The gates of the Frost King's citadel loomed before them — towering pillars of solid ice that shimmered like glass, reflecting endless shades of blue.
The fortress itself seemed alive, breathing cold mist into the sky. Every gust of wind carried faint whispers — memories of those who had entered and never returned.
Miyu tightened her grip on Haneul's hand. "Are you sure about this?"
He nodded slowly. "We came this far. We can't turn back now."
With each step toward the gate, the air grew heavier. Frost crawled up Haneul's arm again, spreading to his chest. The veins beneath his skin glowed a haunting blue.
Miyu saw it and stopped. "Your curse—it's reacting to this place."
"Because this is where it began," he said quietly. "The Frost King's power… it's the same as mine."
---
The gates opened without a touch. Inside was a vast throne hall made of frozen crystal, its walls etched with runes that shimmered faintly as they entered.
Statues of ancient spirits lined the room — each one carved in perfect sorrow.
And on the throne of frost sat a tall figure cloaked in silver, his crown formed from shards of pure ice. His voice echoed through the hall, deep and ancient.
> "At last… you've returned."
Miyu froze. "Returned?"
The Frost King rose from his throne, each movement slow, deliberate. "Haneul. My son."
---
The world seemed to stop.
Haneul's breath caught, his mind spinning. "What… what did you just call me?"
The Frost King's gaze softened, almost regretful. "You were never cursed, my child. You were born from the union of spirit and human — a bridge between two dying worlds. When your mother fled with you, I sealed half your power to protect you from those who would use it."
Miyu stepped forward, disbelief in her eyes. "You're saying he's your…?"
"Yes," the Frost King said, looking at her now. "And you, little one — you carry the last fragment of his mother's soul. The pendant you wear holds her warmth, the only fire that can temper his frost."
Miyu's heart pounded. "That's why it glows whenever he's in danger…"
Haneul stumbled back, clutching his arm. The frost mark burned brighter now, spiraling toward his heart. "If that's true, then why did you send your soldiers to hunt us? Why make me live like a monster?"
The Frost King's expression darkened. "Because balance must be kept. Your power is incomplete — if it awakens without control, it will freeze the mortal world. I tried to contain it… but your mother took you before the seal was finished."
Silence fell heavy between them. Only the sound of the ice cracking underfoot filled the air.
---
Suddenly, the ground shook violently. Cracks spread across the hall, and a blinding light erupted from behind the throne. A dark shadow emerged — cold, heavy, ancient.
It wasn't the Frost King.
It was something inside him.
> "You took too long," the voice hissed, echoing in every direction. "Your son's fire has awakened. The seal is broken."
The Frost King gasped, clutching his chest. Black frost crawled up his neck. "No… not now…!"
Miyu rushed forward. "What's happening!?"
"The curse," he groaned. "It wasn't meant for him — it was mine. The darkness sealed within me… it's taking control!"
Haneul ran to his side, his heart pounding. "Tell me how to stop it!"
The Frost King's eyes flickered, fading between blue and black. "The Celestial Core… it was forged to purify this corruption. But now that it's stolen, you must… you must find it before I lose myself completely."
The floor shattered, and a surge of black frost tore through the hall, throwing them apart.
"Run!" the Frost King roared — his voice already distorted by the shadow taking over. "Before I become your end!"
---
Haneul grabbed Miyu's arm and pulled her toward the collapsing gate. The ice storm swallowed the room behind them, the last thing they saw was the Frost King kneeling — his eyes no longer his own.
As they escaped into the blizzard, the citadel exploded in a flash of white light.
Miyu fell to her knees, panting. "He… he wasn't the enemy…"
Haneul looked back at the ruins, his fists trembling. "No. But whatever's inside him is."
He turned toward the horizon, his blue flames flaring in the snowstorm. "And I'll save him — even if I have to burn through the entire Frostlands to do it."
Miyu stood, gripping her pendant tightly. "Then I'll go with you. Always."
The storm raged, but the siblings stood tall — fire and frost, bound by blood and love, marching into the heart of a world that wanted to break them.