Chapter 54 || BOUND AND TORN BY PROPHECIES

 

A Fragile Bond

 

The morning light streamed through the palace windows, casting warm golden hues across the dining hall. Jungkook entered quietly, his mismatched eyes scanning the room as he tried to push aside the lingering embarrassment from the events of the morning. He took a seat at the long table, his movements deliberate as he focused on the plate in front of him.

Varian, seated nearby, caught sight of him and brightened immediately. “Jungkook,” he called warmly, his amber eyes lighting up as he leaned slightly toward him. “Good morning. I was hoping to see you.”

Jungkook managed a small smile, his thoughts still clouded as he murmured a polite greeting. Varian’s charm was as effortless as ever, his words flowing easily as he engaged him in conversation. Jungkook listened half-heartedly, his mind elsewhere, but when Varian suggested a stroll through the gardens, he agreed without thinking twice.

After breakfast, the two of them walked side by side through the palace gardens, the vibrant flowers and lush greenery providing a serene backdrop. Varian spoke animatedly, recounting tales of his travels and adventures, his voice warm and inviting. Jungkook walked beside him in silence, nodding occasionally, half his mind still wrapped around silver hair and bare skin and a voice murmuring, “You hugged me all night.”

His cheeks flushed again just thinking of it.

But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Yoongi appeared, his expression urgent as he called out. “Jungkook!” he shouted, voice edged with panic. “It’s Mili—she’s not well.”

The words hit Jungkook like a bolt of lightning, his heart sinking as he turned to Yoongi. “What happened?” he asked quickly, his voice trembling.

“I don’t know,” Yoongi replied, his tone strained. “I was with the dragons, and she suddenly collapsed. Spark and Niki are with her, but she’s weak. Taehyung’s already there.”

Without hesitation, Jungkook broke into a run, his mismatched eyes wide with worry as he followed Yoongi toward the dragon sanctuary. Varian called after him, but he didn’t stop, his focus entirely on Mili.

When they arrived, the sight before him was both heartbreaking and surreal. Mili lay on the ground, her massive form surrounded by Spark and Niki, who hovered protectively around her. The fiery dragon’s amber eyes were dim, her breathing shallow as she let out a low, rumbling sound. Taehyung knelt beside her, his hand resting gently on her head as he murmured softly, his crystal-blue eyes filled with quiet determination.

Jungkook’s breath caught as he approached, heart aching at the sight of his dragon in such a vulnerable state. “Mili,” he whispered, his voice trembling as he knelt beside her. “I’m here.”

Mili let out a soft rumble, her amber eyes flickering in recognition. Jungkook reached out, fingers brushing against her warm scales as tears pricked the corners of his eyes.

“She’s weak,” Taehyung said quietly, his voice steady but edged with concern. “The strain of the broken bond is taking its toll.”

Jungkook turned to him, desperation in his mismatched gaze. “What do I do?” he asked, voice cracking. “How do I fix this?”

Taehyung’s gaze softened, his crystal-blue eyes meeting Jungkook’s with an intensity that left him breathless. “We work together,” he said firmly. “To restore the bond. To rebuild trust.”

Jungkook sank fully to his knees beside Mili, one hand stroking her snout, voice thick with fear. “No, no, baby, you’re okay. I’m here. I’m here now.” Taehyung’s voice was calm, but firm. “She can’t feel you. Not like before.” Jungkook turned to him, desperate. “Tell me what to do.”

He held Jungkook’s gaze for a long moment. Then nodded. “We fix the bond. But you have to let me in.”

Jungkook hesitated. He knew what it meant—soul exposure. Letting Taehyung into the deepest parts of his being, even the ones he kept hidden from himself. But this was Mili. There was no choice.

He nodded. They both placed a hand on Mili’s chest. Taehyung’s fingers brushed Jungkook’s, lingering—just long enough to spark a warmth through his veins.

“Close your eyes,” Taehyung murmured. Jungkook obeyed. And in the silence, their breath aligned. He felt Taehyung’s essence reach out like a tide, brushing against his—at first tentative, then more assertive. Jungkook opened the door. Just a little. Just enough for their magic to intertwine, reaching into Mili’s spirit, soothing her fractured energy.

Memories surged—moments with Mili, moments with Taehyung. And him. Always him. His voice in his ear, his smirks, the way he looked at Jungkook like he saw everything. A jolt of warmth passed between them. Mili stirred.

“She’s responding,” Taehyung whispered. “Keep going.” But his presence wasn’t staying still. It curled around Jungkook’s senses, teasing, stroking, like a breeze brushing skin. And then—his hand. It slid from Mili’s chest to Jungkook’s wrist. Lightly. Purposely.

His thumb stroked the inside of Jungkook’s wrist, slow and deliberate. Jungkook’s breath caught. “Taehyung—”

“You feel it too, don’t you?” he murmured, his voice brushing Jungkook’s cheek like silk. “Even now. Especially now.” Jungkook opened his eyes to find Taehyung closer. Too close. His breath was on his skin, his hand still wrapped around Jungkook’s, warm and certain. His eyes flicked down—to Jungkook’s lips. “You always bite them when you’re nervous,” he said softly.

“I—do not.”

“You do.” His fingers brushed Jungkook’s knuckles, thumb tracing lazy circles. “And you blush when I get too close.”

“I blush because you’re insufferable.”

He grinned. “And yet you never pull away.”

Jungkook’s pulse thundered. Mili stirred again, stronger now, her little tail twitching against the ground.

“I think she’s stabilized,” Jungkook said quickly, pulling his hand back.

Taehyung let it go—but not without dragging his fingers across Jungkook’s palm one last time. “I told you we could do it,” he said with a wink.

Jungkook glared at him, cheeks burning. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re glowing,” he replied smoothly. “It’s a good look on you.”

Jungkook stood, turning away before Taehyung could say something else that made his heart do backflips. But behind him, he could still feel that gaze—warm, knowing, far too dangerous.

The two of them resumed their efforts, their movements synchronized as they worked to comfort and heal Mili. Taehyung’s presence was commanding yet reassuring, his touch gentle as he stroked the dragon’s scales and murmured to her. Jungkook followed his lead, his own touch filled with quiet determination, pouring his love and regret into every motion.

As the hours passed, the tension between them began to shift. The shared experience brought them closer, their unspoken emotions surfacing in quiet moments. Taehyung’s occasional comments, laced with teasing flirtation, left Jungkook blushing and frustrated, his heart racing as he tried to stay focused on Mili.

“You’re doing well,” Taehyung said softly, his voice low and smooth as he leaned in. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

Jungkook shot him a glare, his cheeks warming. “I’m doing this for Mili,” he replied firmly, despite the flutter in his chest.

Taehyung smirked, his crystal-blue eyes glinting. “Of course you are,” he murmured, fingers brushing lightly against Jungkook’s as he adjusted Mili’s harness. The touch was fleeting but deliberate, sending a jolt through him he couldn’t ignore.

By the time Mili’s breathing steadied and her amber eyes regained some of their glow, Jungkook felt both relieved and emotionally drained. He leaned against her massive form, mismatched eyes closing briefly as he exhaled.

“She’ll be fine,” Taehyung said quietly, his voice filled with quiet assurance. “She’s strong. Just like her guardian.”

Jungkook opened his eyes, gaze meeting Taehyung’s as his cheeks flushed. “Thank you,” he said softly, voice trembling just a little. “For helping her. For helping me.”

Taehyung’s smirk softened into something gentler, something deeper. “Always.”

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR NEXT CHAPTER:

https://novelreadingislife.blogspot.com/2025/05/chapter-55-bound-and-torn-by-prophecies.html

.

.

.