Bound by Fate

Chapter 53: Fragments of Fate

The decision weighed heavily on Jin, but after weeks of inner turmoil, he finally resolved to return home. The attachment he had grown for the child inside him had only strengthened, and the longing to see his family again had become unbearable. The couple who had sheltered and cared for him were reluctant to see him go, but they understood the pull of home.

Together, they journeyed through the forest, the cool wind brushing against their faces as they traveled. It took two days to reach the outskirts of Jin's village. As they approached, Jin spotted the familiar outline of his home, nestled in the distance. His heart clenched at the sight-it had been so long, yet it felt as if it were only yesterday when everything had fallen apart.

Jin turned to the couple, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft but sincere. "I can manage from here. Please, go back safely to your village."

The couple exchanged worried glances but nodded. They had grown fond of Jin and didn't want to leave him, especially in his fragile state, but they respected his wishes. With one final hug and a promise to check on him in the future, they parted ways, leaving Jin to face his homecoming alone.

Jin stood at the edge of the forest, staring at his house. Something felt wrong. The air was heavy with a sense of foreboding, and the quietness that surrounded the house felt unnatural. His family should have been there, but the place seemed deserted. With a sinking feeling in his stomach, Jin made his way toward the house.

Before he could reach the door, movement caught his eye. Figures emerged from the trees-witches, the same ones he had encountered before, waiting for him. Jin's heart pounded in his chest as they advanced, their dark eyes gleaming with malice.

"Come with us," one of the witches hissed, grabbing Jin's arm. Panic surged through him as he tried to pull away, his hand instinctively moving to protect his stomach. He couldn't let them harm the child growing inside him.

"No!" Jin shouted, struggling against their hold. "Let me go!"

But the witches were strong, their grip like iron as they dragged him toward the forest. Jin fought with everything he had, fear and desperation driving him, but he was weak, his body still drained from the events of that night and the toll the pregnancy was taking on him. His power, though still present, was barely enough to keep them at bay.

"We want the blood," one of the witches sneered, her voice cold and filled with greed. "Namjoon's blood. The child you carry is the key."

Jin's heart nearly stopped at her words. They wanted his child-Namjoon's child. Terror gripped him as the reality of the situation hit him. These witches would stop at nothing to take the child growing inside him, and they didn't care what they had to do to get it.

"No..." Jin whispered, his voice trembling. "I won't let you take him."

With a burst of power, Jin managed to break free from one of the witches' grasp, but his victory was short-lived. As he turned to run, a sharp pain pierced his side-a knife, plunged deep into his abdomen by one of the witches. Jin gasped, blood spilling from the wound as his vision blurred.

In a final act of defiance, Jin summoned the last of his strength, his power surging through him. He fought with everything he had, his energy flickering like a dying flame. The witches underestimated him, thinking his weakened state made him an easy target. But Jin was stronger than they realized. With one final push of power, he killed them all, their bodies falling lifeless to the ground.

But the victory came at a cost. Blood poured from his wound, and Jin could feel his strength slipping away. He clutched his stomach, panic setting in. He couldn't let the child die. Not after everything.