so sorry for being late :(I believe you all have read the tags and warnings. If there is anything triggering out of those tags, don't read. You can skip this chap too, you can find out what happened next chap, prolly. Otherwise, enjoy :) ly!

As Taehyung and Jeongguk entered the pack grounds, where the duel was to take place, the first thing that caught his eye was the circle of spectators that had gathered in the centre. Taehyung's heart hammered against his ribcage as he noticed the gathering throng of familiar faces from both packs. Their eyes bore into him, some with understanding and support, others with disappointment and judgment. The blank faces scared him the most.

Among the crowd, Taehyung recognized faces he had grown up with, individuals he considered family and friends. Their expressions ranged from disappointment to concern, their gazes lingering on him and Jeongguk as they walked hand in hand. Taehyung's heart clenched as his gaze swept over the faces gathered around the makeshift arena.

He spotted his friends, a separate cluster within the crowd, their unwavering support a source of strength amidst the sea of uncertainty. His sister and her fiancé stood among them, their presence a silent reassurance amidst the tumultuous atmosphere.

Amidst the crowd, Taehyung's attention was drawn to two figures standing apart from the rest: his parents, their expressions a mixture of concern and apprehension. His father was the one whose face held concern, with bags under his eyes. Something stirred inside Taehyung as their eyes met and he flashed back to their conversation that morning. He diverted his gaze, not forgetting to take in his mother's expression, which was as blank as her apparent love for Taehyung. Nearby the couple stood Seojoon's parents, their presence a stark reminder of the stakes of the duel.

In the midst of the crowd, Taehyung's friends stood together, a beacon of solidarity amidst the sea of uncertainty. Jeongguk's father, along with his sister and her fianceé stood close to their friends. He saw his sister waving and his friends smiling at them, beckoning them to come over to their side. Taehyung felt his lips curl upward. Their presence offered him a sliver of reassurance, a reminder that he was not alone in this fight.

Jeongguk squeezed his hand and Taehyung looked at him.

"Shall we?" He whispered.

Taehyung nodded. "Yeah"

Together, they walked to their friends and family, their gazes and smiles welcoming and supportive. Taehyung ignored the gazes that carved holes into their backs, and the whispers that followed their every step. He kept his head up and back straight as he walked, refusing to show any weakness.

Their friends' greetings and conversation to cheer Jeongguk up, their fistbumps and pats at the back and Jeongguk's grins as responses were deaf to Taehyung's ears as he watched the crowd. Everything was a numb buzz, even as Jimin squeezed his shoulder, asking if he was alright. Ten, twenty minutes passed as he was dragged back to reality by a drumbeat. His eyes flew to seek the reason for the drumbeat and he felt his heart race in his chest as he caught the figure of a tall man.

Seojoon confidently made his way to the centre of the arena, the echoing cadence of the ceremonial drum enveloping the surroundings, setting a reverent tone. Each beat resonated through the air, carrying with it the weight of tradition and anticipation.

His bare torso glistened under the sunlight, adorned with intricate tattoos that seemed to writhe and pulse with his every movement. Seojoon didn't have tattoos, Taehyung knew. However, these were the symbols of his pack. Taehyung assumed he had drawn them on for the duel. Taehyung gulped, the epiphany of how prepared and serious Seojoon was about this duel striking him. Had he really underestimated Seojoon? Seojoon's sinewy muscles rippled beneath his skin as he walked to the middle of the arena. His white pants that only covered half his thighs were tight, showcasing his bulky thighs. He looked taller than the last time Taehyung had seen him. Or was it just the sunlight that blazed down on him, making him look fiercer than he actually was?

A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd as he stopped in the middle of the ground. He raised his hands, grinning at his supporters.

"It's time for me to go" Jeongguk said, making Taehyung look at him.

Taehyung sighed and nodded. He smiled, earning a gentle smile from Jeongguk as well. Their hands were yet intertwined, and Taehyung felt a surge of courage and love wash over him like a warm embrace. Jeongguk's other hand circled around Taehyung's waist, turning his body towards himself and he pressed his lips against his omega.

