Chapter Text
If someone were to ask me why I was frozen in front of the small, but interestingly inviting shop tucked back into the furthest corner of main street it possibly could have been, I wasn’t sure I’d have an answer. Maybe it was the fact that I knew what was locked away inside and the implications playing with them could have. Or maybe it was the reason I found myself in front of it in the first place. I fiddled with the small piece of paper in my hand harboring the short list of ingredients I needed. A list that I wasn’t even sure whether I should put much stock into seeing, as I had copied off a relatively popular and well-known blog named ‘Learning the Craft’ to which the woman behind the scenes appeared legitimate enough.
Really, I was just grasping for straws. Modern medicine appeared to be failing me at this point in my life and if I needed a little bit of spiritual help on the side, then it couldn’t hurt, right? Especially not if it worked. Releasing a heavy sigh, I glanced through my list one more time, memorizing its contents before shoving it back into my coat pocket. I glanced up the street, not that anyone would accidentally wander this far down the quiet street unless they knew what they were looking for. This part of the town’s tiny business district didn’t get much foot traffic apart from older women and the occasional tourist coming to stop in after finding the sign out front intriguing.
Soul for Soul was the type of shop people didn’t talk about unless you were in the business. And for me, a beginner in anything to do with magic or ritualistic prayer, I wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms when asking around about it. I was determined though, conducted extensive research before deciding to visit and my desperation and hope is what prompted me to stand here on the sidewalk in the first place. I needed this to work. The constant negative results I’d been getting every few weeks back and forth to the fertility clinic were beginning to wear on me. My optimism in trusting the process waning with every depressed toss of a negative pregnancy test in my bathroom trash can back home.
I needed something else to believe in. I wasn’t ready to give up yet and I was willing to seek aid in another form of treatment if it would help me.
I curled the end of one of my coat sleeves in my fist to bring me courage as I approached the door. The soft jingle of the bell above it announcing my entrance as I set my sights on the inside of the shop for the first time. It was bigger than it looked on the outside, shelves lining the length of the room, splitting it into orderly sections. The quiet music permeating the room was melodic and relaxing, alleviating some of the tension within me instantly as I wandered further in. Everything on display seemed to catch my eye, my attention momentarily derailed from what I had come in to find with the array of crystals and rocks. The incense wrapped around me like a blanket. I paused in front of a particular display of crystals, searching for the rose quartz I knew I had written down on my list.
“Hello.”
I jumped at the voice, not expecting it to be right at my ear as I whirled around. The man was tall, his slim build towering over me even while keeping a good several feet of distance between us. Somehow, he had snuck up on me. There wasn’t even a single creak of the wood flooring beneath our feet to alert me of his presence. Or maybe there was, and I was just so immersed in my browsing I didn’t notice. His hair was a dark brown, or black, I couldn’t tell in the low lighting bathing the store, his eyes matching the deep shade in the gentle observation he graced me with. His features were sharp, but delicate. A perfect mix between masculinity and femininity and his voice held a dulcet lilt to it that made me itch to hear it again.
“Hi.” I stuttered, not expecting to be approached by someone so enchanting.
“I haven’t seen you here before. Is this your first time?”
The information I had gathered before coming here seemed legitimate enough in the face of his question. I wondered how few people really did come and go if he took it upon himself to recognize every person that came through his door.
“Um, yes.”
“Ah, well, we’re glad you’re visiting. My name is Seonghwa. I’m sure you’ll find whatever it is you’re meant to here. Are you just browsing, or can I help you find something specific?” He smiled. A genuine one, not one you knew people who worked in retail plastered on their face because it was part of their job to be polite.
The phrasing of his words were odd to me, but I brushed it off as I turned back to the rose quartz on display in front of me, my hand gravitating towards the paper in my pocket.
“I’m actually looking for a few things.” I admitted, ultimately deciding that I would probably get lost here without enlisting his help. “I wrote it all down.”
My mumble was lost to the sound of me trying to uncrumple the paper as I pulled it out of my pocket. I tried to smooth it out the best I could before handing it off to Seonghwa who waited patiently with one palm open to receive it. His dark eyes scanned it quickly, nodding.
“A fertility spell then?”
Him knowing what I was here for with a single once over through my list startled me. A bit embarrassed, I averted my gaze, feeling awkward now that the reason for my visit was laid in the open between us. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed how he seemed to soften considerably.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. We’ve had plenty of couples come for help from us for things like this. You’re not alone.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised as he stepped closer to grab a few of the rose quartz from the table in front of us.
“It’s a fairly common practice. A few of my friends and I have even helped with a couple of these rituals personally.”
“Everything I’ve read said this can be done alone though.”
“It can.” He agreed, motioning for me to follow him down one of the aisles. “Sometimes though, with rituals like these, it promotes a better outcome having someone else engage in it with you. Like your husband. If he’s okay with it, I would recommend he participate.”
“Oh, um, I’m not married. This is just a me kind of thing.” I admitted awkwardly.
If I’d been less focused on how weird I’d made things, I would have noticed the lingering look he watched me with, the interest hidden within them while he appreciated me.
“In that case…” He hummed, bringing my attention back to him. “I would suggest you harmonize with yourself. Mind, body, and soul.”
“Right.” I muttered, going quiet as I observed him pulling items off the shelves.
I took his suggestions to heart, believing that he would know better than I would on what would increase the chance of success of the ritual I would be doing. He took great care in hand selecting every item I needed for it before holding it out for me to take. At first, I didn’t notice the way his fingers would lightly skim across mine with each pass, but the more he handed me, and with the way it happened every single time I was given something, I started thinking it was intentional. It wasn’t uncomfortable, per se, but I did find it a little strange.
“When will you be casting?”
The sudden break in silence caught me off guard, my eyes flitting to him as he collected the last couple of items on my list.
“Huh?”
“The ritual. When do you plan on doing it?”
