🥀 26. 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝

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Taehyung woke up from his deep slumber and opened his eyes to witness a dreadful sight. He squinted his drowsy eyes as he focused on the figure which was making her way towards the river. He cursed in his mind.

Taehyung's heart raced as he took in the scene before him.

Ignoring the drowsiness that clung to him, he hurriedly rose to his feet and called out to Jungkook, "Jungkook, wait! What are you doing?"

"Jungkook,"

"Jungkook,"

Taehyung sprinted towards Jungkook, who was moving towards the river in a trance, ignoring his every call.
"Water," he thought in his mind, "no, no, this is....,"

Taehyung reached near Jungkook's side in time and grasped her arm pulling his wife away from the water's edge.

"Jungkook?" Taehyung's voice carried a mix of concern and frustration. He held Jungkook in a firm grip and shook her lightly.

Jungkook flinched and looked up in a daze. She found Taehyung looking at her with a concerned face.  The vicious influence of Ash Jinn's magic faded as Taehyung's protective grip brought Jungkook back to her senses.

Confusion etched her features as she looked up at Taehyung, her eyes wide with bewilderment.

"M-Mr. Kim?" Jungkook shuttered, her voice low due to a trance of vicious power. The residual effects of the Ash Jinn's magic slowly driven off, leaving Jungkook in a state of disoriented realization.

Taehyung's heart softened, relief flooding through him as he assessed her state. "Are you okay, Jungkook? What happened?" His grip remained protective yet gentle, as if afraid to let go in case the darkness tried to reclaim her.

"I-I don't know," she murmured, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I was just... drawn to the river." She pointed toward the water, her hand trembling slightly. But as she looked again, horror washed over her features.

"Mr. Kim, h-here, the river was..."

Her voice trailed off, leaving a chilling silence hanging in the air as they both took in the barren ground where the flowing river had been moments before.

What was once a tranquil oasis now lay bare, devoid of life, like a forgotten dream.

"Calm down, forget about everything, take deep breaths," Taehyung tried to calm his hyperventilating wife, who was shocked.

Jungkook took a deep breath and closed her eyes for seconds. She opened them and looked at the barren land where the River was flowing a few moments ago.

"Jungkook, it was an illusion," Taehyung said softly, his thumb brushing over her arm.

"The Ash Jinn tries to lure people with false visions. You almost walked right into its trap."

"I... I felt like I could hear it calling to me," Jungkook admitted, her eyes filled with fear. "It felt so real."

"It's designed to feel real," Taehyung reassured her, "But you're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you."

Taehyung's grip tightened around Jungkook's hand as they stepped away from the barren land. His expression turned serious, "Jungkook, we have to stay alert," he urged, his voice low and intense.

"We've already come out of the protective circle and the Ash Jinn will be watching for any moment of weakness."

Jungkook nodded.

"I'm so sorry, Mr Kim," Jungkook said, "I didn't mean to act so foolishly. I just... I felt drawn to it like it was calling my name."

"It's not your fault," he reassured her.

"These forces are powerful, and they can manipulate feelings and thoughts. Just make sure to stay more careful from now on."

"Okiee," Jungkook replied meeting his eyes.

they continued walking through the dense forest and Taehyung's grip on Jungkook's hand tightened. His sharp senses prickled with unease.

Something was wrong.

The Mystic Forest now felt suffocating and still, which was unusual. Even the rustle of leaves had ceased, replaced by an eerie calm that sent a chill down his spine. His eyes darted around, scanning the thick trees.

Taehyung slowed his steps, pulling Jungkook to a halt beside him. His voice was low, almost a whisper. "Stay close. Something's not right."

Jungkook glanced up at him, her heart racing as she followed his gaze, searching for what he sensed. She could see the tension in his jaw, the way his body tensed like a predator ready to strike.

"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

"I don't know," Taehyung muttered, his eyes still sweeping the dark forest.

"But the forest—it's too quiet. We're being watched.

His gaze locked onto the shadows, where the trees seemed darker than they should be as if something—or someone—was hiding within.

