The early morning light crept gently through the thin curtains of the small inn room, casting a soft glow over everything it touched. Y/N stirred, a warm sense of safety wrapping around her as she blinked her eyes open, the memories of yesterday's escape filling her with bittersweet relief. She reached out instinctively, expecting to find Taehyung beside her.
But her fingers brushed only cool sheets.
She sat up slowly, her heart starting to pound as she looked over to where Taehyung lay, his face calm and peaceful, almost too still. "Taehyung," she whispered, reaching out to shake his shoulder gently.
There was no response.
"Taehyung," she said again, louder this time, her voice wavering as her hand moved to his cheek. It was cool, unnaturally so, and dread settled over her like a dark cloud. She shook him harder, desperate for him to open his eyes, to give her that comforting smile, that cheeky look she had come to cherish.
But he remained still, his chest unmoving.
"No," she murmured, her voice cracking as tears filled her eyes. "No, Taehyung... wake up. Please, wake up." Her hands clutched at him, as if the strength of her hold alone could bring him back to life. She choked back a sob, her fingers trembling as she brushed his hair back, tracing the lines of his face, memorizing every inch.
The reality began to sink in, piercing her heart like a blade. The man who had risked everything for her, the one who had been her shield, her sanctuary, was gone. She could still see the faint lines of worry on his brow, the shadow of his bravery, and the tenderness he'd shown her even in their hardest moments.
Y/N buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. This wasn't supposed to happen; they were supposed to find freedom together, to escape the world that had tried to tear them apart. She felt her heart shatter, the pieces slipping through her fingers like sand.
Through her grief, she reached for his hand, clasping it tightly. "Taehyung," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "You promised... you promised you'd be with me."
The room was silent, save for her quiet gasps as she clung to him, refusing to let go.
YOU ARE READING
A Crowned Heart
Romance"I was born to protect you, but somewhere along the way, I forgot that I was never meant to love you. If I could give you my heart, my title, my very soul, I would-just to see you happy. But in the end, all I can offer is my sword and a love that mu...
