Broken Shackles [TAEGI]

chapter - I.

The kingdom — Haven. Led by a tyrant, a man blinded by his arrogance and lust, how would he ever understand the anguish of his own people suffering from poverty? How would he know that every single day more than hundred of population starve to death in the streets? How would he know when he had never even thought about stepping out of his glamourous palace chember and take a look at his own kingdom? His own people?

The people of Haven who are left behind, or are homeless as well as orphans decided to form a group to stay hidden away from the palace soldier's eyes. Out of desperation, they sometimes resort to theft or pit pocketing, which ultimately ends up with them being beheaded and thrown away in a dirty pit without any proper burial.

Taehyung was a part of one of those groups. They were all either orphans whose parents had been killed by the royals guards or some were lost case; they have no idea who their parents were to begin with.

Their group consisted of Alphas and Betas only; though a Alpha kid named Jeongguk made him worry the most. He looked too frail and small to be a Alpha. Jeongguk had already presented but ... had his growth spurt died? Why, he had to be smaller than Park Jimin; one of the Betas of the group.

As for Taehyung — he stood out the most in group. He was much taller than Alphas his age, was sturdy and could already differentiate pheromone smells at the age of 10. He was most likely a pure blooded Dominant Alpha; so everyone in the group were intimidated and had to follow his lead instinctively.

"L-look everyone! I brought food!"

Jimin, the small beta kid, dropped a handful of dry bread, Apples and strawberries on the floor. Indeed, those looked fresh and ripe, a temptation to people like them who only had burnt potatoes their entirety here. Even though Park Jimin was a Beta, all the group members found a ideal mother figure within him. Him bringing food like this could be compared to mother bird bringing food to feed her babies.

"White bread?!" Ruoye, a beta girl squealed in delight, grabbing the bread. "It's been ages since I've last seen one that's not covered in fungus! Woah!"

"Hehe,"Jimin giggled and blushed as the group showered him with praises.

"Strawberries?" Taehyung picked up one of the fresh strawberries and inspected it closely. Everyone stopped talking and looked at his way. "I'm pretty sure it's not strawberry season right now, though. They look expensive."

Jimin remained silent. A murmur of interest broke into the group.

"You stole this, didn't you, Jimin?"

Everyone gasped. Jimin's head was held low and he was visibly clenching his fists by his sides.

Taehyung stepped closer to Jimin, towering over him without even intending to. "Jimin. Did you steal this or not?"

"U-um,"Jimin stammered and started nervously shifting his gaze elsewhere. "It's—"

"If you did so, say it." Taehyung stated calmly, Jimin looked up at the Alpha, eyes blown wide. "Humans are bound to make mistakes. Just take these away and send them back to where you brought them from."