“Oh.” I mumbled, adjusting my arm full of ingredients to take the green candle he held, but he shook his head, offering to carry it for me. “Um, this weekend most likely.”
“Would you mind if I joined you?”
“Joined me?” I parroted, confused. “Like, at my house?”
His soft chuckle sent a warmth through me I hadn’t felt in a really long time. His bright eyes sucking me in as he gently led me back towards the front of the store.
“No. I meant spiritually. I can cast at the same time you do to open a connection between us. The focus of energy between both of us would help the ritual succeed.”
“Oh, well, I don’t have a problem with that.”
“Excellent.” He beamed, grabbing a pen from beside the register as I laid all my stuff out for him to count and ring up.
He quickly scribbled on my shopping list, sliding the crumbled sheet of paper back over to me. A phone number was neatly written under my own handwriting, Seonghwa’s name scrawled above it.
“You can text me when you’re ready to cast.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
I took the paper back, along with the brown sack he had packed all my things into. Returning his natural smile with a stiff one of my own as I paid and made to leave.
“I’ll talk to you this weekend.”
“Thanks, again, Seonghwa.”
“Take care.”
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Seonghwa’s POV
“Who was that?”
I waited until the bell above the door chimed again with the door clicking back into place after watching her walk out before turning to see Yunho poking his head in from the back.
“A witchling.” I answered fondly, hardly caring to stop myself as I moved towards the windows.
She clutched the sack in her hands tightly as she made her way back up the street. I watched her until I could no longer see her, and even then her image burned in my mind’s eye.
“Really?” Yunho quickly made his way over, joining me in watching her wander back the way she came, interest piqued. “We don’t get many newcomers. You should have said something.”
“She was nervous. I was worried it’d scare her off having so many of us present.”
“What did she come in for?”
“Fertility ritual.”
Yunho visibly deflated at that, turning sad eyes to me. “Then she’s claimed.”
“She said she wasn’t.”
“You asked?”
“In a way.” I shrugged, making my way back to the counter.
“Is she coming back then?”
“I’m not sure. I offered to help with her ritual.”
“And?” Yunho urged me to continue, turning his attention back out the window almost like he could still see her though she was long gone.
“She has my number. We’ll see if she calls.”
He hummed lightly, gaze lingering outside for another second or two before finally abandoning his post.
“I want to help too.”
“What are we helping with?” San chirped, emerging from the back just like Yunho had.
“A fertility ritual.” Yunho answered before I could get a word in otherwise.
“Oh. I like those.” San grinned. “The flowers always smell really good.”
“We’re not casting one.” I pinned Yunho with a look meant to tell him he should relay all pertinent information. “We’re just supplying energy.”
“That doesn’t mean we still can’t use flowers. Who’s casting it? Is one of the regulars hoping for grandkids?”
“No. She’s a witchling. Seonghwa said she’s unclaimed too.” Yunho blurted excitedly.
“What?” San’s surprise overshadowed Yunho’s enthusiasm, his head turning to me.
“She mentioned she’s not married.”
“Coven?”
“Wasn’t brought up.”
San sighed, tilting his head thoughtfully. “Then we can only confirm she’s partially unclaimed.”
“I don’t think she belongs to a coven. At least, I would think they wouldn’t have let her anywhere near our shop if she did.” Yunho brought up a good point.
“Self-initiated then?”
“They exist.” I nodded. “It’s becoming more popular nowadays.”
“Then, should we say something to Hongjoong?”
“Do you think she’d be a good fit?” Yunho asked, both his and San’s questions deflecting to me by default in making such an important decision.
“Let’s wait a couple of days. I’ll help her with her ritual and see if she’s a good choice. Don’t say a word to Hongjoong until then.”
I stressed the last bit, nailing each of them with stern glare so they knew I meant business. They both nodded their understanding, but the atmosphere didn’t lose its charge by any means. They, as well as I, understood what potential there was for the little witch that had wandered her way in.
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Long after I got home, I found myself staring at the phone number I’d been given, thinking about the shop and the man I’d met inside it. Walking away from him felt… wrong. Every step I made towards that door, out of it, and down the street was heavy, my reluctance getting stronger with every foot of distance, the only thing keeping me from turning around again being the part of me stating how ridiculous it was to feel that way towards a man I had just met. I wasn’t the type of person to become so emotionally attached to others. My parents were the most important people in my life and, besides them, my job took precedence over everything else.
I spent so much of my time working my way up the ladder that, to some, it seemed like I had wasted my best years doing so. That dedication was probably a large part of the reason I found myself in the current situation I was in now. Ready for a family of my own, but no one to share that with. I’d been on a few dates, but it was hard to connect with someone who didn’t necessarily share the same passion and commitment to their work as I did. On top of that, I couldn’t picture a future with any of them. The more dates I went on, the more time I felt like I was wasting and so, not wanting to wait any more, I decided insemination would be my best option.
What a cruel trick for life to play on me when that didn’t even seem to be working. I blinked away the mistiness clouding my vision, tearing my eyes away from the number I’d left pinned to my fridge. I didn’t know whether I’d actually call him or not. It was nice of him to offer support, but he was still a stranger and this entire process of trying to get pregnant is a rather personal endeavor. It was bad enough my doctor was aware of my struggles to conceive, I didn’t want Seonghwa to know how broken I was too. With that said, I couldn’t say I wasn’t tempted to take him up on it. I’d been going through all of this on my own. It would be nice to have someone to confide in and be my support. I wiped away the frustrated tears, taking a deep breath to get my emotions back under control.
One more try. Then, if it doesn’t take, I’ll go back to him.
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Almost three weeks had passed before I found my way back to the little shop on main street. Other than the weather that was steadily getting cooler, nothing has changed. The street was as quiet as it has always been, the glow from inside the shop was inviting and since this wasn’t my first time like last time, the few feet to the door were easier to make as I entered. I was wrapped in a sense of familiarity, the atmosphere, scent, and sound of the place bringing with it peace and comfort. Feelings I really needed after confirming another failed attempt. The only unrecognizable thing about the place, was the new face behind the counter. His head lifted at the jingle of the door chime before widening at the sight of me.
