#Web Design Phoenix | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

faerouzia · 1 month ago

Text

Kingdom: At Grim’s End

I payed the iron price: VIIII (part 1)

Pairing: prince!seonghwa x darkfae!fem!reader

Au: strangers to lovers | third age au

Genre: fantasy, horror

Warnings: +21 (MDNI), gory scenes, disturbing depictions of creatures, angst, fluff, all you can imagine SMUT, mentions of dark magic, death,suggestive themes, betrayal, slow burn, fear

Summary: The land of Aurora, split into several kingdoms, after a war that raged for over 400 years, falls weary of the dark reigns bestowed by the Evil Queen of Darconia, Morana. With half the kingdoms bound to her will, the last rivalling kingdoms join forces in hopes to end the queen’s exploitation of ancient magic and the plan of using dark arts and the blood of the most powerful king’s and creatures to solidify her power. In the midst of unforgiving circumstances, Prince seonghwa of Halazia and the last of her kind, a decent of the phoenix fae fall in love, but at a great cost.

Chapter playlist

Word count: 10k

Series master list

The air was thick with anticipation, a palpable tension that crackled like the whisper of an impending storm, as Queen Morana prepared her kingdom for my impending arrival. She stood before the grand window, adorned with the bones of fallen soldiers dating back a century, her silhouette a dark specter against the ominous crimson moon that loomed in the night sky. The time for subtlety had passed; now was the moment to unleash her nefarious fantasies upon the world, to ensure that the very essence of light, which threatened to pierce her shadowed realm, would be extinguished forever.

“Gather the iron chains,” she commanded, her voice a low, sultry hiss that slithered through the vast chamber like a serpent. Goblins and ghouls, clad in dark armor that glinted like obsidian, moved swiftly to obey her orders, their expressions a mix of reverence and grim determination. The gravity of their queen’s intentions was far beyond their understanding; it was a promised sanctuary they so desperately craved, a sanctuary that drove them to obey her every command, a sanctuary where all hell would wreak havoc upon the souls of the unforgiving. They understood that, in order to catch a fae, one must seize a weapon capable of turning the tide of the looming war.

As the guards scurried to gather the iron-cut chains, Morana’s mind raced with wicked delight, her eyes darkening with every malicious thought, her smile a maniacal testament to her wicked obsessions. She envisioned the trap she would set, a cunning snare designed to ensnare the fae in a web of iron and shadow, rendering them utterly powerless before her.

The crackling of machinery and the grunts of the guards filled the room to capacity, creating a cacophony of impending doom. “Prepare the nets,” she instructed, her voice dripping with dark promise. The guards worked diligently, their hands deftly weaving the chains into intricate patterns, forming a net that would ensnare the unsuspecting fae, to ensnare my very form. Morana watched with a predatory gleam in her eyes, her heart racing with the thrill of the hunt. She could almost taste the blood, the victory that awaited her, the sweet satisfaction and sensation of the fae’s power flowing through her veins. She would become unstoppable.

“Summon the iron fairies,” she commanded, her voice chilled with authority. The guards nodded, their expressions grim as they continued to work, the sound of clinking metal echoing ominously through the chamber. Only the prevalence of darkness was her end goal, and with the help of the iron fairies, their ancient enchantments would be the key to ensuring the capture was successful. As the final touches were made to the trap, Morana stepped back to admire her malevolent handiwork.

Twelve guards returned, each bearing glass cages that held the iron fairies captive. The grotesque manifestations of twisted metal, the iron fairies’ bodies resembled jagged shards of cold iron, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light that reflected the darkness of their power. Possessing the terrifying ability to drain the magic from fae and other mythical creatures, these iron fairies could sap the vibrant energy that sustained their victims with a mere touch, leaving them weak and vulnerable. Yet, beneath the surface of their twisted forms and corroded chains lay spirits still capable of compassion and hope, waiting for the day when they might reclaim their place—not as harbingers of doom, but as steadfast allies in the preservation of the realms they once loved.

In a ritualistic display, the twelve guards held the glass cages above their heads, and with a synchronized motion, they dropped them, shattering the force that had held the fairies captive. The fairies loomed toward the iron traps, surrounding them as they began to work their dark magic. Every hymn, every chant glistened in the ears of those within the room as they strengthened the traps, weaving a tapestry of iron and shadow that promised to ensnare the light.

In stark contrast to the chaos unfolding in the throne room, Mingi sat in his dimly lit chambers, a sanctuary that had become a prison of his own making. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the stone walls, illuminating the turmoil etched upon his face. Guilt and regret gnawed at his insides like ravenous beasts, each thought a dagger piercing deeper into his conscience. He had once been a hopeful soul, a boy yearning for purpose, but now he found himself drowning in a sea of despair, suffocated by the weight of his choices.

Mingi’s fingers trembled as they traced the intricate patterns of the wooden table before him, a futile attempt to ground himself in the present. Memories flooded his mind—images of the queen’s cold smile, the way her eyes sparkled with malevolence as she reveled in the suffering of others. He had pledged his loyalty to her, believing he could make a difference, believing he could protect those he loved. But now, he felt like a traitor, a coward who had turned his back on the very essence of goodness.

“Why did I ever join her?” he whispered to the empty room, his voice barely audible above the crackling of the candle flame. “What have I become?”

The walls seemed to close in around him, the air thick with the stench of regret. He could still hear the echoes of the fae’s laughter, the vibrant energy that had once filled the air now replaced by a suffocating silence. He had watched as Morana’s dark ambitions unfolded, as she twisted the very fabric of their world to suit her desires. And in his heart, he knew he had played a part in it—a willing participant in her malevolence.

Mingi’s thoughts spiraled into a tempest of self-loathing. He recalled the moment he had stood by her side, the thrill of power coursing through his veins as he had watched her command the iron fairies, those wretched beings that drained the magic from the innocent. He had felt invincible then, but now he was left with nothing but the bitter taste of betrayal.

“Is there no redemption for me?” he lamented, burying his face in his hands. “Can I ever atone for the lives I’ve helped destroy?”

The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the room, mirroring the turmoil within him. He could almost hear the whispers of the fae, their voices a haunting reminder of the light he had forsaken. They had trusted him, believed in him, and he had failed them. The weight of their disappointment pressed heavily upon his chest, a constant reminder of the choices he had made.

Mingi rose from his chair, pacing the small confines of his chamber, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He longed to break free from the chains of his allegiance to Morana, to reclaim the light that had once filled his heart. But how could he? The queen’s influence was a dark cloud that loomed over him, suffocating any flicker of hope that dared to emerge.

“Perhaps I can still make a difference,” he mused, his voice trembling with uncertainty. “Perhaps I can find a way to stop her.”

The thought ignited a spark within him, a flicker of determination that had long been buried beneath layers of guilt. He could not change the past, but he could fight for the future. He could seek out the fae, warn them of Morana’s plans, and perhaps, just perhaps, find a way to redeem himself.

With newfound resolve, Mingi moved to the window, gazing out at the darkened landscape that stretched before him. The moon hung high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the world below. He could feel the weight of his choices pressing down upon him, but he also felt the stirrings of hope—a fragile, flickering flame that refused to be extinguished.

“I will not be a pawn in her game any longer,” he vowed, his voice steady and resolute. “I will fight for the light, for the fae, and for the redemption I so desperately seek.”

As he turned away from the window, Mingi felt a sense of purpose begin to take root within him. The path ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was willing to face it. He would confront Morana, challenge her darkness, and reclaim the light that had been lost. No longer would he be a prisoner of his own making; he would rise as a warrior, a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in shadow.

With determination coursing through his veins, Mingi set to work, gathering what he would need for the journey ahead. He would seek out allies, forge new bonds, and confront the darkness that threatened to consume them all. The time for regret had passed; now was the time for action, for courage, and for the unwavering belief that even in the depths of despair, redemption was possible.

⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢

Seonghwa sat at the edge of his bed, clad in gleaming armor that reflected the dim light of the elven palace. The intricate designs etched into the metal glimmered like stars against the night sky, yet they felt heavy upon his shoulders. His sword lay beside him, its blade sharp and ready, but his gaze was fixed on his hands—bare and trembling. Confusion swirled within him, a tempest of emotions that left him feeling lost and adrift. The shock of the magic that had emanated from his fingertips earlier still lingered in his mind, a haunting reminder of the power he had barely begun to understand.

He flexed his fingers, recalling the surge of energy that had coursed through him, a force both exhilarating and terrifying. What did it mean? Was he truly capable of wielding such magic, or was it merely a fleeting moment of desperation? The questions gnawed at him, each one more insistent than the last, as he struggled to find clarity amidst the chaos.

In the adjacent chamber, Mr. Kim and Hongjoong sat in tense silence, the weight of the impending battle hanging heavily in the air. Mr. Kim was preparing to accompany Seonghwa in Hongjoong's place, a decision that had not come lightly. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, the kind that lingered in the spaces between breaths.

“Are you sure about this?” Hongjoong finally broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, the fear of losing his father evident in every syllable. “I should be the one going with him. I can’t just sit here and—”

“Hongjoong,” Mr. Kim interrupted gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You know this is for the best. Seonghwa needs someone he can trust by his side, and you have your own responsibilities here and that is to stay safe. We can’t afford to lose you both.”

“But what if something happens to him?” Hongjoong’s voice cracked, the weight of heartbreak evident in his tone. “What if he needs me, what if you need me?”

Mr. Kim’s expression softened, his heart aching for Hongjoong, whose youthful face was marred by worry and despair. “He will be fine. He’s strong, and he possesses the magic within him. And I’m as strong as a boar. Trust in that.”

A part of Hongjoong longed desperately to be with Seonghwa, to stand resolutely by his side as they faced the encroaching darkness together. But the harsh reality of their situation loomed large and oppressive, leaving him feeling helpless and trapped in a suffocating web of duty and fear. “I just… I wish I could be there for him, and for you, Father. Please allow me this once to go. Please, Father,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper, trembling with emotion.

“That, I cannot allow, lad. Not now, and most certainly not ever,” Mr. Kim replied, his voice a stern assurance that brooked no argument. Hongjoong’s composure shattered, tears welling in the corners of his eyes and spilling down his cheeks. “I’d rather have you living as a fatherless son than be the one who dies,” he cried, his voice cracking under the weight of his anguish.

Mr. Kim’s stern demeanor remained unyielding, silencing Hongjoong’s cries with the gravity of his words. And with that, he pulled his son into a warm embrace, the kind that spoke volumes of love and sacrifice. Tears threatened to fall from Mr. Kim’s own eyes as he pressed a gentle kiss to Hongjoong’s temple, a silent acknowledgment of the pain they both felt. No words were exchanged; only the soft, heart-wrenching sobs of Hongjoong’s pain filled the air, echoing the deep bond between father and son as they faced the uncertainty of the future together.

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Yeosang stood before the assembled guards, his presence commanding and resolute, a beacon of strength amidst the uncertainty that hung heavily in the air. The tension was palpable, a thick, suffocating fog that wrapped around them as he prepared them for the battle ahead. He could feel the weight of their collective anxiety pressing down on him, a reminder of the stakes they faced. “Listen closely,” he began, his voice firm yet imbued with an undercurrent of urgency that resonated with the hearts of those before him. “Today, we march into the heart of darkness. Lives will be lost, and success is no guarantee. But I need you to understand this: if your hearts are filled with fear, you will falter. Fear will be your greatest enemy on this battlefield.”

As he paced before the ranks of soldiers, he observed their faces—a tapestry of determination interwoven with trepidation. Each expression told a story of sacrifice, of loved ones left behind, and of the uncertainty that loomed like a storm cloud over their heads. Yeosang felt a swell of emotion rise within him, a mixture of pride and apprehension. He understood the gravity of the moment; he felt the weight of their hopes resting on his shoulders. “We fight not just for ourselves, but for our families, our friends, and the very essence of our realm,” he continued, his voice rising with fervor. “Remember why you stand here today. Remember the faces of those you love. Let that love fuel your courage.”

He could see the flicker of resolve igniting in their eyes, a spark that began to push back against the shadows of doubt. Yet, beneath that determination lay an undercurrent of fear—an uncertainty that gnawed at the edges of their resolve. Yeosang felt it too, a tight knot in his stomach that threatened to unravel his own composure. What if they were not strong enough? What if they failed? The questions loomed large, but he pushed them aside, focusing instead on the strength of their unity.

“Together, we can overcome the darkness that threatens to consume us,” he urged, his voice steady and unwavering. “We are not just soldiers; we are a family bound by our shared purpose. Each of you carries the spirit of our ancestors, the legacy of those who fought before us. Let that spirit guide you, let it remind you of the power that lies within each of you.”

As he spoke, Yeosang’s heart swelled with determination. He could not allow fear to take root in their hearts, nor could he allow it to take hold of his own. He had to be the pillar of strength they needed, the unwavering leader who would guide them through the storm. The faces of his comrades, filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty, fueled his resolve. He would not let them down.

“Now, let us stand together as one,” he declared, his voice ringing out with conviction. “Let us face the darkness with our heads held high and our hearts ablaze with courage. We will fight for our future, for the light that still flickers in the shadows. And when the battle is over, we will emerge victorious, not just as warriors, but as the guardians of our realm.”

With those words, Yeosang felt a surge of energy ripple through the ranks, a collective heartbeat that pulsed with newfound determination. The uncertainty that had once threatened to overwhelm them began to dissipate, replaced by a fierce resolve to stand and fight. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, united in their purpose and unwavering in their commitment to protect all that they held dear.

As Yeosang’s impassioned words hung in the air, a knock echoed through Seonghwa’s chamber, shattering the fragile spell of his tumultuous thoughts. “Seonghwa,” Mr. Kim called gently from the other side of the door, his voice a soothing balm against the rising tide of anxiety. “It’s time to leave for Darconia.”

Seonghwa took a deep, steadying breath, steeling himself against the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him as he rose to his feet. He opened the door to find Mr. Kim standing there, his expression a mixture of concern and unwavering support, etched deeply across his features. “Are you ready?” Mr. Kim asked, his voice low and steady, yet tinged with an undercurrent of worry that mirrored Seonghwa’s own.

“I suppose I have to be,” Seonghwa replied, forcing a brave smile that didn’t quite reach the depths of his eyes. The truth was, he was terrified—terrified of the battle ahead, terrified of what he might lose, and terrified of the weight of expectation resting upon his shoulders. “I just… I don’t know if I’m strong enough.”

Mr. Kim stepped closer, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of uncertainty swirling around them. He placed a reassuring hand on Seonghwa’s shoulder, the warmth of his touch grounding him in that moment. “You are stronger than you realize. Trust in yourself, and trust in the magic that flows within you. You have the heart of a warrior, and that is what will carry you through.”

Seonghwa nodded, though the knot of fear in his stomach remained, a relentless reminder of the stakes at hand. “What if I fail?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with vulnerability and doubt.

“Then you will learn, and you will rise again,” Mr. Kim replied, his tone unwavering, a steadfast beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. “But you won’t be alone. You have your friends, your family, and me. We will face this together.”

In that moment, Seonghwa felt a swell of gratitude for Mr. Kim’s unwavering support, yet the uncertainty still gnawed at him. He could see the worry etched in Mr. Kim’s eyes, a reflection of the deep bond they shared—a bond forged through trials and tribulations, yet now strained by the looming specter of war. The thought of failing not only himself but also those who believed in him weighed heavily on his heart.

With a final nod, Seonghwa steeled himself and followed Mr. Kim out of the chamber. As they stepped into the grand hall, the sight before them was both awe-inspiring and daunting. An army of a thousand men stood ready, their armor glinting in the dim light, faces set with determination and resolve. Yet, despite the impressive display of strength, Seonghwa couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t enough. The enormity of the task ahead loomed like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over his heart.

