Three Years Later

Third Person's P.O.V.

"Slow down Kian! You will hurt yourself!"

Ha-yoon hurried after the little brat who dashed through the hallways but couldn't keep up and halted being out of breath as she watched him hastily turn a corner and disappear out of sight in the next moment.

Kian denied to listen to any warning as he rushed towards the main entrance of his home. He couldn't contain the glee he felt to think his dad was finally home after being overseas for more than three weeks, however, he was delighted that he had kept his promise.

"Ah! See...I told you" Taehyung grinned watching Kian skip down the stairs with his little legs while his eyes glittered with uncontrolled happiness as he ran straight to him and Taehyung engulfed the boy in his arms, picking him up and ruffling his charcoal hair "I never break a promise".

Kian grinned, dark eyes sparkling as he tightly hugged his dad and the first words out of his mouth were "wher'zz my gift?"
"What?" Taehyung looked unprepared for the question, handing his sword to Yushik as he treaded inside his home "I went away for work Kian...it wasn't a vacation" he dismissed the demand, watching the attendants greet him with cheery faces while Kian still stayed perched on his arm, a pout now taking over the boy's soft mouth.

"But'chu said a man needz a suo'wrd to protecc...but'chu don' bring me suo'wrd...den how'd I protecc?" His eyes turned worried, and the pout grew sadder "chu said you'd give me one...can I have it on my brrth'day?"

Taehyung broke out into a laugh, patting the boy's head again "your birthday's still a month to go...besides, don't you remember what I told you?"

Kian looked to a side, not really happy about the fact that he was being denied of his wishes "I do...I'm not scchupid"

"You don't get a sword just like that kid...you gotta earn it" Taehyung spoke, pecking the side of the sulking child's head "I earned mine, your appa earned his...and one day you will earn yours."

"But-but...I need it" his voice grew urgent "appa says I'm big boi now...I wanna protecc too..."

"Did you take good care of your appa like I told you?" Taehyung spoke squeezing the kid a little closer. Over the years he had grown more protective of Kian, maybe more so because of the tragic fate that loomed around his first born.

The hatred that had been building among many as the news of his first born being a curse on all spread, so did Taehyung and Jin's need to protect the blithe little boy from their harshness grew. They had vowed that they won't let him face what they had faced as children, and in their necessity to shield Kian, they often overlooked the shocking revelations of his unique powers that lay quietly hidden under the innocent little face.

One couldn't blame the child though, he was born a demigod...the human part of him was an ignorant child. However, the part of him that quietly hid the mystic forces merely waiting to unravel often became the cause of an alarming anxiety for the ones who loved and cared about him.

"I don't think he's well" Kian mumbled as concern and worry flashed over his face "he's been sleeping since last night"

"Don't be sad...appa's fine, he's just tired" Taehyung smiled as he felt a bubble of excitement fill him "how's your brother though, I hope you haven't been fighting with him...?"

"He can't fight me, he's so schupid...no skillz at all..." he degrades his younger brother with a displeased shrug before pouting again as he sighs, his little shoulders slumping with the weight of his sadness "Appa don't even play wid me...he's always so tirr'd..."

"That's because he had to rest to ensure your little sister would be born healthy" he chuckled putting Kian down on his feet.

Taehyung smiled to himself listening to the complaints. He had gotten the news while he was away, had hated that Jin had given birth and he had not been there beside him like he had been during Kian n Taehan's birth but he was overjoyed at the thought of finally getting to meet their first girl after the two boys.

However, right when he turned the corner to head to his chamber, he came face to face with his mother.

"I see the brat has already found you" she eyed Kian, who masterfully avoided the glare from her, hiding behind his father's leg.

"Where's Taehan?"

"You know him...he doesn't leave Seokjin's side for a minute, it was a nightmare to keep him away when Seokjin went into labour" Ha-yoon shook her head reliving the troubles they faced handling the two boys "while your mate passed out due to exhaustion...your son passed out due to crying his lungs out because he couldn't understand what was happening."

Taehyung sighed yet again thinking that he should have been there, his mate wasn't good with handling his omega well during such situations. Not to mention the nightmares that kept Jin awake through nights had gotten his health to deteriorate.

"I tried to come home as early as I possibly could" his words were drenched in regret but his mother's next words worked well in lifting his mood.

"I kinda pity you, you'll think a hundred times before leaving home from now" she smirked when he turned to try to understand her words and frowned at her "your daughter is flawlessly beautiful, you're unlucky that you missed her birth...however, I think she'd be the real unlucky one if she presents as an omega..." Hayoon chuckled "I doubt she'll ever find an alpha who'd dare to court her because of her too intimidating parents."