“H-Hi!” He stood up quickly, my arrival clearly catching him off guard as the clatter behind him indicated he had knocked over whatever he’d been sitting on.
He bent down to pick it up, a light blush coloring his cheeks as he apologized.
“I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“You didn’t.” He reassured me, rounding the counter. “I just didn’t expect you to be back.”
I tilted my head curiously. “Do we know each other?”
“No. Sorry. Seonghwa mentioned you the last time you came in. You look exactly as he described.” He held out a hand, his eyes reflecting a similar softness to the one I had immediately noticed in Seonghwa’s gaze. “I’m Yunho.”
“Y/N. It’s nice to meet you.” I said, taking his hand.
His shaggy brown hair hung over his eyes, almost long enough to hide the big doe eyes he pierced me with. I couldn’t help but admire how handsome he was. Seonghwa was a beautiful man, and I was sure Yunho could hold his own next to him and I briefly wondered how their shop didn’t attract more business with how attractive its employees were. He repeated my name under his breath, looking positively elated to know it.
“Yunho, are you okay? What fell- “
I looked behind Yunho as he turned to greet the man that walked out from what looked like a back storage room. He froze upon seeing the two of us, making me think that it really must be unusual for them to get many new customers.
“Yeosang!” Yunho’s happiness wasn’t fazed in the slightest in the face of his surprised coworker. “Come meet Y/N.”
Meanwhile, I was desperately trying to mask my own astonishment at the reveal of yet another devastatingly beautiful male. What was in the water here? I had never seen such gorgeous men in my life, let alone three who all worked in the same establishment.
“Hello.” Yeosang gave a polite smile and bowed.
“Hi.”
“Were you needing something? Can I help you find it?” Yunho asked, eager to fulfill whatever brought me back through their door.
“Oh, actually, I was wondering if Seonghwa was here.”
The two men exchanged a look, Yeosang being the first to break their eye contact as he turned back to me.
“Yeah, he’s upstairs. I’ll go get him.”
The ensuing silence between Yunho and I after Yeosang’s departure wasn’t exactly awkward, but I didn’t know how to engage in conversation with him either. Luckily, he didn’t seem to have the same issue as he turned his radiant smile back to me.
“Seonghwa told me he planned on helping you with your ritual.”
“Yeah, um, he offered.”
“If you ever want some extra help, I don’t mind. We could even do group sessions together sometime!”
“That sounds lovely. Thank you.” I smiled, unable to keep from getting sucked into his joyfulness.
He was incredibly easy going. A breath of fresh air really for someone like me who lived day by day adhering to some type of schedule.
“Is it just the three of you that work here?” I asked, trying to make friendly conversation.
“No. There’s eight of us in total. Some of us enjoy working up front more than others though.”
This time, I heard his approach. The sound of the heel of his dress shoes tapping the hardwood under him caught my ear and I turned to him, a comforting sort of fellowship blossoming within me as I met that tender smile.
“Good to see you again.” Seonghwa said casually, not looking off put in the slightest seeing me even after I’m sure he had been expecting me to message him. “Did your ritual go well?”
“That’s sort of what I wanted to talk to you about.” I admitted, trailing off as I nervously looked towards Yeosang and Yunho.
Yeosang was the first to realize the conversation I wanted to have was a private one, his serene features giving me an understanding nod and a subtle tilt of his lips before he retreated the way he came. Yunho was a little slower, those expressive brown orbs looking at me expectantly before flickering to Seonghwa who cleared his throat rather obviously.
“Ah.” He huffed a laugh, looking a little embarrassed as he backed away. “I’ll go see if Mingi wants some company.”
“Thanks Yunho.”
Seonghwa waited until he passed through the threshold of their back room before turning to me.
“You didn’t call.” He mused, not angry in the slightest, just stating the fact.
“I didn’t, and I should have.” I admitted. “That’s actually why I’m back. I wanted to talk to you and, if you’re still willing, ask for your help?”
Seonghwa looked like if he could, he would’ve melted into a puddle right there, he lifted his arms, crossing the short distance between us to lay his hands on my shoulders before squeezing them gently.
“Of course I’ll help you little witch. We learn by trial and error. I can’t hold any ill will towards you for wanting to try something on your own first. I’m just glad that you weren’t afraid to seek further help when you needed it.” He grinned, moving beside me to wrap one arm around the shoulders he’d been holding and guiding me towards the same door I’d seen the others walk through. “Let me make us some tea and we can talk.”
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I spilled everything to Seonghwa. I couldn’t help it. Once I started talking, it came pouring out of me and I couldn’t stop it. The last several months of failed after failed attempt of dates and doctors appointments and pregnancy tests. Seonghwa took it all in stride, letting me get it all out to the point I was in tears, but even then he scoot his chair closer to me to take my hand. After expelling everything I had pent up, I was tired but felt better having talked to him about it. I dabbed at the tears along my waterline with a napkin Seonghwa had set out.
He was quiet, allowing me some time to recover and get my thoughts back in order, refilling our cups in the meantime. I took the cup gratefully, my throat feeling scratchy with all the crying I had done, and I silently hoped my face didn’t look as terrible as I felt. Seonghwa sipped at his own cup, taking his time to set it back onto its saucer with a soft clink before turning to me.
“I think I can help you my dear, but there’s someone I want you to meet first.”
“Meet?”
He nodded, giving me a reassuring smile.
“Our High Priest. His blessing would serve us well to obtain and I believe if he were to help us too, we’d have a better chance of success, but there’s something you should know little witch.”
I met his eyes curiously, bidding him to continue without words. He reached up, fixing my hair with such care I almost missed his words.
