The Wolf's Heart

7

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Jungkook walked slowly alongside his parents and brother as they entered the festival grounds, his usually bright smile absent. Normally, he would have been one of the first to break into laughter, his excitement contagious as he flitted from stall to stall, eyes wide with joy. Festivals had always been his favorite time of year—a rare chance to step away from palace life, to embrace the simple happiness of sharing sweets with family, laughing with relatives, and playing games with small children who adored him. He loved the sight of people coming together, united by the festive spirit and the warmth that surrounded them all.

But today, he felt none of that joy. Instead, he was numb, his heart heavy with dread. His chest felt tight, as though it could barely contain the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. Every “what if” that crossed his mind chipped away at his usual optimism, leaving a dull ache in its place. What if this marriage went forward and he lost any chance to find his true mate? What if the person he was meant for was out there, waiting for him, and he was forced to abandon that future?

He clenched his hands tightly, his knuckles turning white. The sounds of laughter, the rich scents of festival sweets, and the music of the flutes only deepened the sense of dread in his heart. His brother’s presence beside him was a constant, unwelcome reminder of the choice he was being denied. Dae kyun looked as composed as ever, his gaze forward, unflinching, while their parents seemed quietly resigned, avoiding his gaze.

Jungkook’s head throbbed, the pain a reminder of the sleepless night he’d spent tossing and turning, unable to quiet his mind. He had dreamed of his mate since he was young, imagining the day they’d meet—an unbreakable bond that would complete him, a person who would see him for who he truly was. But now, that dream was slipping away, and he felt helpless to stop it.

His parents exchanged worried glances, noticing his quiet demeanor, but he couldn’t bring himself to meet their eyes. He knew they were as much victims of his brother’s decision as he was. And though he felt betrayed, he didn’t blame them. But dae kyun.. Jungkook’s fists clenched tighter, frustration and sorrow building with each step.

As they neared the lotus pond, Jungkook looked down, barely aware of the beauty around him. The sight of the delicate lotus flowers, floating peacefully on the water, only heightened his sense of loss. Those blossoms, a symbol of purity and destiny, seemed so far from his own path now—a path that felt murky and uncertain.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to straighten up and walk with the grace expected of him. He was still his parents’ son, and he would do his best to honor them, even if his heart was breaking. But inside, he wished for a miracle, some way to escape the fate that awaited him.

Today, the Spring Festival felt less like a celebration of life and more like a test of endurance. And as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, Jungkook could only hope that somehow, his true path would find him amidst the crowd, hidden among the laughter and lights of Liancheng.

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Taehyung arrived at the edge of Liancheng as the sun began its descent, casting a warm, amber glow over the city. He rode in a grand horse-drawn carriage, flanked by guards, but he couldn’t bring himself to feel the pride that his family expected of him. Instead, he gazed out of the carriage window, his eyes scanning the crowded festival grounds. People wandered joyfully, laughing and chattering, oblivious to the pressures and expectations that weighed on his shoulders.

He had purposely delayed his arrival, dragging out every moment in an attempt to avoid the relentless talk of marriage and mates that he knew awaited him. This festival, which was a celebration for everyone else, felt like a trap to him, a stage set for his family to parade him around in front of potential mates and allies. They would talk about duty, honor, and legacy as if those were enough to build a life on.

The carriage pulled up to the grand mansion where the royals from various regions were gathering, each one eager to share their alliances, titles, and lineages. With a heavy sigh, Taehyung dismounted, looking up at the ornate mansion with barely concealed disdain. This place, which should have been a welcoming sanctuary for him, felt cold and uninviting. He couldn’t wait to be done with the pleasantries and superficial greetings that awaited him inside.

As he stepped through the mansion's grand doors, he was greeted with an opulent sight. Royals and nobility milled about in luxurious attire, their laughter ringing through the hall. Taehyung forced himself to wear a polite smile, the practiced, effortless mask he had perfected over years of training. He exchanged brief nods with familiar faces, he slipped away toward the nearest balcony. The sky was painted in hues of pink and violet, the setting sun casting its last rays over the lotus-filled ponds below. In that moment, as he looked out over the city, he felt a rare sense of peace, if only because the twilight felt real, untouched by the pressures and expectations swirling around him.

How much longer do I have to keep up this charade? he wondered, his gaze distant. How much longer until I find something—or someone—that’s truly mine?

Van stirred within him, a silent reassurance. he was his constant companion, the one being who understood the yearning in his heart. he shared his quiet hope that, somewhere among the people gathered below, there might be someone different—someone who saw him for who he truly was, not the royal puppet his family needed him to be.

As the lanterns in the city began to light up, casting a warm glow over the streets, Taehyung allowed himself a small smile, just for himself. Tonight, he would endure as he always did, but he couldn’t help but feel a small spark of hope—hope that, amidst the twilight and laughter of Liancheng, something would change.

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Hope you guys will love it