sanctuary1988

[sanctuary1988]

~ Subtle Conscience | 5 | Gwi

French: /the petals of love/

Pairing: Gwi x fem! noble! Reader

Summary: A heartless vampire falls in love for the first time in centuries of loneliness. Passion, secrets, betrayal and love drown the royal palace. Will your love for Gwi prevail through time or will it wither away like a fallen rose petal? Maybe love was his punishment, maybe love was your salvation. Or wasn't it a curse to you both? Because, who can beat a race against time? Who can love in the dark? Who can love without truth? After all, even the most beautiful flower will wither away and end in ashes of time, remembered only by the one who cherished her the most.

Warnings: strangers to lovers? fluff, light angst, TENSION, this is another light chapter tbh. period typical misogyny, age gap (huge), dark romance, historical! AU, royal! AU?, cannon copilant, (let me know if I missed anything!)

Word Count: 2.5k words

A/N: Hi, everyone! SO, chapter 5 is here, I actually got a bit of writer's block during April and this came to me in a moment of inspiration. I really hope you will like this chapter as we are building something here! The cake is baking, darlings!

I inspired a scene on "Beauty and the Beast" as it was my favourite childhood princess movie. I guess that's where all the love for broken men started O.O

ANYWAYS.... I will not entertain you further, love. Happy reading everyone and please let me know your thoughts on this! I'd love to hear anything you had to say. 🫶

Hours turned to days. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months. Time seemed to fly from your hands as you occupied yourself with managing the underground palace. Everything was on point, in order as you made it your task to keep everything in its place. You came to know that Gwi often left the underground paradise at night and never left during the day. He enjoyed having tea in the evenings and for you to join him for breakfast every morning. You came to know he often read in his solitude and the sweet nicknames he called you were your new designated name. 

You sat in your room reading a book under the big cherry blossom tree that made the place smell deliciously sweet. You sighed to yourself already bored of the things written in it as it was the third time you read that book; however, despite your boredom, there were always things to do around the underground palace. 

Morning came around and the routine began turning monotonous for you. With swift steps, you left your bedroom to meet Gwi in the main hall. He was sitting in his throne as usual, his demeanour as domineering as always. You bowed down at him, acknowledging his presence. You felt his eyes on your form as you walked in front of him and sat down at the table set out for you. 

“I have noticed your impeccable work around, petal.”

He commented, his deep voice resonated over the big room. You sipped your tea, softly humming at the sweet taste before you spoke, your tone soft, bored even as you began to eat. 

“I need to keep myself occupied, My Lord.”

“Is that so?”

And you nodded at his inquiry. Enjoying the food displayed out for you to eat. A subtle breeze entered the place, it was slightly colder than before, autumn was approaching and for that you were grateful, cooler days were to come. And with that, perhaps a change in a life you were forced to live. 

Gwi noticed your apathetic self. Your grey soul reflected itself to him as if he were gazing at an enchanted mirror. His eyes trailed down your form, eyes as dark as night with a tinge of crimson of buried secrets and broken promises. He looked at you, taking in the way you were tense in your posture, your hands rigid as you ate and the restlessness in your still beautiful features he was mesmerised about. 

He suddenly rose from his throne and you couldn’t help but look at him with big eyes filled with curiosity. Just as he took a step forward you rose from the table, hands tangling in front of you as you waited for his next move. 

Gwi was entranced by your beauty. Delirious over your eyes and enchanted by your lips that spoke words that encouraged him to a path he knew was doomed to drown in blood. He remembered that day when he followed you into the marketplace. That day he got a glimpse of your silver innocence. Of your pure soul that was now at the mercy of his cruel hands. He missed seeing that smile, yearning for that ray of light that illuminated his dark life. 

“My sweet flower, come with me.”

The command was soft-spoken yet it carried his power within the words that reached your ears. He extended his hand toward you and without hesitation, you took it. Trusting him blindly. Gwi didn’t know what to do with the knowledge of your blind trust. For he had once desired to have it in his possession but sadly realised you could be in danger for your golden heart. 

But his flower was owner of very sharp thorns. 

You followed him in silence, blinded by a trust you had earned ever so slowly. You reminiscenced on the first time Gwi took you to his underground palace that day at the flower garden in the royal palace above. The experience was similar, the sensation of being guided by him allowed you to rest and enjoy his mysterious self as he walked through his large palace hallways with torches and candles to illuminate the place even during daylight. 

He stopped in front of a closed door before he turned to look down at you, his eyes met yours and you could swear you saw a spark of anxiousness in his eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it came before he spoke in that thunderous voice of his. 

“You once spoke about your enjoyment when it came to reading and not once had you visited the marketplace again since we had that conversation.”

You blinked up at him, softly tilting your head to the side as your hand still rested in his bigger one. 

