough to accompany me to the tent we set up nearby. I insist.''
Everything is deadly silent as soon as the pack remains alone in the hut, Sehun and Luhan taken away so fast they almost fail to register the order of events. Nothing feels right or certain anymore, so no one dares to move or say anything, uneven hum of breathing and quiet sobbing the only sounds for several long minutes until Kyungsoo finally speaks out.
''How is Baekhyun doing?''
Which is not at all what he really wanted to say since it's pretty obvious how Baekhyun in particular is feeling - face pale and bloody, exhaling so slowly it's almost hard to notice his chest rising at all. Kyungsoo is not stupid; he's well aware that submissive members of any pack are more valuable than fighters when clans merge or conquer one another, so that they might as well stay alive for various reasons, none of them too pleasant. Baekhyun's condition was meant to freak them out and break their spirit, or rather Luhan's spirit, taking into consideration that their oppressors didn't seem interested in anyone else - and Kyungsoo can't help but think that it could have been him instead. It may be him, soon enough.
''I think...that he's getting warmer,'' Chanyeol says quietly, his eyes never leaving Baekhyun's expressionless face. ''Yixing saved him.''
''You've helped him more than I ever could, Chanyeol.''
He does look better than before, Kyungsoo observes. But it's not over for them, the horror is not over - quite the opposite, it seems that the machine just started and some sort of mysterious doom is right behind the corner, Luhan playing a leading role in the tragedy that fell on their heads.
Baekhyun is still in heat, although his smell is hardly noticeable now prone to various injuries. Which makes Kyungsoo realize that his time is coming soon, too, and it can't possibly bring anything but further complications and misery for all of them.
Kyungsoo swallows a surprised gasp when he turns his head and finds Kai staring at him intently.
---------------------------
''What do we have here?''
It's much darker inside the tent than Luhan imagined and it takes a while for his human eyes to fix on the silhouette of a woman sitting in front of them, hands folded together and head tilted to the side. ''I almost didn't believe it when you told me you found him, darling. I should have given you more credit. Come here, child, let me see your face.''
Luhan feels Sehun right behind him; warm, comforting presence enveloping his body and pouring strength in his every movement as he's pushed gently towards her, feet making no sound at all on the soft mat beneath them. He smells danger and salt, darkness that clouds his mind instantly.
''Oh...yes.'' the woman says when Luhan approaches, less than half a meter away. ''Like molten gold poured down your head, is it not? Such beauty is ...rare.''
Something about this situation is even more unnerving than events from before, the boy decides as she rises and faces him eye to eye, shady smile forming on her full lips. Whatever they are planning to do with him and Sehun cannot be good and Luhan isn't fooled into letting his guards down even for one second, however little it may mean while neither him nor the other male can fight back.
The woman wears robes even richer than the king himself.
''Finding him was quite a challenge, Priestess. But...we didn't manage to reach him before his first heat.''
''I see.''
Luhan feels a chill down his spine when she bares her teeth and nibs at his neck suddenly, drawing a low growl out of Sehun's throat. The sound makes her smile even wider into the golden-haired boy's white skin and the next moment Luhan knows she's kissing a tender spot just below his clavicle, mouth sucking gently. ''How long has it been since the last time I tasted such purity!'' she teases. ''You can call me Boa. Remember this name well...you will be whispering it in the dark soon enough.''
''Help them hold him down,'' the Ice King waves his hand at the guards before Sehun manages to break free from two pairs of arms clasping on his upper body and then addresses the woman again. ''Enough. You know what I need from you, do not waste my time with petty games. And be quick about it before I lose my temper.''
The Priestess takes a step back, but amusement painted on her face is still too obvious to feel any sort of relief. ''You've never been a patient man, my king. Very well...you want to know if your Little Sun is carrying already after the traitor lied with him, do you not?'' She reaches out again, both hands on Luhan's abdomen this time. ''I shall enjoy... handling you.''
''Luhan, she's a wi-'' Sehun manages before iron hits him in the stomach hard, knocking air out of his lungs and sending him down on the ground.
---------------------------
''Chanyeol...oh my godness, it's you...''
''Baek- ! When... when did you wake up? I was counting every second until you open your eyes again...oh baby...''