“He’ll ask that you join our coven if you desire our help.”
“Join you?” The question came out more surprised than I intended it to, though Seonghwa didn’t pause in his ministrations. “What does that mean?”
“It means you’ll practice under us and earn a place amongst our ranks. We’ll care for you and protect you as one of our own and expect the same in return.”
“By ‘we’ do you mean the other seven people who run this store with you?”
“Someone’s been running their mouths I see.” He chuckled.
“I was just curious.” I attempted to backtrack lest Yunho get in trouble for telling me.
“It’s fine.” Seonghwa waved my concerns away. “Yes. There’s eight of us all together. We’ve been waiting a long time for someone like you to find their way to us.”
“But I’m not- I wouldn’t even know what I’m doing.”
“Don’t worry too much about it. That’s what we’re here for.”
I lowered my gaze to the table in front of us, staring into the cup of lavender tea Seonghwa had made for the both of us.
“Remember how I told you some rituals are more successful with combined energies?” I nodded. “I think yours will fare better results with all of us focused on you.”
While I was a bit hesitant at the thought of fully committing to something like this, it probably wouldn't be an awful idea to speak with Hongjoong. He might be able to offer more insight into what I could expect should I accept anyway.
“Okay.” I said slowly, meeting Seonghwa’s bright eyes again. “Could I have some time to decide after meeting him?”
“Of course you can. We would never want you to jump into a decision like this.”
Seonghwa’s reassurance eliminated a bit of my nervousness. In the same graceful manner he always kept, he rose from his seat, offering me a hand. I took it, letting him pull me up and out of the small kitchen towards the set of stairs half hidden on the far side of the backroom. The spacious apartment it led to was the last thing I expected, the entire living space carrying much of the same comforting vibe their shop did. The music from downstairs gently wafting through the open door on the landing, the lingering scent of the lavender tea seemed to permeate the air up here, every inhale dragging a heavy dose of the calming aroma.
Two familiar faces and one not so familiar looked at us as Seonghwa guided me into their home. Yunho’s eyes flashing with surprise before that excited grin was back in its place, conveying every bit of his excitement to see me again. Yeosang had let his attention wander from whatever book he’d had in front of him long enough to give me another polite smile. The stranger out of the three of them seemed to be the only one genuinely surprised to see me as he quickly and clumsily rose from his seat next to Yunho on the couch, one knee knocking into the coffee table and nearly flipping it in his haste if it hadn’t been for Yunho’s quick reflexes keeping it from happening.
He was almost as tall as Yunho too, his soft brown hair a curly mess on top of his head, brown eyes wide behind a set of round glasses that slipped down the bridge of his nose before he pushed them back up out of habit.
“H-hi.” He welcomed me, his hands straightening out his clothes nervously.
“Hi.” I smiled, finding him utterly adorable.
“Y/N, this is Mingi. He doesn’t work the front very often, he’s more comfortable with his nose stuck in our financial reports.” Seonghwa chuckled, though it was obvious with the way he looked at the shy lad fondly that it was all in good humor.
Ah, that explained the host of papers littering the table then.
“It’s nice to meet you Mingi.”
“Same.”
Yunho placed a comforting pat against his back, an encouraging one it seemed, as Mingi appeared to relax a little.
“Is anyone else around?” Seonghwa asked.
“Um, I think Woo and Jongho are. San is still out grabbing groceries.” Yunho answered.
“And Hongjoong?”
“Reading room.” Yeosang interjected before Yunho could say otherwise.
Seonghwa nodded as if he expected no less, looking at me over his shoulder as he tilted his head.
“Shall we?”
“Lead the way.”
I followed Seonghwa down the hall, trying to subtly take in the rest of the apartment along the way. It was definitely much larger than I expected, spanning the length of the shop on the first level as well as extending beyond the empty shops next door. Part of me wondered if that had something to do with the nearby stores remaining unowned, but the more I thought about it, I didn’t think I’d ever seen for lease signs in any of their windows either.
“Seonghwa, does the second floor stretch the length of the building?”
“It does. Actually, we bought out the whole building so we would be able to renovate it to accommodate all of us.”
“Then the empty stores next door belong to you too?”
He nodded. “It’s not our intention to keep them that way. We just can’t seem to decide if we would rather turn it into more living space or expand the store.”
With eight men all living together, I could see that the potential for space was not a simple decision to pass on. I hummed, acknowledging his words as I continued looking around. He had mentioned they renovated the space, but I wondered how much of the floor plan was original. It was a bit off of a layout, all the rooms were situated to one side of the space, leaving a narrow hallway overlooking main street below, as windows lined the front half of the second floor, their curtains drawn back giving an unobstructed view of the slightly foggy afternoon. An interesting layout for sure, but I sort of liked it. I had been so immersed in my own little world that I almost missed that Seonghwa had turned down another short hallway. It opened into another living space similar to the one on the opposite side of the building, except it held an additional room that I assumed was the one Seonghwa was leading me to as he paused in front of it, giving a few knocks in quick succession before opening the door.
At the same moment the door swung open wide, and I got my first look inside, the man sequestered within its walls raised his head from a book much like the one Yeosang had. He stood towards the center of the room, one hand cupping the spine of the book in his hold, balancing it across his spread fingers while the other toyed with the edge of the papers, turning it even as we garnered his attention. His presence was different from the others I’d met, though he wasn’t especially tall or anything like I would have expected someone to look with the title of High Priest, my breath still caught as I set my gaze on him. He was devastatingly handsome in his own right, his sharp features gracing him with an otherworldly charm, and I second guessed my original idea of what I envisioned a High Priest to be.
Hongjoong was every bit the title bestowed upon him. Just the sight of him was enough to bring me to my knees. His penetrative gaze was dark, sweeping over me slowly before a lazy grin spread over his lips as his eyes slid over to Seonghwa.
