Prologue

Hyeon

It was unusually cold that night. Freezing. Every step on the hard ground shot waves of numbness through Hyeon’s feet. The black clouds were racing with the wind, much faster than he was. There were moments when the twinkling stars were visible. As the moonshine sporadically shone through, as if to help him find his way, it illuminated the frost-encrusted forest leaves. 

Normally, the secluded area would be silent, but Hyeon’s stumbling to the cave disturbed the still air. Not even the animals dared to make a sound. It was a special place where he could see him—the wolf.

It’s all my fault. I should’ve known. Why didn’t I…?

His pace slowed as he stood in front of the large cave’s entrance, staring into its darkness. What used to be a portal was gone. Only emptiness was there, now merely the original underground system that led to nowhere. Not to that wolf. Not to the person who he made promises with. Tears felt brittle against his cheeks, drying instantly against the chilly bite.

Then Hyeon remembered he was holding a weapon—a curved knife. 

Is this truly the only way to bring you back?

Hyeon slowly held it up to his neck. 

And everything turned crimson red.