He stood before the assembled warriors, his heart pounding in his chest, each beat echoing the weight of responsibility he felt. “Today, we stand together against the darkness,” he began, his voice rising above the murmurs, infused with a fervent urgency. “We may be outnumbered, but we are not outmatched. Bravery is not the absence of fear; it is the resolve to fight despite it. We fight for our homes, our families, and our future. Let that be our strength!”

The soldiers responded with a roar of approval, their voices echoing through the hall, a powerful chorus of defiance against the encroaching shadows. Seonghwa felt a flicker of hope ignite within him, a spark that pushed back against the fear threatening to consume him. Yet, even as he spoke, he could feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him, a reminder of the fragility of their situation.

As Seonghwa stood before the vast assembly of warriors, preparing to rouse them with words of courage and resolve, a distant unease gnawed relentlessly at the edges of his mind. His thoughts, though cloaked beneath his stoic exterior, repeatedly drifted to me. The memory of my earlier presence in the palace, my composed yet haunting gaze, lingered like a fragile flame amid the encroaching darkness.

Yet it was me sudden departure that unsettled him most profoundly. The way I quietly slipped away into the shadows of the morning, leaving behind an echoing silence that felt heavier than any battle cry, sent a chill stabbing through his heart. That absence, that whisper of retreat, sparked a torrent of fears he dared not voice aloud.

What if she’s in danger? His mind spun scenarios fraught with peril—ambushes, traps, or worse, the queen’s insidious magic ensnaring me. If something happens to her… if I lose her now… The thought was unbearable, twisting painfully through his chest like a jagged blade.

He clenched his fists at his sides, the weight of responsibility pressing down harder. Could he protect not just his people, but the woman who had become his anchor amidst the chaos? The uncertainty clawed at him, gnawing at the very core of his resolve, threatening to drown the hope he tried so fiercely to nurture.

In the depths of his mind, Seonghwa wrestled with the worst — imaginations of her captured, broken, or lost to the shadows. Yet, beneath the fear, a fierce determination blazed, ignited by the ember of his love and unwavering loyalty.

I cannot fail her. Not now. His heart beat steadily against the growing storm of doubt. The looming battle was not just a test of strength, but a trial of his spirit—a crucible that would define the fate of all he held dear.

As his voice rose to rally his comrades, Seonghwa carried within him the fierce promise to find me, to protect me, and to face whatever darkness threatened their fragile world — together or apart, but never without hope.

As he looked out over the faces of his comrades, he saw not just warriors ready for battle, but friends and family—each one carrying their own fears and hopes. He knew that together, they could face whatever lay ahead. They would fight for their realm, for each other, and for the light that still flickered in the darkness. And with that thought, he took a deep breath, ready to lead them into the fray, even as the knot of anxiety twisted in his gut.

In that moment, Mr. Kim stood at the periphery, his heart heavy with a mixture of pride and fear for Seonghwa. He felt the weight of his own emotions, the uncertainty of what lay ahead for both his son and the realm they cherished. The bond they shared was a source of strength, yet it was also a reminder of the stakes involved. He wished he could shield Seonghwa from the horrors of war, to protect him from the pain of loss and the burden of leadership. But he knew that this was a path Seonghwa had to walk, a journey that would shape him into the warrior he was destined to become.

As the army prepared to march, Mr. Kim’s heart swelled with a fierce determination to support Seonghwa, to be the steadfast presence he needed in the face of uncertainty. He would stand by his side, no matter the outcome, ready to face the darkness together. And with that resolve, he stepped forward, ready to follow his son into the unknown, united in their purpose and unwavering in their commitment to protect all that they held dear.

Hongjoong stood at the edge of the palace grounds, his heart strung with a pain far beyond comprehension as he watched Seonghwa and the army prepare to leave. The sight of his friend, clad in armor and radiating determination, sent a wave of anguish crashing over him. Each beat of the drums echoed like a funeral dirge, a haunting reminder of the uncertainty that lay ahead. He felt helpless, a mere spectator to the unfolding tragedy, and the weight of his own inaction pressed heavily upon his chest.

As the soldiers marched forward, a sense of determination suddenly flooded within him, igniting a spark of resolve that had been buried beneath layers of despair. I cannot stand idly by while they face the darkness alone, he thought fiercely. The thought of Seonghwa and the others risking their lives without him was unbearable. He had to do something—anything—to help.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Hongjoong turned to the guard left to watch over him, a young man named Jisoo. “I need to get to Yeosang’s library chamber,” he said, urgency lacing his voice. “I have to find out everything I can about Morana and her dark magic.”

Jisoo hesitated for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes. “But, Hongjoong, it’s dangerous. You shouldn’t—”

“I don’t care!” Hongjoong interrupted, his voice rising with fervor. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing. I need to understand what we’re up against. Please, help me.”

Seeing the fire in Hongjoong’s eyes, Jisoo nodded, and together they made their way through the winding corridors of the palace, the air thick with tension and anticipation. As they reached Yeosang’s library chamber, Hongjoong pushed the heavy door open, revealing a vast room filled with ancient relics, stone-carved passages, and towering shelves lined with dusty tomes. The atmosphere was charged with the weight of knowledge, and Hongjoong felt a shiver run down his spine as he stepped inside.

He moved quickly, his heart racing as he began to sift through the scattered books and artifacts. Each item seemed to pulse with a dark energy, whispering secrets of the past. Horrid scenes unfolded before him in the pages of the texts—tales of Morana’s rise to power, her insatiable hunger for control, and the devastation she had wrought upon the realms. The descriptions made his skin crawl, but he pressed on, determined to piece together the fragments of her dark legacy.

⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢

I soared through the twilight sky, my wings unfurling like silken banners against the deepening dusk. Above me hung the crimson moon—an ominous, blood-red orb that overshadowed the waning sun, casting an eerie, unnatural glow over the world below. The air was thick with tension, crackling around me like the whisper of an approaching storm, and with every beat of my wings, a shiver ran down my spine. Today was the day the Grim’s War would erupt, and I was certain that the fate of all I loved rested heavily on my shoulders.

The wind tore through my hair and feathers, wild and unforgiving, matching the tempest that churned within my heart. Beneath me, the landscape twisted into a grotesque reflection of despair. The vibrant colors that once painted Aurora had dulled, drained by corruption and fear. In the distance, the dark palace loomed—a monstrous silhouette etched against the blood sky. Its jagged spires clawed desperately at the heavens, a herald of the nightmare held within.

Each moment drew me closer to the place of dread, the locus of Morana’s dark power and the prison holding my captured kin. The intoxicating scent of molten decay tainted the air, a vile mixture of rot and anguish that clung to everything—suffocating and thick like smoke from a funeral pyre. The tormented cries of the fae echoed faintly in the distance, carried on the bitter wind. Monstrous forms prowled below: ghouls with pallid, corpse-like flesh and eyes burning with vile hunger, goblin guards clad in jagged black armor that shimmered with cruel intent. Their footsteps thudded against the cracked earth, an ominous rhythm to the symphony of devastation.

I landed silently behind the cavernous palace, my heart pounding with a mixture of determination and dread. The castle’s oppressive walls towered over me, wrapped in a shroud of shadow that twisted and writhed under the blood-red moon. Staring beyond the shadowed clouds that cloaked the ruined kingdom, I could feel the pulse of dark magics—a living heartbeat of malice that radiated from Morana’s throne.

Cautiously, I slipped through the folds of darkness, each step measured to leave no trace. The crimson glow cast long, sinister shadows that clung to me like a protective veil as I moved among the twisted ruins and thorned brambles. My senses sharpened—every breath of wind, every faint rustle of rotten leaves made me tense—but my resolve remained steadfast. I could not flee. Not now. Not when my people’s lives hung in the balance.

Then, carried on the cold night air, a sound reached me—a familiar, haunting chant. Deep and falsetto voices wove together in a mournful harmony, echoing softly from a chamber outside the heart of the palace. My chest tightened as my soul resonated with the sound. They were calling for me—the captured fae, my kin, imprisoned and desperate.