“When you are burdened, flower of mine, lose yourself in the world of words”

His other hand slid open the door and you couldn’t help the gasp that escaped your lips at what was in front of you. You took a step forward, then another and another and your hand left his as you ventured into the room you didn’t know existed within this walls. 

You couldn’t help the smile at what you were seeing, the craftings, the shelves, the books. The beauty within this room was magnificent to even put to words. The hidden room was a mesmerising library with large shelves filled with books and scrolls as well as paintings on the walls and flowers on vases. You could even smell the aroma from where you stood. 

Gwi watched as you looked around in utter surprise. Completely awestruck at what you were seeing. Not even the royal library in the palace above you was this beautiful and you could firmly say so as you had once ventured there without your father’s permission. 

“It’s beautiful.”

You whispered, completely enchanted by the beautiful library before you. Gwi watched you from the entrance way, he admired how the spark returned in your (e/c) eyes and how you smiled so innocently. Like that day at the marketplace. Silver Innocence. He thought to himself as he walked to stand next to you. 

“If you like it, it’s yours then.”

You turned to look up at him with your eyes wide in utter surprise, trying to suppress the smile on your lips as you asked him, suddenly conscious of what he was giving you. 

“Really?”

Gwi gave you a solemn nod as his hands tangled behind his back. 

“I have found solace within these walls for many years. Come here whenever you like, petal. You do not need my permission to enter this place, it’s yours now.”

Your eyes locked with his in a delicate dance led by sentiment. You smiled, that smile that had dulled out from your beautiful features, that smile he had secretly missed. That smile that was enough to light his dark world. 

“Thank you, My Lord. You have made me really happy.”

If you had looked at him for a second longer you would have seen the subtle smile that danced over his lips. Delicate in its nature. But you turned around as your eyes went from book to book, to scroll to scroll as you lost yourself in the world of poetry and ancient history. A new world Gwi had shown you and that you welcomed with open arms. 

Evening came sooner than later and it was only when you noticed one of the candles in the library already about to burn out that you stood up and walked out of the magnificent room you had lost yourself into. 

The underground palace was drowned in silence as usual. For only Gwi resided there and it was you who served him. It sometimes felt suffocating, to have so much empty space, so many thoughts wandering around, so many things to do. So much freedom inside your cage. You found a strange connection with the man who kept you to himself. It wasn’t of hate or of love. It was of gratitude. For he had saved you from an unwanted fate that would put even heavier chains on your heart than to serve him with absolute devotion to the lord who lived in secrecy. 

You were quick to prepare his evening tea before you were walking to the main hall of the underground palace where Gwi sat in his throne, candles were all around the place as they flickered softly with the delicate blows of the wind that entered the palace from time to time. 

His eyes met your form the moment you stepped inside, you bowed down while carrying the tray with his tea, your eyes casted down as you walked further into the room, up to his throne so that you could place the tray on the table next to him and pour him a cup of the steaming beverage. 

In silence, he watched you work. In silence, he accepted the cup you held out for him. And in silence he took a sip from it. 

“Your tea is always so sweet. What is it that you put in it?”

His words were spoken against the cup, murmured even. If you had been standing further away from him, you wouldn’t have been able to listen to him. Yet in their nature they were gentle, curious even as his eyes met yours under the candle’s light around you both

“Just some honey, My Lord. If you do not like it, I can always make you another cup.”

Gwi tilted his head, looking at you with utter magnificence that made a subtle blush paint your cheeks. 

“I never said I did not like it.”

And with that, he took another sip, nearly emptying the cup before he handed it back to you. A silent order to fill it up again. The moment you handed it back, his fingers brushed against yours, sending tingles along your arms and down your spine. 

“Did you enjoy your gift?”

A smile immediately painted your lips. And he admired the way you were so open with your happiness, especially after the source of said happiness was himself. 

“How could I not?”

You spoke, your voice carrying emotions he couldn’t fully comprehend. Emotions he had already forgotten how they felt. Emotions that had died with his immortality. He lifted an eyebrow at your enthusiasm, merely curious about your perspective. But you lowered your gaze again, clearing your throat before speaking in a more proper tone. 

“It is a beautiful gift, My Lord. I do not have the words to express just how grateful I am.”

But he didn’t like the change in your demeanour. He didn’t like the way you hid your feelings behind the veil society demanded you to cover your true nature. Your true emotions. Your innocence he so wanted to keep and corrupt at the same time. 

He lifted your chin with his thumb and pointer finger, forcing you with delicate motions to meet his eyes once more. You did, though shyly at first. His eyes, dark with a tinge of crimson explored your beautiful features, your micro expressions. Your true colours at the reach of his palm. 

“Don’t do that.”

You frowned and he continued, his deep voice nearly making you purr as he held you with firmness yet still softness to his touch. A touch that burned your skin. 

“Do not hide from me, petal.”

