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⚔ Chapter 16: Under Lanterns and Starlight ⚔

The village came alive with color.

Torches lined the dirt pathways, their flames flickering against the night sky. Lanterns of red and gold swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the festival. Laughter echoed through the air, mixing with the sound of music—flutes, drums, and the soft strumming of a lute.

For the first time since arriving, YN felt something new.

Not just peace. Not just safety.

But happiness.

🎶 A Night of Celebration 🎶

The village elder had told them about the festival earlier that week. “It is a night of new beginnings,” she had said with a knowing smile. “You should celebrate.”

Jungkook had scoffed at the idea of dancing, but even he couldn’t hide the excitement in his eyes. Taehyung, on the other hand, had immediately agreed. “YN deserves a night like this,” he had murmured.

And now, standing in the middle of it all, YN wasn’t sure what to feel.

Children ran past, chasing each other with ribbons in their hair. Women in flowing dresses twirled to the beat of the drums. Men carried trays of spiced wine and warm bread, their voices loud with stories of past festivals.

Jungkook nudged YN’s shoulder. “See anything you like?”

She smiled, breathing in the scent of roasted meat and honeyed fruit. “Everything.”

🍷 First Laughter 🍷

They wandered through the festival, stopping at small stalls along the way.

Taehyung handed her a skewer of grilled meat, his eyes watching her closely as she took the first bite. It was sweet and spicy, the flavors bursting on her tongue.

Jungkook took a sip of the dark village wine and immediately coughed. YN laughed, watching his nose scrunch up in distaste. “Not strong enough for you, warrior?”

Jungkook groaned. “Tastes like fruit.”

Taehyung smirked, taking a slow sip. “It’s supposed to.”

For the first time in forever, they weren’t running. They weren’t fighting.

They were just being.

✨ First Dance ✨

As the night deepened, the music shifted into something slower, softer. Couples gathered in the village square, moving to the rhythm of the lute.

YN turned to leave, but Taehyung caught her wrist.

“Dance with me,” he said, his voice low.

She hesitated. “I don’t know how.”

Jungkook stepped behind her, his breath warm against her ear. “Then let us teach you.”

Taehyung pulled her close, his hands resting on her waist, guiding her into the steps. Jungkook’s fingers laced with hers, steadying her movements.

At first, she was stiff—too used to battle, to war, to the need to stay ready.

But slowly, as their warmth surrounded her, she let go.

She laughed when she stumbled. She gasped when Jungkook spun her. She shivered when Taehyung pulled her close.

And for the first time, she felt it.

Not just peace.

But love.

💫 A Promise Under the Stars 💫

Later that night, as the festival faded into embers and hushed whispers, YN stood on the edge of the village, looking up at the stars.

Jungkook came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “You were happy tonight.”

She exhaled. “I was.”

Taehyung appeared on her other side, his fingers brushing against hers. “And you will be again.”

YN turned to them, her two alphas, her heart in her throat.

For the first time in a long, long time—

She believed them.

To Be Continued…

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