Chapter 71 || BOUND AND TORN BY PROPHECIES

 

The Gathering Storm

 

The council chamber was built of ancient stone and darker secrets — a place meant for decisions that shaped generations. Today, the air was unusually thick as Taehyung stepped through its arched entrance, his presence sending a ripple of unease through the room.

 

The elders seated around the long obsidian table paused their hushed conversations. Vaelora’s uncle, an older man with silver-streaked hair and a composed smile, stood at the center. A respected voice from the ancient royal bloodline — and one of the more politically dangerous men in the realm.

 

Taehyung didn’t bother with greetings.

 

He closed the doors behind him, the sound echoing like thunder. The flames in the sconces flickered violently, as if recognizing the dragon’s displeasure.

 

“If anyone believes I can be controlled with whispers or veiled threats,” Taehyung said, his voice low and steady, “they’ve forgotten the nature of dragons.”

 

The chamber chilled beneath the weight of his words. No one dared speak.

 

“I will only say this once. Any plans involving Jungkook — any manipulation, suggestion, or threat — ends now.”

 

One of the younger councillors opened his mouth, but Vaelora’s uncle raised a calming hand and stepped forward, wearing a diplomatic smile.

 

“Your Highness, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding. No one means to disrespect your... guardian. We recognize his value — as a symbol of ancient power and unity.”

 

Taehyung’s dragon eyes flared gold for a heartbeat.

 

“He is not a symbol. He is my guardian. And I will never agree to any plan that treats him otherwise.”

 

He turned without another word. The heavy stone door slammed behind him, the hinges groaning in protest. A small crack etched itself into the ancient wall near the doorframe as the council members sat in stunned silence.

 

Back in his chamber, Jungkook sat cross-legged on a low settee. Nyla perched on the windowsill, arms crossed and gaze thoughtful. Yoongi paced the room like a caged storm.

 

Jungkook’s face was calmer now — no longer tear-stained, but pale. Too pale.

 

His expression wasn’t emotional anymore.

 

It was edged with something sharper.

 

Resolve.

 

“She said they would use me,” Jungkook whispered. “To provoke him. To get what they want.”

 

Yoongi froze mid-step.

 

“Let me punch Vaelora. Just once. Right in the jaw.”

 

That pulled a weak smile from Jungkook, but Nyla didn’t laugh. Her tone was cool and cryptic.

 

“You’ll need your strength for what’s coming.”

 

Before Jungkook could ask what she meant, a knock echoed at the chamber door.

 

They all turned.

 

The door creaked open, and Taehyung stepped inside. He didn’t speak right away. But the moment he entered, the temperature shifted — not harsh, but intense. Controlled fire.

 

Yoongi took a step forward, fists clenched, but Nyla grabbed his arm firmly.

 

Taehyung ignored them all — his eyes locked on Jungkook like he was the only person in the room.

He moved toward him slowly, then gently cupped his cheek.

 

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there earlier,” he murmured. “But I’m here now. And we need to get ready for war. Enemies are between us — a lot of them. And we are very few.”

 

He glanced at Yoongi and Nyla.

 

“This will not be a game of politics anymore. It’s life and death now.”

 

At that moment, the door opened again.

 

The King and Queen entered, followed by Commander General Alaric. Their faces were tight with concern — but there was no panic.

 

Only the grim steel of people who had fought wars before.

 

Taehyung stepped back and stood tall.

 

He explained everything.

The overheard conversation.

The council’s intentions.

The manipulation involving Jungkook — and the threats against the bond they shared.

 

Silence fell like a blade.

 

Nyla was the first to speak.

 

“Then we strike first.”

 

The queen’s voice was soft but firm.

 

“No. We prepare first. But we do not stand down.”

 

King Caelum looked at Jungkook, then toward Taehyung.

 

“You are still hiding something. Aren’t you? Taehyung?”

 

Taehyung’s answer was simple.

 

“Hmm.”

 

Elsewhere…

 

In a dim corridor beneath the palace, torchlight flickered against the polished stone as Vaelora stood before a small scrying mirror.

 

Her reflection showed nothing but smoke and vague shimmer — but her words were sharp.

 

“So... he visited the council. And went to him.”

 

A silent attendant stepped forward and bowed.

 

“Yes, My Lady.”

 

Vaelora’s eyes narrowed. She turned from the mirror, letting her silk cloak trail behind her like liquid night.

 

“Then we need to move faster. Let the next step begin.”

 

From the shadows behind her, a cloaked figure stepped into the torchlight.

 

Their face was hidden.

But the glint of something sharp flashed briefly beneath the robe.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR NEXT CHAPTER:

https://novelreadingislife.blogspot.com/2025/05/chapter-72-bound-and-torn-by-prophecies.html

.

.

.