The chant stirred something ancient within me, a siren’s call that beckoned me forward through the twisting darkness. I moved closer, the echoing voices guiding my path like a fragile beacon through shadowed halls and shattered towers. The air around me pulsed with expectancy, the weight of years of suffering condensed into their plaintive song.

I stood at the edge of the palace grounds, my heart heavy with a tumultuous mix of emotions as I watched the army prepare to march into the unknown. The air was thick with tension, and the distant sound of drums reverberated through my chest, echoing the dread that settled deep within my soul. I felt a profound sense of helplessness wash over me, a stark contrast to the fierce determination that had once defined my spirit.

As I gazed at the figures clad in armor, my thoughts drifted to the words of Queen He-Ra, the wise and formidable ruler who had once guided me through the trials of my youth. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it,” she had often said, her voice a soothing balm in moments of uncertainty. Those words echoed in my mind now, a haunting reminder of the strength I needed to summon in this moment of despair.

But the memory of my mother, a gentle yet fierce protector, loomed larger in my heart. I could almost hear her soft voice urging me to be brave, to stand tall in the face of adversity. “You are stronger than you know, my dear,” she had whispered, her eyes filled with unwavering love and belief. The warmth of that memory clashed painfully with the cold reality of the present, and I felt a tear slip down my cheek, a silent testament to the weight of my fears.

And then there was Seonghwa. The thought of him, standing resolute and determined as he prepared to lead the charge, sent a jolt of conflicting emotions through me. I admired his bravery, but it also filled me with an overwhelming sense of dread. The idea of him facing the darkness without me by his side was unbearable. \The bond we shared was a fragile thread, woven through years of friendship and unspoken love, and the thought of losing him sent a wave of panic coursing through my veins.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I fought against the rising tide of despair. I could feel the shadows of doubt creeping in, whispering insidious thoughts that threatened to consume me. What if I never see him again? The questions spiraled in my mind, each one more terrifying than the last.

But amidst the chaos of my emotions, a flicker of determination ignited within me. I remembered the strength of my mother, the wisdom of Queen He-Ra, and the unwavering spirit of Seonghwa. I cannot let fear dictate my actions, I resolved, my heart pounding with newfound resolve. I had to do something—anything—to help him, to protect him, and to stand against the darkness that threatened to engulf us all.

With a deep breath, I wiped away my tears, steeling myself for the challenges ahead. I would not be a passive observer in this battle; I would fight alongside them, armed with the love and strength that had been instilled in me by those who had come before. The echoes of Queen He-Ra’s words rang in my ears, a rallying cry that urged me to embrace my own courage.

As I turned away from the sight of the departing army, I felt a surge of determination course through me. I would find a way to join the fight, to stand by Seonghwa’s side, and to confront the darkness that threatened to tear us apart. With each step I took, I felt the weight of my fears begin to lift, replaced by a fierce resolve to protect those I loved, no matter the cost.

Mingi moved through the dimly lit corridors of the palace with the stealth of a shadow, his heart pounding in rhythm with the urgency of his mission. The guards, clad in their imposing armor, stood like sentinels at their posts, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. But Mingi was a master of evasion, slipping past them with practiced ease, his movements fluid and silent. He felt the weight of their gazes, but he remained undetected, a mere whisper in the night.

As he approached the heavy door of the prison, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The air was thick with tension, and the faint sounds of distant echoes reverberated through the stone walls. He paused for a moment, steeling himself for what lay beyond. But just as he reached for the door, a figure emerged from the shadows, blocking his path.

Before him stood a fae like no other, my magnificence striking and ethereal. my wings, resplendent and onyx, shimmered with an otherworldly light, each feather a kaleidoscope of black, silver and off browns that seemed to dance in the dim light. Mingi felt a rush of awe mixed with trepidation; this was the Phoenix, a creature of legend, known for my power and grace. The very sight of me sent a shiver down his spine, and he could sense the raw energy radiating from me, a force that could wipe the entire surface with a single flap of my wings.

A surge of determination welled within him, igniting the flickering flame of his unwavering loyalty to Morana. Yet, he fought against the instinct to bow to her presence, to submit to the power she exuded. Instead, he took a cautious step forward, his footsteps deliberate and measured, each one echoing in the stillness of the corridor.

To his surprise,i had already turned to face him, my piercing gaze locking onto his with an intensity that made his heart race. There was a moment of silence, a palpable tension that hung in the air between us. I felt a mix of curiosity and wariness; who was this mortal figure, and what was he doing lurking around the queen’s land, untouched and unscathed?

“Who are you?” i asked, my voice melodic yet laced with an edge of authority. It was a question that demanded an answer, and Mingi could feel the weight of my scrutiny upon him.

“I am Mingi,” he replied, his voice steady despite the flutter of uncertainty in his chest. “I seek to...help you.”

I regarded him with a mixture of intrigue and caution, my wings folding gracefully behind me. “judging by your sudden enquiry of assitence, i reckon you're either one of us or you're the queen's...assistant”

He met my gaze, the determination within him solidifying. “I am willing to risk everything for the sake of Aurora. I will not shy away from the part i played to unleash the darkness that lies ahead.”

A flicker of something—perhaps respect or recognition—passed through my eyes, and for a moment, Mingi felt a connection, a shared understanding of the burdens they both carried. But the moment was fleeting, and the weight of their circumstances loomed large.

“Very well,” i said, my voice softening slightly. “But know this: the path you choose is fraught with peril. Trust is a fragile thing, and the shadows of this palace hold secrets that could unravel even the strongest of bonds.”

With that, i stepped aside, granting him passage to the door of the prison for him to lead the way to my caged kin. Mingi felt a rush of gratitude mixed with apprehension as he moved past me, the weight of my words echoing in his mind. He knew that whatever awaited him behind those heavy doors would test not only his loyalty to Morana but also the very essence of who he was.

As he pushed the door open, the darkness beyond beckoned him, and he stepped into the prison, ready to confront the ensnared lives that lay hidden within the depths of the palace.

Whispers were exchanged within the dimly lit prison, where cages filled with shimmering crystals from across Aurora glimmered like stars in the night sky. My eyes peered into the oppressive atmosphere, and in a split second, my ears met the haunting calls of the fae, echoing through the cold stone walls. I immediately flew toward the sound, my heart racing, as Mingi walked purposefully toward their bound forms, determination etched across his features.

"It's him—the one who freed her," one of the fae whispered, pointing toward Mingi with a mixture of awe and disbelief. Who were they referring to?

"Y/N," a deep, resonant voice called from a cage near the far right. As I walked slowly toward it, my heart pounding in my chest, I nearly dropped to my knees in shock. It was Dracarys, my mother's brother. It was as if he hadn't recognized me from a distance, but the moment our eyes met, he shook with relief, his voice trembling with emotion. "Y/N, you're alive!"

The fae's gasps filled the prison, a cacophony of astonishment that reverberated through the air, thousands of voices rising in unison, enough to alert the guards patrolling the corridors. Mingi quickly pushed his finger to his lips, signaling for silence as he heard the grunts of the guards passing by the door, their heavy footsteps echoing ominously.

When the grunts faded into the distance, the fae continued to murmur in hushed tones. I turned around, my half-teary eyes meeting Mingi's steady gaze. At that moment, I could not decipher the tumultuous state of my emotions, but I was undeniably grateful that he had risked his life to free one of us. "We must hurry, before they come back. I'll pull the lever to free them all at once, and then you all must fly before it's too late," he said, urgency lacing his voice.

As the lever turned, their cages opened gradually, the sound of creaking metal filling the air until no barricade separated them from freedom. The moment Dracarys stepped out, I leaped into his arms, overwhelmed with relief and joy. "I thought you... I thought..." My words broke as my throat tightened, and he only hushed my sobs, wrapping his arms around me in a comforting embrace. "We're all here. A few have been killed, but we're still here, Y/N," he assured me, his voice deep and full of warmth.