Baekhyun sits up in his mate's lap, a little disoriented but taking in the surroundings quickly. Almost whole pack is here, he notes, their eyes full or worry and compassion as soon as they land on his pitiful, bruised-up figure. Trust to be said, he doesn't feel all that bad comparing to the horrific pain he's been through not too long ago, and so he nods his head in Yixing's direction, acknowledging his life-saving efforts in thankful silence.
His appearance is probably a different story, though.
''How bad do I look?'' he asks Chanyeol jokingly, but judging from his mate's solemn expression alone the answer is not something he should anticipate. ''Don't make that face, please. I will be fine from now on, it doesn't even hurt anymore.''
''No, it's just that - '' the taller man sighs, reaching out to caress Baekhyun's cheek gently with his thumb. ''Seeing you twisted in pain like this killed something inside me, too. Like...I don't know, but it's ...scary. Your body kind of feels like my another limb now, you know? And if you were to die, I would too.''
Baekhyun bits down on his lower lip and waits for few seconds until this sudden, insufferable urge to burst into tears goes away. Why does it always has to be like this with Chanyeol; being a crybaby next to him truly becomes some sort of irritating déjà vu Baekhyun's not very proud of. ''I know how it's like, Yeol.'' he whispers when he decides it's safe enough to open his mouth again, without further embarrassment. ''I swear I'm not leaving you any time soon, and you better do the same for me or else.''
Chanyeol gathers the smaller male in his arms and squishes hard. ''I'd do anything for you, Baek. I love you too much.''
Baekhyun's particularly glad that everyone keeps their distance, giving them some intimate time for themselves. His eyes flash to Kyungsoo's for a second and although it's painfully obvious that the other boy wants nothing else but to run up to them and crush them both in a hug, all he does is sending Baekhyun a bright, relieved smile.
---------------------------
''That boy has a big mouth indeed,'' Boa comments when loud thud of Sehun's body hitting ground makes Luhan jump and turn his head, distraught. ''And before you plead, no, we won't hurt him. Yet.''
Luhan grits his teeth. Being powerless has never caused him so much pain before; not even once in his life did he beg for some mystical force to help him hurt another living creature. He is a pacifist. An idealist. He despises unnecessary violence and cruelty more than anything - hunting may be about killing, but never about tormenting.
''...''
And yet here he stands, knuckles white from inner tension, biting his own tongue so hard it almost bleeds.
''May we continue?''
But bleeding is a small price to pay for Sehun's safety, so Luhan doesn't allow himself to disobey or say anything that may provoke them any further - just bites, bites until taste of copper fills his mouth and red starts dripping down his chin, releasing at least some of the strain he's been holding up inside. The woman in front of him wipes it off.
''Don't do this to yourself, darling,'' Boa's bony hands are on his face again, fake concern dripping from every syllable as she speaks. ''Losing too much blood will weaken you, and believe me - you will need all the strength you've got, very soon. But enough of this... '' and then her palms move lower, tracking his chest almost lovingly and halting in the area of Luhan's lower abdomen. ''Right now we need to determine whether the traitor put a cub inside you or not. You see, this is a rather...crucial matter, if you may. Firstly... off with your clothes, beautiful.''
Luhan doesn't even manage to take in what was said before she pulls at his robe expertly, making thin fabric fall to the ground the next moment and leaving him exposed in front of everyone in the tent.
''Wha-!''
''Shh, don't fight.'' Boa clings close to his naked body a second after, one hand drawing circles on Luhan's pale, perfectly flat stomach and the other reaching to the small of his back. ''Do you want to know a secret, Little Sun?''
Luhan keeps his eyes closed and mind focused elsewhere, unable to look her in the face. It's ashaming that Sehun sees him like this - if he even looks at him right now -, humiliated and powerless. Touched by someone else.
Nothing is like it should have been.
''Your beloved one despises me even more than you do,'' Boa hisses into his ear just when two of her fingers plunge inside Luhan's entrance from behind, drawing a short, surprised cry out of his mouth. It’s dry and painful. ''Because when you will cry yourself to sleep with my name on your horrified lips and the king's cub inside your belly...Sehun will be crying out for you, buried deep, deep inside me. Giving me a child, just like he was meant to from the very beginning.''
