My Vindicators

Chapter 31-Two Years

The room remained quiet as Jin and I exchanged a glance, silently agreeing to keep her as calm as possible. The balance we were all trying so desperately to maintain was teetering on the edge.

"I'll check on Joong and San," I muttered, pushing to my feet. Jin gave a small nod, his hand remaining on Amy's shoulder as if to keep her from following me.

My steps were heavy as I went down the steps to the basement, preparing myself for whatever I was about to walk into. I could already feel the tension before I even opened the door.

When I stepped inside, Joong was pacing like a caged tiger, his movements sharp and filled with barely contained rage. His eyes, still rimmed in red, snapped to me the moment I entered.

"Where is she?" he demanded, his voice a low growl that vibrated in my chest as he pulled on the chains that bound him.

"She's resting," I said, keeping my tone even. "She's recovering. That's what's important right now."

Joong's fists clenched at his sides, and for a moment, I thought he might attack me. But then his gaze shifted to the corner where San was slumped against his restraints, his expression a mixture of guilt and satisfaction.

"She shouldn't have to deal with this," Joong muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"No, she shouldn't," I agreed, stepping closer. "But we all chose this life, Joong. And now we have to make it work—for her."

San lifted his head, his eyes heavy with regret. "I didn't mean for it to happen like that. I—" He broke off, swallowing hard. "I couldn't control it."

I sighed, leaning against the wall. "We're all on edge, San. That's not an excuse, but it's the truth. We need to find a way to make this easier for her, not harder."

Joong let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Easier? Nothing about this is going to be easy."

"No," I agreed, meeting his gaze. "But we owe it to her to try."

We had a long road ahead, and it wasn't going to be smooth. But if there was one thing we could all agree on, it was this: Amy was worth it. I glanced at Hwa, who was just watching the entire exchange.

Amy POV

Jin and Joon were talking quietly. I looked at Yoongi, who was standing in the doorway.

"How are they?" I asked softly.

"Angry, restless."

"I need to see them."

He crossed the room, crouching beside me. "You will, but not now. Let yourself heal first. Let us help you."

"But...I NEED to see them." I said more forcefully.

Seeing I wouldn't back down, they helped her get dressed, and then they walked me down, meeting Kook on the way up, who seemed surprised to see us. We walked past him and into the basement. Joong was immediately at the edge of his chains. I walked over to Hwa first, who seemed overly calm. When I got within reaching distance, he held out his hand, and when I took it, he pulled me to him.

"You need to feed, beautiful." He said, guiding my head to his neck, where I drank greedily.

"Amy, STOP." Joong suddenly yelled, startling us all. I turned to look at him, and he seemed almost scared. "Please, please, love. Please stop." He dropped to his knees, sobs starting to come from him.

I pulled back from Hwa, closing the wound before turning to Joong with concern. Walking towards him, I crouched down in front of him, and he pulled me into his arms, crushing me to him as if he were afraid I would disappear.