Taehyung rolled his eyes at her as he pushed open the door to his chamber and his eyes instantly fell on a head that peeked up from behind a sleeping Jin, sparkly dark eyes staying on him as Taehan clasped at Jin's shoulder and struggled to stand on his feet.

"Dad-da...?" "Shh..." Taehyung replied with a gesture at the innocent little question as he walked closer and saw his mate fast asleep before his gaze fell on the little bundle that was cradled close to Jin's chest.

"He has been waiting for you to name her" Ha-yoon quietly informed behind him before she left them to enjoy this moment in their own way.

Taehyung leaned in to get a closer view, and could instantly see that his mother wasn't wrong...Taehyung had had two boys and he loved them with his everything, but this was the first time he felt like he'd murder anyone who'd try to even come anywhere near his little girl. She was just so cute and tiny, the perfect porcelain skin and rosy cheeks, and chocolate curls that framed her tiny face...just the definition of mesmerizing.

He ran a gentle hand on her head, smiling to himself before he moved to press a kiss on his mate's cheek for being so damn strong and brave. Jin's scent filled his senses to lull him and make him forget all the exhaustion and troubles that burdened him.

Jin squirmed, his sleep breaking as he felt Taehyung's touch and he craned his head to whisper "you're home..."

Taehyung smiled, leaning in to peck at Jin's head as he sat by him on the bed and apologized "I'm sorry for being late."

"Well, you're not forgiven" Jin grumbled shuffling around to glare at his alpha "Yoongi said-" before Jin could sit up he was pushed back down on the bed as he felt Taehyung capture his mouth in his, the kiss was not the usual heated ones that his alpha often gave him but it was a simple proof of how much he had missed his mate and Jin felt giddy when the mouth trailed tiny pecks across his jaw before nuzzling into his neck.

Taehyung smiled pressing his lips to the mate mark and felt shudders rake through his omega in an instant reaction.
However, he felt hands pushing his face away from Jin the next moment and he knew exactly who it was.

"Dad-da...no" the voice was little but stern as the two-year old frowned at him and Taehyung quietly sighed to himself before trying not to glare at Taehan "ap-ppa schweep".

Taehyung watched the pup get busy to pull the duvet to cover Jin, making sure he was all comfy as he denied to allow anyone , except himself of course, to disturb his appa's sleep.

Unlike Kian, this one was a whole different level of brat. There was a reason that the pup had been named after him, he was a splitting image of the trueblood himself, not only had he inherited his father's facial features but the pup was born with the same aggressive habits and that ugly superiority complex as well. He was a whole year and a few months younger to Kian but would not allow the elder sibling boss him at all, he was always quick to argue and try to exert his dominance in every possible situation.

And although Jin was the one who had suggested to name him after Taehyung, he had sighed at the thought of having to reform yet another brute.

Despite the fact that everyone who had met Taehan could instantly see the undeniable similarities, Taehyung was almost sure that the boy hated him with all his guts. There was this certain flicker of indifference in the child towards him, he was not as loving towards him as Kian was, but that wasn't an issue...the issue was unlike Kian, Taehan was entirely devoted to his appa. It was a bizarre bond, he wouldn't leave Jin alone for a minute and always demanded to stay by him.

"Aww my baby...come'ere" Jin let him snuggle beside him and the sleeping newborn, and Taehyung watched Taehan forget about everyone else as he curled in the little space to tuck his head under Jin's chin and nuzzle into his neck, looking delighted as ever. Taehyung even caught how he secretly moved his little sister a little to the side to get closer to Jin.

"He's starting to annoy me again" Taehyung grumbled under his breath.

"Hah...now you know why you annoy everyone" Jin chuckled as he spoke in a hush "he's practically an exact replica of you".

He was aware of Taehan's undeniable need for him, and actually prized the bond the pup had with him. After Kian, when he had given birth to Taehan, he had felt the instant connection he had with the pup. He felt overjoyed to feel like a real parent, his omega could effectively connect with him, and it had been the same with his daughter.

The taunt made Taehyung chew the inside of his cheek but he tried to do away with the burn as he saw his daughter mewl and break out into a sob, her little hands squirming in air as her sleep broke and she searched for an assuring presence.

Jin picked her up, as he sat cradling the new born to his chest and the shrill cries turned softer. But the action made Taehan groan in protest, he had now lost his perfect spot by his appa and was rather annoyed how his appa was being so engrossed with the youngest.