Luhan's shocked into total silence; not even one whine escaping his lips as she penetrates him with her fingers for a while longer. His back is facing Sehun so that he can't look at the other male even if he tries to twist his neck, but somehow Luhan just knows; knows that everything the woman said is true. His body goes slack and pliant, open to everything Boa does because this is just too much, too much even for him to stand.
He doesn't even feel anything anymore.
''Is that why he ran away?'' the golden-haired boy asks quietly when her fingers finally slip out of his tender hole, weight of what he's heard so overwhelming that even his voice doesn't sound familiar to his own ears. ''To avoid it?''
Boa smiles at him in that peculiar, unnerving way that has Luhan's nerves on fire in a flash. Mocking him. Teasing. ''Maybe. But that shouldn't concern you anymore, Little Sun. You are not pregnant, and in a few months...you will be ready again; you and Sehun will both be ready to fulfill the prophecy. At last. ''
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Pairing: Sehun/Luhan, Chanyeol/Baekhyun, Kai/Kyungsoo, Kris/Tao
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Wolf!AU, drama, mpreg, M/M , M/F
Warnings: Highlight to read: Boa/Luhan dubcon touching
Disclaimer: They are not mine, obviously.
Summary:: Luhan's the most beautiful and cherished omega in the pack. Comparing to Sehun he's as weak as a child, as easily breakable as a baby deer - and more desirable than any treasure a man can ever possess.
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Warnings for this chapter, highlight to read: Boa/Luhan dubcon touching, mentions of Sehun/Boa (? not really but just to be safe:p)
Also, take my advice and don't freak out too much after you're done.
Baekhyun's beaten up so badly that it's almost hard to recognize him, dried up blood staining his clothes and pale skin marred with countless cuts, some still dripping blood. They have a few moments of beguiling privacy in one of the huts when Yixing, their pack healer, checks up his bones and muscles for any fatal wounds, hands cautiously sliding down Baekhyun's bruised body; careful not to make his condition worse. He announces a few broken ribs and a dislocated shoulder, but no internal damage than could endanger his life.
''He's in a lot of pain right now,'' Yixing says hesitantly, hand on Baekhyun's forehead. ''But with a little healing...everything will be alright. Chanyeol, your mate is tough and not easily destroyed, he will make it. Be strong for him.''
After Yixing is done said male takes his place, hugging Baekhyun close and kissing his temple tenderly. ''I can't smell anyone's scent on him...'' he whispers after a while, rocking his mate back and forth ever so slightly. ''They didn't...if they did, I wouldn't...''
''They won't.'' Luhan says firmly and everyone turns to look at him. ''I won't let anything happen to him. To any of you.''
They purposedly don't mention Xiumin - the man disappeared among the crowd of ice soldiers as soon as he poured venom into their ears and no one managed to react in time, not like there was much they could do in the current situation. Even if they did succeed in punishing him right then and there, all of it would be futile - outnumbered and weak, they would just sign themselves for certain and immediate death. That given, although shock and betrayal grips their hearts like an iron claw, no words are spoken, at least not about Xiumin's treachery. Not yet.
''Luhan...'' Kris starts but the other stops him, eyes almost burning with some kind of passionate rage; a sight rather bizzare to all of them. ''They marched all the way from the North, all that long way to find us.'' the golden-haired boy says, eyes shifting from still unconscious Baekhyun to their leader. ''For what? To kill us? Some insignificant creatures inhabiting the other side of the realm? There's little reason in that.''
When no one says anything, Luhan continues. ''If killing us is not their purpose for coming here...there must be something that can be done. A way out, without further...''
''And there is.''
It's all too soon when the Ice King appears again, accompanied only by a few guards this time but inspiring no less fear than before. For some bizarre reason it actually feels more terrifying this way, and even that small mercy of being excused from seeing rows of expressionless, white faces isn't enough to lessen the dread their king himself arouses. Luhan holds his ground, however, now more than certain that it's him who holds the key to...to what?
''We are glad for the gift. I take it that you meant Baekhyun's life, my lord.'' he says, eyes set on the tall figure of their oppressor. ''And I know it's me you want in return, even if I fail to see reason in it.''