“So, this is the secret you’ve all been keeping.” He hummed, not looking surprised or upset as he snapped his book shut.
The audible clap of the pages closing together sent butterflies aflutter in my belly, Seonghwa’s gentle hand pushed me further into the room to close the door behind us as Hongjoong approached, eyeing me curiously.
“Cute, aren’t you? No wonder Seonghwa’s been so gloomy lately.”
“Gloomy?” I repeated, surprised at how easily he exposed his friend, but also at how Seonghwa didn’t even bother denying it.
“You know he’s been taking extra shifts at the front counter for the past couple of weeks. I had wondered, but I see he’s been eagerly awaiting your return.”
“I should have known there would be no keeping her a secret from you for long.”
Hongjoong chuckled, the sound washing over me like warm running water.
“None of you are exactly inconspicuous. I saw Yunho sneaking the candles and rose quartz up to his room. I had Mingi show me the receipts and pretty much knew someone had piqued my coven’s interest enough to get them to perform a fertility ritual with them.” Hongjoong’s soulful eyes found mine again, amusement shining within them. “I assume you came back because it wasn’t successful? Or maybe you missed Seonghwa.”
The last bit came out in a teasing lilt, causing my cheeks to pinken. Something about him was oddly charming and while I would normally never let teasing remarks and a pair of enigmatic eyes reduce me to a shy, demure woman, Hongjoong wasn’t normal. He was captivating and he knew it.
“Seonghwa told me,” I took a second to get my bearings, swallowing away the sudden dryness in my throat. “That rituals like the one I tried sometimes work better with help.”
“Did he?” Hongjoong hummed, flicking his eyes towards the man in question. “Is that why you’re here then? To ask for our help?”
I nodded, feeling a shred of disappointment surface as he stepped away. He laid the book in his hands on a nearby table, grazing his fingers over the cover reverently.
“Who do you belong to, little witch?”
My brows furrowed at the unexpected inquiry.
“Belong…to?” I asked, confused.
“He’s asking if another coven has claimed you as their own.” Seonghwa supplied.
I glanced at him over my shoulder, my eyes roaming his figure as I unconsciously compared him to his High Priest. Whereas Seonghwa was polite and forthcoming, Hongjoong was playful and mysterious. Neither really seemed like they would get along, and yet, also appeared to fit together, like two pieces of the same puzzle.
“I don’t have a coven.” I finally answered, turning back to Hongjoong.
“A lonesome little witch then.” He mused, piercing me with a desirous look as he took me in again from a distance. “If you’d like our help, I have… conditions.”
“Seonghwa informed me you’d most likely ask me to be a part of your coven in exchange.”
“He’d be right.” Hongjoong spoke softly, pulling me in with his soothing timbre. “I’d ask that of you, but I would also need your express consent to allow my coven in its entirety to help you with this ritual.”
His second request wasn’t outlandish by any means, but I couldn’t deny my curiosity.
“Can I ask why?”
“My coven is my family. It wouldn’t be fair of me to pick and choose who gets to help you and who doesn’t. Besides, the more participants there are, the more likely your ritual will work, wouldn’t you say?”
There was an underlying clause in his tone. I could almost feel it more than I heard it as I stared at him. He hardly blinked, his stare unwavering from mine as the cogs in my head turned to figure him out.
“When you say ‘help’, you don’t mean strictly in the sense of the ritual, do you?”
His smile widened, quiet steps tapping against the hardwood under his feet as he came nose to nose with me. His hand came up, fingers curling delicately under the shape of my jaw to my chin, fingertips tilting my face up as he took another step forward, invading my space.
“I imagine things haven’t been working in your favor since you’ve come to me, little witch. Perhaps you simply need a little more spiritual and… physical assistance. I promise you’ll find our services satisfactory in more ways than one.” He purred, chocolate irises boring into me. “You won’t come across another coven as generous as mine, I can assure you.”
Every word dripped like liquid honey from his lips, those delectable lips that curled devilishly as he held my chin between his thumb and forefinger, every pass of his thumb leaving intoxicating brushes over my skin.
“Think about it this way, doll.” He sighed sensually, as if he was imagining it himself. “Eight bodies, eight sets of hands, eight men utterly devoted to you and your purpose. Eight men desperate enough to bless you with the life you crave and deserve.”
I swallowed hard, vivid images being involuntarily conjured as he spoke, my eyes fluttering closed as I fought to maintain some composure while my thighs squeezed together a bit tighter.
“And all I ask in return is for you to give me the same courtesy, little witch. Surrender yourself to me.”
As alluring as he was, I forced myself to think about what he asked of me. Did the thought of being physically intimate with any of the men I’d met so far repulse me? Not in the slightest, but we were talking about physical relations with eight men. If I’d spoke to anyone I knew for advice about this, they’d think I was crazy for even considering it in the first place. Then again, I know most of them would find me bonkers for seeking mystical help to begin with. The opportunity presented to me had me reflecting on what it was I would be giving up if I were to accept Hongjoong’s offer and I realized that it wouldn’t be much different than the changes I had already planned on making when I had my baby, minus the addition of being part of a coven, that is. Seonghwa hadn’t made it sound all that bad, rather, being taken care of and having help sounded really nice and when it boiled down to it, I wasn’t deterred by the idea of learning their craft. The thought brought a small smile to my lips as I remembered the name of the blog that started it all I suppose. I bit my lip to hide it, the excitement building in my abdomen spread like wildfire as I decided to throw caution to the wind for once.
“Okay.”
The gentle hand on my shoulder grounded me, Seonghwa stepped into my peripheral vision.
“Are you sure Y/N?”
Hongjoong’s hold on me loosened enough for me to nod as I met his dark eyes with an unshakeable resolve burning in mine.
“I’m sure.”
“Yeah Hwa…” Hongjoong drawled, biting his bottom lip. “She’s sure.”
That predatory gaze finally separated from me, landing on Seonghwa.