Taehyung's hands flew to snake around Jeongguk's neck, pulling Jeongguk towards himself. Their bodies were pressed flush against each other and they tilted their heads, deepening the passionate kiss.

For Taehyung, the weight of their shared kiss hung heavy in the air, a bittersweet symphony of longing and defiance that echoed in the depths of his soul. Their scandalous act made gasps and murmurs of disapproval erupt around them.

Though he felt the weight of judgmental stares bearing down upon him like a suffocating blanket he refused to yield to their scrutiny, his lips locked steadfastly on Jeongguk's, a silent declaration of unwavering devotion.

"I love you" Taehyung whispered as their kiss broke.

"I love you" Jeongguk smiled

He took a step back and took off the white shirt he wore, leaving him with black pants that reached his midthigh, similar to Seojoon's attire. It was tradition to only cover your lower half in a duel. No armour or any protective gear was allowed.

He looked at Taehyung once more and their hands clasped once again. His eyes bore desperation and pure love. Taehyung's heart ached and he wanted to weep. Yet, he closed his eyes and offered a short, silent prayer to Luna to save his alpha's life. When he opened his eyes, Jeongguk was grinning.

Taehyung's alpha was so, so beautiful.

Therefore, Taehyung returned that smile.

As Jeongguk stepped forward, breaking their connected hands with a gentle yet firm touch, Taehyung felt a pang of longing tear through his chest like a jagged blade. The distance between them widened with each measured stride, until they stood on opposite sides of the arena, separated by a gulf of anticipation and apprehension.

With a heavy heart, Taehyung watched as Jeongguk squared his shoulders, his stance a portrait of determination and resolve. The tension in the air crackled like static electricity, each heartbeat a drumbeat of anticipation that reverberated through the arena with palpable intensity.

In that fleeting moment, as the drum's final echo faded into the ether, Taehyung braced himself for the inevitable. With a silent prayer on his lips, he watched as Jeongguk and Seojoon stood face to face in the middle of the arena.

Cheers erupted from the crowd with the final echo of the drum and Taehyung watched his alpha standing strong and tall in the middle of the ground. A wicked smile was stretched across Seojoon's face and Taehyung's eyes narrowed as he observed a scoff from Jeongguk as he watched the other alpha back with equal fierceness.

An elderly man wearing white robes walked towards Jeongguk and Seojoon and the crowd fell into a pin-drop silence. The man– who was a respected elder from Taehyung's pack and a trustworthy associate of the Park Pack worked as the mediator, which was evident from his traditional robes.

The elder started speaking– offering prayers to the Moon Goddess and announcing the names of the warriors and the rules, as everyone on the ground knew. His speech was long and standing in the scorching midday sun, sweat trickling down Taehyung's nape and his eyes glued to Jeongguk, observing each movement of his body as he stood there– the elder's words fell upon deaf ears.

the elder concluded his ceremonial words, he raised his hands high above his head, fingers splayed like the branches of a sacred tree. With a solemn nod, he made a swift slicing motion through the air, a silent command that hung heavy with anticipation.

In that moment, the atmosphere crackled with tension, the air thick with the weight of impending conflict. Taehyung's heart raced in his chest as he watched, his breath caught in his throat. His gaze remained locked on Jeongguk, his alpha, his mate, as they stood poised on opposite ends of the arena.

With a sudden surge of movement, the duel began.

Jeongguk and Seojoon launched themselves at each other with ferocity, the force of their collision echoing through the silent crowd. Taehyung's eyes followed every twist and turn of their bodies as they clashed, muscles straining, fists flying. He could hear the dull thud of flesh meeting flesh, the sharp intake of breath as blows landed, and the occasional growl of pain.

The crowd was an endless ocean of gasps, swoons, cheers, shouts and curses. Taehyung thrummed with fear and anticipation, a silent prayer playing at the end of his mind like a broken record. His cold hands were clasped together. Their friends and family cheered Jeongguk on and Jeongguk was ferocious.

