MARKED BY THE MOON

CHAPTER 4

"You will stay..you will do what is

required and in return you will live"

Muwon's hand gently tilt Sihyun's chin up, forcing him to meet his gaze

Muwon pulled Sihyun forward as he slowly took off the sorcerer chain from Sihyun's wrist, for a moment, Sihyun was happy deep down

"You are making a mistake"

"Then prove me wrong"

Muwon took off the sorcerer chain, Sihyun's eyes glows and a bow came flying towards Muwon but Muwon was faster.In one swift move, he caught Sihyun's two wrist and pushed him down to the bed and the bow clang to the floor

Sihyun lay beneath him, his breath uneven, his body tense. He wanted to fight, to spit out another insult, but Muwon's hands were firm, grounding him in place. There was no more room to resist.

A heavy silence settled between them, Muwon reached out, his fingers brushing against Sihyun's cheek, lingering there for just a moment—before he leaned down.

The kiss was not gentle. It was forceful, demanding—full of frustration and something else neither of them wanted to name. Sihyun gasped, his fingers curling into the fabric of Muwon's robes, torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer.

But then, something changed

As their lips moved together, a spark ignited between them—deep, raw, and undeniable. A sudden heat coursed through Sihyun's veins, the familiar pulse of his magic awakening. A deep crimson glow seeped from the markings on Muwon's chest, spreading across his skin like veins of fire.

Muwon let out a sharp breath, breaking the kiss, his gaze flickering down. The curse mark—black and ominous only moments ago—was shifting, glowing faintly as if reacting to Sihyun's presence.

Sihyun's eyes widened, realization dawning. His magic was flowing into Muwon, slowly, steadily, just as the ritual demanded.

"See?"

Muwon's voice was hushed, yet triumphant

"It's working"

Sihyun scowled

"That doesn't mean I'm doing this willingly"

But even as he spoke, he felt his body responding, drawn into the ritual against his will. His magic, once his own, was slipping away, being absorbed into the prince—into the very man he should have despised.

Muwon kissed him again. This time, it was slower, deeper—a quiet understanding passing between them. There was no stopping it now.

Sihyun's body trembled beneath him as robes loosened, hands exploring unfamiliar territory. The crimson light from the curse mark pulsed, growing brighter with every touch, every movement, until it bathed the entire room in its glow.

Muwon groaned as warmth spread through him, his body drinking in Sihyun's power. Sihyun gasped, his fingers digging into Muwon's shoulders, overwhelmed by the sensation of his magic being drawn out—not in pain, but in a way that left him breathless.

Their bodies moved together, the ritual sealing itself with each shuddered breath. The moment was intense, both of them trapped in a cycle of power and need, of hatred and something far more dangerous.

As the ritual reached its peak, Sihyun's eyes shone like molten red, his magic thrumming through the room.

Muwon buried his face against Sihyun's neck, his grip tightening as the final wave of power surged through him. The glow dimmed, settling deep within his chest where the curse mark once loomed.

Silence.

Muwon lifted his head, his breath warm against Sihyun's flushed skin. For the first time in years, the pain of the curse had lessened.

And Sihyun, who had vowed to hate him, lay beneath him, staring up with eyes still burning red.

The chamber was eerily quiet, the only sound coming from their heavy, uneven breaths. The ritual had drained them both, leaving their bodies slick with sweat, their limbs too heavy to move. The room was dimly lit, but the faint crimson glow in Sihyun's eyes still pulsed, refusing to fade completely.

Muwon lay beside him, his chest rising and falling slowly. His curse mark no longer burned as fiercely as before, but it wasn't gone. Not yet. The pain had retreated, but he could still feel it lingering beneath his skin, waiting.

He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Sihyun. The sorcerer lay sprawled on his back, his body tense even in exhaustion. His breathing was shallow, his skin flushed, and his fingers twitched slightly as if reacting to the loss of his magic. Even now, his eyes still glowed—a deep, blood-red hue, like embers refusing to die out.

Muwon furrowed his brows

"You're still glowing"

Sihyun barely reacted. His gaze was distant, unfocused, as if caught between consciousness and sleep. His lips parted slightly, but no words came. Maybe he was too exhausted to speak. Or maybe he simply didn't want to.

Muwon studied him for a long moment before exhaling softly. He reached out, brushing damp strands of orange hair away from Sihyun's forehead. His skin was hot—almost feverish.

Even in sleep, he was still fighting.

Muwon's fingers lingered before he finally withdrew his hand. He had forced Sihyun into this, knowing full well the consequences. They would have to do this again. Night after night. Until the curse was gone—or until there was nothing left of the sorcerer lying beside him.

Closing his eyes, Muwon let exhaustion take over.

The glow in Sihyun's eyes flickered one last time before fading into darkness.

The shamans let out a sigh of relief, smiling and nodding

"The first ritual night was successful"

The morning sun crept in through the changhoji paper windows, casting a soft glow over the chamber. The faint scent of burnt incense lingered in the air, mixing with the remnants of sweat and exhaustion from the night before. The silence was heavy, broken only by the slow, steady breaths of the two figures lying tangled beneath the silk covers.

Sihyun stirred first. His body ached—deep, bone-deep exhaustion settling into his limbs like lead. His fingers twitched against the sheets, and as he shifted, he became painfully aware of the soreness coursing through him. His eyes fluttered open, still hazy, still sluggish, before realization struck.