Siren's Melody

Chapter 13: Echoes of the Past

Chapter 13: Echoes of the Past

YN sat on the bench, her fingers tracing the delicate petals of a nearby rose. The garden enveloped her—the sweet fragrance of blooms, the soft rustle of leaves, and the distant hum of bees. Jungkook's words echoed in her mind, a haunting melody that tugged at her heart.

"This garden is for you," he had said, unveiling the symphony of colors and life. YN's eyes widened in wonder. "Every blossom, every magical whisper is a piece of my heart, offered to you."

The sadness in her eyes softened, replaced by a glimmer of hope. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the enchantment around her.

"I brought you here with a promise," Jungkook continued, his gaze unwavering. "To make you my bride. But more than that, I wish for your love, freely given."

YN's smile wavered. The weight of her impending role as the devil king's bride pressed upon her. She remembered her family, the life she had left behind, and wondered if love could truly flourish in this realm of shadows.

As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, another memory surfaced—a time when the world was simpler, and Taehyung was her closest companion.

[Flashback]

???: "Hahaha, you can't catch me!"

???: "Oh really? Wait and see how I'll catch you, Ynie!" [He appeared suddenly in front of her using his magic.]

Little YN: [Startled] "Hey! You can't use your magic, Tae! You scared me...and also caught me."

Little Taehyung: "Hahaha, I told you, Ynie. You can't run away from me."

[Another flashback]

Little YN: "Hmm... I wonder where Tae could be. He didn't come here. Maybe he's busy. Never mind, I'll meet him tomorrow."

[Next day]

Little YN: [Thinking to herself] "Again? He's not here. Why didn't he come to our usual spot?"

[Next day]

Little YN: (Sigh) "Why is he not showing up? I miss him so much..."

[After some time]

The memory of Taehyung, surfaced like a forgotten melody. They had played along the shore, their laughter carried away by the sea breeze. But then, Taehyung vanished without a trace, leaving YN with unanswered questions.

Little YN: "Tae, where are you? Taehyung!"

Her voice echoed through the forest, but he didn't appear. The red light flickered, drawing her toward the sea's edge. The waves whispered secrets, and YN followed, her heart racing.

And there, at the forest's edge, she saw it—a crimson glow emanating from the trees. Taehyung's voice reached her, haunting and familiar.

Little YN: "Tae, where are you? Taehyung!" [Crying] "Where are you? I swear I heard your voice, but you're nowhere to be seen."

[End of flashback]

Y's heart ached. Taehyung, her childhood friend, had vanished without a trace. The red light, the echo of his voice—it haunted her. before meeting Taehyung till now she thought was he lost to her forever, just like her family?

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the garden, YN made a silent wish. Perhaps amidst the roses and fireflies, she would find answers. And maybe, just maybe, love would bloom where shadows dared not tread

As the last tendrils of the flashback faded, YN heard a voice—a deep, husky timbre that sent shivers down her spine. She turned, and there he was: Jungkook, the devil king, standing amidst the shadows.

Jungkook: "My queen, you're still here. The night approaches."

Yn blinked, realizing she had lost track of time. "I apologize," she murmured. "I was lost in thought."

Jungkook: "It's alright. You should return to the castle. Dinner awaits."

Yn nodded, her gaze lingering on the enchanted garden—the petals, the fireflies, the memories. "For you," Jungkook had said. She smiled faintly. "I'm coming. You go ahead."

Jungkook: "I'll see you at the dining table."

And with that, he left, disappearing into the darkness. Yn glanced back at the garden, its beauty etched into her heart. "My devil king," she thought, "what secrets lie within your thorns?" Then, with a final look, she turned and stepped away, leaving the enchanted garden behind.

As she walked toward the castle, the night enveloping her, YN wondered about love, duty, and the choices that awaited her. The moon watched, silent witness to a mermaid torn between realms, and a devil king who held her fate in his hands.

To be continue....