As the battle raged on, Taehyung noticed the first signs of blood, crimson droplets staining the ground beneath their feet. It was Jeongguk who drew first blood– not three minutes since the duel started, a shallow scratch across Seojoon's cheek that elicited a low growl of frustration from his opponent.

Seojoon's hand flew to his cheek, confirming that first blood had been drawn. Taking advantage of the distracted alpha, Jeongguk lunged at him, head-on. He pushed Seojoon to the ground, fists meeting the alpha's head and claws occasionally meeting his neck and chest.

Taehyung gasped, standing up with the tips of his toes to watch Jeongguk as he beat up Seojoon. Hope and happiness started rising at Taehyung's throat. However, it was short-lived as Seojoon started blocking the punches and with one powerful blow, he pushed Jeongguk off of him. Jeongguk rolled on the ground and skilfully landed on his knees. He stood up, wiping sweat off his face.

Seojoon got back on his feet and immediately charged at Jeongguk. He pushed the shorter alpha back and as Jeongguk lost his balance, Seojoon slashed his claws over Jeongguk's shoulder. A shout of pain escaped Jeongguk and Taehyung gasped, his heart sinking. Jimin's grip on Taehyung's shoulders was tight, preventing him from crossing the boundary of the audience.

Jeongguk, regardless of the pain, regained his balance and lunged at Seojoon. Seojoon looked much weaker than Jeongguk, Taehyung thought, with all that blood and wounds. Hope ignited within Taehyung once again.

With each passing moment, the wounds grew deeper, the violence escalating. Jeongguk's claws tore through Seojoon's flesh, leaving angry red welts in their wake. With every punch and claw, the tension in the arena reached a fever pitch. The crowd held its breath as Jeongguk and Seojoon clashed, their movements a blur of violence and determination. Each blow landed with a sickening thud, sending shockwaves of pain rippling through both combatants.

Jeongguk fought with all the skill and strength he possessed, his movements fluid and precise. His muscles rippled beneath his skin as he dodged and countered Seojoon's attacks, his eyes blazing with determination. With every strike, he drew blood, leaving crimson trails in his wake.

However, Seojoon was no easy opponent. He fought with a savage ferocity, his blows raining down upon Jeongguk with relentless force. Blood streamed from his wounds, staining his skin and clothing with dark patches of red. But still, he pressed on, fuelled by a burning desire to emerge victorious. He too repeatedly drew Jeongguk's blood with his claws and fists, earning groans of pain from the other alpha. His eyes gleamed with murderous intent and they were fixated on Jeongguk's every move, like an eagle watching its prey.

At one point, Jeongguk's hand slashed across Seojoon's chest, leaving nasty red prints over previous ones. Blood oozed out of the scratches and Seojoon's howl of pain was loud. Taking advantage of this, Jeongguk's fist met Seojoon's head with a heavy thud. Blood squirted out of his mouth and he fell sideways onto the ground. Jeongguk stood over him, watching his opponent on the ground.

Breathed hitched in his throat, Taehyung watched Seojoon's lifeless figure on the ground. Thick blood oozed out of all his wounds and mouth. His head had fallen to the side. Taehyung couldn't see his chest rise and fall.

The entire crown had fallen into a heavy silence. Jeongguk's chest heaved up and down and he looked around him. The mediator walked towards the two alphas and he knelt beside Seojoon. The elder started counting. "Ten...nine...eight..."

Taehyung held his breath and Jeongguk stood like a pillar at the centre of the ground.

"...and one!"

Taehyung screamed and the crowd around him erupted into a roar of cheers. He jumped up and down. His euphoria knew no bounds. Jeongguk survived.

Jeongguk was alive and Seojoon was down.

Jeongguk won.

Jeongguk turned around, his eyes gliding across the crowd to his mate. He grinned, raising his fist in the air and started walking towards Taehyung.

Taehyung ran to him and their bodies collided. Taehyung embraced Jeongguk's sweaty and bloody body with all his might, closing his eyes as he breathed in his alpha's scent.

"You won!" Taehyung shouted.

"We won" Jeongguk let out, laughing.