He let go of me, holding my shoulders firmly as his emerald eyes pierced into mine, filled with a mixture of concern and determination. "Now let's leave, child." I nodded, a nervous smile painting my face as hope began to blossom within me. As all the fae gathered, Mingi took the chance to free all the other creatures trapped within the prison's cold grasp. It was a sight to behold, a moment of liberation yet to be fully realized. It was all coming together... that was a thought I had only wished were true before everything had plunged into darkness.

As Mingi pulled the lever, the heavy doors of the prison creaked open, revealing the darkened corridor beyond. The moment the light from the prison spilled into the shadows, we were met with a chilling sight: an army of ghouls and goblins, Morana's guards, stood ready, their grotesque forms twisted and menacing, eyes glinting with malice. Above them, the queen herself floated in the air, her presence commanding and terrifying, the crimson moon cradling her like a sinister halo. Shards of her dark magic swirled around her, glinting ominously in the dim light, casting eerie shadows that danced across the chamber.

"Well, well, well," Morana tsked, her voice dripping with disdain as she regarded Mingi. "Another act of betrayal, Mingi? Not only did you free one fae, but now you've liberated the entire prison. How quaint." Her eyes narrowed, a predatory gleam igniting within them. "You truly are a fool to think you could escape my grasp."

I stepped forward, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and defiance, glaring at Morana with fierce intensity. My eyes blazed an angry amber, and in that moment, my wings spread slightly, a subtle yet powerful display of my readiness to take flight. I stood on guard, prepared to confront the queen and end her reign of terror once and for all.

Morana shifted her focus to me, a wicked smile curling her lips. "Ah, Y/N. I've been waiting for you to come. Patiently, I might add." Her voice was smooth, yet laced with malice, as if she relished the moment.

"Enough chatter," I muttered, my voice steady despite the chaos surrounding us. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on my shoulders, but I refused to show any sign of weakness.

Suddenly, one of the fae from behind me exclaimed, "Onward!" The cry ignited a spark of courage within the gathered fae, and with that, an army of flight awakened. Thousands of fae surged past the guards and Morana, their wings shimmering like a cascade of stars against the darkened sky. Fairies and friendly goblins joined the fray, running for their lives, their hearts filled with the hope of freedom.

Morana's guards, grotesque and relentless, trampled over the fallen creatures, their twisted forms reveling in the carnage. They lunged at any fae that dared to escape, their jagged teeth glinting menacingly in the dim light as they devoured the desperate souls who sought freedom. The air was thick with the acrid scent of fear and despair, a suffocating reminder of the stakes at hand.

In the midst of the chaos, I could see my fellow fae struggling to break free from the clutches of the queen's guards. Their wings beat frantically, but the overwhelming force of Morana's dark magic loomed over us like a storm cloud, threatening to snuff out our hope. The sound of anguished cries echoed through the air, a haunting symphony of desperation that fueled my resolve.

"Stay together!" I shouted, my voice rising above the din of battle. "We can’t let her divide us!"

With every ounce of strength I could muster, I rallied my kin, urging them to fight back against the encroaching darkness. The flickering light of our magic intertwined, creating a shimmering barrier against the queen's relentless assault. We would not be extinguished; we would rise against the tide of despair.

As I soared through the chaos, dodging the queen's dark tendrils, I could feel the weight of our collective fear and determination propelling me forward. The war had only just begun, but I was ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead, united with my kin in our desperate fight for freedom.

The guards circled the castle from above, their grotesque forms silhouetted against the crimson moon, waiting for the queen's command to unleash their deadly trap upon the fae, including me. The tension in the air was palpable, a thick fog of dread that clung to us as we fought against the encroaching darkness. I could feel the weight of their malevolence pressing down, a reminder of the peril we faced.

With every ounce of my strength, I summoned a fiery force that surged from my palms, a brilliant blaze igniting in the darkness. The flames roared to life, burning a portion of the guards at the entrance, their anguished cries echoing through the chaos. The fire created a momentary opening, a right of way for the creatures desperate to escape the clutches of Morana's tyranny.

"Go! Now!" I shouted, urging my fellow fae to seize the opportunity. They surged forward, a wave of shimmering light against the backdrop of despair, their wings beating furiously as they clawed at the skies, dodging the queen's relentless strikes.

Morana's fury was palpable as she unleashed her dark magic, tendrils of shadow lashing out like serpents, seeking to ensnare any who dared to defy her. The air crackled with tension as the fae danced through the chaos, their movements graceful yet frantic, each one a testament to their determination to survive.

In the midst of the turmoil, a distant sound began to rise above the clamor—a powerful army approaching, their shimmering armor clicking as their steps treaded the ground with purpose. The horns and trumpets filled the air, a clarion call that resonated with hope and defiance. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and I could feel the energy of their presence surging toward us, a beacon of light in the encroaching darkness.

As Seonghwa and the others drew near the palace, their eyes widened in disbelief at the chaotic scene unfolding before them. The skies were filled with a dazzling array of fae, their wings shimmering like a constellation of stars against the darkened backdrop. They darted and weaved through the air, a flurry of vibrant colors and desperate determination, while below them, goblins and ghouls surged across the ground, their grotesque forms a stark contrast to the ethereal beauty of the fae.

It was a battle of millions—thousands of creatures clashing in a desperate struggle for survival, an entire kingdom embroiled in chaos. The air crackled with the energy of magic and the sounds of combat, a cacophony of shouts, roars, and the clash of steel that reverberated through the night. Seonghwa felt his heart race as he took in the magnitude of the conflict, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon him.

"Look at them," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with awe and dread. "They’re fighting for their freedom."

Beside him, Mr. Kim clenched his fists, his expression a mixture of pride and concern. "We must join them," he urged, determination etched across his features. "We cannot let them face this alone."

yeosang held his hand up, halting the troopas his eyes scanned the war that unleashed before them, his eyes focusing on one specifc figure...me.

"its y/n" he said, seonghwa's eyes widening in relief and fear as he heard my name. His eyes glistened in an iridescents as he held his sword tightly.

As they approached the edge of the battlefield, the sight of the queen hovering above, her dark magic swirling around her like a tempest, sent a chill down Seonghwa's spine. Morana's presence was suffocating, a palpable force that threatened to extinguish the flickering hope of the fae. He could see the desperation in their eyes, the way they fought against the overwhelming tide of darkness that sought to consume them.

At that moment, I flew toward them in haste, my heart pounding with urgency as I prepared them for the impending gore of the brutal battle. Though they were a small number, their efforts were desperately needed in this chaotic struggle. "Hold the line!" I shouted, rallying my fellow fae as we braced ourselves to face the oncoming storm of violence and despair. The air was thick with anticipation, charged with the acrid scent of smoke and the metallic tang of blood, and I could feel the heat of the flames still crackling at my fingertips, a vivid reminder of the immense power we wielded.

With a fierce battle cry that echoed through the tumultuous skies, I soared into the fray, my wings propelling me forward as I joined the ranks of my kin. The time for fear had passed; now was the moment to reclaim our realm from the suffocating clutches of darkness. Together, we would rise against the queen and her merciless guards, united in our quest for freedom and the flickering light that still dared to shine in the shadows.

As the army of shimmering warriors joined the fray, the tide of battle began to shift dramatically. The clash of steel and the thunderous roar of unleashed magic filled the air, creating a symphony of defiance that reverberated through the night. We would not be extinguished; we would fight for our freedom, for our kin, and for the hope that had ignited within us all. The war had truly begun, and I was ready to face whatever darkness lay ahead.

"Prepare yourselves!" Seonghwa shouted, his voice a clarion call that rallied his companions as they readied their weapons, their expressions fierce and resolute. "We fight for the light, for the fae, and for the future of our kingdom!"

With a fierce battle cry that resonated with the very essence of our struggle, they surged forward, joining the fray as the cacophony of magic and steel filled the air around them. The ground trembled beneath their feet as they charged into the chaos, the weight of their purpose propelling them forward with unyielding determination.

