Chapter 48 || BOUND AND TORN BY PROPHECIES
Shadows in the Night
The moonlight spilled through the wide windows of Jungkook’s
chambers, bathing the room in a soft, silvery glow. The night was quiet, save
for the gentle rustle of the breeze outside and the distant hum of nocturnal
creatures. He was deep in sleep, his breathing steady, his form relaxed beneath
the soft sheets of his bed. The serenity of the scene was unbroken—until the
shadow entered.
The figure moved silently, a wisp in the darkness. The heavy
door to his chamber had not made a sound, nor had the floor creaked as they
crossed it. Their presence was as subtle as the night itself, and yet it filled
the room with a quiet tension. They stopped at the side of his bed, gazing down
at Jungkook with an intensity that no words could describe.
His face was peaceful in slumber, the faint traces of worry
from the day erased by the comfort of sleep. The shadow sat gently on the edge
of the bed, careful not to wake him. A hand extended, brushing a stray strand
of hair from his forehead before resting lightly on his head. The touch was
soft, almost reverent, as though they feared to disturb the delicate stillness
of the moment.
For a long while, the figure simply stayed there, watching
him. There was something tender in their gaze, a mix of admiration and sadness,
as though torn between the desire to stay and the knowledge that they
shouldn’t. The minutes stretched, the world outside continuing its quiet
rhythm, oblivious to the silent scene unfolding within the chamber.
Finally, the figure leaned forward, their movements slow and
deliberate. A feather-light kiss was pressed to Jungkook’s forehead, lingering
for just a moment before they pulled away. They stood, their shadowed form
blending seamlessly with the darkness, and left as silently as they had come.
The door closed softly behind them, leaving Jungkook undisturbed, his slumber
unbroken.
The first rays of sunlight crept through the windows,
casting golden patterns on the walls. Jungkook stirred, blinking as the warmth
of the morning slowly woke him. He stretched lazily, the remnants of sleep
clinging to him as he sat up. A faint memory lingered at the edges of his mind,
something soft and fleeting, like a dream he couldn’t quite grasp. Shaking his
head, he pushed the thought aside and rose from the bed.
Today felt… significant. There was a heaviness in his chest
that demanded resolution. He thought of Taehyung—of his cold silence, his sharp
words, and the piercing gaze that seemed to see right through him. He had hurt
him. Jungkook knew that now more than ever, and he couldn’t let another day
pass without addressing it.
“I have to talk to him,” he muttered to himself as he
prepared for the day. “I have to make this right.”
Dressed in a simple yet elegant tunic and breeches, his
mismatched eyes bright with determination, Jungkook made his way to the dining
hall. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewed tea filled the air as he
entered, his gaze immediately seeking out Taehyung. He was already there,
seated at the far end of the long table, his posture as regal and imposing as
ever. His crystal-blue eyes flicked briefly to Jungkook before returning to the
plate in front of him.
Gathering his courage, Jungkook walked toward him. But
before he could reach Taehyung, a familiar voice called out.
“Jungkook!” Varian’s warm, charismatic tone broke through
his focus. He was seated a few places away, his amber eyes lighting up as he
gestured for him to join. “Come, sit here. I was hoping to speak with you.”
Jungkook hesitated, glancing between Varian and Taehyung.
The latter didn’t look up, his expression unreadable as he continued eating.
With a sigh, Jungkook turned to Varian, offering him a small smile as he took
the seat beside him.
“I’ve been meaning to apologize,” Varian began, his voice
sincere. “For everything that happened with Mili. I didn’t realize how
important the bond was—I would never have suggested it if I had known.”
“It’s alright,” Jungkook replied softly. “You didn’t know.”
“No, it’s not alright,” Varian insisted, his tone firm.
“Mili is extraordinary, and so is the bond you share. I shouldn’t have treated
it so lightly.” He paused, his gaze earnest. “I hope you can forgive me.”
“I do,” Jungkook said, offering a reassuring smile. “Thank
you for saying that.”
Their conversation flowed easily, Varian’s charm and warmth
drawing him in despite his initial hesitation. He spoke of his homeland, his
experiences, and his admiration for the dragons of Drakoria. Jungkook found
himself laughing at his stories, the tension from the morning momentarily
forgotten.
But not by everyone.
Across the table, Taehyung’s grip on his cup tightened. His
crystal-blue eyes were fixed on Varian, the sharpness in them unmistakable. He
listened to every word, every laugh, his jaw clenching with each passing
moment. The sight of Jungkook’s easy interaction with Varian stoked the embers
of his anger, the emotions he had tried to suppress threatening to spill over.
Yoongi, seated near him, noticed the change. “You need to
calm down,” he murmured quietly, his tone cautious. Taehyung’s gaze snapped to
him, his expression hardening. “I’m perfectly calm,” he said through gritted
teeth.
“You’re making it worse,” Yoongi warned, glancing pointedly
at Jungkook. “He’s trying, but you’re not making it easy.” Before Taehyung
could respond, Varian’s voice rang out again, this time addressing Jungkook.
“You must come to the gardens with me after breakfast. I have more stories to
share, and I’m sure you’ll find them fascinating.”
Jungkook hesitated, his gaze flicking briefly to Taehyung.
But Varian’s enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself nodding.
“Alright,” he agreed, smiling. “Just for a little while.”
The garden was a burst of color under the morning sun, the
flowers in full bloom and the air filled with their sweet fragrance. Varian led
Jungkook along the winding paths, his voice animated as he recounted tales of
his adventures. Jungkook listened intently, his laughter ringing out
occasionally as Varian described his more outlandish experiences.
Unbeknownst to them, Taehyung stood at a distance, his
crystal-blue eyes never leaving them. His anger simmered quietly, the sight of
Varian’s easy closeness with Jungkook clawing at his patience. He turned
sharply, his expression cold as he walked away, unwilling to watch any longer.
Meanwhile, in the queen’s private sitting room, Varian’s
mother spoke with Queen Luria. The elder dragon’s amber eyes sparkled with
delight as she sipped her tea.
“They look wonderful together, don’t they?” she said, her
tone light and cheerful. “It’s the first time I’ve seen Varian take such an
interest in anyone. It’s good for him.”
Queen Luria smiled politely, though her own thoughts were
more guarded. “Jungkook has always been a strong presence in the twins’ lives.
It would be… interesting, to say the least.”
“I’m happy for him,” Varian’s mother continued. “And for
him. They balance each other so well.”
The day passed in a blur for Jungkook, his mind caught
between Varian’s charm and Taehyung’s silence. By the time he returned to his
chambers, he was emotionally drained. He closed the door behind him, leaning
against it for a moment as he exhaled deeply.
Crossing the room, he dropped onto his bed, the soft
mattress cushioning him as he buried his face in the pillows. His thoughts
swirled, each memory of the day tugging at his emotions. He replayed Varian’s
apology, Taehyung’s cold demeanor, and Yoongi’s quiet warning—all blending into
a confusing cacophony.
.
.
.
Comments
Post a Comment