Solo Ruby in the Raven's lair | Taennie ff

30

SHADOWS OF THE PAST

As the sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange hue across the mansion, the atmosphere inside was heavy with tension. The tranquil breakfast had devolved into chaos, and now silence reigned in the room where Taehyung held Jennie’s unconscious form. The echoes of her screams still lingered in their minds, haunting them with an unshakable dread.

Taehyung remained by her side, watching over her as the sedative worked its magic. His heart ached with worry, the image of her terrified face etched into his memory. Each breath she took seemed too shallow, too fragile, and he couldn’t help but blame himself for not being able to protect her from the horrors she had just faced.

The other members had retreated into the adjoining room, whispering urgently amongst themselves, trying to piece together the puzzle of the mysterious package and the horrifying video they had witnessed. Rose, Lisa, and Jimin exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of fear and determination.

J-Hope paced the floor, his mind racing as he replayed the events in his head. “We need to figure out where that video came from. It could lead us to whoever did this to her,” he insisted, his voice firm. “We can’t let this go unanswered.”

Meanwhile, Jennie lay in the quiet stillness, her dreams tainted by the echoes of her screams, as shadows danced just beyond her consciousness. She sensed the familiar presence of Taehyung beside her, but the deeper darkness remained just out of reach.

As Taehyung sat beside Jennie, brushing a stray hair from her forehead, he felt a mix of helplessness and determination rising within him. The calm demeanor of the morning had shattered, replaced by an ominous weight pressing down on his chest. He couldn't shake off the image of Jennie’s panicked face, the fear in her eyes piercing through him like a knife.

From the adjoining room, Jimin stepped in, his expression serious. “Taehyung, we need to talk. It’s about that video.”

Taehyung glanced up, his brow furrowing. “I can’t think about anything else right now. All I want is for her to wake up and tell me she’s okay.”

“She will,” Jimin assured him, though his voice lacked conviction. “But we need to understand what’s happening. We should review the footage again. Maybe there’s something we missed—something that can help us find out who’s behind this.”

J-Hope joined them, his face drawn tight with worry. “If we can trace the package, we might uncover where it came from. That could lead us to the person who did this to Jennie. We can’t let whoever it is keep her in fear.”

Rose, Lisa, and the others stood just outside the room, hesitant to intrude but clearly concerned. Lisa took a deep breath, her voice gentle as she said, “Unnie wouldn’t want us to give up. She needs us to be strong, especially now.”

Suddenly, Jennie stirred, a soft groan escaping her lips. Taehyung’s heart leapt as he leaned closer, instinctively reaching for her hand. “Jennie? Can you hear me?”

Her eyelids fluttered open, and her gaze landed on him, confusion mixed with lingering fear in her expression. “Taehyung…?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“I’m here,” he reassured her, his grip tightening around her hand. “You’re safe. You’re with me.”

Tears welled up in Jennie’s eyes as she recalled the screams, the terror of the video still fresh in her mind. “The basement… I saw it. It’s my nightmare,” she murmured, her breath hitching.

“We’ll figure it out together, I promise,” Taehyung said firmly, wiping away her tears with his thumb. “Just breathe, okay?”

As she nodded, the others entered the room, their concern palpable. Jimin was the first to speak. “We’ve been trying to piece things together. We want to protect you, Jennie. You’re not alone in this.”