As they entered the fray, Seonghwa felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins, igniting a fierce determination within him. He could see the fae fighting valiantly, their magic intertwining in a dazzling display of light against the encroaching darkness. The goblins and ghouls were relentless, their grotesque forms surging forward with a ravenous hunger, but the spirit of the fae was unyielding, a testament to their resilience and unwavering courage.

"Together!" Seonghwa shouted, his voice rising above the din of battle, a rallying cry that pierced through the chaos. "We will not falter! We will fight for our kin!"

With that, he plunged into the heart of the conflict, his sword gleaming ominously in the dim light as he fought alongside the fae, their magic and strength intertwining in a powerful display of unity. The battle raged on, a swirling tempest of chaos and courage, with the air thickening with the scent of sweat, blood, and the acrid smoke of burning magic. Seonghwa knew that this was only the beginning of their fight against the darkness that threatened to engulf them all.

As the clash intensified, the ground beneath them became a gruesome tapestry of fallen warriors, the cries of the wounded mingling with the battle cries of the brave. Each swing of a sword, each burst of magic, sent shockwaves through the air, a visceral reminder of the stakes at hand. The relentless tide of goblins and ghouls surged forward, their eyes glinting with malice, but the fae stood firm, their resolve unbroken.

In that moment, Seonghwa felt a surge of hope amidst the chaos. They were not alone; they were a force to be reckoned with, a united front against the encroaching darkness. The battle was far from over, but together, they would carve a path through the shadows, fighting for the light that still flickered in their hearts. Above it all, he was within her presence fighting along side her and her people.

⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢

As they reached Yeosang’s library chamber, Hongjoong pushed the heavy door open, revealing a vast room filled with ancient relics, stone-carved passages, and towering shelves lined with dusty tomes. The atmosphere was charged with the weight of knowledge, and Hongjoong felt a shiver run down his spine as he stepped inside, the air thick with the scent of decay and forgotten secrets.

He moved quickly, his heart racing as he began to sift through the scattered books and artifacts. Each item seemed to pulse with a dark energy, whispering secrets of the past that clawed at the edges of his mind. Horrid scenes unfolded before him in the pages of the texts—tales of Morana’s rise to power, her insatiable hunger for control, and the devastation she had wrought upon the realms. The descriptions made his skin crawl, but he pressed on, determined to piece together the fragments of her dark legacy.

As he studied the ancient relics, he began to connect the dots. A stone tablet inscribed with cryptic symbols spoke of a ritual that could harness the very essence of fear, a power Morana had wielded to bend others to her will. Another artifact, a twisted dagger, was said to have been used in grotesque sacrifices to amplify her dark magic, drawing strength from the suffering of others. Each discovery sent a chill through him, but with each piece of knowledge, his resolve only grew stronger.

Finally, he stumbled upon a weathered scroll, its edges frayed and yellowed with age. As he carefully unrolled it, his breath caught in his throat. The words written in elegant script revealed the completed puzzle of Morana’s origins.

“Morana, the Shadow Queen, born of darkness and despair, forged in the fires of betrayal. Her power is bound to the blood of the fallen, and her heart beats in time with the suffering she inflicts. To defeat her, one must confront the shadows within and embrace the light of hope.”

But as he continued to read, a new horror unfolded before him. The scroll spoke of a dark force, a grotesque shrine that Morana worshipped, a name not to be uttered in the light of day. It was a malevolent entity, far stronger than Morana herself, feeding off the despair and anguish of the realms. The very thought of it sent a wave of nausea through him, and he staggered back, clutching his mouth in shock.

Jisoo, who had been quietly observing, noticed Hongjoong's sudden pallor and rushed to his side. "What’s wrong?" he asked, concern etched across his features.

Hongjoong, still reeling from the revelation, managed to stammer, "It’s... it’s worse than we thought. There’s a dark force, a grotesque shrine she worships. It’s a name not to be said, a horror beyond comprehension." He quickly turned the scroll toward Jisoo, revealing the chilling depictions of the shrine—twisted, gnarled roots entwined with skeletal remains, a monument to suffering and despair.

As Jisoo gazed at the images, a shiver coursed through him, chilling him to the bone. The grotesque nature of the shrine, with its macabre offerings and the palpable aura of dread, was beyond anything he had ever encountered. "This... this is a nightmare," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"We have to do something," Hongjoong urged, his eyes blazing with urgency. "We can’t let this darkness spread. We need to journey to Darconia and help them before it’s too late."

Jisoo took a deep breath, mustering the courage that surged within him. "You’re right. We can’t let fear paralyze us. We have to fight back."

Just then, a fae appeared at the window, her ethereal form illuminated by the flickering light of the library. Behind her, an army of creatures from Underland gathered, including the formidable Hendores, their eyes glinting with determination. Hongjoong sighed in relief as the fae introduced herself, her voice a melodic yet urgent whisper. "I am the one who was freed by one of the queen's assistants. I have come to gather the remainder of Aurora to defeat the queen once and for all."

Hongjoong wasted no time in sharing his findings with her, detailing the dark force that loomed over them. As he spoke, he could see the fae's expression shift, her eyes widening with recognition and horror. A surge of hatred, anger, and determination filled her as she absorbed the implications of his words.

"We cannot allow this evil to persist," she declared, her voice steady and resolute. "We must journey to Darconia at once and end the Grim's war once and for all."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Hongjoong, Jisoo, and the fae prepared to embark on their perilous journey. The weight of the darkness that threatened to engulf their world loomed over them, but together, they would confront the horrors that lay ahead, united in their quest to reclaim their realm from the clutches of despair. The battle was far from over, and the true fight against the shadows had only just begun.

⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥤⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢⥢

From her vantage point high above the castle, Morana's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, slicing through the chaos of battle. "Now!" she screamed, her voice echoing like thunder across the battlefield.

In an instant, iron nets and burning bearings rained down from the sky, a deadly hailstorm that engulfed hundreds of fae and creatures alike. The air filled with the acrid scent of burning flesh as Tundra fae, Mountain fae, and Arctic fae were caught in the inferno, their radiant forms reduced to ashes in mere moments. Soaring cries of agony filled the skies, a haunting symphony of despair that resonated with the growing darkness as the moon loomed larger, its light a cruel reminder of the horrors unfolding below.

As the flames flickered and danced, a chilling presence began to fill the atmosphere surrounding the castle. Serpents, grotesque and writhing, birthed from a power unknown, slithered through the air, their scales glistening with malice. A low, guttural growl reverberated through the air, silencing the crowd as they turned their eyes toward the source of the dread.

There it was—Morana's grotesque shrine had awakened, its form now larger and more terrifying than before, towering over the queen herself. The shrine raised its hands in praise, a grotesque mockery of worship, as the guards knelt at its spilled command, their faces twisted in fear and reverence.

I felt a cold wave of terror wash over me, a paralyzing dread that gripped my heart. But before I could react, i was ensnared by an iron net, the burning metal searing my skin as it wrapped around my form. Pain shot through my body, and i felt her power weaken with every moment, my wings shedding feathers like fallen leaves in autumn.

Morana's laughter echoed through the chaos, a chilling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Look at you, my dear," she taunted, her voice dripping with malice. "You thought you could escape? You thought you could defy me? This is your end, and it will be glorious!"

The shrine's voice, deep and resonant, filled the air, sending a wave of dread through the gathered crowd. "You are yet to die," it proclaimed, its tone dripping with sinister delight. "Your suffering will be a feast for the ages, a tribute to the darkness that binds us all. Embrace your fate, for it is inevitable."

As I was lifted into the air, the world around me began to blur, my vision fading as the pain consumed me. i could hear the cries of my fellow fae, the desperate pleas for help echoing in my ears, but they felt distant, like a fading dream.

