Bound by Fate

Chapter 37: The Edge of Darkness

Jin had been locked away in the dark, damp chamber of the minister's underground prison for five agonizing days. Each day, the minister grew crueler, relishing the sight of Jin's suffering. His body was covered in bruises and welts, his once radiant skin now marred by the vicious treatment he received. He was starved, beaten, and mocked. The chains that bound him were heavy, cutting into his wrists as he hung against the cold stone wall, too weak to stand. Every breath was a struggle, each movement bringing a wave of sharp pain.

Every cry, every wince, every ounce of agony that Jin endured could be felt, to some extent, by Namjoon. Though they were separated by distance, their souls were deeply connected. Namjoon would often wake up in the dead of night, gasping for air, clutching his chest as if the pain was his own. His heart ached, his mind clouded by the torment he could feel radiating from his beloved. Yet, despite this connection, Namjoon could not find Jin. He searched tirelessly for five days, scouring the kingdom and its surrounding forests, but every trail led to nothing.

Namjoon had never felt so helpless in his life. The weight of his failure crushed him. He had promised to protect Jin, yet here he was, lost and broken. Tears streamed down Namjoon's face as he stared out over the hills, silently praying that Jin was still alive.

"I can't lose him... not like this," Namjoon whispered to himself, his voice thick with emotion. He had yet to confess his love to Jin, to tell him just how much he meant to him. The thought of never being able to say those words tortured him.

On the morning of the sixth day, a letter arrived for Namjoon, delivered by an unknown messenger. The seal was unfamiliar, and the parchment was worn, as though it had been carried a great distance. Namjoon ripped it open with trembling hands. His heart sank as he read the contents:

"If you wish to see your husband alive, come alone to the forest by sundown. Failure to comply will result in his death."

Namjoon's vision blurred, his mind racing. The news spread quickly throughout the palace, and shock rippled through everyone.

Seokjin's father was the first to react, his fists clenched in anger. "They dare to take my son!" he growled, the fury in his voice barely contained. Namjoon's father, ever calm and strategic, placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "We will get him back. Together."

Jungkook, standing off to the side, had dark energy swirling around him. He had never been one to show much emotion, but now his face was set in a grim determination. "I'm coming with you," he said, his voice low but resolute.

Taehyung, who had been observing the scene from afar, stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. "If Jin is in danger, then so is the balance. I will fight alongside you."

Namjoon's mother, a powerful healer, spoke up. "We need to be prepared for the worst. I'll come as well, in case anyone needs healing."

Yoongi, always the quiet observer, added, "Count me in. You'll need more than just strength; you'll need strategy."

Jimin, Namjoon's cousin, watched all of this with worry. His bright, fiery energy flared for a moment before he spoke softly. "What about Y/N? Someone needs to stay behind, just in case."

Jimin turned to Y/N, his eyes filled with concern. "I'll stay with you. If something happens... I'll protect the family."

Y/N nodded, tears welling up in their eyes. "Please, bring him back," they whispered. Jimin hugged Y/N tightly, both of them crying as they prayed for everyone's safe return.

At dawn the next day, Namjoon and the others set out. The group was a formidable one, made up of the kingdom's most powerful souls—each with their own unique abilities. They traveled swiftly, their powers allowing them to cross the vast kingdom in mere hours. The sun was high in the sky when they finally reached the edge of the forest, where they were to meet Jin's captor.