"We don't have a name for her yet" Jin spoke watching Taehyung reach out to hold her tiny hand, her fingers instinctively grasping on his as she blinked up, finally awake.

"I do...but you never like the ones I suggest" Taehyung grumbled again but his face held the glow of happiness he felt to see those big brown doe eyes gazing intently at him.

"Well, can you blame me? You suggested names that rhyme with your stallion's for our boys" Jin gave him the duh face while Taehan tried his best to grab at Jin's attention, grumbling as he pulled at his appa's robe.

"Well, my stallion is happy with its name!"

"You're noi'zzy" Kian huffed climbing up to sit beside Taehyung before he spoke "I can tell you er'name...I can hear it..."

Jin looked at the boy, that look of nervousness showed on his face as he watched their eldest.

"Kian...what did I tell you about using your powers?" Jin spoke, as he helped Taehan to find a cosy spot by his side to stop the boy from constantly whining for attention.

The boy quietened down, eyes falling to his lap as he pouted "I was jus'tryna help."

Jin and Taehyung had figured it out early on that unlike every other child who become aware of their special capabilities at the age of four after they present, Kian was born with a range of bizarre potential and hence had earned the title of being a breed entirely different from what the world had ever witnessed. Even though Taehan had his few quirky habits, those weren't as astonishing as Kian's.

No wonder the child found everything seemingly easy to do because somewhere within he knew he was different, to him the world seemed too slow and too limited as contrasted to his abilities.

Taehyung looked at Jin, he knew why Jin often tried to rebuke the kid from showing off his abilities and he knew how much Jin feared that like him, Kian too would be labelled as a curse if he used his powers beyond his capacity to control them. But unlike his mate, the trueblood felt proud at the child's uniqueness, although he too had to agree that at times the child's powers went beyond what he could call normal, or safe and hence he too accepted Jin's fears.

He pulled Kian to sit on his lap, pecking at the boy's head to stop him from sulking "I'll tell you the name I've decided for her, tell me if she likes it or not ok?"

"But dad...you know I can't really hear her thoughts...I can only hear echoes" he stopped, looking up at him "...of her future...I can hear you calling her..." Kian speaks, frowning as his eyes moved to keenly gaze at his little sister who had fallen back asleep "Ji-hyun...Ji-hyun...she sounds happy..."

Taehyung froze, his head shot up as he shared a glance with Jin, and saw Jin share the same shock before his face relaxed as he understood and smiled at his alpha "is that the name you have decided?"

"Y-Yes..." Taehyung tried to tell himself that this wasn't the first time Kian had done something like this but it still fucked up his brain to think that the child could actually look into time and trace something that hasn't happened yet. He was still struggling with it being a mere toddler, but there was no telling what Kian would grow up to become...and to what extent would his powers grow.

Sometimes it did scare them to think about it.

"Ji-hyun..." Jin however was visibly impressed, and he agreed to the name as he looked down at their daughter before he pressed a kiss on her temple, and smiled down at the sleeping infant "I like it...and I'm sure you like it too hmm?"

Taehyung's attention moved onto Jin now, and he leaned in to dig his nose at the side of his mate's head. The homely smell filled him with endearment, and it brought him an unnamed sort of peace to see his omega so content and glowing. He felt Jin leaning into him as well, pressing his weight against his chest as he snuggled closer to him and nosed at his alpha's throat to scent him.

"I missed you" Jin whispered leaving little pecks, intending the words only for his mate's ears as he heard Taehyung breathe out the next words against the side of his face "I missed you more..."

They soaked themselves in each other's scents, relishing what they had missed and Jin's eyes closed to feel Taehyung grooming him as the alpha's instinct to show his affection and care to his omega overpowered him.

"I was waiting for you, you were gone for so long this time-" "But the journey was worth it, I have good news as well as bad...your sister agreed, Eulan has accepted to aid us in need"

Jin pulled back to look at him with wide eyes, blinking to check if Taehyung was telling the truth.

"But Helion and Joran aren't ready to stand by us, although" the trueblood gulped the confusing feelings that were coursing through him as the memories of the travel played in his mind "although Jungkook offered to bribe them to be on our side"

"What? H-How? He was against us about asking for help from the other kingdoms...why did he try to offer a bribe-" "Well, I hate to admit it but sometimes twisted ways can actually work" he caressed Ji-hyun's fuzzy head as he sighed to himself "however, this would be a different kind of war...and not many are brave enough to take a chance on this one."