Jungkook's breath hitched as she clung to Taehyung's shirt, her knuckles turning white with fear. Her wide, doe-like eyes darted to search for any sign of safety but the towering trees around them only fueled her growing terror.

Her lips trembled as her teeth bit down on them, the action failing to calm her. She felt Taehyung tense beside her but her heart was racing too fast.

When the sudden gust of wind rustled the dried leaves, swirling them into the air, Jungkook flinched violently. The forest was shifting into something darker.

Then, the black fog rolled in.

It crept in engulfing them both and Jungkook's throat tightened as she coughed, her eyes stinging from the thick air. She swatted at the fog, trying to bat it away, her small hands flailing uselessly in the mist.

"M-Mr Kim," she stammered between coughs, her voice trembling as she tugged on his sleeve.

And then, the fog began to dissipate. Jungkook blinked, her vision blurry from the tears forming in her eyes. As soon as the mist evaporated, her gaze fell upon the menacing figure standing before them.

A black figure, cloaked from head to toe, stood before them—its presence oozing malevolence.

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat, her body freezing in place as her mind screamed at her to run but her feet refused to move.

Taehyung's whisper was barely audible, "Ash Jinn."

Jungkook gasped audibly, her eyes widening in disbelief. Before she could stop herself, her thoughts slipped out as words. "His height is... average. I thought Jinns were supposed to be huge."

Realizing she had just spoken out loud, she quickly slapped a hand over her mouth, biting down on the inside of her cheek in embarrassment. She glanced at Taehyung, who shot her a quick done look before shaking his head slightly.

"This Jinn... sending his minions to attack us. How pathetic," Taehyung muttered, his voice low but laced with frustration.

Without hesitation, he raised his hand, extending it protectively as he slid Jungkook behind him. His broad frame easily concealed her smaller figure, sheltering her from the approaching minion.

Jungkook peeked out from behind him. She gripped the back of his shirt tightly, trusting him to handle whatever dark force had emerged from the shadows. Taehyung stood tall and unmoving, a silent protector, ready to face the threat head-on.

The Ash Jinn's minion stepped forward, its black cloak swirling around its body. A cold voice emanated from beneath the hood, dripping with malice.

"So, this is the great Kim Taehyung," the Jinn hissed, its tone mocking. "Hiding your fragile little human. How noble."

Jungkook's grip on Taehyung's shirt tightened as a chill ran down her spine. The Ash Jinn's presence left her shivering.

Taehyung's jaw clenched, his eyes never leaving the dark figure before him.

"You think you can defy me?" the Jinn continued, her laughter echoing eerily through the forest.

"You can't run forever, Taehyung. The curse will catch up to you. And as for your little wife..." The Jinn's hooded head tilted slightly as if appraising Jungkook, its voice lowering to a dangerous whisper, "She won't last long."

"Enough." Taehyung's voice was cold, cutting the Jinn's taunts. "You won't touch her."

The Ash Jinn laughed again, this time louder and more vicious. "Bold words, but words won't protect her nor you. You are already outside the protective circle. You're in my domain now."

Taehyung slid Jungkook further behind him, "We're not afraid of your games,"

The Jinn chuckled darkly. "Games? Oh no, this is no game. This is just the beginning."

The black fog around them began to swirl more violently and the Jinn's form seemed to grow darker, more menacing.

"Let's see how long your courage lasts, Kim Taehyung."

The Ash Jinn's smirk deepened beneath his hood as the black smoke billowed out, forming two identical copies on either side of him. The copies of the Jinn encircled them, their footsteps were heavy on the forest floor. The sound was like the cracking of old bones.

One of the minions stepped forward. Its hollow eyes locked onto Taehyung. The minion's movements were slow.

The Jinn's original figure spoke, "Meet my faithful servants. They've been waiting for a taste of your fear, Taehyung."

The crimson-stringed minion took another step forward, its gaze unwavering.

"Do you feel it?" Jinn whispered, his voice ghosting through the air. "The fear... it's intoxicating."

Taehyung stood his ground, his posture was unyielding despite the darkness around them. He tightened his protective grip on Jungkook, keeping her behind him while glaring at the Jinn's minion.

