All That Glitters is Not Gold (BTS X Reader)

Chapter 21

The trek through the Inferno was long, but without the oppressive heat from the flame, it was tolerable. Taehyung and Jimin continued to hold my hands, refusing to let go for even a moment. The others were mainly silent behind me, but I could hear occasional mumbles of conversation.

As we walked, my mind was consumed with thoughts of Reese. Was Kai taking care of him as he promised? I could only hope so, but the worries still filled my mind. I also thought about Kai. What did he mean by wanting to talk about us when I returned? I had been so enamored with Kai from the first meeting that the idea of him even showing the slightest interest in me caused my heart to stutter a little bit.

"Y/N?" I turned to the fairy at my side that had said my name so sweetly. "What... what happened to your parents?" I froze in shock at Jimin's question. "I'm... I'm sorry. You just never talk about them, only your brother."

I was silent for a moment, not missing the glare of annoyance that Jungkook sent towards Jimin and the quick smack on the back of his head from Hoseok. "What kind of question is that Sparkles?" Hoseok snapped out, the disapproval clear in his voice.

Jimin's face flushed red and he turned to me, his handsome face apologetic, his eyes wide in panic. "I'm so sorry my darling. I didn't mean to cause you pain. I swear it to you."

I squeezed Jimin's hand gently, silently letting him know I wasn't angry with him. I just didn't know how to answer the question. Even though it had been several years since their death, the circumstances were still difficult to talk about.

"You are correct," I began. "It is only my brother and I. My... my parents were killed many years ago. I have raised my brother since their deaths."

Jin touched my shoulder, causing me to turn around and look at him, giving him a small smile. "You don't have to tell us anything sweet girl. It is quite alright."

"It's okay. I don't... I don't mind talking about it anymore. It has been so long." Jimin squeezed my hand in gentle reassurance and I directed my gaze back to the sweet fairy. "My parents were... they were killed by a curse from the witch in the North Woods. The same witch that cursed my brother."

Taehyung's hand tightened around my own and I could see the compassion on his handsome face. I gave him a small smile, appreciating his quiet comfort, his silent presence.

"The North Witch used to be a good witch, but when she cast a spell for a princess, a spell that ultimately failed terribly, she was ostracized by the king. They tried to take her powers and she turned to black magic." Although the North Witch had killed my parents and cursed my brother, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for her. She had tried to deny the princess's request, but the princess had charmed her.

"My parents were in the North Woods near the waterfall, celebrating their many years together. They were the perfect happy couple with so much love, so much caring. It was basically a slap in the face to the North Witch. It was a reminder to her about all the love that she could never have." A tear escaped my eye at the memory of that terrible day, a day that should have been filled with nothing but happiness and merriment. Taehyung reached over and wiped my cheek, collecting the lone tear. I didn't know how to explain that the tear was just as much for the North Witch as my parents, for the life she could never have. A life that was destroyed by her desire to help a sad princess.

Hoseok rushed to my side at the sight of the tear, effectively knocking Taehyung away. "You don't have to continue sweetheart. If it is... is too painful." Taehyung narrowed his eyes, but Hoseok quickly shut him up with a quick puff of smoke in his direction. "Calm down Bubbles."

At Taehyung's snarl, I held up a hand to him. "Please. Not now." I turned my attention to Hoseok who took Taehyung's place at my side. "And it's okay."