Joseon Dynasty

Seoho lays in his bed, in his room in the palace under the constant supervision of King Hyunhwa's guards. He's since slipped into a coma from the shock and attack that happened because of his uncle (or General Chul, who's been murdered, as everyone believes the King's blame).

With doctors periodically checking on him, Seoho's wounds have been cleaned and dressed, but there is still a slight swollenness to his eyes that remains. His eyelids, purple and bruised, remain closed as his eyes shift back and forth underneath.

Seoho is alive and awake, a hundred percent healed and normal, standing in the middle of a white room and dressed in all white. He spins around, trying to figure out what is going on and where he is.

Suddenly, the white fades into a dull, watery stone. Silver bars mark dungeon cells. In one, straight ahead of him, holds a prisoner.

"KIHYUNIE!!" Seoho gasps, recognizing the familiar face of one of his rebel friends.

Kihyun, his bright pink hair standing out in the doom and gloom cell, is clutching onto one of the bars with dirty hands. His wrists are encircled by a pair of handcuffs. He must have been caught and arrested.

"Let me out of here!" Kihyun screams. "I'll never tell you where Joohoney is!"

Seoho tries to run to him and help him out, but finds that he can not move. He stares in horror as Kihyun's spirit slowly dissolves away and the fight inside of him turns to a clear and ominous panic.

The scene dissolves away, returning once more to white.

"NO! KIHYUNIE!!"

Seoho screams.

Is that a visual of what is going on? Did my uncle succeed in finding them? Is Joohoney alive?

Back in the white room, Seoho can once more move and he falls to his knees. He slams a fist against the floor.

He should never have responded to his uncle's call. If he'd only listened to Joohoney, instead of thinking he could secretly continue living in his dual role as nephew to the Joseon King and rebel warrior of Darkest Days. If only someone had spoken up before they began to get involved in this mess, fighting against the King and his tyranny.