"Touch her and I'll end you," Taehyung growled, his voice low and dangerous.

"Attack!" the Ash Jinn bellowed, his voice echoing through the eerie forest like a death sentence.

The minions lunged forward with unnatural speed. Their limbs moved like jagged lightning, cutting the air before Taehyung could react. Their sharp, shadowy limbs slashed into Taehyung, leaving deep cuts on his chest and arms. Blood quickly soaked through the white shirt he wore, staining it a deep crimson.

Taehyung staggered back, a low curse escaping his lips as his eyes shut from the sharp pain that shot through his body. Jungkook's heart raced as her hands flew to her mouth, eyes wide with terror.

"Mr Kim!" Her voice broke with fear as Jungkook rushed to his side, her hands trembling, unsure what to do.

Taehyung gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay upright despite the burning pain that seared through his body. He shot Jungkook a determined glance, his breathing heavy but controlled.

"Stay back," he growled refusing to let the pain cloud his focus.

"Look at you now, bleeding like a mortal," the Ash Jinn mocked, his smirk widening as he watched Taehyung struggle to maintain his strength.

"How long do you think you can last, protecting her?"

Jungkook's eyes darted between Taehyung and the minions, her body frozen in fear. Tears brimmed in her eyes but a determination flickered inside her.

She couldn't just stand there. Not while Taehyung was hurt, not when their lives were at stake.

But Taehyung, even wounded, was unyielding. "Jungkook... get behind me!" he growled through clenched teeth, his bloodied hand reaching out to push her behind him once more.

Jungkook, her breath shaky but steadying, nodded and clutched his sleeve, whispering, "I'm not leaving you... not like this."

The Ash Jinn chuckled darkly, the sound twisting the air. "Such devotion. But it will be your downfall."

With a snap of his fingers, the minions prepared for another attack, their crimson strings glowing.

"Jungkook, listen to me. These minions are after you. I want you to go from here," Taehyung urged.

Jungkook looked at Taehyung with wide eyes, "No, I can't leave you here alone!"

Taehyung gently cupped her face, his eyes conveying urgency, " This place is not safe for you and you need to understand it, Jungkook. I'll hold them off.
Find a way out of the forest and once you're safe, call Arathorn to protect yourself."

"No, Mr Kim! I won't leave you alone here," Jungkook protested, She tightened her grip on her husband's arm, refusing to back down.

Taehyung gently tried to pry her hands away, his eyes pleading. "Jungkook, please. I can handle this but you need to get to safety."

Jungkook locked eyes with Taehyung, her expression unwavering, a determination blazing in her gaze.

"I won't leave you!" she declared, her voice ringing clear above the chaos.

"I'd rather die than abandon you in danger!"

Taehyung's breath caught and his heart clenched at her words. "Jungkook, you don't understand—"

"No, you listen!" she interrupted, her voice cutting the noise. "I'm not going anywhere! You're my husband and I'll fight by your side no matter what!"

"I'm not just a damsel waiting to be saved; I'm your partner! I refuse to let fear tear us apart. I believe in us, in our strength together! I'm ready to fight and protect you as fiercely as you've always protected me!"

The minions closed in. Taehyung's concern deepened but he had to convince Jungkook to go.

The Ash Jinn's laughter echoed in the distance, taunting them.

"How touching! Two fools choosing love over life. How utterly pathetic."

Jungkook turned sharply toward the Ash Jinn, fire blazing in her eyes. Despite fear and danger around her, she couldn't let his taunts slide. A sarcastic smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she stepped forward, still clutching Taehyung's arm.

"Pathetic?" she echoed, her voice steady, sass coloured her words.

"You're one to talk—hiding behind your minions, throwing smoke and shadows around like some B-list villain. For someone who's supposed to be all-powerful, you sure seem threatened by a little bond, huh?"

Taehyung stared at her, half in disbelief, half in awe at how she could still be so bold in the danger.

The Ash Jinn's eyes flared, his smirk fading into a dark scowl. "Insolent human!" he hissed, his voice filled with malice.

