Warning: This chapter contains highly explicit and graphic content that may be distressing to some readers. It includes severe violence, detailed scenes of torture, and significant bloodshed. The narrative involves intense and brutal themes such as murder, sacrifice, and extreme brutality. The depiction of these events is graphic and may be unsettling, including descriptions of gore and pain.

The mature subject matter explored in this chapter is intended for adult audiences and may be distressing or triggering. Please consider your emotional comfort and well-being before proceeding. If you are sensitive to these themes or find such content distressing, it is strongly recommended to skip this chapter or approach it with caution. Your mental health and emotional safety are important, and it is crucial to prioritize your well-being.

Sincerely,
Parkaaimin.

Chapter 45: (Aaira's pov)

The day stretched endlessly before me as I sat in the dimly lit room, the hours crawling by with horrifying slowness. The sounds of the world outside seemed muted, as if I were trapped in a bubble of anxiety and dread.

Each minute felt like an hour, each second a lifetime. Jungkook had left hours ago to check on the portal, and all I could do was wait. I tried to focus on anything that might distract me, but nothing could soothe the gnawing fear in my chest.

I rose from the bed, pacing around the room like a caged animal. My mind raced through a chaotic whirl of thoughts, each one more terrifying than the last. What if something happened to him? What if the old couple managed to trap him as well?

I moved to the small desk by the window and began sorting through the scattered papers and books. I tried to read, but the words on the pages blurred together, their meanings lost in my fog of worry.

I flipped through a novel but found myself unable to concentrate. I put the book down and stared out the window at the dreary, rain-soaked world outside. The storm that had started earlier in the morning seemed to match my internal storm.

My next distraction was a small sketchpad I had found tucked away in a drawer. I picked up a pencil and began to draw, hoping that the act of creation would calm my racing mind. I sketched aimlessly, the lines and shapes on the paper reflecting my inner chaos.

The drawings were a mess of jagged lines and fragmented forms, I glanced at the sky, the sky darkening too slowly for my liking. Time seemed to stretch and warp, each minute dragging out as I waited for any sign of Jungkook.

I tried to busy myself with cleaning and organizing the room, but even that felt pointless. Every sound, every creak of the floorboards or gust of wind, sent a jolt of panic through me as I wondered if it was Jungkook returning-or something worse.

As the day wore on, I became more restless. I attempted to eat, but the food was tasteless, and I barely managed a few bites before setting it aside. The emptiness in my stomach mirrored the emptiness in my heart, both aching with the same gnawing dread.

I found myself constantly checking the sky, the hours slipping by with maddening slowness. I tried to practice deep breathing and meditation to calm my nerves, but my mind was too frantic. Every time I closed my eyes, I pictured the worst possible scenarios-Jungkook captured, hurt, or worse. The images were relentless and vivid, fueling my anxiety.

To pass the time, I decided to tidy up the room. I rearranged the small furniture, cleaned the surfaces, and organized the small shelves. I even attempted to fold the blankets and make the bed, but my efforts felt futile.

I moved to the window and watched the rain fall, the droplets racing down the glass like tears. I wrapped a blanket around myself, trying to find comfort in its warmth. The rain seemed endless, a reflection of my own sense of hopelessness. As the sun began to set, casting a dusky light over the room, I sank onto the bed, feeling utterly drained.

My eyes kept drifting to the door, hoping for a glimpse of Jungkook's return. I reached for the small box of photos I had brought with me, the grim evidence of my suffering. I examined each one, the images a painful reminder of the horrors I had endured. I wanted to destroy them, to erase the memory, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. They were a part of my story, my survival.

I tried to occupy myself with various tasks-writing in my journal, tidying up more, and even attempting to take a warm bath-but nothing could distract me from the relentless worry. I paced the room, wringing my hands and whispering silent prayers for Jungkook's safety.