Taehyung knew he had to be careful about how much information he relayed to Jin, although he hated that he had to keep things from telling his mate but he feared that Arcana being aware of their plans could devise new ones to dash their hopes to actually win this upcoming war against the divine spirit. The only thing that he assured himself with was that he'd so everything possible to ensure the safety of his family...as an alpha it was his duty to keep them safe no matter what.

Jin was still in shock and blinked to believe Taehyung's words "so it's true, Jungkook's really helping us?"

Taehyung fell a little quiet, hand moving away from his daughter's head to press by his side and Jin could easily trace the undeniable hesitation in him.

"I don't know what he's thinking...I keep feeling like he knows something that he's not telling us"

"He's going to turn on us, isn't he?" Jin hugged Ji-hyun closer as the child mewled in her sleep, her sleep breaking again as she squirmed in his hold.

Taehyung's gaze went to set on Kian who was busy in a quarrel with Taehan, who though faltering in his steps as he struggled to walk wouldn't let the other win the argument.

"It wouldn't matter much if he turns on us...he doesn't have any power to control anything anymore" Taehyung thought out loud "the troops follow me, the people believe in you...his tricks won't get him anywhere this time" he unmindfully pulled Kian away from an agitated Taehan, placing the two apart to stop their squabbling.

"Jimin seems to trust the fact that Jungkook isn't planning anything, he said he has changed"

"Well, I know you believe he's your friend" Taehyung chose his words carefully because of how Jin hated when he spoke ill of Jimin "but I don't really trust Jimin, that omega is one slippery snake"

"How can you say that after how much he had tried to-" "He accepted to get claimed by Jungkook" Taehyung spoke reminding Jin yet again of the absurdity of that, he had somehow always believed that Jimin wanted freedom from everything that tied him to Kleon. So, the news of him accepting Jungkook's claim on him came rather as a shock to him "he's either crazy...or-I don't know" Taehyung didn't really know how to term it "yeah just plain crazy I guess."

"Says you who wasn't civil enough to allow me to 'accept' being claimed" Jin rolled his eyes at him, making Taehyung's jaw grit yet again, eyes narrowing on the omega's ever disrespectful ways towards him.

"Jimin said he's happy...he was so happy the day Jae-Hwa was born..." Jin reminisced.

Even though Jin had been equally taken aback by the news but he had accepted it eventually as Jimin explained how he had known that Jungkook was his fated alpha and how he was now happy with him, more so after the birth of their first child.

Jin had remembered how difficult it had been for him to make Taehyung agree to let him go to the palace to visit Jimin but the fight had been worth it because Jin could say without a doubt that he had never seen Jimin look happier than the time when he saw him doting on his newborn pup.

It was as if the part of him that had died and gone gray earlier had finally been reincarnated with this new birthing, and Jimin looked overjoyed.

"And that kid is just as creepy as my brother" Taehyung's words broke Jin's train of thoughts.

"Well, Jimin says the same thing about our kids though" Jin chuckled at the trueblood's grumbling "he says Kian creeps him out, but he never told me why..."

His gaze went to fix on Kian n Taehan trying to spark another round of quarrelling when he felt Ji-hyun break out in a muffled sob, shrill mewls spilling out of that tiny mouth and Taehyung leaned in to take her from him.

"She's probably hungry"

"Ah...finally awake" the trueblood smiled to himself and Jin watched Ji-hyun's cries get louder to detect the new face. Taehyung tried his best to console her, her little limbs beating against the trueblood's chest before she calmed down as her dad cradled her closer, smiling down at her.

"Whoa...she has a temper alright" Taehyung scoffed, eyes brimming with love as he gazed down at his daughter in the coil of his arms.

"Well, she's your daughter after all" Jin taunted with a smirk.

"I'm only overlooking that statement because I'm apologetic about missing her birth" the trueblood spoke trying not to glare at his cheeky omega.

-

Yoongi walked into the much familiar hallway, his feet clicking in an echo as he entered the royal palace of Kleon.

Unlike four years ago when the monarchy of Kleon had been shattered, this place was no longer a ruin...rather it had been turned to become the court of law and house of legislature of their grand nation now and was currently covered in bustle and busy steps.

Their omega leader being on a temporary break due to the birth of his third child had the elective heads more alert and anxious than usual. They were all extra careful about being perfect in their respective duties, not because they feared that Seokjin would have their heads chopped off if they failed in any way but because they respected his utter zeal to do his utmost for the people and ardently followed his footsteps towards ensuring the best for the kingdom.