Luhan doesn't flinch when long, freezing fingers start tracing his jawline, drawing unknown patterns on his porcelain skin. There's no room for fear when stakes are that high, he tells himself, and closes his eyes.
''I'm a generous man, Little Sun. There's much more I can offer than his life.''
Luhan's eyes snap open. He's pretty sure that he has heard that odd nickname before, somewhere. A long time ago. What does it have to do with him, though? Will the Ice King kill them if he realizes his mistake?
''I'm not...''
But then all words die on his lips as the door open with a loud crack, two ice guards dragging a body and throwing it inside unceremoniously. Luhan lunges forward and catches the man in his arms, all self-confidence crumbling beneath petulant pressure of emotions he futilely tried to repress for the last three weeks.
''Sehun!''
The silver-haired male circles his arms around Luhan's waist instantly and it takes all of Luhan's self-restraint to stop himself from bursting into tears. ''I thought....where have you been? I waited...but you didn't...'' he babbles, palms reaching up to rest on Sehun's cheeks. ''I feared that I will never see you again...''
''I'm so sorry...'' The taller man says quietly, forehead resting on Luhan's shoulder and hands massaging his back gently. ''I will never, ever forgive myself for failing you. It's all my fault.''
''You deserve some credit, don't be so modest, Sehun.'' the king's voice sounds so grave and final that Luhan shivers in the embrace, painfully aware that their reunion isn't going to last long. He buries his nose in Sehun's silver hair, breathing in the sweet scent he missed so much, trying to grasp as much of Sehun as he can... while he still can. ''No one ever escaped us, you were the first one to break chains that held down even titans...and you hid your presence well. I am proud like a father.''
Luhan doesn't understand what's being said, nothing of this makes sense anymore. All he desires right now is to turn back time and return to their happy days, days when everything seemed simple...when he and Sehun could be together. But that , a malicious voice in his head whispers, is no longer an option.
''Perhaps I should explain, Little Sun. I feel like I owe you that much, and I'm a man of honor,'' the Ice King adds and Luhan can feel his whole pack staring at them, puzzled. ''Sehun was quite loyal to you. As soon as he smelled our presence near your territory he tried to hunt down every single scout so that they couldn't report back to me, and he succeeded. What he didn't expect , however, was treason within your own pack - a grave miscalculation that doomed you both in the very end. He saved us a lot of trouble, finding you so fast...but that's probably how it was meant to be from the very beginning.''
Sehun nearly crushes Luhan in his tight embrace, making the smaller male realize that it's actually the first time they are so close physically. It almost feels... intimate. Almost. ''I was a fool to think that they won't hunt me down.''
''Sehun, listen, I - ''
But the guards tear the taller male away from him already , leaving Luhan hanging with his confession unspoken and hands reaching out for nothing but empty air. Behind his back, Kyungsoo sobs miserably and Suho shushes him quiet.
''I see that you appreciate both of my gifts.''
Luhan forces himself to break eye contact with Sehun, his sight landing on the king's cold face again. ''Is that the moment of my death?'' he asks simply, because it doesn't matter much anyway. ''Will you spare them after you're done with me?''
The Ice King laughs joylessly at that, calloused hand grabbing Luhan by the chin and yanking forward suddenly. ''Death? The only fair trade in exchange for life is...life.''
---------------------------
''I'm not sure what...''
''Allow me to explain, if you would be kind enough to accompany me to the tent we set up nearby. I insist.''
Everything is deadly silent as soon as the pack remains alone in the hut, Sehun and Luhan taken away so fast they almost fail to register the order of events. Nothing feels right or certain anymore, so no one dares to move or say anything, uneven hum of breathing and quiet sobbing the only sounds for several long minutes until Kyungsoo finally speaks out.
''How is Baekhyun doing?''
Which is not at all what he really wanted to say since it's pretty obvious how Baekhyun in particular is feeling - face pale and bloody, exhaling so slowly it's almost hard to notice his chest rising at all. Kyungsoo is not stupid; he's well aware that submissive members of any pack are more valuable than fighters when clans merge or conquer one another, so that they might as well stay alive for various reasons, none of them too pleasant. Baekhyun's condition was meant to freak them out and break their spirit, or rather Luhan's spirit, taking into consideration that their oppressors didn't seem interested in anyone else - and Kyungsoo can't help but think that it could have been him instead. It may be him, soon enough.
