Ecstacy of Love (vsoo)

15. Are you hiding something from me.

Edited

Author’s POV

The darkness of the prison walls seemed to close in as Jennie followed Taehyung’s lead through the musty, damp corridor. The faint flicker of the lantern’s light barely illuminated their path, casting long, eerie shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with the stench of mildew and despair. Every step Jennie took seemed heavier than the last, her heart pounding in her chest as she followed Taehyung's footsteps deeper into the cold prison.

“This way... get in, you will meet Jian... I’ll wait outside,” Taehyung’s voice echoed in the silence, his tone impassive and detached as he gestured towards a shabby, dimly lit room.

Jennie nodded, a shiver running down her spine as she steeled herself for what she was about to witness. She stepped into the room, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes adjusted to the low light. Jian—no, he—was sitting there, slumped on a chair, his body a wreck of bruises and blood. His form was battered, drained, and broken. The blood staining his clothes, the deep gashes across his back, hands, and legs… it was a sight that made Jennie’s stomach churn with nausea and pity.

“Jian…” Her voice trembled as she approached him, but she quickly composed herself, kneeling beside him and gently taking his hand into hers.

At the touch of her hand, Jian’s eyes flickered open slowly, and despite his pain, he looked up at Jennie, confusion flickering in his eyes as he saw her kneeling before him.

"Jennieshi?" His voice was weak, hoarse from the hours of torment. Pain etched across his face as he tried to sit up straighter. But the effort was too much for him; he winced, a small whimper escaping his lips as the pain coursed through his spine.

Jennie’s heart broke at the sight. She could feel the warmth of his hand, but it was overshadowed by the coldness of his condition.

"I’m sorry… look at what they’ve done to you," Jennie whispered, her voice filled with pity, her fingers gently brushing the bloodied marks on his arms.

Jian, despite his pain, struggled to rise, but his knees buckled beneath him. He managed to stand, barely, and with a quiet grunt of pain, he steadied himself on his feet. His gaze met Jennie’s, his face a mixture of guilt and sorrow.

"My lady… what are you doing here? You shouldn’t have come," Jian managed, his voice barely audible.

Jennie shook her head, her determination shining through despite the distress that clouded her face. "I’m fine… Jian, I will save you, don’t worry." She hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek against his, the warmth of her body a small comfort against his suffering.

Jian winced at the tightness of her hug, but he didn’t push her away. His body trembled beneath her embrace, a soft whimper escaping him once more as he whispered, "I’m sorry."

Jennie pulled back slightly, scanning him from head to toe. His wounds were extensive—everywhere, it seemed, there was injury. Bruises, cuts, and blood. She swallowed hard, fighting back tears.

"Jennieshi, you should go now," Jian said, his voice forceful, but still tinged with weakness. He pointed towards the gate, urging her to leave, though it was clear that his pain prevented him from fully asserting himself.

Jennie shook her head, her face etched with concern. She looked around the dark room as though searching for answers, but her eyes were full of hesitation. She wanted to ask something, but the words were hard to form.

Jian could feel the tension building, the uncertainty hanging between them. He knew what was coming.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice soft but urgent, sensing her unease.