"Ah...Advisor Min, I was expecting you" deputy advisor Seulgi smiled as she saw the grey-eyed alpha enter the room "I have prepared the report for the war Sir...please go through it and check if everything is in line or not before it is presented at court."

Over the last couple years, Kleon had gone through an utterly novel change and had come to be known as the first kingdom where omegas had not only been recruited as soldiers to serve at the frontiers but also as cadets who worked alongside alphas and betas to maintain law and order around the nation.

Something that no one could have envisioned happening if the seed of someone's indomitable dream for equality and freedom for all had not been planted into the soil of unforgiving times to ultimately create this reality.

But this change wasn't the only welcoming thing that now often brought Yoongi to the palace of Kleon that he had once stopped frequenting completely.

Almost everyone had stopped coming here...and for the right reasons, but as the times had changed...so did the attitude of the people.

After the fallen king had silently began to fade away into the back of everyone's mind, this palace too had become a mere relic and it wasn't till the news of Jungkook claiming the omega slave who had accompanied him for years had broken out that everyone had suddenly began talking about him.

The news had come out as a terrible shock to everyone.

Many said that their former monarch had truly lost his mind and dignity to claim a slave, some believed that he had finally destroyed the royal legacy of their nation to the ground and disrespected even his ancestors by claiming a low-born slave who had been brought to Kleon as a prize of war, they had grimaced at the thought of him sullying the higher status of his blood by mating with a whore who had once served an enemy king in bed. However, Jungkook didn't care to bother any of such words anymore...he believed he had followed too many orders n lived by the rule which had ended up in messing up his life altogether, he decided to take his own decisions now.

Ruin the norms that his ancestors had imposed n society forced him to follow...he was done being the crowned prince and the King of Kleon...he just wanted to be himself now. And what he didn't know was that some centuries forward in time, his name would appear along with his brothers' to portray the ones who chose to create a new way of life by burning down the rusty old ones.

But a rare few had fallen quiet at the knowledge of the pairing, namely Taehyung and Seokjin.

Seokjin couldn't believe that it was actually a consensual claiming and only believed it when Jimin acknowledged that he had accepted the marking...and Taehyung couldn't believe that his power hungry and absolutely crazy brother could actually give up on his twisted schemes to accept his wolf's need for the omega, he still felt like there must be something devious going on in Jungkook's mind that had spurred him to claim Jimin.

To him, Jungkook had forever been an enigma who fed on cruelty and violence...to him Jungkook was someone who was cruel and cunning beyond change.

But it had been more than a couple of years, and it looked like nothing had gone wrong. And except the trueblood, they all wanted to believe that Jungkook had changed and Yoongi would proudly say that he had...especially after the birth of his first pup.

And Yoongi smiled to himself as he made his way to the backside of the palace where there had once been quarters for the king's concubines, which had now been renovated to accommodate the little family of the dethroned king of Kleon.

"I thought you had left this hobby a long time ago"

Jungkook turned towards the archway that led to the lotus pond, by the edge of which he was currently seated as he paused his painting and an edge of his mouth picked up to see Yoongi.

"I had...but he likes to paint, so I'm trying to teach him"

As he walked a little closer Yoongi saw the little boy who was comfortably sitting at Jungkook's lap and doodling a jumble of colours on the canvas as he tried to imitate his father's skills.

"What brings you here hyung? Got bored with court-work?"

"He's grown taller again" Yoongi thought out loud, a fond smile lingering on his lips as he stared affectionately at the boy before he walks closer to interact with him as he crouched to meet his gaze "Jae-hwa...? Do you like to paint...hmm?"

However, Jae-hwa remained as unmoved as ever, not even sparing him a glance and Yoongi often unconsciously happened to think how different Kian or Taehan was compared to Jae-hwa.

Kian was a sucker for his attention, that child could talk incessantly till he'd drive you mad, and Taehan wanted everything done his way, he was loud and demanding in what he wanted...while Jae-Hwa was quiet and would never ask for anything, even if he was in need for it. He was unlike any other child of his age.

He had Jungkook's jet black hair and sharp features but had Jimin's icy blue eyes, and an undeniable coldness and eerie quiet shrouded his aura. It was something of his parents that he had undoubtedly inherited, he wouldn't speak until it became absolutely necessary for him to do so.

Yoongi had tried and failed to make the boy talk to him. However, he was but a child after all and children could eventually be won over if you try hard enough.