''I think...that he's getting warmer,'' Chanyeol says quietly, his eyes never leaving Baekhyun's expressionless face. ''Yixing saved him.''
''You've helped him more than I ever could, Chanyeol.''
He does look better than before, Kyungsoo observes. But it's not over for them, the horror is not over - quite the opposite, it seems that the machine just started and some sort of mysterious doom is right behind the corner, Luhan playing a leading role in the tragedy that fell on their heads.
Baekhyun is still in heat, although his smell is hardly noticeable now prone to various injuries. Which makes Kyungsoo realize that his time is coming soon, too, and it can't possibly bring anything but further complications and misery for all of them.
Kyungsoo swallows a surprised gasp when he turns his head and finds Kai staring at him intently.
---------------------------
''What do we have here?''
It's much darker inside the tent than Luhan imagined and it takes a while for his human eyes to fix on the silhouette of a woman sitting in front of them, hands folded together and head tilted to the side. ''I almost didn't believe it when you told me you found him, darling. I should have given you more credit. Come here, child, let me see your face.''
Luhan feels Sehun right behind him; warm, comforting presence enveloping his body and pouring strength in his every movement as he's pushed gently towards her, feet making no sound at all on the soft mat beneath them. He smells danger and salt, darkness that clouds his mind instantly.
''Oh...yes.'' the woman says when Luhan approaches, less than half a meter away. ''Like molten gold poured down your head, is it not? Such beauty is ...rare.''
Something about this situation is even more unnerving than events from before, the boy decides as she rises and faces him eye to eye, shady smile forming on her full lips. Whatever they are planning to do with him and Sehun cannot be good and Luhan isn't fooled into letting his guards down even for one second, however little it may mean while neither him nor the other male can fight back.
The woman wears robes even richer than the king himself.
''Finding him was quite a challenge, Priestess. But...we didn't manage to reach him before his first heat.''
''I see.''
Luhan feels a chill down his spine when she bares her teeth and nibs at his neck suddenly, drawing a low growl out of Sehun's throat. The sound makes her smile even wider into the golden-haired boy's white skin and the next moment Luhan knows she's kissing a tender spot just below his clavicle, mouth sucking gently. ''How long has it been since the last time I tasted such purity!'' she teases. ''You can call me Boa. Remember this name well...you will be whispering it in the dark soon enough.''
''Help them hold him down,'' the Ice King waves his hand at the guards before Sehun manages to break free from two pairs of arms clasping on his upper body and then addresses the woman again. ''Enough. You know what I need from you, do not waste my time with petty games. And be quick about it before I lose my temper.''
The Priestess takes a step back, but amusement painted on her face is still too obvious to feel any sort of relief. ''You've never been a patient man, my king. Very well...you want to know if your Little Sun is carrying already after the traitor lied with him, do you not?'' She reaches out again, both hands on Luhan's abdomen this time. ''I shall enjoy... handling you.''
''Luhan, she's a wi-'' Sehun manages before iron hits him in the stomach hard, knocking air out of his lungs and sending him down on the ground.
---------------------------
''Chanyeol...oh my godness, it's you...''
''Baek- ! When... when did you wake up? I was counting every second until you open your eyes again...oh baby...''
Baekhyun sits up in his mate's lap, a little disoriented but taking in the surroundings quickly. Almost whole pack is here, he notes, their eyes full or worry and compassion as soon as they land on his pitiful, bruised-up figure. Trust to be said, he doesn't feel all that bad comparing to the horrific pain he's been through not too long ago, and so he nods his head in Yixing's direction, acknowledging his life-saving efforts in thankful silence.
His appearance is probably a different story, though.
''How bad do I look?'' he asks Chanyeol jokingly, but judging from his mate's solemn expression alone the answer is not something he should anticipate. ''Don't make that face, please. I will be fine from now on, it doesn't even hurt anymore.''
''No, it's just that - '' the taller man sighs, reaching out to caress Baekhyun's cheek gently with his thumb. ''Seeing you twisted in pain like this killed something inside me, too. Like...I don't know, but it's ...scary. Your body kind of feels like my another limb now, you know? And if you were to die, I would too.''
