Bound by Fate

Chapter 39: The Dawn After the Storm

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the windows as Jin slowly stirred, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion. His body ached, and for a moment, he couldn't remember where he was. But then, as his vision cleared, he saw Namjoon sitting beside him, his strong frame slumped forward, his hand wrapped gently around Jin's. Namjoon's face was etched with concern, his eyes tired from days of waiting and worrying.

"Namjoon?" Jin's voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper.

Namjoon's head snapped up, his eyes widening in relief as he saw Jin finally awake. He squeezed Jin's hand gently. "Jin... you're awake," he breathed, his voice cracking with emotion.

Jin blinked, taking in the sight of Namjoon's tear-streaked face. He tried to sit up, but his body was still too weak. "What... what happened?" he asked, confusion clouding his thoughts.

Namjoon hesitated, his heart heavy with the burden of what he had to say. He had waited for this moment, dreading the conversation but knowing it couldn't be avoided. "Jin, there's so much you need to know," he said softly, his eyes searching Jin's face for any sign of distress. "During the battle... you were taken over by Lunara, the Moon Goddess. You tried to... to kill me."

Jin's face paled, his breath hitching in his throat. "What? No... no, I wouldn't—"

"It wasn't you, Jin," Namjoon interrupted, his voice gentle but firm. "It was Lunara. She's part of you, just like I have the Prince of Brightness inside me. She tried to fulfill the prophecy, to kill her mate—me."

Tears welled up in Jin's eyes, his chest tightening with a mix of fear and despair. "Why?" he whispered, his voice breaking. "Why can't I just have a peaceful life for once? Why does this keep happening to me?"

Namjoon leaned closer, his heart aching at the sight of Jin's tears. He cupped Jin's face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away the tears that streamed down Jin's cheeks. "I don't know why, Jin. But I promise you this—whatever happens, we'll face it together. I won't let anything hurt you. You're not alone in this."

Jin sobbed quietly, his hands trembling as he clung to Namjoon's shirt. "I'm so tired of being afraid," he cried. "I don't want to hurt anyone... especially not you."

Namjoon's heart ached at Jin's words, but he kept his voice steady. "You won't hurt me, Jin. You can't. Whatever power Lunara has, it doesn't control you. I'm still here. I'm still standing." He smiled softly, trying to ease Jin's fears. "And I'll be okay, as long as I'm with you."

Jin's sobs slowly quieted, though the tears still fell. He buried his face in Namjoon's chest, seeking the comfort he so desperately needed. Namjoon held him close, his strong arms offering the warmth and security Jin had always craved but never found.

Just then, the door to the room swung open, and before anyone could say a word, Jungkook burst in. His usually composed demeanor shattered as soon as he saw Jin awake, his eyes wide with emotion.

"Mae!" Jungkook cried, rushing to Jin's bedside, his voice breaking with a rawness none of them had ever heard before. Without hesitation, Jungkook threw his arms around Jin, his body shaking with sobs. "I thought I was going to lose you! I didn't know what to do—"

Jin, shocked by the outpouring of emotion, wrapped his arms around Jungkook, his heart swelling at the sight of his usually stoic kid crumbling in his arms. "It's okay, Jungkook," Jin whispered, his voice thick with tears. "I'm here... I'm okay."

Jungkook's tears flowed freely, his grip on Jin tight as if he were afraid to let go. "I don't care what happens, hyung," Jungkook sobbed. "Even if you lose control... even if the darkness in me takes over... I won't let anyone hurt you. I swear."