You swallowed, your eyes never left his as his words crushed down everything you had learned since you were a mere child. To always appear beautiful, to never express yourself, to stay quiet, to never voice out your thoughts and concerns. It was mostly your father who taught you to be that way. It was socially acceptable. It was needed for you to belong to his circle. But you did not live that life anymore. 

“Forgive me. Customs die hard, My Lord.”

Gwi lifted an eyebrow at you, his hand left your skin and you felt instantly cold at the lack of his tender touch. 

“Is that so?”

You hummed, bowing softly before you stepped aside. Trying to break the tension between you both that threatened to drown you. Gwi continued to enjoy his tea in silence. The flickering candles dimmed out softly with the slow passing of time. You refilled his cup two more times before he spoke once more. 

“Tomorrow night you’ll join me for dinner at the royal palace.”

With curiosity you looked at him but he seemed unbothered by the words that had just left his mouth. You blinked twice, trying to resist the temptation to ask, to question his choices. For you served him, he was your lord and master. But he had also forbidden you from hiding your true self. 

“Why would you desire my company at such an event, My Lord?”

You knew tomorrow night an important dinner was to be hosted at the royal palace with the council. Gwi was to attend. Your father as well. Perhaps even the king himself would be there. But you were of little significance to the royal council. He looked at you, his expression soft as his eyes held a key to his many secrets. Gwi was a mysterious being. Something you did not dare question at all for you knew you’d receive no answer whatsoever. But there was something in his gaze that moment that made you want to unravel all the secrets and sins he held in his heart. 

“Because you belong to me. You go where I go. You exist where I exist, and you will obey when I order it, petal. We made a deal, remember?”

You casted your gaze down, missing the subtle smirk that danced over his lips at your delicate submission. Yet the fire in your eyes never died down. The confidence in your stance never faltered. Not one bit. 

“I’ve never forgotten, My Lord.”

Gwi tilted his head ever so slightly looking at you with expressive eyes that, had you been looking at him at that moment, you’d have seen oceans of feelings he kept hidden behind the veil of his nature. The veil of his power. 

“Wear a red dress, my sweet flower. You are dismissed for today.”

You placed the teapot on the tray before bowing down in silence. His eyes followed your every movement as you walked away to your room and never glanced back at him. Never did you misstepped. Never did you lose your elegance in your walk. Never did you show him weakness. And for that, he smirked to himself. 

For he knew he had a beautiful rose by his side with poisonous thorns that had already pierced his heart. Though if it was painful, he couldn’t tell. His heart was dead. But maybe, the roots of your existence could start making his heart blossom with something different from his infatuation. 

Something deeper. 

Something sacred. 

Something he’d have to protect from the world and even from himself.

April/25/2024

A/N: How are we feeling about this? O.O

Are we excited? What would you like to see next, darling? My inbox is open 🫶

~ Masterpost

#lee soo hyuk #gwi x reader #kdrama #sanctuary1988 #scholar who walks the night #gwi #lee soo hyuk characters #vampire #the scholar who walks the night #kdrama series #korean drama #korean actor #kactor #gwi x reader fluff #gwi x reader angst #les pétals d'amour #beauty and the beast

[sanctuary1988]

Thank you to everyone who got me to 100 likes!

#100 likes #tumblr milestone #thank you #sanctuary1988

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LEE SOO HYUK in A Channel’s COHABITATION, NOT MARRIAGE [02.2023]

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🤎🪶🥃

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that's it. that's the post.

#i'm sorry but this fit lives rent free in my mind #it accentuates his figure so nicely liKE #mbc tomorrow #tomorrow kdrama #netflix tomorrow #lee soo hyuk #park joong gil #series: tomorrow #tomorrow

[sanctuary1988]

LEE SOO HYUK behind the scenes for L’Officiel Homme Korea [03.2023]

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lee soohyuk on his way to the dolce & gabbana show

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“Pain is the essence of life. It’s a living human’s fate to struggle and move forward in spite of that pain.”

Tomorrow (2022)

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LEE SOO HYUK for L'Officiel Homme Korea, March 2023

[sanctuary1988]

Lee Soo Hyuck as Park Joonggil (Tomorrow, 2022) - Devil Saint

K-DRAMA SECRET SANTA 2023 for @khaoray

happy holidays Vic, wishing you all the best for next year! 💜

[sanctuary1988]

@asiandramanet april bingo: free choice

Lee Soo Hyuk | Wedding Impossible Ep. 12 Cameo

[sanctuary1988]

~Silver Innocence |4| Gwi

French: /the petals of love/

Pairing: Gwi x fem! noble! Reader

Summary: A heartless vampire falls in love for the first time in centuries of loneliness. Passion, secrets, betrayal and love drown the royal palace. Will your love for Gwi prevail through time or will it wither away like a fallen rose petal? Maybe love was his punishment, maybe love was your salvation. Or wasn't it a curse to you both? Because, who can beat a race against time? Who can love in the dark? Who can love without truth? After all, even the most beautiful flower will wither away and end in ashes of time, remembered only by the one who cherished her the most.

