Tainted Fate (Chanjin/Hyunchan)

Chapter 41

(Credits to the rightful owner.)

Note: Just to clarify, where Llongwook is hiding is the Moon forest areas beyond which lies mountains. And where Hyunjin is going is the borders between the Moon and the Baek empires where the Baek forest lands are situated. Both are in opposite directions.

Chan P.O.V

I sat on my throne as I conducted the end of the week court proceedings in eomma and appa's absence. Time passed awfully slow as I tried my best concentrate properly, ignoring the growing anxiousness within me. When the proceedings finally came to an end it was already time for dinner. So, I dismissed the ministers but asked two of my army generals to stay back.

We all got down from our seats and gathered on the floor to discuss about our mission, the one we had planned to execute tonight to take down Wook's gang in our forest. The generals were two of the most trusted and efficient ones who would be assisting us.

"If they do have access to silver, it will be difficult to take them down without silver weapons ourselves." Seungmin voiced out after the generals left to prepare the troop of soldiers at my order.

"Yes, but we do not have the time to make such weapons." Felix said.

"It is widely known that usage of silver, even common common silver has side effects on the attacker as well. So, they would think twice before using silver." I pointed out to try an defuse their tension a bit.

"Hyunjinnie hyung must have already reached the cave with our parents by now." Jeongin said, his voice filled with concern, as Jisung side hugged him.

"It'll be okay. We can do this. For Hyunjin." I said.

I looked at each of them and I knew by the strong emotion in their eyes that every single one of them would to do anything to keep Hyunjin safe, just I would.

After all, we all were family.

"For Hyunjin." Everyone said together making me smile proudly.

"Changbin, Felix, Seungmin and Jeongin. You all are staying back in the palace. I am trusting you all with the responsibilty to protect our home when I am gone. At any cost." I said as they nodded in understanding.

We left the court room and Minho, Jisung and I put on our armors and took our swords. They were the two I decided to would be accompanying me in leading our troop.

The three of us then, along with the our soldiers mounted on the horsebacks, me being right in the front. Our brothers who were staying back wished us luck.

I knew that their hearts were filled with fear and uncertainty. But they didn't let it show. We all shared a mutual understanding that tonight, we needed to be courageous, to be fearless.

"Begin!" I commanded as I patted my horse to start running. I heard the rest of the troop following with Minho and Jisung closely behind me.

I told everyone to keep their wolf eyes on to be able see better as darkness engulfed our surroundings as soon as we stepped into the dense cluster of trees.

The crippling feeling in my heart grew stronger. I closed my eyes for a moment and I immediately saw Hyunjin's face. His brightest smile and kindest eyes, they somehow seemed to calm me down. They always do. As I opened my eyes, I could sense them being in their truest red shade. Determination to overtake the cause of all our fears, overpowered the fear itself.

To quicken the pace I pulled the reins of my horse as it started galloping faster. I looked straight ahead, as miles of nothing but forest floor lay beyond us. I focused on my senses to detect and trace any slight movement or the softest sound that could lead us to our target.