***

The hours seemed to stretch on endlessly, I tried to convince myself that he would return soon, that he was just taking longer than expected. But the fear in my heart refused to be quelled. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.

Jungkook: Aaira... Aaira!

The voice was unmistakably Jungkook's. My heart leapt in my chest, a rush of adrenaline propelling me out of bed. I stumbled toward the door, as I hurried down the stairs, the sound of Jungkook's voice guiding me.

I reached the bottom of the stairs, I heard voices and commotion coming from the foyer. I hurried towards the noise, my breath coming in short, panicked bursts. I pushed open the door to the hallway and froze, my eyes widening in shock.

There, in the center of the room, stood Jungkook. His clothes were disheveled, and there was blood staining his forehead. Surrounding him were several people, Yoongi, Jimin, Seokjin, Namjoon, Hoseok, Taehyung, their wives, his parents, and a few others who had come to his call. They stood in a semi-circle, their faces a blend of shock and relief.

On the ground before me lay the old couple, their hands bound tightly with rope. Their faces were etched with a mix of fear and anger. The sight of them, subdued and helpless, sent a shiver down my spine. I felt relief that Jungkook was back, terror at what he must have faced.

Tears sprang to my eyes as I took in the scene. My breath hitched, and I struggled to hold back the sobs that threatened to overtake me. The old couple's presence, now powerless and defeated, was a painful reminder of the suffering they had inflicted upon me.

Tears sprang to my eyes as I took in the scene. My breath hitched, and I struggled to hold back the sobs that threatened to overtake me. The old couple's presence, now powerless and defeated, was a painful reminder of the suffering they had inflicted upon me.

The old woman's eyes were filled with tears, her once stern demeanor replaced by a look of anguish and fear. My heart ached at the sight, but the bitter memories of what she had done to me kept my emotions guarded.

The old man lay beside her, writhing slightly in pain, his face contorted with distress. Despite the hurt I saw in him, I remained silent, my nerves were frayed by the scene unfolding before me. Seokjin, who had been observing quietly, finally spoke up.

Seokjin: Who are they, Jungkook?

Taehyung, standing nearby, nodded in agreement.

Taehyung: Yes, who are they and why are they tied like this?

Before Jungkook could answer, Jimin entered the room further more.

Jimin: Are they some kind of thieves?

He asked, his gaze was shifting between the old couple and Jungkook. Namjoon, always quick with a sharp observation, commented.

Namjoon: It's hard to imagine such an old couple stealing things.

Hwasa stepped closer to Jungkook, her concern evident as she cupped his face gently, as she looked closely in his eyes.

Hwasa: What happened to your forehead? Why is it bleeding?

Her eyes searched his face, her voice filled with worry.

Hwasa: Who was responsible for this? Was it this old woman or this old man?

Jungkook took a deep breath, his gaze shifting from Hwasa to me, and then to the subdued couple on the floor.

Jungkook: They're not just thieves.

He said, I looked down as he spoke, i didn't want anyone else to know what I had been through, I was horrified by the fact that how would they treat me after this, but he continued anyways.

Jungkook: They're the ones who've been tormenting Aaira. They kidnapped her and performed horrific experiments on her, all under the delusion that she was their long-lost daughter. This isn't about stealing; it's about cruelty and manipulation they did with my wife.

Seokjin's eyes widened in shock, his gaze shifting from Jungkook to the old couple, who were now both crying openly. As he moved towards me, I looked down towards my feets ss if I were a downcast.

Seokjin: Are you serious?

Jungkook nodded, the gravity of his words seemed to sink in, as seokjin took a step back, processing his words further. Taehyung's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the old couple. Scarlet continued to speak.

Scarlet: So, all that time, Aaira was in their custody, and they were the once hurting Aaira to that extent?

Yoonji, still grappling with the information, shook her head in disbelief.

Yoonji: I can't believe it. It's like something out of a nightmare.

Hoseok's face twisted with anger as he eyes the old couple up and down.

