Chapter 24: The Call of Duty

The morning sun painted the village in golden hues, casting a warm glow over the peaceful land that had become their sanctuary. YN sat near the riverbank, dipping her fingers into the cool water as she watched Taehyung and Jungkook playfully chase each other in their wolf forms. Their growls and laughter echoed through the air, a sound she had grown to cherish.

Just as she smiled, a rustling in the trees made her turn. A familiar presence-strong, commanding, yet comforting-stepped into the clearing.

"Namjoon," she breathed.

The tall, imposing figure of their old protector stood before them, his piercing gaze softened by the sight of them. He took a moment, studying their serene life, before speaking.

"It's been a long time," Namjoon said, his voice steady. "Too long."

Jungkook shifted back into his human form, his expression guarded. "What are you doing here?"

Namjoon exhaled deeply, as if choosing his next words carefully. "You all should go back to the palace."

Silence stretched between them.

Taehyung, now in his human form as well, narrowed his eyes. "We left that life behind. The war is over. Yoongi is dead."

Namjoon nodded. "He is. It's been years since his death, but the kingdom... they still wait for you. Your people need you."

YN swallowed hard, her hands tightening around the fabric of her dress. She had spent so long finding peace here, away from the bloodshed and responsibilities that once weighed on them. Yet, a part of her knew Namjoon wouldn't have come if it wasn't truly necessary.

Jungkook's jaw clenched. "We have a life here now. A family on the way." His hand instinctively rested over YN's growing belly, his touch protective.

Namjoon's gaze softened. "And that's exactly why you should return. A future ruler will be born. Your people deserve to know their queen and kings are still alive, still strong."

Taehyung let out a low growl of frustration, running a hand through his hair. He turned to YN, searching her face for an answer. "What do you want?"

YN took a deep breath. She had grown to love the simple life they had built, but she also knew she couldn't ignore the call of her people. They had fought for that throne, for the safety of their kingdom. Could they really turn their backs on it now?

After a long pause, she looked up at both of them, her decision clear. "If we return... we do it together, as a family."

Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged glances before nodding.

Namjoon smiled. "Then let's go home."

As the sun rose higher, the village that had given them peace slowly faded into the distance. Their past, their future-it all awaited them at the palace.

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