Taehyung drew away to look at Jeongguk's face and he saw the mediator join the crowd once again, and Seojoon was yet a bloody pulp on the ground. From the corner of his eyes he caught Seojoon's parents, his mother lying on the ground and his father kneeling beside her. The crowd cheered on.

Jeongguk's hands wrapped around Taehyung's waist and he spun the omega around. Taehyung giggled and as he put the omega around, Taehyung felt like he couldn't breathe from happiness. He cupped Jeongguk's face, gazing at him lovingly. Jeongguk was watching him with the most lovesick expression.

They were lost in each other's eyes. Taehyung had never been as happy as he was at that moment. Relief has washed over him. He could see his future– clear and bright, with Jeongguk alongside him.

All his problems were solved. Everything was fine now.

"You won" Taehyung whispered, once again.

Jeongguk grinned. Their gazes were locked in a silent exchange of unspoken promises. He was awash with a profound sense of happiness, a euphoric rush coursing through his veins like a tidal wave of pure bliss.

The crowd's cheers began to fade away and Taehyung's attention shifted, his gaze sweeping over Jeongguk's shoulder for a split second.

His eyebrows furrowed and in the next second, he saw Seojoon stir and in the brink of an eye, he was lunging at Jeongguk.

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung screamed, pushing his alpha away from Seojoon's lunge, making the other alpha fall on the ground.

"What–" Jeongguk started.

"Seojoon!" Taehyung let out. "He's not–"

"Get away!" Jeongguk shouted and pushed Taehyung away from himself.

"Watch out!" Taehyung shouted, seeing Seojoon advancing towards Jeongguk once again.

Jeongguk turned just in time.

However, In a flash of movement, Seojoon lunged at Jeongguk with a primal scream, his claws slashing through the air with deadly intent.

Jeongguk fell.

Time seemed to stand still, the world around Taehyung melting away into a haze of shock and disbelief. Taehyung's heart shattered into a million jagged pieces. The taste of victory turned bitter on his tongue, the promise of a happily ever after slipping through his fingers like grains of sand.

"No" Taehyung whispered.

Jeongguk wasn't moving.

"No!" Taehyung screamed. "Jeongguk!"

He staggered towards the alpha lying on the ground, deep claw marks jagged across his chest and blood seeping through them.

Taehyung's heart heaved. He took off his jacket and pressed it over the wound.

"Taehyung don't!" it was his father, Taehyung was sure.

"No" Taehyung shouted. "He's dying"

"Get off him!" It was the mediator. "You're breaking the rules! No helping!"

"No!" Taehyung screamed.

"Tae"

Taehyung gasped. "Jeongguk. Hold on... someone call an ambulance!"

The whole world was silent around him, hundreds of eyes on him, watching his moves but not a single one helping.

"Jimin! Namjoon!" He looked around him desperately. "Help!"

He saw Jimin's face in the crowd, eyes glued to his phone as he hurriedly pushed some buttons on his phone.

"They can't help, my love" Jeongguk's voice was hoarse.

"Don't talk. It will be fine. Jimin's calling an ambulance"

Jeongguk smiled. "That's against the rules. I gotta die"

"You're not dying!" Taehyung let out.

"I love you" Jeongguk whispered. "And I'm sorry"

"No, shut up. You're not going to be sorry"

"I'm sorry I couldn't win"

"Jeongguk, please. I don't care if you don't win. Just live. We'll both go to prison for breaking the rules or something. I don't know! But don't die"

Jeongguk grinned. "I love you so much. Please be healthy and happy"

Taehyung pressed the cloth over the wound, trying his best to stop the bleeding out.

"The ambulance is on the way!" Jimin shouted.

"See? You'll be fine" Taehyung whispered.

"Guards seize that man!" The mediator shouted and a group of alphas dressed in black started marching over to Jimin and their friends. It was only then did Taehyung realize that they were halfway coming towards them.

"I love you" Jeongguk whispered. "Promise me that you will live on?"