“Go tell Yeosang to close the shop. We’ll be otherwise… occupied for the next few hours.”
Seonghwa gave half a nod before turning to do Hongjoong’s bidding, a part of me feeling a little more nervous without his reassuring figure at my back while facing Hongjoong who gave me what I would bet is the closest thing to a genuine smile I’d receive from him as he stepped back, holding his hand out for me.
“Come little witch. Tonight will be a long one.”
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I sat in front of the altar Seonghwa and Yunho had set up together staring at the green candle and flickering flame hoping it would will away the last vestiges of nervousness making my fingers fidget. I was more than aware of the bodies around me, all of whom kneeled before the altar the same as I did, eyes closed and appearing a heck of a lot more relaxed than me. Rose and jasmine had replaced the thick scent of lavender, the aroma heady, permeating my pores and settling under my skin. I inhaled deeply, allowing myself to sink into it. Subtly, I surveyed the people around me, finding a small piece of comfort in the fact that Seonghwa sat closest to my left after promising he would be nearby for the duration of the ritual should I need him.
Next to him was Yunho who sat quietly, kneeling with his forearms laid over his thighs, palms facing the sky with his eyes closed as his lips moved in silent prayer. On his other side was Mingi, glasses slowly slipping down the length of his nose with his head lowered the way it was. He was positioned similarly to Yunho, except his hands laid flat against the floor. Following the circle around, the next two were men I hadn’t met prior to now, San and Wooyoung. Both of them stared intently into the flame of the candle with a gaze that burned hotter than the delicate fire brought to life before them. As if he could sense my eyes on him, San’s eyes flickered in my direction, my heart kickstarting as he winked at me forcing me to look away, flustered.
I didn’t have to see the self-satisfied smirk to know it was there. While I kind of assumed the three of them I hadn’t yet met were likely just as attractive as the ones I had, seeing was believing. Unthinkingly, I sought the third member, situated on my right between Yeosang and I. The dim lighting gleaned over his soft features invitingly, the big, brown, doe eyes I had nearly fell for earlier hidden behind closed eyelids as he sat straight, hands laid politely over his thighs. Jongho, he had introduced himself as. Warm fingers wrapped around my shoulders, sending a shiver down my spine in excitement as my brain processed the only person it could be.
“Relax little witch.” Hongjoong murmured, pressing his lips to my ear. “Feel the congregation of energy around you. Connect with it, welcome it in, let it fill you.”
My eyes slipped closed under Hongjoong’s instruction, his voice luring me in as I tapped into the faint underlying charge in the air around us, my body unintentionally melting under him. I did exactly as he said, soaking in the shared energy around me, a sort of high leaving me foggy and hyper aware all at once. My body leaned into Hongjoong’s crouched figure behind me, his form welcoming me as his hands wandered from my shoulders, down my arms, to my wrists before lifting them. His touch was accompanied by someone else's, my eyes snapping open at the new sensation as they took my hands only to relax again after seeing Seonghwa’s soft smile.
“Seonghwa has elected to be your receptacle during your ritual. Use him as you need to purge your desires. The two of you will connect in mind, body, and spirit to dispel any negativity and produce the power needed for this ritual to succeed.”
While Hongjoong’s words were good in theory, I didn’t know how to put them into practice. My worry must have shown on my face because Seonghwa delivered a reassuring squeeze to my hands in his.
“Keep your eyes on me little witch. Think about your purpose here and feel that purpose bring us together.”
My purpose. Okay. I took a deep breath, remembering why I had found my way into their lives as Seonghwa tipped my chin up, bringing our line of vision together. My heart pounded against my ribs, so loud that I was sure Seonghwa could probably hear it if he listened closely enough. The pace of it quickened when a new set of hands wrapped around me from behind, slipping under my sweater in search of bare skin. I attempted to focus on Seonghwa, his chocolate orbs scorching me softly with an intimacy I was unused to. He commanded my attention, even with the hot palms scaling my belly and higher, lifting my top with them.
I raised my arms, letting whoever it was slip the sweater over my head. I hardly got the chance to glance over my shoulder before Seonghwa caught my chin again. The hands wandered once more, puffs of breath brushing over my cheek while his fingertips teased the outline of my bra. While I wasn’t embarrassed by my partial nudity, I didn’t want to be the only one naked in a room full of fully clothed men. I reached for Seonghwa, figuring he would comply the easiest since Hongjoong had said he was here for me to use as I wanted. His sweater felt incredibly soft, I couldn’t help letting my own hands wander for a bit just to feel it a second longer until I found the hem and I traded the sensation for his warm skin.
I could’ve melted under his knowing smile, those beautifully full, pink lips leaning forward to place a chaste kiss over mine before he pulled away to tug his sweater over his head. In the moment of distraction, the person behind me swept his thumbs over my nipples through my bra, sending shivers through me as my thighs pressed together a little tighter. My head fell back onto the shoulder behind me, my breaths coming out just a little faster as my fingers found his thighs, digging in a little harder than what was probably necessary. The soft groan I received in return didn’t sound like one of pain though as he made quick work of the fastening at my back.
Above me, Hongjoong’s dark eyes observed the scene heatedly, the flicker of desire I could make out in their depths excited me. It made me feel all the more sensual knowing he was just as affected watching as he would’ve been if he were directly participating. He quirked a brow, crouching behind us before threading his fingers through my hair. I had to bite back my moan as he fisted it, forcing my head up again to see Seonghwa on his knees in front of me, sweater gone, and plump bottom lip sucked between his teeth as the mystery member slid the straps of my bra down my arms before tossing it somewhere else in the room.
“Eyes on Seonghwa.”
Sweet kisses met my shoulder, making a path down my back before large hands gripped my waist, the strength in them pushing me forward where I had to catch myself by planting my hands on Seonghwa’s thighs or it would have been my face that ended up in his lap. Not that that would have been unpleasant. I laughed under my breath, Seonghwa’s ignorance making it all the funnier.
