Yours For Eternity (Taekook)

49: Determination

Taehyung couldn't stop his tears. It was just unfair, so so unfair. Don't they deserve to be happy for once? For what unforgiving sins are they paying debt for...
He didn't notice the presence around him. So he flinched when someone placed his hand on his shoulder, turning him around.
"Tae!" It was his brother. "What happened... Why... Why are you... Where is Jungkook?"
Taehyung started crying badly and flung himself at his brother, who held him closed and rubbed his back to comfort him.
"He- He is g-gone... Th- They took... him... hyung I want my Kookie... I can't... I can't without..." He said in broken sentences between his hiccups.
Namjoon widened his eyes and looked at the others, who were just as shocked as he was.
"They were here? How? How did they enter inside the barrier?" Jimin asked.
Taehyung shook his head and gripped his brother tightly, hiding his face in the crook of his neck.
"Let's get him inside the castle for now. We'll think later."
"But-"
"The barrier is sealed Jin. We can't do anything for now." Yoongi said and began walking back. Hoseok followed along with Jimin and soon the rest.
Namjoon was carrying Taehyung in his arms since he wasn't in a state to walk.
Soon enough they were in the main hall. Everyone was furious and panicking. But they couldn't do anything. The seal was very powerful and couldn't be brought down. That will take two hours minimum but by then it'll go down naturally. So the witches were helpless.
"What was he thinking!" Jihoon shouted making everyone shudder.
Taehyung hung his head low. He was ashamed and guilty... And more than anything he was shattered. He hugged his knees close to his chest as tears trailed down his cheeks. How could he let this happen? Where is his Kookie?
He felt someone's presence beside him as that someone sat down beside him on the couch. He didn't look up. But when the person pulled him closer and hugged him, his silent sobs turned louder.
"Tae my dear... Don't cry sweetie. It wasn't your fault. Your Kookie will be just fine. We will get him back." The queen assured him, while patting his head softly.
The king also went and sat beside them. "She's right Tae... We'll get him back."
There were still fifteen more minutes for the seal be to worn out
Taehyung had now excused himself and walked into his and Jungkook's room. He dragged himself to the bed and curled up on it, hugging the blanket tightly to his chest.
He tried to concentrate towards the bond to see if he feels anything. But no, it was blank. As if dozing.
"Why did you do that Kookie? What am I supposed to do now? I can't lose you. I don't want us to be separated again. I need you..." Taehyung whispered. "I'll get you back... for us."
Meanwhile Hoseok was burning in anger. He just couldn't believe that girl used him. She dared to play such a dirty game... Was she even his mate to begin with? Or was that also a part of their games... What angered him most was that they used her face to get them. It was unforgiving.
"I am going to kill her." He growled under his breath.
The king and the others were trying to come up with a plan. They can't be reckless like last time. This time it should be well planned. They knew Jungkook was still alive. Otherwise Taehyung would have known by now.
Taehyung jumped and sat up on the bed when he realized the seal must have be gone by now. He was determined now. Nothing was going to destroy his happiness again. He wiped off the last few drops of tears and removed all last bit of weakness he felt.
He dashed out of the room, into the main hall where everyone was still having their serious discussion. Seeing Taehyung all went silent.
"I want my Jungkook back." He said, clear and loud. "And I'm gonna fight for it."
He saw his family nod at him approvingly with a slight smile. He smiled back and joined them.
"The seal is gone." A witch declared.
"Good."
Jihoon sent a few guards to explore outside of the barrier.
It was a few minutes later that one of the guards mind linked him to give an odd but tragic report.
"Your majesty, some of them were still out here waiting for us to show up. We've saved ourselves and killed five of them but we also lost three of our men. But there's something you should see... They left a message."
The king rubbed his temple in frustration. He stood up and went out of the castle, followed by few others. They spotted the guards near the barrier and ran up to them. There were three dead bodies near them. Head severed from the body. It was horrible.
"How dare they!" Jihoon growled. But then he saw something, his eyes widened.
Taehyung who was right behind him inched closer. He gasped out.
There, right over one of the bodies chest were carvings. Words...
"Our precious elemental, need you mate alive? Then come to us, alone. You'll know where to find us. We'll be waiting. Be careful the prince here has limited amount of time in his hands."
He looked at his papa with wide eyes filled with worry.
"You're not going. I don't want to lose both of my sons."
Taehyung shook his head. "I have to. They want me. And I want Jungkook. I have to go..."
"Tae... You need to be careful. You can't get into trouble. Especially now. I can't let you go alone."
Taehyung nodded. He wasn't planning on going alone. He's not an idiot. What were they thinking asking him to come alone. As if he would.
Now all he had to do was to wait for Jungkook to wake up. If he's correct... Then that's how he will know... Through Jungkook. Maybe they didn't put up a barrier like last time. So maybe he can track him. If only his lovely mate doesn't do anything stupid anymore.
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On the other side, Jungkook layed hello uncomfortably in the large circle, wound around by chains, still unconscious. The rise and fall of his chest was the only indication he was still alive.
"It's all done. I've made sure to exclude him from the barrier. He can track us. And meanwhile the prince won't be able to escape. I've made sure to keep him weak. He will be as long as he's inside that circle."
The male nodded in approval. He turned towards the witch making his pitch black eyes with dark red irises visible to her. It was a side that still sent shivers down her spine.
"Make no mistake." He said in a deep cold voice, that made her gulp.
"Y-yes my Lord."
He studied her for a while before nodding again and walking out.