Warnings: strangers to lovers? fluff, light angst, TENSION, this is another light chapter tbh. age gap (huge), poetic writing, historical! AU, royal! AU?, cannon copilant, (let me know if I missed anything!)

Word Count: 2.5k words

A/N: Welcome to the fourth chapter, darlings! Thank you all who commented, reblogged and liked the last parts as you loves, really motivated me to write this next part in nearly one sitting O.o

Please enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think, dear! I'd love to hear from you all, beautiful darlings 🫶🫶🫶

The air outside was colder than before. That was the first thing you noticed as you stepped outside of the underground palace since Gwi took you with him. The moon was high in the sky, the air bit your skin as you left your new home and walked through the beautiful gardens of the royal palace before you were leaving behind the golden cage and stepped into the busy streets of the marvellous city you rarely got to see. 

Gwi had allowed you to go out of his magnificent underground palace, a privilege you weren’t going to waste as you walked into the busy market place. Your beautiful soft pink silk skirt brushed against the ground as you moved around slowly while you admired the beauty of the city. 

You walked the night with soft steps, completely unaware of the looming figure who watched over you. Gwi had granted you permission to leave the safety of his palace with the only condition for you to go at night. This was so that he could silently follow you. He needed to make sure you were safe. That you would return to his side. That you would obey him forever. He hid behind his gat as he stood in front of a stand selling jewellery, losing himself in the crowd while his eyes that sparkled with his crimson desire never lost sight of you. 

He watched you smile as you purchased a beautiful black fan with painted red flowers on it. Gwi couldn’t help the smirk that grew on his lips. What a perfect gift for his perfect rose. You walked around and he followed, his domineering gaze hidden behind his gat, his beating dead heart racing at the sight of your happy self. 

Your beautiful dress made it easy for him to spot you around. With your soft pink skirt and white top made of silky fabric his hands itched to touch, he always had his eyes on you. With a stiff movement, he paid one of the shopkeepers to wrap a gift for his eccentric flower. A small object he thought would suit you to perfection. But when he turned around as his eyes searched for your parading figure, he saw nothing. You were nowhere to be found and something Gwi wasn’t able to describe the feeling that gripped his heart so forcefully it was nearly difficult to breathe. 

He walked with haste among the people in the market, eyes roaming all around him. Wishing, needing, having to see you before his instincts overtook his mind. Your sweet scent was lost in the crowd, he could not see you, he could not trace you. He did not have you at his reach anymore.

His eyes, as dark as the night, painted crimson. The colour of his tainted hands. Gwi made his way through the night, his pace commanded power and the passersby cleared his path at the imposing image of his dead gaze. 

“Where are you, petal?”

The muttered words escaped his lips as he searched around. That was until the smell of fresh roses hit his senses. Gwi remembered the first time he ever saw you. Crouching down on the palace gardens at night as you picked out roses you never took with yourself back to your room. He remembered the way he had walked to find the source of the electing scent that had instantly captivated him. As if he had been hypnotised, moved by instinct or by fate. He walked to where you were and got a glimpse of your silver innocence behind the golden palace walls. 

And so, just like the first time, Gwi followed the scent that made his heart beat slightly faster. He almost felt lost, allowing his impulses to win when he was a master of control. He walked through the darkness and away from the market just as the lovely scent got stronger and stronger until he saw you at the distance walking through a flower field in the outskirts of the city. 

He was firstly tempted to go out there and reprime you for walking away from his line of sight yet he knew you were not aware he was following you. Gwi watched you from where he stood, hidden in the shadows of the moon as you walked around in peaceful silence as  you carried a heavy looking bag and he presumed it was the things you bought for yourself. You did not seem to want to leave the place and for that, he was utterly relieved. Not that he’d admit it but the sight of you, peacefully walking around, soothed something 

Since you left the underground palace that night, you felt as if someone was watching you. But it was a gentle gaze that dressed you in. It was not intended to harm. An innocent gaze that followed you around. A safe look that bathed you in silver. 

You turned around and made direct eye contact with the vampire. You smiled, a knowing smile that only revealed your pure soul to the heartless monster that had you to himself in his dark palace. 

The sight of your smiling face melted a part of his frozen heart. What a beautiful sight it was to see you smile under the moonlight surrounded by your sisters in nature and beauty. While dancing in a flower field, you showed him something more beautiful than whatever painting he had ever seen. Something more delicious than whatever blood he had drank in his long life. You showed him a spark of hope. A glimpse of happiness. A thread of innocence he did not want to break. 

In the moonlight, you shine.

Like a diamond of a rose. 

Flower of mine. 

A heartbeat that comes and goes.

You broke eye contact, lowering your gaze as you continued to parade around. Yet now a soft smile danced over your lips. Knowing that he followed you did not creep you out, it could only mean one thing. For he had already claimed you as his, it could only mean that he cared.

