The Innocent and The King

Chapter Fourteen - The Shadow Of Danger

The serenity of the cabin in the mountains felt deceptive, as though nature itself was holding its breath. Reva tried to enjoy the tranquility—the chirping of birds in the early morning, the crisp mountain air, the way sunlight filtered through the dense forest—but the ever-present tension reminded her that their peace was fragile.

Jungkook’s protectiveness had only intensified since their arrival. While he softened in her presence, the sharpness in his gaze when he wasn’t looking at her betrayed his unease. His men mirrored his demeanor, their movements precise and their conversations clipped.

Reva wanted to help, to lighten the burden she saw Jungkook carrying, but he had drawn a clear line when it came to her involvement in his world. Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the storm brewing around them would force her deeper into it, whether she wanted to be there or not.

---

Reva sat on the porch, a steaming mug of tea cradled in her hands as she gazed at the mist rolling over the hills. She’d woken early, unable to sleep. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of what-ifs and fears she couldn’t quite articulate.

The creak of the wooden floorboards drew her attention, and she turned to see Jungkook stepping outside, his dark hair tousled from sleep. He was shirtless, his tattoos stark against his toned physique, and the sight of him still managed to steal her breath despite everything they’d been through.

“You’re up early,” he said, his voice rough but warm as he joined her on the bench.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she admitted, taking a sip of her tea. “Too many thoughts.”

Jungkook reached out, tucking a strand of her wavy hair behind her ear. “You’re worrying too much again.”

“How can I not?” she replied, her voice tinged with frustration. “We’re hiding out in the middle of nowhere because someone wants to hurt us. Hurt you.”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, he didn’t respond. Then he sighed, his hand finding hers. “Reva, I need you to trust me. I’ve handled worse than this. The Kangs think they can scare me, but they have no idea who they’re dealing with.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s what you’ll do for me. You keep saying you’d burn the world down for me, and I believe you. But that scares me, Jungkook.”

His eyes softened, and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I would,” he admitted. “And I’d do it again and again if it meant keeping you safe. But I promise you, I won’t let it come to that.”

Reva leaned into him, her head resting against his shoulder. She wanted to believe him, to let his words erase her fears, but something in her heart told her the worst was yet to come.

---

Later that day, the group gathered in the cabin’s main room. Namjoon had set up a makeshift command center, complete with laptops, maps, and communication devices. Reva sat on the edge of the room, watching as Jungkook and his men discussed their strategy.

“The Kangs are playing a dangerous game,” Namjoon said, pointing to a marked location on the map. “They’ve moved their operations closer to our borders. It’s a provocation, plain and simple.”

Jimin leaned back in his chair, his expression grim. “They’re trying to draw us out. They know we’re here.”

“We can’t afford to stay idle,” Yoongi added, his tone calm but firm. “If we wait too long, they’ll strike first.”

Jungkook listened silently, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. Finally, he spoke. “We’ll strike before they get the chance. Namjoon, I want surveillance on their movements. Yoongi, make sure the weapons are ready. The rest of you, double the security around the cabin. Reva’s safety is the priority.”

The men nodded, their loyalty to Jungkook evident in their unquestioning obedience.

Reva, however, felt a pang of frustration. “You’re planning to go after them, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice cutting through the tension.

All eyes turned to her, but it was Jungkook’s gaze that held hers. “Yes,” he said simply.

“Then take me with you,” she said, standing her ground.

Jungkook’s expression hardened. “No.”

“Why not?” Reva demanded, stepping closer. “I’ve been training, I know how to defend myself. I don’t want to sit here waiting, wondering if you’re going to come back.”

“Reva,” Jungkook said, his tone low and dangerous, “this is not up for debate. You’re staying here where it’s safe.”

“It’s not safe, and you know it!” she countered, her voice rising. “You said it yourself—the Kangs know we’re here. If they attack while you’re gone—”

“I won’t let that happen,” Jungkook interrupted, his voice like steel.

Reva’s eyes filled with tears, but she refused to back down. “You can’t protect me from everything, Jungkook. Let me fight with you.”

He stepped closer, his hands gripping her shoulders as he looked down at her, his expression fierce. “Reva, you are the most important thing in my life. I can’t lose you. Don’t ask me to risk that.”

She reached up, cupping his face in her hands. “And you’re the most important thing in mine. Don’t ask me to sit by and do nothing while you risk your life for me.”

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of their emotions hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Jungkook sighed, his forehead resting against hers. “You drive me crazy, you know that?”

Reva smiled through her tears. “You love it.”

“I do,” he admitted, his voice soft. “But I still can’t take you with me. Not this time.”

She wanted to argue, but the resolve in his eyes told her it was useless. Instead, she nodded, though her heart ached at the thought of being apart from him.

---

That night, Reva sat alone in the kitchen, staring at the untouched plate of food in front of her. The cabin felt eerily quiet, the tension from earlier lingering like a shadow.

Jungkook found her there, his presence filling the room as he approached. “You didn’t eat,” he said, his tone gentle.

“I wasn’t hungry,” she replied, not meeting his gaze.

He sat down beside her, his hand covering hers. “Reva, look at me.”

She turned to face him, her brown eyes filled with worry.

“I know you’re scared,” Jungkook said, his voice low. “But I need you to trust me. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, but I can’t do that if I’m worrying about you in the middle of a fight.”

“I do trust you,” she said softly. “I just don’t trust the world.”

Jungkook smiled faintly, his fingers brushing her cheek. “Then trust that I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take you from me.”

Reva leaned into his touch, her eyes closing as his words washed over her. She didn’t know what the future held, but for now, she let herself find solace in the man who had become her everything.