Forsaken

Chapter 7

Having a nice warm shower and soft clothing had been a luxury she hadn't known she was missing. The centuries spent on the run had been done in less than ideal places. Her guards had been finding safe houses for her to stay in that were run-down and had often been abandoned decades before, she'd taken to cleaning her clothes in streams and bathing when she felt safe. The peace of this little hide-away melted her centuries of stress away. It was also quite enjoyable to have company. Jeongguk's presence the next morning brought a sense of calm over her. She hadn't been expecting to feel so safe and at ease.

"I must be heading back to the castle, would you like to join me?" She asked, looking to her nephew. The conversation they'd had the previous night still going through her mind. She wouldn't pressure the young man, especially with how painfully shy he had been with her. She didn't want to force an interaction on him that he wasn't prepared for.

The younger bit his lower lip, his adorably large eyes looking everywhere but at her. She gave him a gentle smile, and waited. If she'd learned anything in her time away, it was patience. Jeongguk seemed to be at war with himself, if his expressive eyes and adorable head tilts were anything for her to go off of. Eventually he settled for a small nod, she couldn't keep the proud smile off her face if she tried.

"Come along, dear heart." She said, holding out her hand, "As I told you before, you don't have to do anything you don't want to, alright? If you decide to leave, that's alright. If you wanted to stay hidden while I spoke with Taehyung, that would be fine." She made sure to look him in the eye as she spoke, even if he were taller and stronger than her now, she would still protect him. He nodded once more, but this time more determinedly.

The walk back to the ruins was done in silence, neither wanting to break the comforting quiet around them. Once they reached the doorway, she paused. Looking up at Jeongguk, trying to read his expression, his bangs had once again fallen to cover his eyes while his teeth had begun chewing on his lip, but he once again nodded to her, and she took that as his way of saying he was ready.

The way back into the room Taehyung had left her the day before seemed shorter today, as if the ruins were making it easier for her to navigate, there wasn't as much debris on the floor, and the corridors didn't have unexpected turns for her to take. They found themselves at the entrance quickly, and could hear voices coming from the area.

"I'm telling you it was real. She was here just last night!" Taehyung said, his voice raised urgently.

"I believe you Tae-Tae." A lilting voice spoke, it was higher than both her nephew and little brother's but held a maturity that came from living a hard life. "I'm just saying, I didn't see her when I came through here last night." Jeongguk seemed to tense at those words, his expression hardening as his hair turned a rusty orange color. She squeezed his hand gently before releasing it and taking a step into the room. No one seemed to notice her, which she took as an invitation to consider the people in the room.

Her eyes automatically drifted to Taehyung, his hair parted down the middle and covering his eyes. He looked as if he'd just rolled out of bed in the oversized button-down he wore along with his lounge pants. Although, she doubted it with the metal studs dotting his ears and red necktie he wore. His icy blue eyes were concentrated on the man across from him in their strange circle.

This man was dressed in all black, his messy blonde hair bringing out his startlingly bright green eyes. His tight black pants showed off his long legs, while his black shirt was tucked into his pants to show off his thin waist and a worn leather jacket topped it all off. His delicate features did nothing to hide the raw power that emanated from his being however. She didn't know this man, but she knew he was someone to keep an eye on.

There was a woman at his side, facing away, her long peach colored hair fell in loose curls down her back. She was a few inches shorter than the first man, but something about her drew your attention. She wore a modernized hanbok. The cream colored silk shirt tied just under her chest with the deep blue skirt at her hips decorated in beautiful hand sewn patterns, she caught a peek of the silver and blue Norigae hanging down.

The third man was tall and lean, his long limbs rippling as if his very skin was difficult to keep under control. He had full red lips, and sharp features, his eyes cat-like dangerous as they focused on her Taehyung. He was taller than all the others in the room by several centimeters. He wore loose baggy clothing. His jeans hiding what appeared to be biker boots. The shirt he wore was a thin long sleeved hoodie, with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows and what appeared to be English printed all over it, a pair of large strangely shaped glasses hanging from his collar. She had to admit his size and features cut an intimidating figure, but it melted the second he smiled at his SoulMate. His face seeming to soften and his eyes widening a fraction to take in all of his Mate. However it was as he was taking in his Mate that his eyes wandered to her.

She gave a slight bow and continued to stand where she was, wanting to keep her face expressionless as long as possible. Jeongguk was still hidden, his wide eyes locked onto the side of her face. The other three didn't seem to notice her presence. Her eyes flashed once and a gust of wind ruffled Taehyung's hair, which immediately pulled a smile from the younger. His eyes seeming to glow with joy as they landed on her and took in her appearance, she'd opted to wearing one of Jeongguk's old shirts, it was a little big on her small malnourished frame, but it was undeniably soft and smelt of the teas he brewed, it covered the dress she'd worn the day before, but she didn't mind. She would be leaving later that day to grab her clothing.

Taehyung bound to her excitedly and she moved a few paces forward to keep her nephew hidden. The second he was able he wrapped his long arms around her and took in a deep breath. She couldn't help the endeared smile that brought out of her. She'd forgotten how much she loved hugs.