Fated Mate (A Taehyung's FanFiction) || Wattpad ✓

Chapter 27 Just Another Day

The cold, damp air was growing thicker as Taehyung went down the spiraling stone staircase, the torches were flickering on the walls, casting long and wavering shadows across the narrow corridor. The light was barely reaching the farthest corners, where the darkness seemed to take on a life of its own, it was creeping along the stone floors and walls. It was a place untouched by the world above, forgotten and cold, where even the bravest souls seemed to shudder in fear.

The sound of his boots striking against the cold stone floor was echoing through the vast space, his footsteps were muffled by the oppressive silence that was hanging in the air. As he descended deeper into the castle's bowels, the weight of the place seemed to settle on his shoulders. This was no ordinary dungeon. It was a place where even the light seemed afraid to linger.

Finally, he reached the end. There, beyond the narrow passageway, was the cell, he came for. The door was made of iron, it was thick and unyielding, with bars so strong that even the strongest men could never hope to break them. Inside, Inho was sitting, his back was against the wall, and he was staring blankly at the ground, his posture was also looking defeated.

Taehyung hesitated for a moment before calling out, his voice was soft but carried in the stillness of the dungeon. "Inho..."

The sound of his voice broke the silence, and Inho looked up slowly, his eyes were red and swollen, as though he hadn't seen daylight in days. He sighed deeply, and pushed himself to his feet with difficulty. His movements were sluggish, weighed down by the heavy air of the prison and the burden of his own guilt. With a small bow, Inho approached the bars of his cell.

"My prince," he said, his voice was shaky, as though unsure of whether Taehyung's presence was real or another figment of his torment.

Taehyung stood there, looking down at him. The bruises that were marking his body were making it all clear—he had been tortured. Taehyung understood all too well what was happening. He wanted to end this, but he knew any move he made would be anticipated by his father. If he took a step, his father would be two steps ahead. He wasn't afraid of dying for defying him, but it would be of no use 'cause in all that Inho would die too, and that was something Taehyung couldn't accept. He let out a deep sigh before speaking, his tone was softer, almost... understanding. "I know you are not behind Jong Gyu's death. You loved him far more than this, Inho."

Inho's eyes widened as Taehyung's words hit him like a wave. He gripped the bars in his hands with teary eyes, he shook his head vehemently, and with his voice was breaking, he said, "M-My prince... T-Trust me... Why would I kill my beloved prince? Please, trust me. Someone, someone is trying to frame me! They're trying to destroy me... Please, help me, your highness."

Tears began to fall from Inho's eyes, his face was contorted with despair. He sank back to the floor, crumpling in on himself as the weight of his predicament was pressing down on him. His hands were trembling, and he buried his face in them, letting the tears fall freely. After all he was 16 years old, He was a lost boy, who was just 14 years old when was found near the borders, abandoned with no one to care for him, all alone with no one to look after and protect him, it was Jong gyu, who decided to take care of him, to be the guardian of a boy who never had one.  For two years, Jong Gyu had made sure he was safe, had ensured he got an education, had given him the chance to build a future—something Inho had never dreamed was possible.

Taehyung was watching Inho in silence. His expressions were unreadable, his eyes were betraying nothing, but a quiet storm was raging inside. The boy before him was broken—shattered in ways that no one should ever have to endure. And yet, Taehyung could see the flicker of desperation in those tear-filled eyes, and that silent plea for something—anything—to give him hope.