The Wolf's Heart

17

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The royal court was abuzz with murmurs of unrest as Taehyung sat at the head of the grand hall, his expression dark and brooding. Advisors exchanged worried glances while maps and scrolls littered the table before him. Reports from the border were dire—Laan’s forces had not only trespassed but had begun razing small villages, leaving nothing but ashes in their wake.

"Your Majesty, the neighboring kingdom has grown bolder," one of the generals stated gravely. "The villagers are fleeing in desperation, but we have no time to evacuate the rest. Le Wei’s army moves faster than expected."

Before Taehyung could respond, a servant entered the court and knelt, holding a sealed letter. The room fell silent as the letter was presented to Taehyung. Breaking the seal, he read the contents, his jaw tightening with every word.

“They have declared war,” he growled, slamming the letter onto the table. His voice was filled with cold fury. “Summon all soldiers immediately. Prepare the weapons, the horses, and the armor. We leave now.”

The room moved into a flurry of activity as orders were shouted and plans set in motion. Taehyung rose from his seat, his gaze like steel.

"Le Wei has crossed the limits. This time, I will not hold back," he declared, his tone deadly. “Get your tools and your courage. This war ends when I say it ends.”

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Flashback

Taehyung’s hand trembled slightly as he clenched the hilt of his sword, the memory of Le Wei’s audacity burning fresh in his mind.

It had been weeks ago, during a quiet evening in his chambers. The flickering light of the lanterns cast a warm glow across the room, where Jungkook sat at a low table, his delicate hands arranging fresh blossoms into a vase. The scent of peonies filled the air, soft and calming.

But the peace shattered when Le Wei barged into the chamber unannounced, his boots echoing against the polished floor.

"Your Highness," Le Wei had said with a smirk, his eyes immediately finding Jungkook. The omega’s scarf-covered face and graceful movements caught his attention like a moth drawn to flame. "I didn’t know you had such a beautiful spouse. A treasure, indeed."

Jungkook froze under his gaze, his hands trembling slightly. Taehyung stepped in front of him, his broad frame shielding Jungkook from Le Wei’s prying eyes.

Le Wei’s smirk didn’t waver as he continued, “Do you mind if I have a word with him? Don’t worry, I promise it won’t take long.”

Taehyung’s eyes darkened, his grip on the sword at his hip tightening. His voice was a low growl, each word laced with venom. “You are crossing the limits, Lord Wei. If you dare to so much as eye him again, I will not spare you.”

Le Wei laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Such possessiveness, Your Highness. But we’ll see if it lasts when things… get difficult.”

With that, he turned and left, his presence lingering like a bad omen. Jungkook reached out hesitantly, touching Taehyung’s arm to calm him. But Taehyung didn’t move, his body rigid with fury and something deeper—a protective instinct he couldn’t fully understand.

That night, Taehyung vowed that if Le Wei ever stepped out of line again, there would be no mercy.

Present

Standing at the palace gates, Taehyung surveyed the soldiers as they prepared to march. The memory of Le Wei’s smirk lingered, fueling his determination. This time, it wasn’t just about the kingdom. It was personal.