Eclipsed hearts {T.K}

Chapter 11

Third person's pov

Jungkook sat in his chambers, alone. His heart pounded in his chest, erratic and wild, as though it wanted to leap out of him. He ran his fingers through his hair, gripping tightly, trying to ground himself.

The word echoed in his mind, over and over again.

Mate.

He could still feel the heat from Taehyung's eyes on him, the way the Alpha had looked at him like he was the only thing in the world that mattered. It terrified him. Not because of the intensity, but because it made him want something. And Jungkook had promised himself a long time ago-he wouldn't want.

He squeezed his eyes shut, his chest rising and falling in uneven breaths. His rejection-he had to do it. He couldn't give in.

But the ache inside him, the yearning-it was relentless.

He sank onto the edge of the bed, pulling his knees up, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of his robes. He felt so small, trapped in a world too vast, with a destiny he didn't want to face.

And then, without warning, a wave of exhaustion crashed over him. His body gave in, his muscles slackening as he slumped back onto the bed. Then there was nothing but silence.

When Jungkook opened his eyes, he wasn't in his chambers anymore.

He stood in a grand hall, one he had been in many times before, though it never failed to take his breath away. The ceiling soared high above him, so high it seemed to touch the stars. Everything felt distant and dreamlike, and yet, hauntingly familiar.

Before him stood the throne-majestic, and beautiful. On it sat the figure of the Moon Goddess. Her face was covered in blinding light. The large, radiant halo of the moon floated above her head, casting her in an ethereal glow.

Even though Jungkook couldn't see her face, Jungkook could feel her eyes on him.

He clenched his fists, standing tall, even though his legs felt weak. "Why did you call me here?"

The Moon Goddess smiled. It wasn't a warm smile, nor was it cruel-it was simply knowing. "You already know why, my child," she said making Jungkook's chest tightened, "The curse of love."

Jungkook's jaw clenched. "You already took my love already."

The Goddess tilted her head, "I took nothing that was not destined, my dear. And I have returned it back to you, the thing which made you go crazy, I gave it back."

Jungkook's chest heaved with frustration. His hands trembled, his fingers curling into tight fists. "You gave it back?" he echoed, "You're going to take him as well!"

The Moon Goddess stood, her form shifting as if she were floating, her feet never touching the ground. She moved toward him, her presence growing larger and more intense as she approached. She stopped just inches from his face.

"My dear child," she whispered, "love is not something you can escape. You will accept Taehyung.... no, you did it the moment you bought him to Azurethra."

Jungkook's breath hitched. His heart raced as she leaned closer. He wanted to fight it, to push her away, but her power-her presence-it was overwhelming.

Then, without warning, she pressed her lips to his forehead.

A searing pain exploded through him. His body convulsed, his muscles locking as fire coursed through his veins. He gasped, clawing at his chest.

Everything around him twisted and warped. The white palace faded into nothingness. Tendrils of crimson smoke curled around him, choking him, suffocating him. He screamed, but no sound came out. His skin burned as if he were being scorched from the inside out. His lungs ached with every breath he took.