The Wolf's Heart

21

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The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting a silvery glow across the quiet halls of the palace. In the dimly lit chamber of Jungkook's elder brother, Jeon Dae-Kyun, the flicker of a lantern illuminated his sharp features. He paced the room, his thoughts consumed by a single obsession—the Royal Pin. The very pin that had been bestowed upon Jungkook by the queen herself.

Dae-Kyun had always harbored resentment toward his younger brother. In his eyes, Jungkook had always been the favored child, showered with affection and gifts while he was left to fight for scraps of recognition. And now, Jungkook had been given the Royal Pin, a treasure far beyond mere ornamentation.

But Dae-Kyun knew something others didn’t—something whispered in the shadows of the palace archives, hidden in the depths of ancient scrolls. The Royal Pin wasn’t just a family heirloom. It was imbued with a power that could change the fate of the kingdom.

Months earlier, Dae-Kyun had stumbled upon an old scroll while searching for ways to strengthen his own position within the royal family. The faded parchment spoke of a forgotten enchantment placed upon the pin centuries ago. It was said to hold the power to control the balance of the kingdom, blessing its bearer with wisdom and authority beyond human understanding. But there was a catch—the pin’s power would only awaken when it bonded with someone pure of heart.

Dae-Kyun had scoffed at the notion of purity, but the allure of such power was undeniable. He had set his sights on the pin ever since. Yet, to his fury, it had been handed to Jungkook—an omega who, in his mind, didn’t deserve it.

“It should have been mine,” Dae-Kyun muttered under his breath, clenching his fists as he stared out of his chamber window. His mind raced with schemes, each more desperate than the last.

Dae-Kyun couldn’t simply take the pin. That would draw too much attention, and the queen herself would suspect him. No, he needed to manipulate the situation—to make Jungkook willingly hand over the pin.

He smirked to himself, a cruel glint in his eyes. Jungkook is too soft, too eager to please. It won’t take much to break him.

The next morning, Dae-Kyun made his move. He intercepted Jungkook in the palace gardens, his tone unusually warm. “Little brother,” he greeted, his voice dripping with feigned affection, “I heard the queen gifted you the Royal Pin. How fortunate you are.”

Jungkook, startled by the sudden attention, looked up from the roses he was tending. His face was calm, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. “Yes, she entrusted it to me,” he said softly. “It’s a great honor.”

Dae-Kyun stepped closer, his smile predatory. “Do you know its true worth? Its history?” He feigned curiosity, knowing that Jungkook’s innocence would work in his favor.

Jungkook shook his head. “No, I only know it’s a family heirloom. Something passed down through generations.”

“More than just an heirloom,” Dae-Kyun said, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “It’s said to bring fortune and protection to the one who wields it correctly. But… such power can be dangerous in the wrong hands.” His words were laced with subtle doubt, meant to plant a seed in Jungkook’s mind.

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asked, his brow furrowing.

Dae-Kyun placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “I only mean that such responsibility might be... overwhelming for someone like you. You’re already burdened with so much—your duties, your role as consort. Perhaps it would be safer if someone else safeguarded it. Someone who understands its complexities.”

Jungkook hesitated, his heart sinking. For a moment, he wondered if his brother was right. Was he truly worthy of holding something so precious?

That evening, Jungkook sat in his chambers, the pin resting in his palm. It shimmered under the candlelight, its intricate design almost alive with an unspoken energy. He thought of his brother’s words, the doubt gnawing at him.

But another voice echoed in his mind—the queen’s voice, firm and unwavering. “This is yours now, Jungkook. It belongs to you, as much as your place in this family does.”

Jungkook clenched his fist around the pin, determination hardening in his heart. He wouldn’t let his brother’s words shake him. Not this time.

~~~

That day dae kyun got furious when Jungkook didn’t surrender the pin, Dae-Kyun’s mask of civility shattered. His envy turned into rage, and he began plotting more sinister ways to claim what he believed was rightfully his. He would stop at nothing to possess the Royal Pin, even if it meant putting Jungkook—and the entire kingdom—in danger.

The game had only just begun.