Hoseok: This is beyond anything I expected. We need to make sure they're held accountable for what they've done.

Hwasa's eyes were still fixed on Jungkook's bleeding forehead.

Hwasa: But Jungkook, what happened to you? Who caused this?

Jungkook's gaze softened as he glanced at me, then back to the room.

Jungkook: I had to confront them to seek justice for Aaira. There was a struggle, and I ended up getting hurt. But it's nothing compared to what my wife has endured.

Hwasa: Are you serious, why would you risk your life like that?

Jungkook: Noona, Please.... No more words.

The room fell silent, I took a shaky breath, my eyes still fixed on the old couple, and then looked up at Jungkook. Minji, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up, her voice trembling with concern.

Minji: What about those scratches we found on Aaira's body? We thought she might not make it, and she was already...

Before she could finish her sentence, Jungkook's voice cut through the air, filled with a sudden, fierce urgency.

Jungkook: Silent!

The command was sharp, slicing through the murmur of voices and the growing tension in the room. Minji's eyes widened in surprise, and she fell silent, her words hanging unfinished in the air, she muttered something in this air as she glared at Jungkook.

Jungkook took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. His expression was a mixture of frustration and worry, his forehead still stained with blood.

Jungkook: We need to focus on what comes next. Aaira has been through enough, and discussing her injuries in detail only adds to her distress.

My knees gave way, and I collapsed to the floor, my chest tightening with the weight of my emotions. The pain in my heart felt like a dying force, a reminder of everything I had endured at their hands.

Jungkook rushed to my side, his concern was evident as he knelt beside me, his hand gently resting on my back.

Jungkook: Aaira, are you okay? Just breathe.

His voice was soft, but the tremor of his worry was clear. I tried to steady my breathing, but the memories of the old couple's cruelty surged back, I squeezed my eyes shut, struggling to push away the overwhelming flood of pain.

Namjoon: We'll sue them, no doubt. But for now, take these evils to the basement. We'll ensure their punishment.

His command was met with nods of agreement from those around him. The old couple was swiftly escorted away, Hoseok, who had been observing the scene turned to Jungkook.

Hoseok: Jungkook, take Aaira to her room. Aaira makes sure that Jungkook gets treated well.

Jungkook nodded. He carefully helped me to my feet, his support steady and reassuring. As he guided me toward the stairs, his attention was fully on me, his concern was visible.

He guided me up the stairs, each step a small victory against the trembling that seized my limbs. We reached the chamber, and I took a deep breath, summoning the last vestiges of my composure. My hands were shaking as I approached the closet, to find the things that were important to me.

I reached for the first aid kit, its leather case worn but familiar, and carefully pulled it out. Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, his posture was tense but his eyes were soft with patience.

I moved with deliberate slowness, my trembling hands made everything hard ever though. I placed the first aid kit on the small table beside the bed and opened it with a practiced motion, revealing the assortment of medical supplies within.

Inside the kit were the essentials for treating wounds: clean cloths, turpentine, bandages, and a needle and thread for stitching. I selected the needle and thread first, my fingers fumbling slightly as I threaded the needle with a length of strong, waxed linen thread.

Jungkook winced slightly as he touched his forehead, where the blood had dried into a dark stain. I could see the angry red gash, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had to be steady for him. I gently cleaned the wound with a cloth dampened in turpentine, dabbing away the dried blood and debris.

Jungkook flinched at the sting, but he remained still, his gaze fixed on me with trust and affection. Once the area was clean, I took the needle and thread, carefully beginning to stitch the gash. My hands were steadier now.

As I worked, I stole glances at Jungkook's face, noting the way his eyes would close in brief moments of discomfort but open again with a look of calm. The task was laborious but familiar. The stitches formed a neat row across the wound, pulling the edges of the gash together.

After the stitching was completed, I carefully trimmed the excess thread and secured the final knot. I applied a layer of fresh turpentine over the stitches, the clear liquid forming a protective barrier. I then took a clean cloth and placed it gently over the wound, securing it with a bandage.