You were walking back into the underground palace knowing Gwi was behind you. At some point, he stopped hiding it and you were actually able to see him following you. Your feet carried you back to the royal grounds and into the dark palace, already by memory you walked to your room. The steps of the vampire could be heard behind you yet you only smiled to yourself as you  continued to walk ahead, never turning back not knowing your false ignorance was driving his twisted mind crazy. 

“Since when did you know?”

His voice, though soothing, still surprised you as you turned to look at him after it felt like years of your gaze hiding from his own. You smiled, a small gesture that was gentle over your beautiful features. 

“Since I left your underground palace, My Lord.”

Gwi narrowed his eyes at you just as you turned around once more and began taking your new items from the bag you carried all the way back. Once more, ignoring his presence and choosing to pretend to be alone yet again. 

He watched you bring out different books as well as some jewellery and a wooden box. With calculating eyes he watched you move around the room he had claimed as yours. Your movements were always precise and elegant. Soft on their nature. Like a true lady of his court. Your words, though cunning sometimes, were always respectful and voiced out with gentle tones. But your eyes, he loved those expressive eyes of yours. Those eyes told him a very different story. Gwi still had to figure out what hidden secrets swam in your beautiful (e/c) eyes and he didn’t mind if he were to drown in the sea of unsaid words and fleeting thoughts that carried your soul. For everything that you had touched or owned was now precious for him. Just as you became his precious flower in a bittersweet exchange of power and ambition mixed with desire and untitled emotions. 

“When you are done with that, make me some tea. I’ll be in the main room.”

But just as you turned around, he was already gone. His absence felt heavy within your heart and you let out a loud sigh. Feeling a coldness seeping into the cracks of your heart. 

A death heart beats for you. 

Like a thousand arrows that pierce your soul. 

Owner of a broken core.

Mystery of mine, oh my sweet scented rose.

You walked up the steps to his magnificent throne while cradling a cup of tea in your hands. Gwi watched your every move with his dark eye that only now did they look onyx to you before you lowered your gaze once more. 

You handed him the cup and he took it in his larger hand, tingles ran up your arms when his fingers brushed yours and a faint blush dusted your cheeks and you were forced to tangle your hands in front of you to stop them from doing something awkward. Gwi took a sip from the tea before he set it aside on the nearby table that rested next to his throne. 

“You have a question.”

He spoke and that voice of his made you tingle all over. Deep as the ocean and strong as thunder, that voice awoke a part of you you did not know existed within your core. The acknowledgment of your state made you swallow but you did not dare look up. Not when you felt how the tension began invading the room and threatened to drown you as it pulled you down with its poisonous claws. And even so now that you stood so close to him. Your previous carefree self was gone, melted down like a candle during the night. 

“I do, My Lord.”

You confirmed with a subtle nod of your head. He leaned his forearm on the armrest of his throne as his eyes danced over your features that had him enchanted. If he could, Gwi would look at you for hours in utter admiration of your beauty. It almost felt that to him, you were painted by the angels before being sent to this mortal earth. 

“Speak, then.”

His words, though harsh in their nature, were surprisingly soft. They brought back to life that sweet and innocent side of you that the vampire had witnessed on the flower field earlier during the night. That side of your soul that was the complete opposite from him. That side of your heart that was still pure. That side from humanity that had not yet been corrupted by the evilness of this fallen world. 

He was one of those evil things that paraded the land of the living. But you, having you so close, having your heart to his reach, having your life in his hands, only made him want to protect that innocent side of your mind where you lived in ignorance when it came to his true nature. But would he be able to keep such a promise to himself? Would he be able to keep you from getting tainted when he was the very dark ink that stained society? Would he be able to control himself when you smelled oh so tantalisingly delicious?

The sight of your smile, your sparkling eyes and your beautiful skin bathed in the moonlight came back to his mind as he watched you with nearly crimson eyes as they changed colour upon the turmoil in his mind.

 Into the night you walk, 

Ever so beautiful, dressed in delicate petals of love.

Your laugh, like music, fills my ears. 

Your tears, like pearls, I want to keep. 

You were perfect for him like a perfect rhyme to one of his secret poems. Perfect to his heart like white complements black. Perfect to his soul as death meets immortality. And so, as you looked up and your eyes met his once more, the skip of a heartbeat was now more notorious in his frozen heart. But he did not suppress it either. 

“I would like to know if, in the future, I’d be allowed to go out from time to time.”

He lifted an eyebrow at you and as you took a deep breath, you spoke with the most elegance and care he had ever seen on a high-class lady. So he became sure that you were worthy of standing by his side in his own palace of the night. 

“When you don’t ask anything from me, My Lord, it gets quite lonely here.”

“And why would leaving make you happy? You have everything you could ever want here with me.”

You nodded, a fierceness taking control of your eyes yet your words remained gentle. Polite. You were aware of your place and you respected that. 