Baekhyun bits down on his lower lip and waits for few seconds until this sudden, insufferable urge to burst into tears goes away. Why does it always has to be like this with Chanyeol; being a crybaby next to him truly becomes some sort of irritating déjà vu Baekhyun's not very proud of. ''I know how it's like, Yeol.'' he whispers when he decides it's safe enough to open his mouth again, without further embarrassment. ''I swear I'm not leaving you any time soon, and you better do the same for me or else.''
Chanyeol gathers the smaller male in his arms and squishes hard. ''I'd do anything for you, Baek. I love you too much.''
Baekhyun's particularly glad that everyone keeps their distance, giving them some intimate time for themselves. His eyes flash to Kyungsoo's for a second and although it's painfully obvious that the other boy wants nothing else but to run up to them and crush them both in a hug, all he does is sending Baekhyun a bright, relieved smile.
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''That boy has a big mouth indeed,'' Boa comments when loud thud of Sehun's body hitting ground makes Luhan jump and turn his head, distraught. ''And before you plead, no, we won't hurt him. Yet.''
Luhan grits his teeth. Being powerless has never caused him so much pain before; not even once in his life did he beg for some mystical force to help him hurt another living creature. He is a pacifist. An idealist. He despises unnecessary violence and cruelty more than anything - hunting may be about killing, but never about tormenting.
''...''
And yet here he stands, knuckles white from inner tension, biting his own tongue so hard it almost bleeds.
''May we continue?''
But bleeding is a small price to pay for Sehun's safety, so Luhan doesn't allow himself to disobey or say anything that may provoke them any further - just bites, bites until taste of copper fills his mouth and red starts dripping down his chin, releasing at least some of the strain he's been holding up inside. The woman in front of him wipes it off.
''Don't do this to yourself, darling,'' Boa's bony hands are on his face again, fake concern dripping from every syllable as she speaks. ''Losing too much blood will weaken you, and believe me - you will need all the strength you've got, very soon. But enough of this... '' and then her palms move lower, tracking his chest almost lovingly and halting in the area of Luhan's lower abdomen. ''Right now we need to determine whether the traitor put a cub inside you or not. You see, this is a rather...crucial matter, if you may. Firstly... off with your clothes, beautiful.''
Luhan doesn't even manage to take in what was said before she pulls at his robe expertly, making thin fabric fall to the ground the next moment and leaving him exposed in front of everyone in the tent.
''Wha-!''
''Shh, don't fight.'' Boa clings close to his naked body a second after, one hand drawing circles on Luhan's pale, perfectly flat stomach and the other reaching to the small of his back. ''Do you want to know a secret, Little Sun?''
Luhan keeps his eyes closed and mind focused elsewhere, unable to look her in the face. It's ashaming that Sehun sees him like this - if he even looks at him right now -, humiliated and powerless. Touched by someone else.
Nothing is like it should have been.
''Your beloved one despises me even more than you do,'' Boa hisses into his ear just when two of her fingers plunge inside Luhan's entrance from behind, drawing a short, surprised cry out of his mouth. It’s dry and painful. ''Because when you will cry yourself to sleep with my name on your horrified lips and the king's cub inside your belly...Sehun will be crying out for you, buried deep, deep inside me. Giving me a child, just like he was meant to from the very beginning.''
Luhan's shocked into total silence; not even one whine escaping his lips as she penetrates him with her fingers for a while longer. His back is facing Sehun so that he can't look at the other male even if he tries to twist his neck, but somehow Luhan just knows; knows that everything the woman said is true. His body goes slack and pliant, open to everything Boa does because this is just too much, too much even for him to stand.
He doesn't even feel anything anymore.
''Is that why he ran away?'' the golden-haired boy asks quietly when her fingers finally slip out of his tender hole, weight of what he's heard so overwhelming that even his voice doesn't sound familiar to his own ears. ''To avoid it?''
Boa smiles at him in that peculiar, unnerving way that has Luhan's nerves on fire in a flash. Mocking him. Teasing. ''Maybe. But that shouldn't concern you anymore, Little Sun. You are not pregnant, and in a few months...you will be ready again; you and Sehun will both be ready to fulfill the prophecy. At last. ''
Chapter 5
Chapter 7