And over time Yoongi had noted that Jae-hwa happened to have a little liking to pets, be it animals or birds.

"I got a gift for you...but you need to come with me to see it" Yoongi spoke leaning towards the boy who gave no reaction but he didn't miss the slight glance of those cerulean eyes.

"Tsk...are you trying to win over my pup?" Jungkook chuckled at their interaction.

"He's my nephew after all and I got something for Kian too, so-" "How is that kid doing?" Jungkook spoke with his gaze fixed on the canvas as he dabbed his brush against it and smiled "I remember the last time I met that boy, my brother tried to kill me".

"That's because you suggested to kill Kian before he presented" Yoongi dead-panned.

A short laugh erupted from Jungkook as he remembered how Taehyung had grabbed onto his throat for even suggesting that "correction...I didn't say kill, I said behead....I just wanted to check if that kid is really an immortal like the prophecy says, I'm just curious about him you know" he shrugged still wearing the smirk, and unmindfully helped Jae-hwa to hold the brush properly as he guided the child to continue painting "I don't see my brother thanking me for all that I have done for him though...I have literally spent years trying to look for a way to defeat Arcana...he might not agree to it but we all know, if there's a chance for us to win this, it's because of me"

Yoongi fell quiet at that, his eyes staying on little Jae-hwa who seemed unbothered of the sombre discussion between his father and his uncle.

Over the past couple years, despite Taehyung's distrust regarding the stories about the 'legions of fate', they had gone in search for answers through every possible nook and cranny around the globe and truthfully, it was Jungkook who being the only one versed in the ancient languages deciphered the riddles and myths for them.

They hadn't really deciphered much because those tales had become myths that people rarely put faith in anymore but had succeeded in acquiring military help if needed to control Arcana's wrath if the worst happened and the spirit decided to use Jin to lay an attack on the mortals.

Jungkook had advised that it wouldn't help, because mortals won't possibly be capable to battle against the wrath of a scorned god. However, he had agreed to Taehyung's suggestion after a severe argument that ended with Seokjin commanding them to stop fighting.

He had agreed knowing it'd be futile...knowing when the time came, no amount of weapons or troops could win against what awaited for them.

Jungkook knew that the knell of destruction had been struck the day that omega had been claimed by his trueblood brother, and despite all his greed to prove it wrong and turn back time, he too knew that it was fate secretly playing it's sly games and Arcana controlling it all.

"I was informed that Eulan has offered to send troops if we need, and we already have Zyon's and Kleon's army prepared...in case we need to join a war" Yoongi declared the news he had acquired after Hoseok and Taehyung had come back from their travel this morning.

"Queen Jisoo still has a soft spot for her brother I see" Jungkook joked, but his smirk fell when their gazes were drawn to a new voice.

"Advisor Min, I hope you are in good health" Jimin walked closer till he was leaning to caress Jae-hwa's head, quietly pulling away the brushes to place a bowl of fruits in those busy little hands. His soft endearing voice getting a little stern as he spoke to the child "eat up, you barely had breakfast today...you can paint after you're done eating."

"Uncle Yoonie got me a pres'nt, can I go with'im to get it?" and that was the first time Yoongi heard the boy talk since he had walked in here.

Jimin frowned to understand, eyes moving towards Yoongi as he instinctively read the thoughts of the other and smiled "oh...yes, that's kind of you, I'm sure he'll love it."

Yoongi smiled in return, gaze going back to see how Jae-hwa hurried to finish his food so that he could see his present. He had come to realize that unlike the common belief about alphas' being more stern with their children, Jimin was a sterner parent than Jungkook, who was rather gentle with Jae-hwa and even the pup knew that.

The omega doted on him but knew when to scold to not allow any leeway to the boy.

And he smiled to himself remembering how oddly different it was in the North Gate castle, where the boys ruled the place and did as they pleased. He was curious to see how the new addition to the family would add on to the chaotic everyday life in Taehyung and Seokjin's household.

"Ah yes...she looks beautiful. How's Seokjin doing?"

Jimin's excited words took Yoongi by surprise until he realized that the omega must have read into his thoughts to learn about Ji-hyun.

"I was informed that both the baby and Seokjin are doing well"

"Good lord! Another?" Jungkook sounded agitated "what are they trying to do? Build an army of immortals?!"

Jungkook had previously tried to advise that it might not be a good idea on creating more demigods because god knows what freaky powers they'd be born with. However, neither his brother nor Seokjin seemed to be interested in paying any heed to his concerns.