"Y/N!" Seonghwa's voice pierced through the chaos, filled with desperation as he reached out for me, his heart racing with fear. In that moment, a surge of power erupted from him, an uncontrollable force that radiated through the air burning a couple of serpents in the way, his iridescent force weakening him as he fainted from the strain.

Yeosang came running to his aid, his features painted with the blood of the guards he had slain, a grim reminder of the battle's brutality. But as he reached Seonghwa, black smoke surrounded him, binding him to the ground as it emanated around him, lifting him toward the floating shrine.

The shrine's horrid fingers brushed across Seonghwa's slumbering face in satisfaction, a grotesque smile spreading across its twisted visage. "You will join her soon," it whispered, its voice a chilling promise of death and despair.

The scene was a heart-wrenching tableau of horror, a testament to the darkness that had descended upon them all. As my form was taken higher into the air, the cries of the fallen echoed in the night, a haunting reminder of the battle they continued to fight and the lives that had been lost in minutes. The war was far from over, but the shadows loomed ever closer, threatening to consume them all.

I payed the iron price: IX Pt.2

𝒯𝒶𝑔𝓁𝒾𝓈𝓉 (𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑜𝓂)

@sirenscradle @xhaliemax @bruhmoonlight @mingisbbygirl @matzrionette @not4maddy @ninjakitty15 @optimisticbasketballnerdwag-blog @anoooon13 @ewok7attack @reverienymphslibrary @twancingyunhao @akl99 @roseartemis93 @dea-nimus @downbadpandora @frenchkisstheabyss @himeiromai @mulloey @a-tiny-thing @ateezmakemeweep @justconniez @blueginz @powerpuff-girls4l @hwasstxr @instantbananadaze @slaybitch69420 @byongmingcomehome @noone356097 @melrem88 @krispydinosaurrunaway @londonbridges01

34 notes · View notes

mariacallous · 2 months ago

Text

American police departments near the United States-Mexico border are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for an unproven and secretive technology that uses AI-generated online personas designed to interact with and collect intelligence on “college protesters,” “radicalized” political activists, and suspected drug and human traffickers, according to internal documents, contracts, and communications that 404 Media obtained via public records requests.

Massive Blue, the New York–based company that is selling police departments this technology, calls its product Overwatch, which it markets as an “AI-powered force multiplier for public safety” that “deploys lifelike virtual agents, which infiltrate and engage criminal networks across various channels.” According to a presentation obtained by 404 Media, Massive Blue is offering cops these virtual personas that can be deployed across the internet with the express purpose of interacting with suspects over text messages and social media.

Massive Blue lists “border security,” “school safety,” and stopping “human trafficking” among Overwatch’s use cases. The technology—which as of last summer had not led to any known arrests—demonstrates the types of social media monitoring and undercover tools private companies are pitching to police and border agents. Concerns about tools like Massive Blue have taken on new urgency considering that the Trump administration has revoked the visas of hundreds of students, many of whom have protested against Israel’s war in Gaza.

404 Media obtained a presentation showing some of these AI characters. These include a “radicalized AI” “protest persona,” which poses as a 36-year-old divorced woman who is lonely, has no children, is interested in baking, activism, and “body positivity.” Another AI persona in the presentation is described as a “‘Honeypot’ AI Persona.” Her backstory says she’s a 25-year-old from Dearborn, Michigan, whose parents emigrated from Yemen and who speaks the Sanaani dialect of Arabic. The presentation also says she uses various social media apps, that she’s on Telegram and Signal, and that she has US and international SMS capabilities. Other personas are a 14-year-old boy “child trafficking AI persona,” an “AI pimp persona,” “college protestor,” “external recruiter for protests,” “escorts,” and “juveniles.”

Our reporting shows that cops are paying a company to help them deploy AI-powered bots across social media and the internet to talk to people they suspect are anything from violent sex criminals all the way to vaguely defined “protestors” with the hopes of generating evidence that can be used against them.

“This idea of having an AI pretending to be somebody, a youth looking for pedophiles to talk online, or somebody who is a fake terrorist, is an idea that goes back a long time,” Dave Maass, who studies border surveillance technologies for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told 404 Media. “The problem with all these things is that these are ill-defined problems. What problem are they actually trying to solve? One version of the AI persona is an escort. I’m not concerned about escorts. I’m not concerned about college protesters. So like, what is it effective at, violating protesters’ First Amendment rights?”

Massive Blue has signed a $360,000 contract with Pinal County, Arizona, which is between Tucson and Phoenix. The county is paying for the contract with an anti-human trafficking grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. A Pinal County purchasing division report states that it has bought “24/7 monitoring of numerous web and social media platforms” and “development, deployment, monitoring, and reporting on a virtual task force of up to 50 AI personas across 3 investigative categories.” Yuma County, in southwestern Arizona, meanwhile, signed a $10,000 contract to try Massive Blue in 2023 but did not renew the contract. A spokesperson for the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office told 404 Media “it did not meet our needs.”

Massive Blue cofounder Mike McGraw did not answer a series of specific questions from 404 Media about how Massive Blue works, what police departments it works with, and whether it had been used to generate any arrests. “We are proud of the work we do to support the investigation and prosecution of human traffickers,” McGraw said. “Our primary goal is to help bring these criminals to justice while helping victims who otherwise would remain trafficked. We cannot risk jeopardizing these investigations and putting victims’ lives in further danger by disclosing proprietary information.”

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office told 404 Media that Massive Blue has not thus far been used for any arrests.

“Our investigations are still underway. Massive Blue is one component of support in these investigations, which are still active and ongoing. No arrests have been made yet,” Sam Salzwedel, Pinal County Sheriff's Office public information officer, told 404 Media. “It takes a multifaceted approach to disrupting human traffickers, narcotics traffickers, and other criminals. Massive Blue has been a valuable partner in these initiatives and has produced leads that detectives are actively pursuing. Given these are ongoing investigations, we cannot risk compromising our investigative efforts by providing specifics about any personas.”

Salzwedel added, “Massive Blue is not working on any immigration cases. Our agency does not enforce immigration law. Massive Blue’s support is focused on the areas of human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and other investigations.”

Law enforcement agencies have taken steps to prevent specifics about what Massive Blue is and how it works from becoming public. At public appropriations hearings in Pinal County about the Massive Blue contract, the sheriff’s office refused to tell county council members about what the product even is. Matthew Thomas, Pinal County Deputy Sheriff, told the county council he “can’t get into great detail” about what Massive Blue is and that doing so would “tip our hand to the bad guys.”

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The Arizona Department of Public Safety said, “From what we can ascertain, Pinal County planned to implement technology to help identify and solve human trafficking cases, and that is what we funded,” but was unaware of any of the specifics of Overwatch.

While the documents don’t describe every technical aspect of how Overwatch works, they do give a high-level overview of what it is. The company describes a tool that uses AI-generated images and text to create social media profiles that can interact with suspected drug traffickers, human traffickers, and gun traffickers. After Overwatch scans open social media channels for potential suspects, these AI personas can also communicate with suspects over text, Discord, and other messaging services. The documents we obtained don’t explain how Massive Blue determines who is a potential suspect based on their social media activity. Salzwedel, of Pinal County, said “Massive Blue’s solutions crawl multiple areas of the Internet, and social media outlets are just one component. We cannot disclose any further information to preserve the integrity of our investigations.”

One slide in the Massive Blue presentation obtained by 404 Media gives the example of a “Child Trafficking AI Persona” called Jason. The presentation gives a short “backstory” for the persona, which says Jason is a 14-year-old boy from Los Angeles whose parents emigrated from Ecuador. He’s bilingual and an only child, and his hobbies include anime and gaming. The presentation describes his personality as shy and that he has difficulty interacting with girls. It also says that his parents don’t allow him to use social media and that he hides his use of Discord from them. This AI persona is also accompanied by an AI-generated image of a boy.

The presentation includes a conversation between this AI persona and what appears to be a predatory adult over text messages and Discord.

“Your parents around? Or you getting some awesome alone time,” a text from the adult says.