"You dare mock me?"

"Mock you?" Jungkook teased, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm not just mocking you. I'm schooling you."

She let out a soft chuckle, crossing her arms. "I mean, come on. You're this big, bad Jinn and yet here you are, throwing tantrums because—what? We dared to care about each other?"

Jungkook glanced back at Taehyung with a wink before turning back to the Jinn. The Ash Jinn's eyes flared with fury but Jungkook pressed on, clearly enjoying getting under his skin.

"Look, if you're going to be evil, at least be creative. I've seen scarier things in a bad horror movie."

Taehyung's lips were parted in shock. Jungkook was fearlessly taunting the enemy. Although it was reckless, it was undeniably her.

The Ash Jinn's black smoke swirled angrily, but Jungkook stood her ground, a sassy queen unafraid of the darkness before her.

"Alara!" Ash jinn spat, his voice echoing eerily. "Do you not understand the power I wield? I could crush your pathetic life with a flick of my wrist!"

Jungkook tilted her head and then shrugged. "Power, huh? Well, if you're so powerful, why are you wasting time talking instead of, you know, actually doing something?"

The Ash Jinn's dark mist surged forward as he roared in frustration, his presence expanding. "You dare mock me? I have torn through realms! Brought kings to their knees! And yet, you—you—a mere mortal, stand there and insult me?"

Jungkook didn't flinch. Instead, she tapped her chin thoughtfully, glancing at Taehyung with a smirk before looking back at the Jinn.

"Kings, huh? Neat. But guess what? I'm not a king, and I don't bow to anyone. Least of all a sulking cloud of smoke like you."

The Ash Jinn's cold laughter echoed through the trees as he signalled his minions. With swift, fluid movements, the minions drew back their bows, arrows glinting menacingly in the dim light, their intent aimed squarely at Jungkook.

In that split second, Taehyung's protective instincts ignited like wildfire. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arm around Jungkook's waist, spinning her away from danger. His body became a shield, positioning himself firmly between her and the oncoming arrows.

Taehyung braced himself as the arrows hurtled toward them, positioning himself to absorb the impact meant for Jungkook. The sharp projectiles struck him with brutal force, the pain radiating through his body like fire. A pained expression crossed his face as the arrows embedded themselves deep within his flesh. Yet, despite the agony, he held his ground.

Jungkook's eyes widened in horror as she witnessed the arrows pierce Taehyung's skin, blood beginning to seep through the fabric of his shirt.

"No!" she cried out, panic clawing at her throat. She wanted to reach for him, pull him away from danger but her feet felt rooted to the ground.

The Ash Jinn emerged from the shadows, "How noble! But how utterly foolish! Look at him, bleeding for you. He's only prolonging the inevitable."

Jungkook's heart shattered at the sight.

With trembling hands, she supported him as he staggered, his strength waning. Blood seeped through his shirt, staining her fingers crimson.

"Stay with me! Please!" Her voice trembled, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"I... I'm okay," he rasped, though the pain in his voice betrayed him. He looked deep into Jungkook's eyes, her worry etching into his heart. "You have to get out of here... It's not safe..."

"No!" Jungkook shook her head vehemently, her hands gripping his shoulders, desperate to keep him upright. "You're not leaving me! I won't let you!"

She could feel his body heavy against her. Jungkook leaned closer, pressing her forehead against his, her tears mingling with the blood on his shirt.

"You promised we'd face everything together! Don't you dare break that promise!"

Taehyung's gaze softened, his heart swelling with love for the fierce woman beside him. "You're... my strength," he whispered, his voice strained. "But you need to be safe, Jungkook. You're—"

"Don't say it!" she interrupted fiercely, her grip tightening.

In a desperate move to shield Jungkook from the danger, Taehyung firmly pushed her away, his eyes reflecting fear.

"Jungkook, go! Get out of here!" Taehyung's voice carried a raw urgency, a plea wrapped in command. He met her eyes with an unspoken promise, willing her to trust him. He slumped on the soil breathing heavily.