Both Jimin and Yoongi however chose to pretend that they hadn't heard him.

"Please let Seokjin know that I'll come to see him as soon as I can, it's not easy for me to leave the palace...especially since Jae-hwa get's anxious without me"

"You can take Jae-hwa to North gate...he seems rather lonely here, I'm sure he'd like meeting Kian, Taehan and Jihyun" Yoongi suggested smiling at Jae-hwa "they can be friends."

Jimin fell a little quiet to hear that, blue eyes startled at the thought before his gaze moved towards Jungkook who seemed focused on the canvas.

"You can take him...I know my brother won't hurt Jae-hwa" Jungkook's voice was flat but he could read his mate well enough to know what might be going through Jimin's mind "it'd hurt his trueblood pride to harm an unarmed and weak child."

Yoongi was proud to see how much Jungkook had progressed from being the psychotic alpha whose paranoid hatred for his brother had made him become evil. However, he was confused to see Jimin's eyes brim with tears at those words, which the omega quickly did away with to look at him with a happy smile.

"I'm sure Jae-hwa would love to meet them."

The pup hopped off from his father's lap to walk up to Jimin, quietly letting him know that he had finished his food and was ready to get his present. Jimin gestured him to follow Yoongi and the pup beelined towards his uncle without further ado.

"So, you're eager for your present Jae-hwa?" Yoongi spoke ruffling the kids' head before clasping his little palm in his "if you could have a pet, what would you like to have?"

"I like leo'prdz"

Yoongi laughed "as a pet?!"

"Yea...they'z cool"

"Hah...you're a royal of Kleon after all...do you know your ancestors had tigers and lions as their pets?"

"I like'em tigers too"

Jimin watched them walking out of sight after turning a corner, their voices fading as he stared at their receding figures.

"Despite all your trials to keep him safe from everything...he will be curious, he'll grow to seek new things and will acquire what he's born to achieve as well as face what he's born to struggle against...you cannot protect him from life Jimin"
Jungkook spoke, his voice the same calm and unperturbed as he painted.

"Trust me, I know...my father tried to protect me from being overpowered by my brother...he had his plans and tried to prove that he could force things to go the way he wanted but I had my own fate to face"

Jimin was still blinking at the direction in which Yoongi and Jae-hwa had walked out, he gulped and sighed to himself before walking to take a seat beside his alpha.

"I don't mean to keep him caged here...it's just" Jimin's eyes fell to his fidgeting fingers "I don't want any harm to come to him."

Jungkook stopped, putting his brush down he turned to face Jimin "wasn't it you who told me that loving goes beyond holding them a hostage-" "But he needs to be protected, he's a child...he doesn't know anything" Jimin argued back.

"Then teach him what he needs to know" Jungkook whispered leaning closer "I don't want us to make the same mistakes our parents made...I don't want my son to go through what I had to endure...nor be taken advantage of"

Jimin leaned into his chest and sighed closing his eyes to rest his troubles against his alpha, and felt Jungkook's arms coiling about him in assurance.

"It's not like I don't want him to meet others of his age...but that kid creeps me out"

"Who? Kian?"

Jimin softly nodded

"You think Jae-hwa shouldn't meet them?"

Jimin pondered on those words, blinking to himself as he reminisced the things he had caught sight of when he had tried to peer into Kian's mind and instead had felt like he was being engulfed by an expanse of darkness and an echoing void instead. Every day as he watched Jae-hwa grow up, his fears took a newer shape...but he wasn't sure what he was actually afraid of.

"I d-don't know" he spoke against his chest, inhaling deeply at his alpha's calming scent and felt his fears settling down "do you remember that time I told you, when I learnt about being pregnant with Jae-hwa?"

"Yeah...you said it was bizarre that Kian told you he could hear echoes of a voice inside you" Jungkook dipped his head to rest his chin atop Jimin's head.

"Don't you feel that's weird? He even showed me how our child will look when he grows up...and I don't know why it terrifies me to see that Jae-hwa is actually growing up to resemble that image Kian has placed in my head. How is it possible that even before presenting he has these powers?" Jimin mumbled to himself.

There was an odd quiet as Jimin stopped talking, and Jungkook seemed lost in thought.

"Can you...can you show me?" The excitement was evident in the request and Jimin pulled away from the alpha's chest to look up at him and Jungkook leaned closer, pulling Jimin's hand to set it on his crown "don't you think it's selfish of you to be the only one who knows how our child would look like when he grows up? Let me see as well..."

