The Wolf's Heart

40

The days leading up to the attack were tense. The palace was alive with preparation-guards fortified the walls, archers practiced with precision, and magic users laid protective spells around the grounds. Taehyung worked tirelessly alongside his generals, but his thoughts often drifted to Jungkook.

He found himself watching the omega more closely, observing how he balanced his duties and the pressure of impending danger. Jungkook's quiet strength and determination were becoming a source of comfort for Taehyung, though he seldom expressed it aloud.

On the eve of the attack, Taehyung stood on the palace balcony, staring at the horizon where the stars were beginning to fade into the approaching dawn. He heard soft footsteps behind him and turned to see Jungkook, wrapped in a light shawl, stepping out into the cold morning air.

"You should be resting," Taehyung said gently, though his tone carried an edge of worry.

"I could say the same to you," Jungkook replied, his voice soft but teasing. He moved closer, standing beside Taehyung. "I couldn't sleep. My mind keeps replaying everything-the warnings, the threats, the pin. I'm scared, Taehyung. Not for myself, but for the people who might get hurt because of me."

Taehyung turned to face him fully, his expression uncharacteristically open. "Jungkook, none of this is your fault. The Shadow Consortium would have found another excuse to strike, pin or not. This is about their greed and hunger for power."

"But it's because of me they're targeting you," Jungkook said, his voice cracking. "If I didn't have this pin-if I weren't here-you wouldn't be in danger."

Taehyung reached out and gently cupped Jungkook's face, forcing him to meet his eyes. "Don't ever say that. You're here because you belong here. You're my partner, my equal. I'd face a thousand battles if it meant protecting you and what we've built together."

Jungkook blinked back tears, nodding. "Then I'll stand with you. Whatever comes, we'll face it together."

At midnight, the attack came. Just as the informant had warned, mercenaries and dark magic practitioners swarmed the palace walls. Explosions lit up the night sky as the Consortium's forces attempted to breach the protective barriers.

Taehyung led the charge, his sword flashing under the moonlight as he fought off wave after wave of attackers. His generals fought valiantly by his side, but the enemy's numbers seemed endless.

In the inner palace, Jungkook stood with a group of skilled magic users and archers, determined to defend the royal quarters. Despite his fear, he remained calm, directing the defense with a clarity that surprised even himself.

"Hold the line!" he called out, his voice ringing through the chaos. "Don't let them through!"

Amid the battle, a cloaked figure slipped through the shadows, bypassing the main fight to reach the inner palace. It was Master Liang, the Consortium's leader. He moved with deadly precision, dispatching guards silently as he made his way toward Jungkook.

But Taehyung had anticipated this. Leaving the front lines in capable hands, he had circled back, waiting in the shadows of the inner palace.

"You must be Liang," Taehyung said, stepping out and blocking the path. His voice was calm, but his eyes burned with fury.

Liang smirked. "And you must be the famed Alpha King. Impressive, but this battle is already lost. Hand over the pin, and I might spare your precious omega."

Taehyung's grip on his sword tightened. "You'll never lay a finger on him."

The two clashed in a brutal duel, their swords ringing out in the silent halls. Taehyung fought with a ferocity that left Liang struggling to keep up.

Hearing the commotion, Jungkook rushed toward the sound, ignoring the protests of the guards trying to keep him safe. He arrived just as Liang disarmed Taehyung, his blade poised to strike.

"Stop!" Jungkook shouted, holding up the pin. "If it's the pin you want, take it. Just leave him alone."

Liang's eyes gleamed with triumph. "A wise decision, little prince."

As he reached for the pin, Jungkook whispered an incantation he had read in the ancient texts. The pin began to glow, radiating a blinding light.

"What-" Liang cried out, stumbling back as the light enveloped him.

Taehyung seized the opportunity, grabbing his sword and striking Liang down with a swift, decisive blow. The leader of the Consortium collapsed, his body dissolving into ash as the light from the pin consumed him.

The remaining attackers, sensing their leader's demise, fled into the night. By dawn, the palace was secured, and the Shadow Consortium was no more.

Exhausted but victorious, Taehyung and Jungkook stood together in the courtyard, watching the sun rise over the horizon.

"You saved us," Taehyung said, his voice filled with admiration.

Jungkook shook his head. "We saved each other."

Taehyung pulled him into a tight embrace, resting his chin on Jungkook's head. "As long as we stand together, no one can break us."

The battle was over, but the scars it left behind would take time to heal. Yet, in that moment, under the rising sun, they felt a renewed sense of hope-one they would carry into the future, side by side.