Jungkook stumbled backwards, fear gripping her heart. "But—"

Before she could protest further, weeds and vines surged from the forest floor, coiling tightly around Taehyung's feet, anchoring him in place. With a final, brutal blow, one of the minions struck him hard, leaving him coughing and gasping for breath, the crimson staining his shirt now stark against the dark soil.

Taehyung's condition was dire. The vines rooted themselves around his feet like iron shackles, refusing to let him move. Blood oozed from the gashes on his torso, seeping into the earth beneath him, turning the soil a deep shade of red. Each ragged breath he took was laboured, his chest heaving as he struggled against the pain that radiated through his body.

His sharp gaze was clouded with exhaustion and beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, mingling with the blood on his skin.

Jungkook's heart raced as she witnessed Taehyung's suffering. Horror coursed through her veins and her hands trembled. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at her husband.

The thought of losing him ignited a fire of anguish within her.

Jungkook was unable to bear witness to Taehyung's suffering any longer. The sight of him in pain was like a dagger to her heart. She closed her eyes, tears spilling down her cheeks, and a desperate determination surged within her.

"Stop it!" she yelled, her voice echoing through the eerie stillness of the Mystic Forest. An unnatural silence enveloped them as if the very woods held its breath in anticipation.

As Jungkook summoned the magic deep within her, she felt a warmth radiating from her core, a power she hadn't fully realized until now. When she reopened her eyes, they gleamed with a mesmerizing golden hue, illuminating the darkness around her.

A power originated from her. Jungkook focused on pulling out the magic within her.

The minions were bewildered by the sudden shift in the forest's energy, they hesitated in their malevolent dance. Jungkook faced them with a sharp gaze.

"You will not harm us, cheap Xerox copies" she declared.

the Jinn persisted in their assault, they conjured a massive mass of stone. the next moment, they threw the stone in Taehyung and Jungkook's direction.

Jungkook's golden eyes flared with luminance. She extended her hands toward the oncoming mass of stone, the golden energy converging into a protective shield. The barrier blocked the stone just in time, shattering the stone into harmless fragments.

Jungkook stood her ground, her golden eyes glowing with new power, Taehyung could barely focus on the battle raging around them. His vision blurred from pain, yet the sight of his wife commanding the forces around her, burned into his memory.

He had never seen her like this—fierce, powerful, unstoppable.

"It's time to end your game, pathetic minions," Jungkook declared, raising her hand in a commanding gesture. An unseen force responded to her call, a ball of energy twirled on her fingers.

The minions were suspended in the air, their movements halted by the power Jungkook now wielded. Jungkook's eyes glowed with a fierce golden light, a reflection of her anger.

"Heard jinns are afraid of water; let's try that, shall we?"

A confident smirk crossed her lips as she raised her palm higher, summoning a torrent of icy arrows that spiralled around her like a deadly whirlwind. The air turned frigid, and the forest transformed into a landscape of shimmering frost under her command.

With a flick of her wrist, the icy arrows shot forth, piercing through the air.

The minions screamed, their shrieks piercing the air and echoing through the enchanted woods. One by one, the arrows struck true, attacking the dark figures. The dark-coloured liquid spread instantly from the points of impact, from the injured body parts of the minions.

Jungkook's golden eyes gleamed with sharp intensity as the once-menacing creatures, frozen mid-attack, stood powerless against the force she unleashed. The malevolent creatures which had once threatened to destroy everything, were now reduced to silent, lifeless statues of ice, glimmering under the faint light filtering through the trees.

Through the haze of pain, he watched her as she summoned icy arrows, her hands moving with a deadly grace. Every flick of her wrist sent a shiver through him, not from fear, but from awe. The soft-spoken, shy woman he had vowed to protect was now the one standing between him and death.

The forest stood still by Jungkook's strength. She took a steadying breath, her chest rising and falling as she surveyed the battlefield. These figures were nothing against the might she had discovered within herself.

For the first time, she stood unafraid, fully aware of the power that coursed through her veins. And with Taehyung behind her, safe from harm, she knew she had won the battle—not just against the minions, but against the fear that had once held her back.

