Shadows of Deception-KTH

Chapter 1

The rain poured down in relentless sheets, drenching the city in a cold, gray mist. The rhythmic patter against the pavement was a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding inside the abandoned warehouse. The air was thick with tension, the kind that clung to the skin and tightened the chest. Inside, the darkness swallowed everything, save for a few flickering lights that cast eerie shadows on the walls.

Taehyung moved through the dimly lit corridors with a silent grace, his footsteps muffled by the noise of the storm outside. His jaw was set, his gaze intense as he scanned the area. Each step took him deeper into the maze of rusted metal and broken glass, where danger seemed to lurk in every corner. He was used to these kinds of places, where secrets and lies festered in the darkness.

He reached the center of the warehouse, where a single light bulb swayed gently from the ceiling, illuminating a table with scattered papers and maps. His eyes fell on the figure standing at the far end of the room. The man had his back to Taehyung, his hands clasped behind him as he stared at an old, cracked window.

“You’re late,” the man spoke, his voice low and gravelly.

“I don’t recall us setting a specific time, Ji-hoon,” Taehyung replied smoothly, taking a few steps closer but keeping a cautious distance.

Ji-hoon turned around slowly, his expression unreadable. His sharp features were partially concealed by the dim light, but there was no mistaking the calculating glint in his eyes. “I’m beginning to think you’re losing your touch, Taehyung. You used to be more punctual.”

Taehyung’s lips curled into a half-smile. “I didn’t come here to discuss my time management skills. What did you find?”

Ji-hoon gestured towards the table. “The Shroud. It’s not a myth, after all. But if you’re going after it, you’d better be prepared for what comes next.”

Taehyung’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

“It’s more than just an artifact. It’s a key—a dangerous one,” Ji-hoon explained, his voice taking on a darker tone. “And there are others who are already looking for it. People who won’t hesitate to kill for it.”

A chill settled over Taehyung, but he kept his composure. “And why are you telling me this? Why not keep it for yourself?”

Ji-hoon’s gaze hardened. “Because you’re the only one reckless enough to try. But I’m warning you, this isn’t just about finding a relic. It’s about surviving long enough to use it.”

Before Taehyung could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor. His hand instinctively moved to his side, where a concealed knife rested in its sheath. The tension thickened as a figure emerged from the shadows.

It was a girl, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and determination. She looked out of place in the grim setting, her clothes soaked from the rain, and her hair clinging to her face. There was something striking about her; a kind of quiet strength that shone through the vulnerability.

Ji-hoon’s eyes darted between Taehyung and the girl, a hint of frustration creeping into his expression. “You weren’t supposed to bring anyone.”

“I didn’t,” Taehyung answered, his gaze locking onto the girl. “Who are you?”

The girl straightened, her voice steady despite the trembling of her hands. “I’m Y/N. And if you’re looking for the Shroud, I need to be part of this.”

Ji-hoon scoffed, crossing his arms. “You have no idea what you’re getting into, do you? This isn’t some treasure hunt. It’s a death wish.”

“I know exactly what I’m getting into,” Y/N shot back, her eyes blazing with defiance. “And I’m not backing down.”

Taehyung studied her, the fire in her gaze intriguing him. There was something about the determination in her voice that struck a chord. She wasn’t just desperate—she was resolved.

“And what makes you think you’re capable of handling what’s to come?” Taehyung asked, a hint of skepticism in his tone.

“I don’t need you to believe in me,” Y/N replied sharply. “I just need you to let me come along.”

Ji-hoon shook his head, but there was a reluctant glint in his eye. “This is a bad idea. But if you’re both set on it, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Y/N stepped closer to the table, her eyes scanning the papers. “Where do we start?”

Taehyung exchanged a quick glance with Ji-hoon before his gaze fell back on Y/N. “The first step is finding the map,” he said, his voice low and steady. “But it won’t be easy. If the Shroud is real, then the map is just the beginning. We’ll need to follow every lead, no matter how dangerous.”

Y/N nodded, the determination in her eyes unwavering. “Then we better get started.”

As they began to gather the scattered documents, a thought nagged at Taehyung’s mind. There was more to Y/N’s involvement than she was letting on. He could sense it in the way she held herself, as though she had something to prove—or perhaps, something to hide.

But for now, he kept his suspicions to himself. They had a long road ahead, and if they were going to make it through, they’d have to trust each other—at least for the time being.

As they exited the warehouse, the rain continued to fall, a steady reminder of the storm that was yet to come.
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