•~○Cursed castle[NCT]○~•

~°•○'

Chapter 7

Yuta's eyes went wide.
Yuta: "There! They're over there!"
He jabbed his finger toward a small, glittering bundle of crystals embedded in the seabed. The three darted toward it, cutting through the water like arrows.

Jisung: "...So... who's gonna touch them?"
Yuta: "Not me."
Jisung: "Me neither."
Jeno: "You two are unbelievable."

With a sigh, Jeno reached out, fingers brushing over the sharp edges of the crystals. They hummed at his touch, releasing a haunting, high-pitched ring that echoed through the ocean like a summoning bell.

The water stirred. Shadows streaked closer-guards, sleek and fast, their spears slicing through the currents. Behind them swam a taller figure, posture regal, gaze locked on the intruders.

Guard: "You! Step away!"
They surged forward, but Jeno thrust his hands out.
Jeno: "Wait! I can explain!"

The sudden authority in his voice made them hesitate. The taller man moved to the front, his eyes scanning Jeno with an unreadable expression.

Jeno: "I am Lee Jeno, second prince of Heaven. Our kingdom was attacked-we've lost three angels to the Underworld. We've heard the book that reveals the way there is in your possession. We touched these crystals to call you. Please... help us."

For a moment, silence. Then the man's lips curved into a faint smile.
??: "I'm Kim Jungwoo, prince of the sea. And yes... we can help."

Jeno: "Thank you."
Jungwoo: "You'll need to speak with my father. He's the only one who knows where the book is."
Yuta: "You don't?"
Jungwoo: "If I did, I'd already have it in your hands. But only my father can hide something in the ocean so deeply that even I can't find it... he doesn't trust me enough."
Jisung: "Then please, take us to him-fast."

Without another word, Jungwoo gripped Jeno's arm and, in a blink, they were no longer drifting above the crystals-they stood before the gates of a grand underwater palace. Light spilled down through the water, refracting across towers made of shimmering coral and glass-like stone.

Jungwoo: "Wait here."
He vanished inside, the massive door closing behind him.

A minute later, it groaned open again.
Jungwoo: "Come in."

They followed, their movements slow in the thick water. At the end of the hall sat a man upon a throne of pearl and silver. His eyes were sharp, yet there was something sorrowful in their depths.

??: "You must have been sent by Leeteuk. I'm Kim Dongyoung, king of the sea-call me Doyoung."

Jeno: "Your highness... yes, Leeteuk sent us. We don't have much time-if our air runs out, others will have to take our place. Three of our angels are in the Underworld, held by Ten. We have a month to get them back, but only you know where the book is."

Doyoung: "The book... has been stolen."

The words fell heavy, stealing the breath from the room. Jungwoo's brow furrowed.
Jungwoo: "Father-you said it was safe."
Doyoung: "There is a creature in the ocean... wicked beyond measure. It steals what cannot be stolen, breaks what cannot be broken. It does not care who its revenge falls upon."

Jisung: "...From the Forgotten Forest."
Doyoung: (leaning forward) "How do you know that?"
Jisung: "Their king travels with us. His guard told us the creature betrayed them... the guard had been close to it, but couldn't stop it."

Doyoung: "True. But do you know what it did? It gave the mountain clans the secret to breaching the forest. All for love. There was a plant there, rare enough to save the mountains from ruin. The creature thought it was doing right."

Jeno: "What we do for love..."
Jisung: "What we give up for love..."
Doyoung: "...And what giving up love leaves us with."

Yuta: "...Huh?"
Doyoung: "Never mind. We'll find the book-together?"

Jeno: "It would be an honor, your highness."
Doyoung: "You're respectful. I like that."
Yuta: "Can we skip the fan club thing? We're on the clock here."
Doyoung: (smiling faintly) "Right. Let's go."