CHAPTER 36
The chamber was dimly lit, only the glow of a lantern flickering softly against the silk curtains. Taeyang lay beneath the blankets, his little chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. Yuhyun sat quietly at his side, keeping watch like a protective shadow.
Suddenly, Taeyang jolted upright with a startled cry, his small hands clutching the blanket. His wide eyes glistened with fresh tears.
"Papa!"
he whimpered, trembling.
Yuhyun immediately gathered him into his arms, pressing the boy's head against his chest. His hand moved in soothing circles over Taeyang's back.
"It's alright, little one… it's just a bad dream. You're safe now,"
Yuhyun whispered gently, rocking him.
Taeyang sniffled, his sobs muffled against Yuhyun's shoulder. When he finally pulled back, his eyes were red and wet. He rubbed them with his fists before looking up at Yuhyun.
"Uncle Yuhyun… is Dada gonna be alright?"
Yuhyun's breath caught for a moment. He brushed the tears from Taeyang's cheeks with tender fingers, forcing a small smile.
"Of course. Your Dada will be alright. He's stronger than anyone I know."
Taeyang's lips quivered, and after a pause, he asked in a small, broken voice,
"Then… does Dada hate me?"
The question pierced Yuhyun's heart like a blade. He froze, stunned, staring into the boy's teary eyes. For a moment he had no words.
But quickly, Yuhyun shook his head and cupped Taeyang's face gently.
"No. Never. Don't ever think that."
His voice was firm but soft, warm like a blanket.
"Your Dada loves you more than anyone in this world. He would never hate you."
Taeyang sniffled again, his little hands clutching Yuhyun's sleeve.
"But… he was scary…"
Yuhyun kissed the boy's forehead, pulling him close again.
"Sometimes grown-ups say or do things when they're upset. But listen to me—your Dada's heart beats for you. He loves you more than the sun, more than the moon, more than every star in the sky. That's how much."
The boy's sobs quieted, his breathing evening out. With Yuhyun's steady patting on his back and sweet words whispered in his ear, Taeyang slowly relaxed. His eyelids grew heavy once again, and he drifted back into slumber, safe in Yuhyun's embrace.
Yuhyun held him a little longer, whispering,
"Don't worry, little one. I'll protect both you and your Dada… even if he forgets how to protect himself."
Later that night, Muwon quietly made his way to Taeyang's caretaker's chamber. When Hayeon saw His Majesty enter, she quickly rose and bowed deeply.
"How are you doing? Are you feeling any better?"
Muwon asked gently.
Hayeon kept her head lowered as she replied,
"Your Majesty does not need to worry about me. I am doing better."
Muwon's gaze softened.
"I must apologize on Sihyun's behalf… for what he did to you."
She quickly shook her head.
"Please, Your Majesty, it is fine. I understand."
"Even so,"
Muwon said firmly,
"you should rest and recover. For now, I will look after Taeyang myself."
Hayeon bowed again, her voice carrying quiet gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
With a final nod, Muwon turned to take his leave, his steps calm as the chamber fell into silence once more.
After leaving Hayeon's chamber, Muwon made his way quietly through the dim halls to Sihyun's quarters. Inside, the room was silent except for the faint, uneven sound of breathing. On the bed, Sihyun lay curled up, his body trembling. The cold silver of the sorcerer chain was still wrapped around his neck, and because of it, the wounds across his skin remained raw, refusing to close.
Muwon stepped closer, his eyes tracing every mark carved into Sihyun's flesh. A heavy ache pressed against his chest, a mixture of guilt and sorrow that tightened his breath. For a long moment, he simply stood there, then he bent slightly and whispered softly,
"Sihyun…"
There was no answer. Sihyun only groaned faintly, his body shaking under the pain.
With a quiet click, Muwon undid the chain and tossed it aside. At once, the sharp tension in the air seemed to fade. Sihyun's groans subsided, and the trembling slowed as his wounds began to heal, closing inch by inch before Muwon's eyes.
Finally, peace returned to Sihyun's face, and his body grew still as sleep claimed him. Muwon lowered himself beside the bed, brushing his hand gently through Sihyun's hair. For a moment he lingered there, watching him with quiet tenderness, before pressing a soft kiss against his forehead.
"Goodnight, Sihyun,"
he whispered.
Rising to his feet, Muwon cast one last look at him, then quietly left the chamber, heading toward Taeyang's room.
When Muwon entered Taeyang's chamber, he found the boy still awake, sitting upright on his bed with a brush in hand. Sheets of paper were spread out before him, covered in uneven strokes of ink and color. Taeyang was so focused on his work that he didn't notice the door open until Muwon's deep voice gently broke the silence.
"Are you still awake, my moonlight?"
Taeyang's head shot up, his face lighting with excitement.
"Papa!"
he called happily.
Muwon walked over and sat beside him, his hand reaching out to pat Taeyang's soft hair. His gaze fell to the paper in front of the boy, curiosity glimmering in his eyes.
"And what is my moonlight drawing at such an hour?"
he asked.
Taeyang beamed and held up the paper proudly.
"It's you, Papa… and me… and Dada!"
Muwon leaned closer, studying the childish, unsteady lines. The figures were crude and simple, yet the warmth behind them shone through clearly. A small smile curved across Muwon's lips.
"It's beautiful,"
he said softly.
Taeyang's eyes sparkled with joy as he hugged the drawing to his chest.
"We're all going to live together happily, Papa,"
he declared with innocent certainty.
Muwon's smile deepened, though his heart stirred with emotions he couldn't voice. He brushed his fingers lightly through Taeyang's hair again, holding onto that fragile wish.
Muwon's gaze lingered on his son, the corners of his lips softening.
"Tonight, I'll sleep beside you,"
he said quietly.
Taeyang's eyes widened, then sparkled with delight.
"Really?!"
He quickly gathered up his brushes and drawings, carefully stacking them aside before turning back to his father with an excited pout.
"Why didn't you say so earlier, Papa?"
Muwon chuckled, the sound low and warm, watching his son's eagerness. Taeyang tugged at his sleeve with childish insistence.
"Let's go to sleep then."
Together, they lay down on the bed, Muwon's arm wrapping protectively around the small body pressed against him. The warmth of his son seeped into him, easing the weight of the night.
After a moment of silence, Taeyang's soft voice broke the calm.
"I wish Dada was here with us."
Muwon's heart ached faintly at the words. He pressed a light kiss on Taeyang's hair.
"…So do I,"
he whispered.
Taeyang's lashes fluttered as he turned to look up at him.
"Papa… are you doing better now?"
Muwon's chest swelled with pride and tenderness.
"Thanks to my moonlight's bravery, I'm much better,"
he replied, voice steady but warm.
Taeyang's lips curved into a small, contented smile. Feeling safe in his father's embrace, he nestled closer, letting his eyes drift.
"Tomorrow,"
Muwon added softly,
"we'll study together."
Taeyang gave a drowsy nod, his little voice almost a whisper.
"I don't mind studying with Papa."
The chamber fell into peaceful silence, father and son held close, until sleep gently claimed them both.