royal blood | sim jaeyun ✓

twenty-nine🩸

Miyeon ran, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. She clutched the key tightly, the sound of footsteps—relentless and closing in—echoed behind her, sending a surge of adrenaline through her veins.

She didn't dare glance back; she couldn't afford to slow down. Spotting the stairs ahead, she sprinted up them two at a time. Reaching the top, she flung herself into the corridor and slammed the heavy door behind her, locking it quickly with the key. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she backed away from the door, praying it would hold.

The reprieve lasted barely a second. A deafening crack shattered the air as the door buckled under a powerful kick, splinters flying everywhere. Miyeon's eyes widened in horror as Jaeyun stepped through the shattered frame, his dark, crimson gaze locking onto hers with a chilling intensity.

"Running won't save you, Miyeon," he said, his voice dripping with an icy, unnatural calm.

She didn't dare to look back, knowing that Jaeyun would be chasing her. She rushed out of the room and ran up the stairs. She exited out the door and slammed the door shut. 

Miyeon staggered back, her voice trembling as she asked, "Why are you doing this, Jaeyun? What happened to you?"

Her heart clenched at the sight of his lifeless, bloodlust-filled eyes. This wasn't the Jaeyun she knew. 

The one who had always protected her. 

The one who loved her.

Jaeyun didn't answer immediately. He tilted his head, a cruel smirk playing on his lips as he stepped closer, every movement oozing malice. Before he could say anything, the sound of footsteps descending the stairs echoed through the tense corridor.

Miyeon turned her head to see Jungwoo and the king and queen of Decelis appear, their expressions cold and composed. Their arrival sent a chill down her spine. Then it all clicked. This was no coincidence. 

They knew what was happening. 

They had orchestrated it.

"Ah, there's our little escapee," Jungwoo said mockingly, his grin widening as his eyes flicked between Miyeon and Jaeyun. "And look who's finally decided to turn up."

"Jaeyun," Heeseung's voice broke through the tense air as he and Jungwon arrived moments later. The sight of their friend in his current state left them stunned. "What the hell is going on? Why are you doing this?"

Jaeyun turned his blood-red gaze to them, his smirk twisting into something sinister. "Doing what? Finally embracing who I'm supposed to be?" he said coldly, his tone devoid of the warmth they were used to.

Heeseung's brows furrowed, and Jungwon took a step forward, his fists clenched. "This isn't you. Snap out of it, Jaeyun!" Jungwon shouted, desperation lacing his voice.

Jungwoo chuckled darkly, stepping forward with an air of triumph. "Oh, he's perfectly fine now, I assure you. In fact, I'd say he's better than ever. Isn't that right, Jaeyunie?" Jungwoo's mocking tone dripped with satisfaction.

Jaeyun gave a slight nod, his gaze flickering toward Miyeon, who stood frozen in fear. "Better than ever," he echoed, his voice chillingly calm.

Miyeon's hands trembled as she clenched them at her sides, her mind racing for something, anything could break through to him. But as her eyes met Jaeyun's, she saw nothing of the man she loved, only the emptiness Jungwoo had left behind.

Jaeyun stepped forward, his eyes locked on Miyeon like a predator closing in on its prey. His steps were slow but deliberate, his smirk unwavering as if savoring her fear.

"Stay away from her!" Heeseung yelled, moving to stand between Jaeyun and Miyeon. Jungwon followed, his body tense and ready for a fight.

"Miyeon, run!" Heeseung shouted, glancing back at her with urgency.

Miyeon hesitated, her heart hammering against her ribs. She didn't want to leave them behind, but their firm expressions left her no choice. With a sharp intake of breath, she turned and bolted down the corridor.

Jaeyun's smirk faded as he watched her retreat. "You think you can stop me?" he said darkly, his voice dripping with disdain as he turned his attention to Heeseung and Jungwon.

"We'll try," Jungwon spat, his voice steady despite the fear in his chest. Together, they lunged at Jaeyun, trying to pin him down or at least buy Miyeon some time.

But Jaeyun's strength was unmatched. With a single, powerful motion, he broke free of their grip and threw them off like they were nothing. Heeseung hit the wall with a thud, groaning as he slid to the floor. Jungwon stumbled but managed to stay upright, though his breathing was laboured.

"You're wasting your time," Jaeyun said coldly, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "She's not getting away."

He started walking again, his steps echoing ominously in the corridor as he resumed his pursuit of Miyeon.