Once the bandage was in place, I made sure Jungkook was comfortable. I sat beside him on the bed, my own exhaustion starting to catch up with me. The trembling in my hands had subsided, replaced by a deep sense of relief.

Jungkook noticed the strain in my eyes and reached out, pulling me into a gentle embrace. His arms were warm and solid around me, I desperately needed it. As his arms encircled me, my body began to shiver uncontrollably, not just from the cold but from the haunting presence of the old couple still within the house.

The thought that they were under the same roof as us, the urge for them to be gone, to see them punished, was almost overwhelming. Hours passed in silence as we sat together, Jungkook eventually drifting off to sleep. I remained awake, my eyes wide open and scanning the dimly lit room.

I tried to push away the images of the old couple and the fear that they would somehow escape their punishment. Despite the exhaustion that tugged at my eyelids, sleep eluded me. The fear and anxiety kept me trapped in a state of restless wakefulness.

***

As the hours dragged on, the first hints of dawn began to creep into the room. The faint light of the early morning casts a soft glow across the chamber, gradually dispelling the oppressive darkness. I continued to sit there, the room, now touched by the pale light of dawn, felt quieter and more peaceful.

I watched as Jungkook slept, his face relaxed and calm. The sight of him resting peacefully brought me a small comfort, we had each other. As the morning sun began to fully illuminate the room, I finally allowed myself a moment of respite, leaning back against the headboard and closing my eyes.

A sudden knock on the door stirred Jungkook from his sleep. He blinked groggily and looked at me, noticing the weary expression on my face. He moved closer to me cupping my face in his hands, as he made me look in his sleepy red eyes.

Jungkook: What happened?

I shook my head, my voice was barely above a whisper.

Aaira: There's someone at the door.

Jungkook's concern deepened as he quickly got out of bed. I followed him, my own fatigue still pressing down on me. He opened the door, revealing Yoongi standing in the hallway, his expression serious.

Yoongi: Both of you need to come downstairs.

Jungkook nodded and turned to me.

Jungkook: Let's see what's going on.

We made our way downstairs, In the foyer, the group from earlier had gathered. Namjoon, Seokjin, Taehyung, Jimin, Hoseok, and the others were speaking in hushed tones, their expressions tense. I could sense that something important was about to unfold.

Jungkook and I joined them, and Yoongi took a step forward, addressing the group.

Yoongi: We need to discuss the next steps and finalize how we're going to handle the old couple.

The room fell silent as everyone turned their attention to Yoongi. Jungkook took my hand, offering a reassuring squeeze. His gaze was steely as he looked around at the assembled group. His voice, though calm, held a chilling determination.

Jungkook: We need to make sure they face justice for the pain they've caused. Nail their bodies to the beheading machine, and then we'll proceed with the beheadings.

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Everyone's faces were set with a grim resolve, knowing that this was the harsh justice we had to administer.

Jungkook led the way to the basement, where the old couple had been restrained. The basement was dimly lit, he pulled both of them towards the usually locked room. As the door opened, our eyes widened. At the center of the room stood the beheading machine-a grim relic, imposing and unforgiving. Its blade was stained.

The old couple's hands still bound and faces streaked with tears, were led to the machine. Their actions had caused irreparable harm, and this was the price they would pay, I don't know if it was way too much, or less to their deeds.

Jungkook picked up a large hammer, as he approached the beheading machine. He began to hammer large, iron nails into the wooden planks, securing the old couple to the device. The woman's cries grew louder with each nail driven in, while the old man lay silent, his eyes closed in resignation.

Jungkook worked methodically, his face has a mask of cold determination. When the nails were finally in place, the old couple was firmly bound to the machine, their bodies immobile. Jungkook stepped back, his face pale but resolute. He wiped his brow and the blood flashing at his face, his breath coming in heavy bursts as he prepared for the final act.