“Js chillin by myself, man. My momz @ work n my dadz outta town. So itz jus me n my vid games. 🎮,” Jason, the AI-generated child, responds.

In another example of how the “highly adaptable personas” can communicate with real people, the presentation shows a conversation between Clip, an “AI pimp persona,” and what appears to be a sex worker.

“Dem tricks trippin 2nite tryin not pay,” the sex worker says.

“Facts, baby. Ain’t lettin’ these tricks slide,” the Clip persona replies. “You stand your ground and make ’em pay what they owe. Daddy got your back, ain’t let nobody disrespect our grind. Keep hustlin’, ma, we gonna secure that bag💰💪✨”

“The continuous evolution of operational, communication & recruitment tactics by bad actors drives exponential increases of threats and significant challenges in reducing demand,” says a one-page brochure provided to police departments that explains Overwatch’s functionality. “The Overwatch platform harnesses the power of AI & blockchain to scale your impact without operational or technical overhead.”

Jorge Brignoni took notes for the Cochise County, Arizona, Sheriff’s Office at a meeting with Massive Blue in August 2023, which 404 Media obtained. In the notes, he wrote that Overwatch does “passive engagement, then active engagement, towards commitment” with a “Bad Actor, Predator, DTO,” or drug trafficking organization. These targets are then “HAND[ed] OFF to L.E. [law enforcement] to arrest, indict, convict.”

“Why is he talking about converting folks into ‘buying something,’” Brignoni wrote. “So dumb. Talk about the widget, not how you’re selling the widget to L.E.”

According to Brignoni’s notes, in addition to collecting intelligence via these AI personas, Overwatch also leverages “Telco & Geo Data” and “Blockchain Data” in the form of “full transaction history, top associated wallet IDs, sending & receiving cryptocurrency, potential off-ramps (Exchange names).” The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office ultimately did not buy Massive Blue and did not provide answers to 404 Media’s questions about its meeting with the company.

Besides scanning social media and engaging suspects with AI personas, the presentation says that Overwatch can use generative AI to create “proof of life” images of a person holding a sign with a username and date written on it in pen.

The Massive Blue presentation gives an example of an “Overwatch Recon Report” based on “24 hours of activity across Dallas, Houston, and Austin.” It claims that Overwatch identified 3,266 unique human traffickers, 25 percent of which were affiliated with “larger sophisticated trafficking organizations” and 15 percent of which were flagged as “potential juvenile traffickers.” 404 Media was not able to verify what these accounts were and whether they actually engaged in any criminal activity, and Massive Blue didn’t respond to questions about what these accounts were and how exactly it identified them.

On top of the ongoing contract with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the pilot with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Department last year, Massive Blue has pitched its services to Cochise County in Arizona and the Texas Department of Public Safety, according to documents obtained as part of this investigation.

In September 2023, Yuma County set up a meeting that was going to include federal law enforcement, but Massive Blue had to cancel the meeting: “That’s unfortunate, we had federal agents here that focus on human trafficking ready to go,” a Yuma County sergeant wrote in an email to Massive Blue CEO Brian Haley after Haley canceled the meeting.

Much of Massive Blue’s public-facing activity has been through its executive director of public safety, Chris Clem, who is a former US Customs and Border Protection agent who testified before Congress about border security last year and regularly appears on Fox News and other media outlets to discuss immigration and the border. In recent months, Clem has posted images of himself on LinkedIn at the border and with prominent Trump administration members Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Massive Blue has also relied on former Kansas City Chiefs kicker Nick Lowery to introduce and endorse Overwatch to police departments.

Clem and Lowery have spoken most extensively publicly about Overwatch, where they have described it as an amorphous “cyberwall” that can do everything from stopping human traffickers to preventing hackers from breaking into 401(k) accounts to taking money back from hackers who have stolen from you, though they provide no specifics about how that would work.

In a two-and-a-half-hour interview with podcaster Theo Von, Clem said, “My company Massive Blue, we basically use deep tech to identify the habits and process of you know, look, I worked on a physical wall, now we’ve created a cyberwall,” adding that he believed it would “save lives.”

Von asked, “OK, but how does your company do that?”

“Well, I’m not going to get into that too much,” Clem responded, adding that he is trying to sell the technology to US Border Patrol.

On June 5, a Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting was asked to approve a $500,000 contract between the county and Massive Blue in order to license Overwatch.

“I was looking at the website for Massive Blue, and it’s a one-pager with no additional information and no links,” Kevin Cavanaugh, the then-supervisor for District 1, said to Pinal County’s Chief Deputy at the Sheriff’s Office, Matthew Thomas. “They produce software that we buy, and it does what? Can you explain that to us?”

“I can’t get into great detail because it’s essentially trade secrets, and I don’t want to tip our hand to the bad guys,” Thomas said. “But what I can tell you is that the software is designed to help our investigators look for and find and build a case on human trafficking, drug trafficking, and gun trafficking.”

Cavanaugh said at the board meeting that the basic information he got is that Massive Blue uses “50 AI bots.” He then asked whether the software has been successful and if it helped law enforcement make any arrests. Thomas explained they have not made any arrests yet because they’ve only seen the proof of concept, but that the proof of concept was “good enough for us and our investigators to move forward with this. Once this gets approved and we get them [Massive Blue] under contract, then we are going to move forward with prosecution of cases.”

Cavanaugh asked if Overwatch is used in other counties, which prompted Thomas to invite Clem to the podium to speak. Clem introduced himself as a recently retired border agent and said that Massive Blue is currently in negotiations with three counties in Arizona, including Pinal County.

“As a resident of 14 years of Pinal County I know what’s happening here,” Clem said to the Board of Supervisors. “To be able [to] use this program [...] to provide all the necessary information to go after the online exploitation of children, trafficking victims, and all the other verticals that the sheriff may want to go after.”

Cavanaugh again asked if Massive Blue gathered any data that led to arrests.

“We have not made arrests yet, but there is a current investigation right now regarding arson, and we got the leads to the investigators,” Clem said, explaining that the program has been active for only about six months. “Investigations take time, but we’ve been able to generate the necessary leads for the particular counties that we’re involved with and also in the private sector.”

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors concluded the exchange by approving payment for a handful of other, unrelated projects, but with board members asking to delay the vote on payment for Massive Blue “for further study.”

The decision not to fund Massive Blue that day was covered in a local newspaper. Cavanaugh told the paper that he asked the company to meet with supervisors to explain the merits of the software.

“The State of Arizona has provided a grant, but grant money is taxpayer money. No matter the source of the funding, fighting human and sex trafficking is too important to risk half a million dollars on unproven technology,” he said. “If the company demonstrates that it can deliver evidence to arrest human traffickers, it may be worthwhile. However, it has yet to achieve this goal.”

404 Media’s public record requests yielded several emails from Cavanaugh’s office to IT professionals and other companies that provide AI products to law enforcement, asking them if they’re familiar with Massive Blue. We don’t know what was said in those meetings, or if they occurred, but when the Pinal County Board of Supervisors convened again on June 19 it voted to pay for Massive Blue’s Overwatch without further discussion.

“Supervisor [Cavanaugh] ultimately voted for the agreement because Massive Blue is alleged to be in pursuit of human trafficking, a noble goal,” a representative from Cavanaugh’s office told 404 Media in an email. “A major concern regarding the use of the application, is that the government should not be monitoring each and every citizen. To his knowledge, no arrests have been made to date as a result of the use of the application. If Overwatch is used to bring about arrests of human traffickers, then the program should continue. However, if it is just being used to collect surveillance on law-abiding citizens and is not leading to any arrests, then the program needs to be discontinued.”

In an August 7, 2024, Board of Supervisors meeting, Cavanaugh asked then-Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb for an update on Massive Blue. “So they have not produced any results? They’ve produced no leads? No evidence that is actionable?” Cavanaugh asked. “That would be public knowledge, that would be public information.”

“I think there’s a lot of ongoing investigations that they’re not going to give you information on, and we’re not going to give you information on,” Lamb said.

17 notes · View notes