“I want to educate myself, I need to be worthy of standing next to you. I bought some books to read in my free time.”

“So you want permission to buy more books when you finish the ones you brought today?”

He subtly smirked at your use of words. You were indeed, very intelligent. And while he had you with him, why not entertain himself with your thirst for knowledge. 

“Yes, that is if you deem it appropriate, My Lord.”

Gwi let out a soft chuckle. A sound that travelled up your spine and that you found to be rather pleasing to hear. 

“Of course. However, I’ll be coming with you next time.”

You were grateful that he agreed, yet the question as to why you were not allowed to go on your own was reflected in your eyes as clear as glancing at your reflection in a mirror. 

“Remember that you are mine, little petal. I don’t want you going around on your own.”

Butterflies swarm in your stomach at the nickname. At the softness in his words despite the deep voice that spoke them. You bit your lip to suppress the smile that threatened to grow in your lips. 

“Go back to your room. You’ll join me tomorrow for breakfast.”

With that, you bowed with elegance. Walking down the steps that led to his throne. 

“Thank you, My Lord.”

That was the last thing you said as before you retreated back to your bedroom of the cherry blossom, finally allowing the smile to spread over your face as you walked through the hallway that took you away from Gwi’s presence. 

He picked up the cup of tea you had prepared for him, taking another sip from the beverage he found was made to perfection. The taste that was left was sweet, just as you scent, just as your heart. Innocent on its own. 

“Sweet petal.”

Gwi said against the cup before he was downing the beverage. Savouring it as if it were the elixir to his eternal life.

In an eternal winter, you are my spring. 

A fallen petal from a dead tree. 

With a silk voice that lulls me to sleep. 

In an eternal winter, I found a reason to live.

March/28/2024

~ Masterpost

[sanctuary1988]

[sanctuary1988]

~Silver Innocence |4| Gwi

French: /the petals of love/

Pairing: Gwi x fem! noble! Reader

Summary: A heartless vampire falls in love for the first time in centuries of loneliness. Passion, secrets, betrayal and love drown the royal palace. Will your love for Gwi prevail through time or will it wither away like a fallen rose petal? Maybe love was his punishment, maybe love was your salvation. Or wasn't it a curse to you both? Because, who can beat a race against time? Who can love in the dark? Who can love without truth? After all, even the most beautiful flower will wither away and end in ashes of time, remembered only by the one who cherished her the most.

Warnings: strangers to lovers? fluff, light angst, TENSION, this is another light chapter tbh. age gap (huge), poetic writing, historical! AU, royal! AU?, cannon copilant, (let me know if I missed anything!)

Word Count: 2.5k words

A/N: Welcome to the fourth chapter, darlings! Thank you all who commented, reblogged and liked the last parts as you loves, really motivated me to write this next part in nearly one sitting O.o

Please enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think, dear! I'd love to hear from you all, beautiful darlings 🫶🫶🫶

The air outside was colder than before. That was the first thing you noticed as you stepped outside of the underground palace since Gwi took you with him. The moon was high in the sky, the air bit your skin as you left your new home and walked through the beautiful gardens of the royal palace before you were leaving behind the golden cage and stepped into the busy streets of the marvellous city you rarely got to see. 

Gwi had allowed you to go out of his magnificent underground palace, a privilege you weren’t going to waste as you walked into the busy market place. Your beautiful soft pink silk skirt brushed against the ground as you moved around slowly while you admired the beauty of the city. 

You walked the night with soft steps, completely unaware of the looming figure who watched over you. Gwi had granted you permission to leave the safety of his palace with the only condition for you to go at night. This was so that he could silently follow you. He needed to make sure you were safe. That you would return to his side. That you would obey him forever. He hid behind his gat as he stood in front of a stand selling jewellery, losing himself in the crowd while his eyes that sparkled with his crimson desire never lost sight of you. 

He watched you smile as you purchased a beautiful black fan with painted red flowers on it. Gwi couldn’t help the smirk that grew on his lips. What a perfect gift for his perfect rose. You walked around and he followed, his domineering gaze hidden behind his gat, his beating dead heart racing at the sight of your happy self. 

Your beautiful dress made it easy for him to spot you around. With your soft pink skirt and white top made of silky fabric his hands itched to touch, he always had his eyes on you. With a stiff movement, he paid one of the shopkeepers to wrap a gift for his eccentric flower. A small object he thought would suit you to perfection. But when he turned around as his eyes searched for your parading figure, he saw nothing. You were nowhere to be found and something Gwi wasn’t able to describe the feeling that gripped his heart so forcefully it was nearly difficult to breathe. 

He walked with haste among the people in the market, eyes roaming all around him. Wishing, needing, having to see you before his instincts overtook his mind. Your sweet scent was lost in the crowd, he could not see you, he could not trace you. He did not have you at his reach anymore.

