The world spun violently as the burning poison coursed through his veins—then, suddenly, nothing. No pain, no palace walls, no treacherous sibling watching with bated breath. Just a deafening crash, the sensation of falling, and—

Thud.

Hongjoong groaned, his breath came in short gasps as he forced his eyes open, expecting to see the wooden beams of his chamber. Instead, he was met with blinding lights, strange furnishings, and—

You.

Hongjoong forced himself upright, still dizzy, still aching. He clenched his jaw, scanning the bizarre surroundings before locking eyes with you again.

"Where am I?! What sorcery is this?!"