𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐎𝐀𝐓𝐇 || 𝐉𝐉𝐊 ||

Chapter 4: The Price of Secrets

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The village Jungkook had mentioned was just beyond the forest—a quaint, sleepy place nestled against rolling hills. Smoke rose lazily from the chimneys, and the sound of a blacksmith’s hammer echoed faintly in the crisp morning air.

But as they approached, Kaira couldn’t shake the unease creeping into her chest.

“Stay close,” Jungkook murmured as they reached the outskirts. His hand lingered on the hilt of his sword, eyes scanning every shadow.

Kaira tightened her cloak around her shoulders, her heart pounding. She wasn’t sure what terrified her more: the possibility of being recognized or the ominous feeling that the Demon King’s presence still loomed over them.

The villagers barely spared them a glance as they passed. Most seemed preoccupied, their faces etched with weariness.

“Why does it feel like they’re hiding something?” Kaira whispered.

“Because they are,” Jungkook replied without hesitation. “Every village under the Demon King’s influence carries the same weight. Fear is their only currency.”

They reached the marketplace, a small square lined with vendors selling meager goods. Jungkook stopped at a stall laden with dried herbs and whispered something to the merchant. Coins exchanged hands, and the man handed Jungkook a small pouch, his eyes darting nervously around.

“What did you just buy?” Kaira asked as they continued through the square.

“Something to mask your presence,” Jungkook said tersely. “The Demon King’s spies are everywhere. You’ll wear this until I say otherwise.”

Kaira frowned but took the pouch without argument. The contents smelled sharp and earthy, a mixture she couldn’t identify.

As they turned a corner, a sharp cry pierced the air. Kaira whipped around to see a young boy, no older than seven, being dragged by two armored soldiers.

“Please!” the boy screamed, his small hands clawing at the ground. “Let me go!”

Jungkook grabbed Kaira’s arm and pulled her into the shadows. “Don’t interfere.”

“What?!” Kaira hissed. “They’re hurting a child!”

“It’s not our fight,” Jungkook said firmly.

Kaira wrenched her arm free, her chest heaving with anger. “How can you say that?”

Before Jungkook could stop her, she stepped into the open.

“Wait!” she called out.

The soldiers turned, their cold eyes narrowing.

“This doesn’t concern you, traveler,” one of them growled.

Kaira squared her shoulders, ignoring the tremor in her hands. “He’s just a boy. What has he done to deserve this?”

The soldier sneered. “The boy’s family is accused of treason. His punishment is none of your concern.”

Kaira’s stomach twisted. “Punishment? He’s a child!”

“Enough,” the other soldier snapped, reaching for his weapon.

Kaira froze, but before she could react, Jungkook was there. He moved like a shadow, his sword gleaming as he stepped between her and the soldiers.

“Let the boy go,” Jungkook said, his voice low and dangerous.

The soldiers hesitated, their eyes flicking to each other. “Who are you to make demands?”

Jungkook’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Someone you don’t want to cross.”

The tension was suffocating. Kaira felt the air around them shift, a sudden heaviness that made her skin crawl.

The soldiers stepped back, but their eyes burned with anger. “You’ll regret this,” one of them spat before retreating.

Jungkook didn’t move until they were out of sight. Then he turned to the boy, who cowered on the ground.

“Go home,” Jungkook said curtly.

The boy nodded shakily and scrambled to his feet, disappearing into the alleys.

“What were you thinking?” Jungkook snapped, rounding on Kaira.

She bristled. “I was thinking that child didn’t deserve to suffer for something he didn’t do.”

Jungkook stepped closer, his eyes burning with frustration. “And what if they had killed you? What then? You think you’re untouchable because of your gift, but you’re not. You’re the key to the Demon King’s power, and he’ll stop at nothing to get you.”

His words cut deep, but Kaira refused to back down. “I can’t just stand by and watch people suffer, Jungkook. If that’s what you expect, you’ve chosen the wrong person to protect.”

His jaw clenched, and for a moment, she thought he might argue. But instead, he stepped back, his expression unreadable.

“Your compassion will get you killed,” he said quietly.

“And your indifference will make you lose what’s left of your soul,” she shot back.

They stood in silence, the weight of their words hanging between them.

Finally, Jungkook turned away. “We’re leaving. Now.”

Kaira followed, her emotions in turmoil. She hated his coldness, his detachment. But she couldn’t deny the truth in his words.

As they left the village, the sky darkened, and a chill settled over the land.

“What happens if the Demon King finds us?” Kaira asked after a long silence.

Jungkook glanced at her, his expression grim. “He won’t find us.”

“But if he does?”

Jungkook’s hand tightened around his sword. “Then I’ll make sure he regrets it.”

Kaira shivered, unsure if his words were meant to comfort her or terrify her.

As they walked into the growing darkness, she couldn’t shake the feeling that their time was running out. And somewhere, in the shadows, the Demon King was watching.

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