His eyes, as dark as the night, painted crimson. The colour of his tainted hands. Gwi made his way through the night, his pace commanded power and the passersby cleared his path at the imposing image of his dead gaze. 

“Where are you, petal?”

The muttered words escaped his lips as he searched around. That was until the smell of fresh roses hit his senses. Gwi remembered the first time he ever saw you. Crouching down on the palace gardens at night as you picked out roses you never took with yourself back to your room. He remembered the way he had walked to find the source of the electing scent that had instantly captivated him. As if he had been hypnotised, moved by instinct or by fate. He walked to where you were and got a glimpse of your silver innocence behind the golden palace walls. 

And so, just like the first time, Gwi followed the scent that made his heart beat slightly faster. He almost felt lost, allowing his impulses to win when he was a master of control. He walked through the darkness and away from the market just as the lovely scent got stronger and stronger until he saw you at the distance walking through a flower field in the outskirts of the city. 

He was firstly tempted to go out there and reprime you for walking away from his line of sight yet he knew you were not aware he was following you. Gwi watched you from where he stood, hidden in the shadows of the moon as you walked around in peaceful silence as  you carried a heavy looking bag and he presumed it was the things you bought for yourself. You did not seem to want to leave the place and for that, he was utterly relieved. Not that he’d admit it but the sight of you, peacefully walking around, soothed something 

Since you left the underground palace that night, you felt as if someone was watching you. But it was a gentle gaze that dressed you in. It was not intended to harm. An innocent gaze that followed you around. A safe look that bathed you in silver. 

You turned around and made direct eye contact with the vampire. You smiled, a knowing smile that only revealed your pure soul to the heartless monster that had you to himself in his dark palace. 

The sight of your smiling face melted a part of his frozen heart. What a beautiful sight it was to see you smile under the moonlight surrounded by your sisters in nature and beauty. While dancing in a flower field, you showed him something more beautiful than whatever painting he had ever seen. Something more delicious than whatever blood he had drank in his long life. You showed him a spark of hope. A glimpse of happiness. A thread of innocence he did not want to break. 

In the moonlight, you shine.

Like a diamond of a rose. 

Flower of mine. 

A heartbeat that comes and goes.

You broke eye contact, lowering your gaze as you continued to parade around. Yet now a soft smile danced over your lips. Knowing that he followed you did not creep you out, it could only mean one thing. For he had already claimed you as his, it could only mean that he cared.

You were walking back into the underground palace knowing Gwi was behind you. At some point, he stopped hiding it and you were actually able to see him following you. Your feet carried you back to the royal grounds and into the dark palace, already by memory you walked to your room. The steps of the vampire could be heard behind you yet you only smiled to yourself as you  continued to walk ahead, never turning back not knowing your false ignorance was driving his twisted mind crazy. 

“Since when did you know?”

His voice, though soothing, still surprised you as you turned to look at him after it felt like years of your gaze hiding from his own. You smiled, a small gesture that was gentle over your beautiful features. 

“Since I left your underground palace, My Lord.”

Gwi narrowed his eyes at you just as you turned around once more and began taking your new items from the bag you carried all the way back. Once more, ignoring his presence and choosing to pretend to be alone yet again. 

He watched you bring out different books as well as some jewellery and a wooden box. With calculating eyes he watched you move around the room he had claimed as yours. Your movements were always precise and elegant. Soft on their nature. Like a true lady of his court. Your words, though cunning sometimes, were always respectful and voiced out with gentle tones. But your eyes, he loved those expressive eyes of yours. Those eyes told him a very different story. Gwi still had to figure out what hidden secrets swam in your beautiful (e/c) eyes and he didn’t mind if he were to drown in the sea of unsaid words and fleeting thoughts that carried your soul. For everything that you had touched or owned was now precious for him. Just as you became his precious flower in a bittersweet exchange of power and ambition mixed with desire and untitled emotions. 

“When you are done with that, make me some tea. I’ll be in the main room.”

But just as you turned around, he was already gone. His absence felt heavy within your heart and you let out a loud sigh. Feeling a coldness seeping into the cracks of your heart. 

A death heart beats for you. 

Like a thousand arrows that pierce your soul. 

Owner of a broken core.

Mystery of mine, oh my sweet scented rose.

You walked up the steps to his magnificent throne while cradling a cup of tea in your hands. Gwi watched your every move with his dark eye that only now did they look onyx to you before you lowered your gaze once more. 

You handed him the cup and he took it in his larger hand, tingles ran up your arms when his fingers brushed yours and a faint blush dusted your cheeks and you were forced to tangle your hands in front of you to stop them from doing something awkward. Gwi took a sip from the tea before he set it aside on the nearby table that rested next to his throne. 

“You have a question.”

