THE PRIESTESS | A KTH & OT7 FF | 18+

Chapter 4

The priestess, who had spent most of her life within the silver-white castle walls, was amazed by the sheer number of forests the human world possessed. As she and her companions rode on horseback for two whole days, she couldn't help but notice the endless expanse of towering pine trees that stretched out before them as far as the eye could see.

The journey had been smooth thus far, thankfully, as the weather had been kind to them, and there was no rain to make their expedition more arduous. The priestess continued to marvel at the natural beauty of the forest that was covered in snow.

"Look at all these pine trees," Kaya exclaimed, her gaze wandering across the dense forest. She rubbed her palms together, trying to warm them in the chilly air. They were to pass the northern region, where the snow-covered landscape and freezing temperatures were more prominent this time of year. Despite the biting cold, she marveled at the breathtaking romantic scenery surrounding her.

Jimin, positioned to her left, couldn't resist teasing the young woman. "Are you going to describe the environment again?" he mocked.

She shrugged her shoulders, responding with a playful tone, "I could." It was then that the rider to her right, Jungkook, let out a chuckle, clearly amused by the banter between the two. "But your names would interest me more," the woman added, redirecting the conversation.

"Nice try, little beast." The male behind Kaya chimed in, provoking an elbow punch into his ribs. Tae shifted on the saddle, taking the woman with him. "Don't move so much," he demanded and tightened his thighs to hold her body still.

"I get it. Your names are so embarrassing that you can't tell me, right?" The woman joked, but what happened next was unexpected.

The frigid air of the wintry forest was filled with the sound of joyous laughter that resounded through the trees. Left and right rider laughed so heartily that the horse they rode on flicked its ear back in surprise. It was a rare moment of pure euphoria for them. They couldn't quite recall the last time they had laughed so freely and without a care in the world. The snowflakes danced around them as they rode more profoundly into the forest, their spirits lifted by the sheer delight of the moment.

As they made their way towards a quaint little village, the travelers noticed the eyes of the locals fixed upon them. Some were merely curious, while others appeared to be afraid. This was nothing new for the trio, who knew all too well that they were always the subject of scrutiny in unknown lands, especially outside of the underworld. After arriving at their destination, Jimin deftly secured their trusty steeds to a sturdy post outside a cozy cabin.

Upon entering the cabin, the trio immediately sensed an eerie atmosphere. Kaya had been yearning for some respite, and the food served was a simple soup, yet it had been a while since she had enjoyed a proper meal. They all ate in silence.

The group finished their meal, and Taehyung stood up and approached the middle-aged woman behind the counter. Meanwhile, Kaya and the others left the comfort of the cozy cabin. After a few minutes, the male rejoined them, telling them their overnight stay would be at a treehouse not far from there. Tae had even managed to get the keys from the lady.

"Jimin, the horses can stay here. Someone will take care of them," he added.

Jimin looked amused as he noticed Kaya's open mouth. "Tae, you just said my name," he pointed out.

Taehyung, however, shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, now she knows," he said in his deep voice and walked towards the forest on the other side of the village.

Kaya stepped between the two males and looked to her left with a broad smile, "Jimin, it is. I like it."

Jimin smiled warmly, at the little woman walking with him, his canines on display. She barely reached his chest with her height yet she tried to get a sight of his face but all she saw was his plump lips. He then made a tiny bow with his head as his sweet voice resounded, "Thank you, lady Kaya," and the faint smell of a juicy wooden evergreen forest hit her nostrils.