“What’s so funny little witch?”
“Just that if I hadn’t caught myself I most likely would have ended up with a face full of cock.”
The cackle piercing the otherwise quiet atmosphere was funnier than the thought, my eyes falling on Wooyoung as I dissolved into laughter with him. He had hardly moved from his spot next to San, his twinkling gaze meeting mine since the start of the ritual while he tried to stifle his amusement. An audible tsk turned my attention back to the bodies in my immediate vicinity, chancing a glance over my shoulder. I was surprised to find Hongjoong already there, two of his fingers tapping my cheek in disapproval.
“Such filthy words for such a pretty mouth. Maybe it should be filled with cock.”
The answering groan didn’t come from me, but the person behind me whose lips resumed their kisses along my spine as their fingers slipped under the waistband of my leggings, tugging the tight material down. No longer were they sweet but rained on my skin with stifling passion as he nipped any piece of flesh he could. I gasped under one particularly harsh bite, body leaning further into Seonghwa to get away as those hands took the opportunity to swiftly drag my pants down each leg.
The pinch of pain was soothed by the remedy that was Seonghwa’s lips covering mine. He started slowly, pointedly driving me wild with every playful swipe of his tongue over my lips before retreating and then returning to delve just a bit deeper. I whined, wanting him to kiss me properly after backing off again.
“So impatient.” He hummed, unable to keep the mirth off his face.
“She is.” Hongjoong sighed, taking his place behind Seonghwa to look down at me from over his shoulder. “You’ll have to teach her well not to rush things like this Hwa.”
“We’ll teach her.” He purred, tracing the line of my jaw. “You’ll be the most perfect little witch.”
Hands pulled at my waist, spinning me in Seonghwa’s arms and letting me get a look at the man responsible for undressing me for the first time. Jongho’s smile was wide, gums peeking through that had me internally cooing uncontrollably. His fingertips glided down my waist and thighs, leaving goosebumps in their wake as he separated my legs to settle between them. Arousal swam through my veins hotly, anticipation only making it sweeter with every teasing touch. The current of energy left me feeling buzzed, like I’d downed an entire bottle of alcohol without a drop of it gracing my lips. It was intoxicating and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to go back to normal sex if the foreplay was this intense already.
“You deserve to be worshiped, little witch.” Seonghwa’s voice was breathy against my ear.
My mouth opened, but I didn’t even know what, if any, words would have come out had they been allowed to. Jongho trapped them, his lips moving feverishly over mine as he slid the last bit of fabric covering my hips down my thighs, working one leg out of them before deciding it was good enough and leaving my underwear to dangle from one ankle. My first proper kiss had my eyes rolling back, part of me worried it would be taken from me again. That desperation had me meeting his fervor wholeheartedly, turning the kiss sloppy though I couldn’t remember ever finding kissing someone so pleasurable.
My sensitivity made me hyper aware of the two men I was sandwiched between. Seonghwa’s slender fingers toyed with my nipples, taking liberties with my body for the first time while Jongho otherwise had my attention. I moaned into him, feeling lightheaded as I arched into Seonghwa’s touch, core weeping and begging for relief. I almost would have thought I spoke the last bit into existence if Jongho’s lips hadn’t been glued to mine as his hand slid over my thigh, easily finding how wet I was for him. I pulled away from Jongho, biting my lip at the first swipe of his fingers through my folds, my toes curling at the same time I collapsed into Seonghwa’s embrace.
My lungs had barely managed two full breaths of air before another person joined the mix, crawling around Seonghwa to grasp my jaw and draw me into another kiss. Yunho’s kiss was softer, his lips melding with mine with purpose as if he were reminding me he was here too. The sensory overload brought on by the three of them left me struggling where I should focus my attention. Never had I experienced such an onslaught of wandering hands and hungry kisses by three men simultaneously, but I wanted more. Greedily, I moved my mouth over Yunho’s, tugging on his shirt in a silent bid for him to remove it. Unlike Seonghwa however, Yunho didn’t listen, he uncurled my fingers from his top, giving my palm a tender swipe with his thumb before moving my hand behind my head to Seonghwa. My fingers made contact with his soft hair, tangling in it without much thought as Seonghwa sighed, pampering me with delicate kisses along my neck.
“You’re doing so good little witch, letting us take care of you.” He praised me, his soft hum filling my ears as Jongho slid a finger inside me.
I whined under my breath; the sound captured by Seonghwa as he laid his lips over mine. I kissed him greedily, happy to ravage the lips I’d been dying for while he groped my breasts, cupping one of them to present it prettily to Yunho. I jolted, feeling the first swipe of his tongue over my sensitive flesh, my gasp lost to Seonghwa’s slow exploration. Vaguely, I was aware of the low whimpers escaping me to fill the room, but I couldn’t help myself under their assault. Yunho’s groans coupled with mine, mouth enveloping my pebbled bud hungrily, leaving me a squirming mess in Seonghwa’s hold.
Jongho added another finger, stretching me slowly for what I was sure was to be a night that would test my limits under the desires of the eight of them. Reluctantly, Seonghwa separated from me, turning my face forward to meet Jongho’s heavy-lidded stare.
“Ready little witch?” He asked breathily, voice deeper than it had been earlier.
I clenched around his fingers, my body’s visceral reaction upon hearing how soon I’d be filled. I dropped my hand from Seonghwa’s hair and dug my nails into the rug underneath me, the other curled into the meat of Yunho’s thigh, the man groaning and bucking into my touch helplessly. My breaths came out harsher as Jongho began stripping, my body seconds away from combusting with every inch of skin he revealed. Seonghwa’s grip around my jaw disappeared, only to be replaced by a hand burying itself into my hair and wrenching my head back.
I gasped as I was forced to look up at Hongjoong, his devilish smile taunting me as he loomed above Seonghwa and I.