Taehyung witnessed Jungkook's newfound mastery and couldn't help but admire her strength.

"Time for the last attack,"

Jungkook muttered under her breath, her fingers brushing against the delicate clips nestled in her hair. A spark ignited the moment she touched them, transforming the once-innocent adornments into gleaming, butterfly-shaped ninja stars. They shimmered with a dangerous beauty, their sharp edges catching the faint light of the forest.

Jungkook's breath steadied as she studied the gleaming stars now resting in her palms. Determination blazed in her golden eyes, the energy of the forest humming in tune with her newfound power. With a swift flick of her wrist, she unleashed the stars into the night

The butterfly-shaped ninja stars moved through the air, their golden edges gleaming with sharp light. Each one spun faster than the eye could track, cutting through the darkness like blades of light.

The stars struck the minions with a sharp, metallic thud. One by one, the enemies fell, their bodies freezing in place as Jungkook's magic attacked them. The stars tore through the minions' dark, twisted forms, shattering them into dust and fragments. Each time a star hit, the ground shook slightly and the forest itself was reacting to the destruction.

Taehyung's chest tightened as he saw the butterfly-shaped ninja stars form in her hands, her delicate hair clips transforming into weapons of destruction. His lips parted in disbelief as she unleashed them, the radiant energy swirling around her like a storm. He had always known there was something special about her, but witnessing her power unleashed for the first time left him speechless.

He winced in pain as he tried to rise, but his body refused to move. All he could do was watch as the stars she wielded sliced through the minions, leaving them frozen and powerless in their wake.

She's incredible, he thought, barely able to breathe through the pain in his chest.

The minions barely had time to scream as they were ripped apart by the force of the attack. Their figures crumbled, disintegrating into dark wisps of smoke, carried away by the cold breeze Jungkook had summoned.

Finally, the minions diminished leaving the battlefield empty and eerily quiet. The stars gently floated back to Jungkook, reverting to their innocent cute flower and moon shapes, resting once again in her hair.

Jungkook stood frozen, her chest rising and falling heavily, still coming down from the rush of power she had just wielded. The stars in her hair shimmered gently, having returned to their original form, but the energy still pulsed through her veins.

Her hands trembled slightly, fingers brushing against the cool metal of the butterfly clips as if to confirm that what had just happened was real. The golden glow in her eyes slowly faded, leaving behind her natural warmth. She glanced down at her hands, almost in disbelief that she had summoned such destruction with a mere flick of her wrist. The realization of what she had done, the power she had unleashed, left her breathless.

But then, her gaze shifted to Taehyung.

He was still slumped against the ground, his breathing laboured, blood staining his shirt and the earth beneath him. The sight of him in pain shattered whatever pride or strength she had felt moments ago. Panic surged in her chest, her heart tightening painfully. Without hesitation, she rushed to his side, falling to her knees, her hands immediately hovering over his wounds.

"Mr Kim!" Jungkook called out, her voice laced with worry, she hugged her husband.

Taehyung leaned for warmth and slumped down in her embrace. Jungkook's gaze fell on the arrows protruding into his back. Tears blurred her vision, threatening to spill over as she fought to keep her composure.

"I-I'm going to pull them out," she whispered, her voice quivering.

With a shaky breath, she grasped one of the arrows tightly. "On three," she murmured, closing her eyes and bracing herself against the storm. "One... two..."

With all of her strength, she yanked the arrow free in one swift motion. Taehyung hissed loudly, his breath hitching as he clutched Jungkook tightly. But beneath the agony, there was something else—a vulnerability he rarely showed, a side of him that was raw and exposed.

Jungkook searched his eyes, wanting him to see her support, to understand that she was right there, fighting for him as fiercely as he had for her.

Taehyung looked at her, his expression a mix of pain and gratitude, vulnerability shining through the edges of his stoic demeanour.

"Jungkook..." he managed, his voice hoarse, barely a whisper.

"It's okay. I'm here," she replied, brushing her fingers against his cheek.

At that moment, the world around them faded, leaving just the two of them—bound by an unbreakable bond that even the darkest forces couldn't sever.