"I love you too" Taehyung whispered. "I–"

"Oh get off him!" a voice came and the next thing he knew, he was being dragged off of Jeongguk.

Taehyung screamed as Seojoon pushed Taehyung to the ground.

He took a few steps towards Jeongguk. "Why aren't you dead yet?" He asked Jeongguk.

"No!" Taehyung dragged himself to his feet. "You win. Don't kill him! Please!" Taehyung begged.

"Oh I win, alright" Seojoon grinned.

"Yes, you do so–"

Seojoon slashed his claws over Jeongguk's throat.

Taehyung let out a strangled scream.

Time seemed to stand still as Taehyung watched in horror, his breath caught in his throat as the world around him spun into a dizzying blur of chaos and pain.

As Jeongguk went still, a strangled sob tore from Taehyung's lips, his vision swimming with tears as he dragged his body to his fallen mate. With trembling hands, he touched Jeongguk's bloody hands.

"Jeongguk" Taehyung called. "Alpha!"

Jeongguk did not answer.

He didn't even flutter a single muscle. His chest was still. There was no pulse beneath Taehyung's trembling hands.

He was gone.

In that moment, the world narrowed to a single point of agony, a searing pain that consumed him whole and left him gasping for air, his heart shattered into a million jagged pieces.

And as the echoes of Seojoon's laughter filled the air, Taehyung's world faded into darkness, a silent scream echoing in the depths of his soul as he fell into the abyss of despair.

In the wake of the devastation, Taehyung was left adrift in a sea of sorrow and despair, his world reduced to nothing but pain and loss. And as he knelt by Jeongguk's side, his tears mingling with the blood that stained the earth, he knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

"He's dead!" Seojoon announced with laughter.

Taehyung sobbed, clutching his mate's battered body in his arms. He wailed and his stomach churned. His head swam. He wanted to die.

Amidst his wails, a sudden tug on his hair had him staggering to his feet. He gasped, mouth agape in shock as he struggled against Seojoon, who was dragging him by his hair to the middle of the ground.

"The bitch is mine now!"

Taehyung screamed and struggled against Seojoon, using his hands to force off the alpha's grip on his hair. However, he was weak and vulnerable against the alpha's powerful grip. It felt like Seojoon would rip his hair off and his heart felt like someone was jagging a sword across it every second.

However, as he turned his head to look at Seojoon's manic grin, all he could feel was burning rage.

Seojoon looked at him and released his grip on Taehyung, making the omega stumble. He regained his balance and raised his head to see Seojoon watching him with victory burning in his eyes. Despite his bloody physique that Taehyung was sure would take him months to heal, if not years, he looked enthusiastic.

"I killed your little alpha" Seojoon laughed. "Look at him– a weak bitch. Just like you"

Taehyung's hand flashed across the air, slapping Seojoon with all his might. Seojoon's head turned sideways from the force. However, he regained his composure soon and a spark of fear ignited in Taehyung's chest when Seojoon looked back at him and Taehyung took a step back.

Seojoon caught Taehyung's hair once again, the grip tight and a wail of pain left Taehyung's lips. Seojoon's voice cut through the tense silence like a sharpened blade, each word dripping with venomous disdain. "Look at you, pathetic omega," he spat, his tone dripping with contempt. "You think you can stand up to me? You're nothing but a weakling, unworthy of an alpha's love"

He pushed Taehyung back, making his stumble and fall to the ground. Seojoon hovered over him and Taehyung didn't have it coming when his stomach met Seojoon's foot. Taehyung doubled up, coughing. The kick made him nauseous.

Seojoon knelt beside him. "You're a pathetic whore. Getting knocked up like this?" Seojoon scoffed. "I don't even want you as my doormat"

"Then why kill Jeongguk!? Why destroy our lives?!" Taehyung shouted.

"Because he stole what's mine. You would've been a good omega for me if it weren't for him. He insulted me when he fucked you. Took your purity and gave you his pup. You were mine since the day you presented. But he stole you from me"

"Fuck you! I love him! I would never have loved you"

"The funny thing is, I actually loved you. For a long time"

"That's not love" Taehyung scoffed. "You wanted my ownership. That's all this was. You wanted me to bear your pups. Make them pure-blooded since I was a male omega"

Seojoon grinned.

