Whispers Before Dawn

Chapter 27

It was just past 1 a.m. when hundreds of mercenaries descended upon the jail in Shanghai. Smoke blasts ignited throughout the compound, creating a thick veil as they blasted their way inside. Amidst the chaos, a lone figure moved purposefully, a torch in his hand, casting flickering shadows as he searched for one particular cell.

Ilay's footsteps echoed in the cold, empty corridors. He reached the cell he was looking for and, without hesitation, raised his gun and shot through the lock.

"Ilay...?" A hoarse whisper broke the silence.

Tae-ui was kneeling in the corner, his body battered and broken. His hands were shackled to chains on either side, his naked form marked with burns and bruises, his voice barely audible.

"Tae..." Ilay whispered back, stepping into the cell and gently kissing Tae-ui's forehead.

"You're really here... why?" Tae-ui's voice was so small, as if it took all his strength just to speak.

"How could you crumble away everything I worked for? Ilay, go away..." Tae-ui rasped, his hoarse voice filled with pain.

Ignoring his words, Ilay raised his gun again and shot through the chains, freeing Tae-ui's hands. As his arms fell limply to his sides and his body threatened to collapse, Ilay caught him, pulling him close into his embrace.

"Go away. I'm not... I'm not going..." Tae-ui mumbled through clenched teeth, his body wincing in pain.

Ilay took out the silk robe from his bag and carefully draped it over Tae-ui's trembling form, covering his nakedness.

"Go away, Ilay... why are you here?" Tae-ui coughed, his voice faltering as he tried to push Ilay away.

Without saying a word, Ilay wrapped the soft comforter around Tae-ui's fragile body and gently lifted him into his arms.

"Why...?" Tae-ui's voice cracked, barely more than a breath as tears spilled from his eyes, glistening in the dim light.

Ilay pressed his lips to Tae-ui's tear-streaked cheeks, kissing them away. "To take back what's mine" he whispered softly.

With Tae-ui cradled securely in his arms, Ilay turned and walked out of the cell, the chaos around them fading into nothing as he carried him away from the nightmare.

******

Tae-ui slowly opened his eyes, blinking as he took in his surroundings. He was laid on a bed, the room dimly lit by a single lamp. His left arm was connected to an IV, and his right hand was in a cast once again. He tried to move his limbs but winced in pain.

"You're awake..." Ilay's calm voice came from nearby.

Tae-ui tried to speak but could only manage a soft groan.

"Water?" Ilay offered, gently lifting a glass to Tae-ui's lips and helping him take a small sip.

Tae-ui coughed slightly, his throat dry and hoarse. "Take it slow" Ilay whispered, his hand softly patting Tae-ui's head.

"More..." Tae-ui rasped.

Ilay brought the glass back to him. "Here, slow this time" he whispered, helping Tae-ui drink more.

Throughout the exchange, Tae-ui's eyes stayed fixed on Ilay, unblinking, as if trying to make sense of everything.

"Ilay..." Tae-ui's voice was barely audible, but it carried the weight of all the emotions he couldn't express.

Ilay gently patted his head again and sat beside him on the bed, his eyes scanning Tae-ui's face with quiet concern.

"How are you feeling?" Ilay asked, his voice soft.