Fated Hearts[The8 FF]✅

12

Minghao’s breath caught in his throat as he heard the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps. He and Mi Soo exchanged a tense glance, their hearts pounding in unison. They instinctively moved closer to each other, preparing to run. But as they turned, they realized they were surrounded. Guards appeared from the trees on both sides, their armor gleaming ominously in the dim light. The third side, their only escape, was the river—its dark waters churning and far too deep to cross without a boat.

As the guards surrounded them, the tension thickened. Minghao positioned himself protectively in front of Mi Soo, his sword gleaming in the faint light. Mi Soo, with her dagger in hand, steeled herself for the inevitable fight. Their hearts pounded, but their determination was unwavering.

Jeonghan emerged from the shadows, his smirk cold and triumphant. "Caught you," he said with an air of smug satisfaction. "I knew I’d find you here. This place seems to hold some meaning for you, doesn’t it, Princess Mi Soo?" He looked around at the familiar spot with disdain, his gaze landing back on them. "Thanks to our loyal guards who noticed how often you came here."

His eyes flicked to the river, and the cruel smile returned. "Oh, and where will you run now? The river’s too deep to cross without a boat, and King Seungcheol is on his way. He’s eager to meet his princess. What’s the plan, Mi Soo?" Jeonghan mocked, stepping closer. "Since I don’t want to waste His Majesty’s time, why don’t we start with Minghao?"

With a wave of his hand, he coldly ordered, "Kill him and bring the princess to me."

The guards surged forward, and Minghao didn’t hesitate. With a fierce battle cry, he swung his sword, clashing against the guards. Metal rang against metal as Minghao fought fearlessly, deflecting strikes and countering each blow. Mi Soo was Caught by jeonghan from her arms he skillfully took the dagger from her.

Minghao fought with everything he had, his movements swift and precise, but the guards kept coming, their numbers overwhelming. Mi Soo’s breath quickened as the fighting intensified. The ground beneath them seemed to blur, the clang of swords and grunts of pain filling the air as they fought side by side, refusing to give up.

Minghao gasped as the first guard’s sword pierced his side, his knees buckling under the sudden pain. His sword slipped from his hand, clattering to the ground as he clutched the blade still embedded in him. Blood seeped through his clothes, staining the ground beneath him.

“Minghao!” Mi Soo’s heart-wrenching scream filled the air as she watched in horror. Her tears blurred her vision, but she could see two more guards approaching, their swords raised. In quick succession, they slashed him, and Minghao staggered, barely able to stand.

His body swayed before collapsing to the ground, his breaths coming in shallow gasps. Mi Soo’s cries became desperate, raw with emotion, as she struggled in Jeonghan’s unyielding grip. "Let me go! Minghao! Minghao ! Nooo" she sobbed, thrashing wildly, trying to free herself and reach him.

Jeonghan’s voice was cold and merciless. "It’s over, Princess. Your lover is  finished."

Mi Soo screamed again, her body trembling with the overwhelming pain and helplessness. Minghao, lying on the ground with his life slowly fading, managed to lift his head. His tear-filled eyes met hers, and in that heart-stopping moment, everything around them ceased to exist.

Mi Soo fell to her knees, clutching Jeonghan’s leg, her voice shaking with desperation. "Please, just once, let me see him. Please, I beg you." Her tears soaked the ground as she pleaded.

Jeonghan sighed, a cold smirk forming on his lips. "Fine. He's going to die anyway, and King Seungcheol is on his way." He released her hand, stepping back, and Mi Soo wasted no time. She rushed toward Minghao, kneeling beside his broken body.