"I'll show him to you...close your eyes"

When he had accepted Jungkook's proposal to let the alpha claim him, he hadn't really known if he'd find love...he didn't even know if he was seeking for love. All he wanted was to forget his lifelong pain and shed off the heavy burden of grief to look forward to some little happiness.

And Jimin was happy that he had agreed, because no matter what he had to live through...the clear delight that spread across Jungkook's face and that proud smile that he wore right now made it evident once more of how much his alpha adored their child.

If Jimin was being honest, nothing made him happier than this.

-

"So let him have it...we can arrange for one" Hoseok shrugged as he ate dinner with Yoongi earning a cold glare from the grey-eyed alpha.

"You know this is why I cannot trust you with kids, and you keep asking why I don't favour an adoption...it's because you'll end up killing the kid!"

"I didn't tell you to give him a full grown wild leopard...we can get him a cub maybe, I've seen royal families own jaguars and lions...they can be petted, we can teach Jae-hwa how to-" he stopped watching Yoongi looking at him with confusion written all over his face "what? I'm just saying it isn't impossible" he shrugged to focus back on his food.

"Nevermind...let's talk about something else" Yoongi huffed trying to dismiss the words he had heard the other speak "did you get to meet Seokjin and the kids?"

"Nah...I slept all day, the journey kinda exhausted me...I'll go over soon" he chuckled to himself as he remembered something "I had kinda suggested, jokingly" Hoseok focused on the word 'jokingly' because he didn't want Yoongi to think that he had taken any decision without consulting with his mate "to Taehyung to let you and me adopt this child because with the way they're going at it, I assume that they'll have enough to spare one" he said very matter-of-factly "but guess what, your trueblood brother doesn't trust us at all! He said he'd rather let strangers care for his pups than let me look after them! Can you believe that?!"

"Well actually I can" Yoongi quietly spoke chewing on his food, not meaning his taunt to be too obvious...although it just was.

"Hey! I heard that! And that's not funny...Kian loves me!"

"Kian loves everyone" Yoongi chuckled "have you seen that kid not smiling at anyone? He even tried to befriend Jungkook...nothing intimidates that kid. I'd like to see you get Taehan or Jae-hwa's attention" Yoongi smirked knowing what a difficult feat that was and how much hard work it had taken him to earn their trust.

"Ji-hyun might be different" Hoseok spoke, trying veer away from the fact that he didn't really have the patience Yoongi had to deal with those stubborn n arrogant boys. However, he remembered about something else that he needed to talk about "oh you know when we were at the royal palace of Eulan, we came across something odd"

Yoongi's lighter mood instantly changed as he got curious and leaned to listen, gaze fixing on Hoseok.

"We were allowed to roam around and we came across this room where they had portraits of the kings and queens who belonged to the royal family of Eulan. There was one of Seokjin parents as well, we knew it was them because a young Queen Jisoo stood with them in the painting...and what was shocking was that Taehyung said he had seen Seokjin's mother in the royal palace of Kleon, he denied to accept that she was dead."

Yoongi stared at him wide-eyed, he could tell that Hoseok was being serious but it was too astonishing for him to actually process the information.

"What?"

"He said it was same lady who had told him about the prophecies about Arcana being trapped within his mate" Hoseok looked troubled as well "my first instinct was that it might be her twin or something...but Taehyung said that she had those exact iridescent blue eyes like that painting."

"But...but I told you about this remember, I had tried to search for her in the palace but there was nothing" Yoongi suddenly looked distressed.

"Do you really think-" "I know my brother Hoseok, he doesn't speak on a whim...if Taehyung thinks it's the same person then there's a high chance he's right."

"But didn't his sister say that their mother had died...that it was because of her death Seokjin had killed-" "But Jisoo was a child too at that time...and there's a high chance that it was a story she too had been told by someone...most probably her father."

"So, if she's really alive and in Kleon, what would that mean? Did Jungkook bring her here? Does he know?"

"I doubt that Jungkook's aware of this...if he had known, he'd have long ago used her as leverage to force Seokjin to do as he wished"

Hoseok nodded realizing the truth in those words.

"But if she's really in Kleon then we have to be careful of one thing" Yoongi looked up to stare into Hoseok's eyes to trace the same concern he felt within him "we have a sorcerer living under Jungkook's control...and she's also the only person other than Taehyung who can break the seal that keeps Arcana bound to Seokjin."

á na márië.

[A/N] We're entering the finale episodes of this story... although I believe it will take us a handful more chapters to reach the end.

🤐🤒

Borahae 💜