He wanted to tell her to be careful but his injuries silenced his worries. All he could do was hold her close, allowing her warmth to seep into his bones, grounding him amidst the pain.

With each arrow Jungkook pulled out, she felt her heart ache a little more. The process was gruelling and by the time she removed the last one, Taehyung's breathing had grown shallow, his strength slipping away. Gently, she positioned his head on her lap, cradling him with care.

"Mr. Kim, are you fine? Can you hear me?" she asked softly, her voice trembling as she tapped his cheeks lightly, searching for any sign of awareness.

His grip tightened around her hands, a weak yet reassuring gesture. Taehyung's eyes fluttered open meeting hers with a softness that made her heart ache even more.

"Jungkook..." he muttered.

With trembling fingers, he raised his hand, brushing it against her cheek. The touch was light, but the warmth of his palm against her skin made her feel grounded. Even as blood smeared across her cheek, she couldn't help but smile through her tears.

"Hold on," he murmured, his voice strained as he focused on the magic within him. Jungkook felt a spark ignite between their clasped hands, a vibrant energy that pulsed with life.

As he muttered a spell weakly, the air around them began to shimmer. A cascade of dazzling light enveloped them, illuminating the dim forest in a radiant glow. Jungkook watched in awe as the enchanted surroundings twirled, a beautiful dance of colours swirling around them.

Jungkook pulled Taehyung closer, enveloping his larger frame in her embrace. She nestled his big body against her chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks but she fought against the rising tide of panic, finding solace in his body.

"Please, stay with me," she whispered, her voice muffled against his shirt, which was still stained with his blood. She tightened her hold, her small hands gripping his shirt as if afraid he might slip away.

Taehyung's arm, though weak, found its way around her, gently squeezing her shoulder.

"I'm here," he breathed, his voice thick with pain, "I'm not going anywhere."

Jungkook tilted her head back, looking into his eyes, searching for reassurance. At that moment, she saw vulnerability in his gaze—a rare glimpse of the man beneath the stoic exterior.

Taehyung's trembling fingers brushed the strands of hair away from Jungkook's face, leaving a faint smudge of blood on her cheek. She didn't flinch, her focus entirely on him, the ragged rise and fall of his chest, his breath faint against her skin. Her heart ached as she cradled him closer, her arms wrapping around his broad frame in a desperate attempt to shield him from the pain.

His body felt heavier, his weight slumping against her, yet Jungkook held on tighter. His head rested on her shoulder, the fabric of her dress absorbing his blood. The tension in his muscles slowly faded away, reduced to a fragile state. She could feel his pulse faintly thudding against her.

Jungkook pressed her cheek to the top of his head, her tears mingling with the sweat and blood that clung to his skin. His once strong hands lay limp at his sides, fingers twitching in search of her touch. Sensing his need, Jungkook took his hand in hers, squeezing gently as if willing her strength to flow into him.

His head nestled against her chest, She could feel the slow beat of his heart against her, a reminder that he was still here, still fighting, even though every breath seemed to cost him dearly.

Jungkook sank deeper into the embrace, her body fitting perfectly against his, as if they were two pieces of a puzzle. She inhaled his scent feeling anchored in a world that had spun wildly out of control.

"Don't leave me, okay?" she murmured, her voice breaking slightly as she buried her face in his shoulder. She felt the tremor of his body beneath her, the way he fought against the pain, and it broke her heart.

"I promise," he replied, his voice a whisper against her hair. "As long as you're by my side, I'll fight."

Jungkook tightened her grip, her tiny actions speaking volumes. She pressed gentle kisses against his shoulder, trying to soothe the pain she couldn't take away.

In that fragile moment, amidst the chaos of the Mystic Forest, they found strength in each other—a bond strengthened in vulnerability, love and the promise to stand together, no matter the darkness that loomed ahead.

With that, the shimmering light intensified, wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth and safety, banishing the shadows of the forest.

they were united—bound by magic, love, and an unbreakable promise.

•—————🥀——————•

Happy Reading 🌸