Solo Ruby in the Raven's lair | Taennie ff

32

The hidden relation

The atmosphere in the mansion was tense, the air filled with a sense of urgency and frustration. Namjoon sat in front of the multiple screens in their command center, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he hacked through security networks and databases, searching for any trace of Jennie. The soft glow of the monitors cast sharp shadows on his determined face, his brow furrowed in concentration.

The room was eerily quiet except for the faint sound of typing and the occasional muttered curse from Namjoon as dead ends piled up. Around him, the others were spread out, trying to make sense of what had happened. Jin, Taehyung, Jimin, and Suga were huddled together, going through maps, old files, and any bit of intelligence they had gathered over the years that might connect to Jennie’s whereabouts.

“We’ve combed through every known location of the rival gangs in the area,” Jin muttered, frustration evident in his voice as he tossed another useless file onto the growing pile. “But there’s nothing that links to where they’re holding her.”

“Then we’re missing something,” Suga stated flatly, his eyes cold as he leaned back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. “They wouldn’t go through the trouble of taunting us like this if they weren’t confident we wouldn’t find her easily.”

Taehyung, sitting slightly apart from the others, was staring intensely at his phone, desperate for any kind of notification or message from Jennie. His jaw was clenched so tight it ached, his hands fisting as he tried to push back the fear clawing at his insides. She’s strong. She’ll hold on, he told himself over and over again, but the uncertainty was eating him alive.

“Namjoon hyung, anything?” he finally asked, his voice low and strained.

Namjoon shook his head, not looking away from the screens. “Whoever took her covered their tracks well. But I’m not giving up.” He paused, glancing briefly at the others. “I sent J-Hope, Lisa, and Jungkook back to that abandoned mansion. If there’s anything we missed, they’ll find it.”

“Good,” Jimin said quietly, worry etched into his features. “We need all the help we can get.”

---

Meanwhile, at the abandoned mansion, Jungkook, Lisa, and J-Hope moved silently through the eerie, desolate hallways, their footsteps echoing in the empty space. The building was still and lifeless, as if it hadn’t seen activity in years—except for the unsettling feeling that lingered in the air, a residue of the horrors that had taken place here.

Jungkook’s eyes darted around sharply, his every sense on high alert. He hadn’t forgiven himself for not being able to protect Jennie, and he was determined to make up for it by finding something—anything—that could lead them to her. He and Lisa split up, each scanning a different area of the first floor, while J-Hope moved to the back, inspecting the walls and floors for hidden compartments or clues.

“Anything?” J-Hope’s voice crackled through the earpiece after a few minutes.

“Not yet,” Lisa replied, frustration evident in her tone. She knelt down, brushing some dust off a broken piece of furniture. “This place is practically falling apart. It’s hard to tell what’s recent and what’s just age.”

Jungkook narrowed his eyes, focusing on a strange-looking patch on the wall. “Wait a second,” he muttered, stepping closer. His fingers brushed over the surface, feeling a slight indentation. “There’s something here. Maybe a hidden room or passage.”

“Be careful,” J-Hope warned, moving to join him. Lisa also approached cautiously, keeping a sharp lookout.

With a firm push, the wall panel slid open, revealing a narrow staircase leading downwards. A chill ran through them as they exchanged tense looks.