“Did you forget the rules little witch?”
I whimpered softly, arousal rushing through me to pool between my thighs.
“As much enjoyment as we’ll all get fucking you, we’re serving a purpose, doll. Keep your eyes on Seonghwa.”
I dropped my gaze to the man in question, meeting his dark, dilated eyes as they roamed my face, slowly traveling down the length of me where hands other than his own touched me. The strong grip on my thighs, spreading me wider, had me breaking Hongjoong’s rule once again. His hand fisting my hair harder at the same time Seonghwa’s hand wrapped around my throat, the tip of index finger tipping my chin up before his lips were on mine again. A part of me reveled in the domination, especially knowing how in control of my personal and professional life I usually am.
The first press of Jongho’s cock against my pussy had my eyes nearly rolling back. It had been so long, and fuck if he didn’t feel so good against me. Much warmer than any toy I had back at home. Another hand snaked its way down my stomach, trailing lower before reaching my folds, two long, shapely fingers spreading me open further for Jongho. Two men groaned, one of which reverberated through me as it came from the mouth still wrapped around my nipple before it released me with a wet pop.
God I wished I could see them. Seonghwa served his purpose, devouring my moans entirely while two other men settled their attention on my lower half. Yunho’s fingers made a lazy swirl around my clit, as if he were testing the waters to see what kind of reaction it would give him. My hips jerked, chasing the stimulation even as he backed off. They dipped lower again, spreading me once more for Jongho who didn’t let the opportunity go to waste. My cry filled Seonghwa’s mouth at the stretch of Jongho’s entry. My walls fought the intrusion until his tip slid in, a soft groan leaving him as he moved in slow, shallow thrusts, gently easing my body into accommodating him.
I ripped my mouth from Seonghwa’s, if only to catch my breath. His hand around my throat tightening as he stared down at me with lustful, half-lidded eyes. I could feel him growing hard, his stiffening cock pressing against my back. The pressure of it made me wetter, my body temperature climbing to leave me feeling flushed and a bit lightheaded. Or maybe it was the hand at my throat. Either way, it was euphoria. My mind swimming in half a haze, floating enough to relax me and allow Jongho to slide in the rest of the way.
“Fuck, she’s perfect.” He breathed heavily, his fingers digging into my thighs harder as he pushed them up, the air knocking out of my lungs as he slid in deeper.
“Oh, Jes- “
My words were cut off, two fingers sliding their way between my lips to muffle them. I jerked my eyes up to Hongjoong, who glared at me with heavy eyes. He breathed in deeply through his nose, looking more affected now than he had since the rest of his coven started touching me.
“The only being you are allowed to worship now is me. It’s my name that leaves your lips, or none at all.”
My pussy clenched, the action eliciting a dark chuckle from Jongho as he pulled out and snapped his hips back in sharply. I moaned around Hongjoong’s fingers, my lips closing around them, and I bit down lightly. It was then, amid the fog of pleasure that I could sense the charge in the air. A low hum of energy that burned between the nine of us, leaving every inch of me tingling. My sensitive body absorbed the influx of energy, my nipples hardened, and my clit throbbed. Hongjoong could feel it too, that wicked grin splitting his lips as he pulled his fingers out of my mouth, grabbing my chin and letting me get my first look at Jongho between my legs.
My breath caught upon seeing him. His brows were pinched in pleasure as he looked down where his length disappeared inside me, his bangs hanging into his eyes, bouncing with his pace as he seemed to lose himself in me. His toned arms flexed as he kept me in the position he wanted. My knees toward my head, giving him plenty of room to drive every inch of his fat cock back into me. My skin prickled with the puff of breath that ghosted across my ear, Hongjoong’s lips brushing it as his velvety voice hummed throatily.
“Look at him. So eager to fill that pretty cunt.”
I trembled in Seonghwa’s arms, Hongjoong backing away with that knowing smirk that told me he knew exactly what kind of effect his words had on me. My orgasm was fast approaching, much faster than it normally would, but I was struggling to hold out with the bombardment of stimulation. I’d never had so many hands on me at once. So many eyes. So many men willing and waiting to fuck me. Yunho’s fingers were back on my clit, lavishing the tight bud with attention and driving me crazy. Seonghwa forced my eyes to his again, his soft lips landing on mine at the same time Yunho leaned in, his tongue replacing his fingers and wrapping his lips around my clit to suck on it like he had on my breast earlier. The sensation nearly melted me, the visual threatening to shred any last logical thought as I imagined exactly what I felt him doing. His lips wrapped tightly around my sensitive bud, pink tongue darting out to stroke the delicate flesh while another member of his coven drove his cock into me inches from his face. I tensed, my body locking up as my release slammed into me like a freight train, Seonghwa’s mouth smothering my cries and holding me tightly as I shuddered.
Jongho cursed, hips slapping against mine harder as he fucked me through my orgasm and reached his. The warmth of his cum was an indescribable feeling. His seed coating my walls in thick spurts. Hongjoong wasn’t kidding when he said he was eager. Jongho filled me to the brim, leaving me full in a completely different way as he pulled out, panting heavily. A light sheen of sweat left his skin shimmering in the low candlelight, making him appear even more attractive if that were possible. Seonghwa’s touch turned from demanding to soothing, his hand tracing gentle patterns across my bare flesh.
“How do you feel, little witch?” His voice was soft, every bit as comforting as the tenderness he bestowed me with.
I stretched my body, expecting the usual tiredness from the physical exertion, but there was none. In fact, my body almost felt like it was glowing. Pulsating in that underlying energy still permeating the room. Begging for more. I wanted more. I licked my lips, my desire flourishing into potent need. I craved them desperately, every bit of me aching for them to touch me again. Seonghwa could see the lust filling my eyes, his lips curving upwards slightly as he slowly lifted his gaze to Hongjoong.
“She’s ready.”