Forbidden Longings | Seulrene AU

Chapter XXIV (✓)

Seulgi cursed under her breath, her mind racing to find a way to keep the board off their backs. The tension in the room was palpable. Suddenly, eight shadows materialized around them, moving with supernatural speed. Before any of them could react, sacks were pulled over their heads, and they were put to sleep within seconds.

When Seulgi regained consciousness, the sack was removed from her head. She sat up, blinking to clear her vision. The room was unfamiliar, grand, and imposing, with dark stone walls and high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings. Panic set in as she realized they were in the board's palace.

Her mind raced as she scrambled to her feet, frantically searching for Joohyun. But shortly after, she spotted Joohyun sitting in a chair not far from her, guarded by vampires who eyed her like a fresh blood bag. Seulgi's blood boiled with rage.

"Step back! Don't touch a single hair on her unless you want to die!", Seulgi warned, her voice trembling with fury.

Yet, a familiar laugh echoed through the chamber, making Seulgi's blood run cold. She turned to see her father, Mr. Kang, descending the stand with a sinister smile. She quickly composed herself, standing tall and facing him.

"You foolish child. Don't tell me you fell for a useless human?", Mr. Kang asked in amusement, his eyes gleaming with malice and Seulgi's fists clenched tightly.

"Why do you care?", Seulgi spat, defiance burning in her eyes.

His smile vanished, replaced by a cold, deadly glare. In an instant, he drove his hand into her chest, gripping her heart. Seulgi screamed in agony, falling to her knees and clutching his wrist.

"Dad...", Seulgi called out in disbelief, tears welling in her eyes, but Mr. Kang's expression remained indifferent.

"Tell me the truth of everything that happened while you were in town. Supposedly doing what you were ordered to do.", Mr. Kang demanded.

Seulgi's breaths came in ragged gasps, her vision blurring from the pain. She looked around at the others— Seungwan, Moonbyul, Joohyun— all watching in horror, their faces pale with fear.

Seulgi's chest burned with excruciating pain as her father's hand gripped her heart. His eyes, cold and unyielding, bored into hers. She knew she had no choice but to speak.

"Tell me everything that happened in town.", Mr. Kang repeated again, his voice a low growl.

"We were doing what you instructed us to do. We were.. investigating the town to find the culprit.", Seulgi lied, struggling to keep her composure and Mr. Kang's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched into his features.

"Is that so? Then why did I hear otherwise?", Mr. Kang murmured, his tone dripping with disbelief.

Seulgi's heart sank. She had hoped her father wouldn't know about their side missions. Her mind raced for a way out, but the pain in her chest was overwhelming. She glanced at Joohyun, who was watching with a mix of fear and determination, silently urging her to stay strong.

"I swear, we were doing our job..", Seulgi insisted, her voice strained, but Mr. Kang's grip tightened, making her gasp.

"You're lying to me, Seulgi. I had people following you, reporting back on your every move. You think you can deceive me?", Mr. Kang questioned in frustration.