"Rarest of them all"

Seojoon nodded.

"You just wanted me for my body"

"You're smart" Seojoon grinned. "You're the rarest and most pure form of an omega. The perfect mate. The breed with the purest blood"

Taehhyung stared daggers at Seojoon, his anger rising with every passing second.

"You're so unique, Taehyung"

Seojoon's laughter was like daggers against Taehyung's ears.

"I wanted you because of your uniqueness"

Taehyung screamed. His head spun and he was sure he sobbed as well. Nothing made sense anymore.

Seojoon laughed. "But you threw away everything good about you. You tarnished your purity as you chose that weakling. You're a disgrace to the very name of the omega. You're a worthless, pathetic whore, spreading your legs and letting such a weakling take the only thing good about you"

Taehyung screamed in anger. Each syllable struck Taehyung like a physical blow, dredging up a maelstrom of emotions he had fought so hard to bury. He could feel the weight of Seojoon's words bearing down on him, crushing his spirit beneath their merciless onslaught.

"I did the world a favour by getting rid of him" Seojoon said. "He deserved to die for destroying what's mine. He put his seed in you" Seojoon squeezed Taehyung's stomach. "The moment we're out of here, I'm destroying this too. So there will be no evidence of him in this world. I can do anything to you now. I won you"

Taehyung tried to slap his hand away but his grip was strong and painful. It held him down on the ground. Around him was a sea of shouts and chatter. Taehyung could hear the voices of soldiers and the screams of his friends.

There was no one to help him. Jeongguk was gone. He was alone.

In the distance, he could hear sirens wailing. The police and the ambulance would be here any minute. Would they be of any help to him?

Or his hindrance?

"You destroyed my life" Taehyung whispered. "You took everything away from me"

"So your alpha is everything to you?"

"He's my past, my present, and my future. He's my mate and the love of my life. He's my alpha" Taehyung spat.

"And I killed him" Seojoon grinned.

Taehyung sucked in a breath. It was over. There was nothing he could do right now.

His life was already destroyed. Jeongguk was gone. All the good in his life was destroyed.

His mind echoed with the weight of the emptiness left in Jeongguk's absence. The world seemed to dim, colors fading into a dull, lifeless grey. There was no joy, no hope, nothing but the gaping void where his alpha had been. The pain was unbearable, a relentless ache that pulsed through his very soul.

The air around him seemed to still, the silence pressing in on him like a suffocating blanket. He felt a profound sense of resignation settle over him, a numb acceptance of the void that stretched out before him. In this moment, there was only the darkness, the crushing finality of Jeongguk's death.

Everything good was wiped out of his life. There was nothing to live for. Nothing to lose he had lost everything already. Why bother fighting at all?

Taehyung's eyebrows furrowed. His whole body ached and his heart ached even more. Seojoon killed Jeongguk. His eyes flicked to Seojoon, the architect of his misery.

"So do you think I will let you be alive and well when you took everything from me?"

Seojoon cocked an eyebrow at Taehyung. There wasn't much going on in Taehyung's head. He reached for the knife in his pocket and in a split second, he stabbed Seojoon with it.

The blade dug into Seojoon's skin with ease and the alpha's eyes widened for a moment.

If he couldn't have his future, if everything he cherished was stripped away, then Seojoon wouldn't have his victory either.

He jagged back and away from Taehyung before letting out a chuckle. "You think this little thing can kill m–" Seojoon gasped, the dagger falling from his hands. He fell back on the ground, chest heaving as he gasped for breath.

Taehyung staggered to his feet and walked over to Seojoon. He picked up the silvery blade with the beautiful golden hilt. He turned it in his hands, cherishing the memory of Jeongguk's hands against his when the alpha gifted him the blade.

