Bound by Shadows .jc

CHAPTER 31

The Looming Threat

The morning 

The tension in the Obsidian Mansion had grown thick enough to cut with a knife. Jun and Wonwoo sat in S.Coups' office, the dim lighting casting long shadows across the walls. The faint scent of whiskey lingered in the air, though the glass on the desk sat untouched. S.Coups stood by the window, staring into the darkness beyond, his face an unreadable mask.

"The rats run deeper than we thought," Jun started, his voice low but steady. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "And Viktor isn't blind. He knows Jeonghan's here, and he's going to act. We need to move him, now."

Wonwoo let out a sharp exhale, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the polished table. "And hand him to Daniel on a silver platter?" His tone was calm, but the edge was unmistakable. "That's exactly what'll happen if we move Jeonghan now. Daniel's still in town, and if he even breathes near Jeonghan, he'll twist him in ways we can't undo."

Jun narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. "So we just leave him here? Let Viktor's men close in?"

S.Coups turned from the window, his cold gaze sweeping over both men. "Daniel's leaving for Japan tomorrow night," he said quietly, but with the weight of command. "Once he's gone, we'll decide our next move. Until then, Jeonghan stays."

Wonwoo straightened, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "And what's the plan if Viktor strikes before that? You can't exactly charm your way out of a bloodbath."

S.Coups' expression didn't waver. "The security has been tightened. Every entrance, every exit, every guard—they're all under watch. If Viktor tries anything, we'll know."

"Security isn't infallible," Wonwoo countered, his tone growing sharper. "Especially when there's a rat infestation. Have you considered that Viktor might already have someone feeding him information from the inside?"

"That's why we're cleaning house," S.Coups replied, his voice like steel. "You and Jun are handling that. Find the rats and get rid of them."

Wonwoo didn't respond immediately. His gaze lingered on S.Coups for a moment before he pushed back his chair and stood. "Fine," he said, his voice quieter but no less firm. "But you need to keep a closer eye on Jeonghan. If he figures out you're the reason for all of this—the abduction, the isolation, the danger—you won't just lose his cooperation. You'll lose him completely."

Jun rose as well, his eyes flicking between the two of them. He didn't say anything, but his silence spoke volumes. Finally, he turned and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Wonwoo paused at the door, glancing back over his shoulder. "One more thing," he said. "Don't underestimate him. Jeonghan might look fragile, but he's not blind. He's watching everything."

With that, he exited, leaving S.Coups alone in the silent, cold room.

S.Coups let out a slow breath, his fingers brushing against the untouched glass of whiskey. He didn't drink it. Instead, he turned back to the window, his reflection staring back at him.

Jeonghan isn't just another piece on the board anymore, he thought, his jaw tightening. The thought unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

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The late afternoon 

The garden was a haven of tranquility in the waning light of the day, its serenity kissed by the golden embrace of a hesitant sun peeking through the layered clouds. The cool breeze carried the faint, earthy aroma of moist soil and the sweet whispers of blooming flowers. It was a patch of life nestled within the stoic walls of Obsidian Mansion, a stark contrast to the brooding air within its halls.