Devil's Plague (Book 2 of King Of Nights)

Chapter 10

Kim Taehyung:

The Kingdom feels even eerier as we make our way through the stone corridors, the air thickens with a palpable tension. The walls seem to whisper of long-forgotten secrets, and the dim light only deepens the shadows, making every corner feel like it's hiding something we're not meant to see. The knights we passed earlier had seemed so normal, going about their duties, but there was something about their faces—something in their eyes—that unsettled me.

I glance at Ryu, who's walking by my side, her hand still tightly gripped in mine. She doesn't seem to notice the change in the air, but then again, maybe she's too focused on the task at hand to sense it or it could be because she has always been on guard whenever she is in this dimension. I'm trying not to show it, but every instinct I have is telling me that something is wrong here—something beyond the devil's resurrection. We've been walking for what feels like an eternity, but every step feels heavier than the last.

Jungkook, Areum, and Jiyeon are just ahead, speaking in hushed tones as they discuss the next steps. But even their voices seem muted, as though the Kingdom itself is holding its breath. The tension is suffocating, and I can't shake the feeling that something is watching us.

"Are you sure about Jimin?" Ryu's voice breaks through my thoughts, her soft, concerned tone pulling me back to reality. "I don't like this... something doesn't feel right." As Ryu finished her sentence, Jiyeon seems a bit hopeful, thinking that Jimin might not be the devil.

I glance at her, my heart tight with worry. "I'm not sure. That's why we need to see him. If he's really the devil, we have to know now." I said and also took a glance of Jieyon in respect.

Her eyes flicker with doubt, but she nods, squeezing my hand in reassurance. I wish I could reassure her the same way, but I know better than to make promises I can't keep. Not when we're facing something as unpredictable as this.

"We'll be okay, Taehyung," Ryu say softly, her words meant to calm both of us, though they do little to ease the unease in her chest. "We've faced worse, right? We can get through this."

I did not dare answer right away, as I do not like to lie. However, with my silent agreement, I know that it is just what Ryu needed.

We reach the main hall of the Kingdom, where the knights usually gather. The air here is thick with a tension I can't explain. The knights we passed earlier seem distracted, their eyes darting nervously, but they don't speak, don't even look at us. It's like they've been trained to ignore us or perhaps something more sinister is at play.

I stop for a moment, my hand still holding Ryu's. Something feels off, like we're walking through a trap. I send a quick mental pulse to the knights stationed nearby, but once again, I get nothing but static. No response. I narrow my eyes, frustration creeping in. I don't like this. Not one bit.

Suddenly, a cold voice cuts through the silence.

"Looking for someone?"

I turn sharply, my senses immediately going on high alert. There, standing in the shadows of the archway, is Jimin. His figure is barely visible, but his presence is undeniable, and the sinister energy around him is unmistakable.

Suddenly, Jungkook went towards Jimin and said, "Hey bro! What's up?" At this moment, I am beyond amazed on how Jungkook can control his emotions and can lie easily well.

"Ah, if it isn't this Jungkook. You've grown a lot taller the last I saw you!" Jimin laughed

"No, you are just getting shorter but growing does seem has a nice ring to the ear" Jungkook proudly say while Jimin scoff. After their short reunion, Jimin looked at Ryu.