He spoke and that voice of his made you tingle all over. Deep as the ocean and strong as thunder, that voice awoke a part of you you did not know existed within your core. The acknowledgment of your state made you swallow but you did not dare look up. Not when you felt how the tension began invading the room and threatened to drown you as it pulled you down with its poisonous claws. And even so now that you stood so close to him. Your previous carefree self was gone, melted down like a candle during the night. 

“I do, My Lord.”

You confirmed with a subtle nod of your head. He leaned his forearm on the armrest of his throne as his eyes danced over your features that had him enchanted. If he could, Gwi would look at you for hours in utter admiration of your beauty. It almost felt that to him, you were painted by the angels before being sent to this mortal earth. 

“Speak, then.”

His words, though harsh in their nature, were surprisingly soft. They brought back to life that sweet and innocent side of you that the vampire had witnessed on the flower field earlier during the night. That side of your soul that was the complete opposite from him. That side of your heart that was still pure. That side from humanity that had not yet been corrupted by the evilness of this fallen world. 

He was one of those evil things that paraded the land of the living. But you, having you so close, having your heart to his reach, having your life in his hands, only made him want to protect that innocent side of your mind where you lived in ignorance when it came to his true nature. But would he be able to keep such a promise to himself? Would he be able to keep you from getting tainted when he was the very dark ink that stained society? Would he be able to control himself when you smelled oh so tantalisingly delicious?

The sight of your smile, your sparkling eyes and your beautiful skin bathed in the moonlight came back to his mind as he watched you with nearly crimson eyes as they changed colour upon the turmoil in his mind.

 Into the night you walk, 

Ever so beautiful, dressed in delicate petals of love.

Your laugh, like music, fills my ears. 

Your tears, like pearls, I want to keep. 

You were perfect for him like a perfect rhyme to one of his secret poems. Perfect to his heart like white complements black. Perfect to his soul as death meets immortality. And so, as you looked up and your eyes met his once more, the skip of a heartbeat was now more notorious in his frozen heart. But he did not suppress it either. 

“I would like to know if, in the future, I’d be allowed to go out from time to time.”

He lifted an eyebrow at you and as you took a deep breath, you spoke with the most elegance and care he had ever seen on a high-class lady. So he became sure that you were worthy of standing by his side in his own palace of the night. 

“When you don’t ask anything from me, My Lord, it gets quite lonely here.”

“And why would leaving make you happy? You have everything you could ever want here with me.”

You nodded, a fierceness taking control of your eyes yet your words remained gentle. Polite. You were aware of your place and you respected that. 

“I want to educate myself, I need to be worthy of standing next to you. I bought some books to read in my free time.”

“So you want permission to buy more books when you finish the ones you brought today?”

He subtly smirked at your use of words. You were indeed, very intelligent. And while he had you with him, why not entertain himself with your thirst for knowledge. 

“Yes, that is if you deem it appropriate, My Lord.”

Gwi let out a soft chuckle. A sound that travelled up your spine and that you found to be rather pleasing to hear. 

“Of course. However, I’ll be coming with you next time.”

You were grateful that he agreed, yet the question as to why you were not allowed to go on your own was reflected in your eyes as clear as glancing at your reflection in a mirror. 

“Remember that you are mine, little petal. I don’t want you going around on your own.”

Butterflies swarm in your stomach at the nickname. At the softness in his words despite the deep voice that spoke them. You bit your lip to suppress the smile that threatened to grow in your lips. 

“Go back to your room. You’ll join me tomorrow for breakfast.”

With that, you bowed with elegance. Walking down the steps that led to his throne. 

“Thank you, My Lord.”

That was the last thing you said as before you retreated back to your bedroom of the cherry blossom, finally allowing the smile to spread over your face as you walked through the hallway that took you away from Gwi’s presence. 

He picked up the cup of tea you had prepared for him, taking another sip from the beverage he found was made to perfection. The taste that was left was sweet, just as you scent, just as your heart. Innocent on its own. 

“Sweet petal.”

Gwi said against the cup before he was downing the beverage. Savouring it as if it were the elixir to his eternal life.

In an eternal winter, you are my spring. 

A fallen petal from a dead tree. 

With a silk voice that lulls me to sleep. 

In an eternal winter, I found a reason to live.

March/28/2024

~ Masterpost

#lee soo hyuk #gwi x reader #kdrama #sanctuary1988 #scholar who walks the night #gwi #lee soo hyuk characters #vampire #the scholar who walks the night #kdrama series #korean drama #korean actor #kactor #gwi x reader fluff #gwi x reader angst #les pétals d'amour

[sanctuary1988]

Lee Soo-hyuk in The Scholar Who Walks the Night.

[sanctuary1988]

Please, I need you to update your Gwi's fic 🌹🙏🏻

I'm happy you are enjoying the story so far, darling! 🫶 I'm working on the next part, promise ☺️🤗

#sanctuary1988 #lee soo hyuk #the scholar who walks the night #ninny answers #lovely asks

[sanctuary1988]

Gwi modern version 🔥🫠❤️