Everyone in the room stood silently, there was no joy in this act, Namjoon stepped closer eying the situation precisely, he nodded for Jungkook to take the lead further.

Namjoon: It's time.

Jungkook moved closer to the machine, but his eyes flickered to me for the agreement, I was speechless, I don't know what to say or what to do. Scarlet was securing me by my shoulder, I felt so nauseous because of the pregnancy, Jungkook kept staring at my side for an answer I couldn't provide, but Hoseok gave the answer for me.

Hoseok: Get her the justice she deserves.

Jungkook nodded, before he moved to the side of the beheading machine, his hand gripping the lever that would bring the blade down. The room fell into a tense silence as he prepared himself. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, he was doing this for me, and for all the pain I had endured.

With a deep breath, Jungkook pulled the lever. The blade descended swiftly, a metallic whoosh cutting through the air, i closed my ears with both hands. The old couple's screams were abruptly silenced, their bodies falling limp as the machine completed its grim task.

As the blade was raised, revealing the finality of the act. Jungkook turned away from the machine, unable to hide the tears that had gathered in his eyes at my sight. The others followed suit, their faces reflecting the gravity of the moment.

The beheading machine, now stained with the remnants of its grim work, stood silent and imposing. The old couple's heads were carefully removed from the beheading machine, their lifeless eyes staring vacantly. As Jungkook gathered them.

He led the way outside, the group following behind in somber silence, I was still looking at the rest of the lifeless bodies laying on the ground, my eyes wide, i couldn't talk or say something. I just stared at them, despite the growing nausea. Seokjin pulled me outside towards the garden.

Underneath the grey sky, Namjoon directed the group to the entrance of the garden, I was forced to go there. A large iron hook had been prepared, hanging from a sturdy tree branch. The hook was designed for this very purpose, a grotesque fixture that would ensure the heads were on full display.

Jungkook carefully lifted each head from the sack, one by one, and affixed them to the hook with heavy iron chains. They hung there, their vacant eyes staring out into the world, a grotesque parody of a chandelier.

As the last head was secured in place, Jungkook stepped back. The heads swung slightly in the breeze, the garden's entrance, now dominated by this macabre display, served as a stark warning to anyone who might think of crossing us.

Jungkook turned away from the display, his shoulders slumped slightly as he took in the full extent of what had been done. The others gathered around him, their faces reflecting a mixture of shock, anger, and resignation.

Everyone started to leave the scene, as Jungkook left for the bath too, his footsteps echoing faintly as he walked away, leaving me standing alone in the garden. The heads, suspended grotesquely at the entrance, continued to sway slightly in the breeze, their lifeless eyes seemed to bore into me.

My voice felt like it had been stolen from me, leaving me in a haunting silence. My eyes were wide, and tears were at the edge, threatening to spill over. Suah Noona approached me, she gently took my arm, as her touch grounding in its own way.

Suah: Come, Aaira.

She said softly.

Suah: You shouldn't be out here.

Despite her gentle tug, I resisted, unable to tear my gaze away from the horrific sight. The heads continued to stare back at me.

Suah: We need to get you inside. It's not good for you to be here.

As we entered the estate, Suah led me up the stairs and towards my chamber. The door creaked open, revealing the comforting familiarity of my room. I sank onto the edge of the bed, Reluctantly, the sound of water splashing from Jungkook's bath drifted through the room.

Suah: I'll ask the maids to bring you something to drink or eat. Just wait here for a moment.

She left the room, the door closing softly behind her. I sat in silence, as the minutes ticked by, my eyes remained fixed on the doorway, waiting for the comfort of the maids' arrival. The horror outside felt almost unbearable, and the tears that had threatened to fall now flowed freely.

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"He went to extreme lengths to convince me of his love, to prove his devotion, he was ready to watch the world burn, doing anything and everything to show that he truly cared."

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