He remembered the first time they met, a chance encounter in the woods that sparked a connection neither of them could deny. The memory was etched in his mind like a painting– the festival and Jeongguk's scent that brought him peace. Their first kiss at sunset, their photography sessions. All the ways Jeongguk had made him feel like he was the most perfect omega on earth. All the times he gave Taehyung peace in his life which was otherwise full of misery and limitations. Jeongguk showed him new horizons and they fell in love. Jeongguk made Taehyung feel like he was enough when all his life he was forced to believe that he wasn't.

Taehyung's heart ached as he recalled the moments of tenderness they had shared– the whispered confessions of love, the stolen kisses in the moonlight, the simple joy of being together. He saw Jeongguk's smile, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed, the gentle touch of his hand, and the fierce protectiveness in his gaze. Each memory was a precious treasure, a testament to the depth of their love and the strength of their bond.

But amidst the sweetness, there were moments of hardship and misfortune– the times when they had faced the scorn and judgment of others, the battles they had fought to be together in a world that sought to tear them apart. And through it all, Jeongguk had been his rock, his anchor in the storm, guiding him through the darkest of nights with unwavering love and unwavering faith.

Taehyung reminisced about the first time they slept together. The few dozen times they made love in the past months and the way they spent their heats and ruts together. Life was perfect with him. He always wanted to make Jeongguk happy.

However, he ended up becoming Jeongguk's death sentence.

Tears pricked at Taehyung's eyes as he clung to those memories, drawing strength from the love they embodied. He watched Seojoon at his feet, struggling to breathe as he bled out from the small wound of the dagger. Seojoon was the harbinger of doom of their lives.

Taehyung knew the true cause of their doom was both his and Seojoon's parents—they were the puppetmasters. While Seojoon had been the architect of their suffering, he wasn't the builder; he was just another pawn in a much larger game. This game was orchestrated by those who should have protected and loved them unconditionally. Taehyung and Jeongguk, too, were pawns in this cruel game.

Despite the circumstances, Taehyung harboured no sympathy for Seojoon. After all, it was Seojoon who had taken Jeongguk's life.

"We're just players of this game, Seojoon" Taehyung whispered. "Our parents are the game makers. The builders of our fates"

"What–" Seojoon choked.

He took slow steps closer and closer to Seojoon. Numbness gripped Taehyung's senses, cloaking him in a fog of disbelief and despair. His mind, usually sharp and decisive, now drifted in a haze of grief, rendering him detached from the reality unfolding before him. Each movement he made, each breath he took, was driven by the profound emptiness that had settled in his heart—a void left by the sudden and devastating loss of his beloved. In this state of numbness, his actions were but echoes of his shattered soul, seeking solace in an act that could never mend the irreparable grief now etched into his being.

"The players eliminate each other" Taehyung muttered blankly, the hilt of the knife digging into his hand. "Let the game makers watch their players fall"

And Taehyung slashed the dagger across Seojoon's chest.

Over and over again. Until it resembled the claw marks on Jeongguk's chest.

"This is for Jeongguk" Taehyung muttered, his eyes hollow. Blood sprayed on his face and shouts and screams erupted all around him. Seojoon spasmed under him, his body going into a fit.

Eyebrows furrowed, he raised the dagger one last time and pushed it into Seojoon's throat.

"That is for Jeongguk!" He shouted.

He pulled the dagger out of the man's still body and stood up, eyes emotionless. Seojoon's blood was splattered all over his face and clothes. His eyes grazed over to Jeongguk one last time, lying motionless on the ground. Dead.

His hand caressed his stomach. It was flat, still. He wasn't able to see himself grow a baby bump. He sighed.

"I'm sorry" Taehyung whispered. He walked towards Jeongguk, eyes fixated on his alpha. Tears started rolling down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, my alpha" His grip tightened around the dagger and he raised it in the air.

"I love you" Taehyung sniffled. "I will meet you on the other side"

"Taehyung! No!" There were many voices. "Stop!"

Taehyung shook his head. He brought the dagger down with one powerful thrust–

"Police! Freeze!"

Bang!

🌸

Thoughts? :)

Next is the epilogue. I will update soon. Relax.
Already started writing it so it will only take a few days.