Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 98

~helauurrr~

-Start of Chapter 98-

The sprawling estate of House ENHYPEN looms before us as the carriages roll to a stop. Relief washes over me, my weary body yearning for the familiar comforts of home. Before I can fully step down, Jia rushes toward the carriages, her pale blue maid's apron swaying with her hurried steps.

"My Lady!" she calls, her voice laced with urgency. She stops just shy of touching me, her hands hovering in the air. "Are you hurt? Did anything happen during the journey?"

I muster a small smile, trying to wave away her concern. "I'm fine, Jia," I assure her gently. "Just a little tired, that's all."

Her eyes roam over me, sharp and scrutinizing, as though she's trying to spot any hidden injuries. "You're certain?" she presses, her brow furrowing ever so slightly.

"Truly," I say firmly, keeping my tone steady. "Everything is fine. You don't need to worry."

Her shoulders relax just a fraction, though the unease in her gaze doesn't entirely fade. She dips her head slightly, acknowledging my words, but her worry still lingers as her attention shifts past me.

I follow her gaze to see Heeseung stepping down from the carriage behind me. His coat is slightly dishevelled from the journey, and there's a faint tiredness in his eyes, but he still carries himself with that composed air of authority.

Jia straightens immediately, her posture becoming more formal as she addresses him. "Sir Heeseung," she says with a respectful bow, her tone measured but tinged with quiet concern, "welcome back. Were you harmed at all during your travels?"

Heeseung pauses, his sharp eyes flicking to hers briefly. "I'm unharmed, Jia. Thank you for asking." he replies, his voice low and even.

There's a faint pink that blooms on Jia's cheeks at his response, though she hides it well behind her composed demeanour. Her hands clasp tightly in front of her as she bows once more. "That's a relief, Sir Heeseung." she murmurs, stepping back slightly.

I can't help the smirk that pulls at my lips as I watch the interaction, the subtle tension between them not lost on me.

I don't miss the faint pink dusting her cheeks as she speaks to him. Nor do I miss the way Heeseung's gaze lingers on her for just a moment too long before he turns back to me.

Heeseung catches my expression and raises an eyebrow, his gaze sharp with suspicion. "What's so amusing?" he asks, his tone cool but curious.

"Oh, nothing," I say airily, my smirk deepening. "Just admiring how... attentive Jia is, and how polite you are in return."

His eyes narrow slightly, though the corner of his mouth twitches as if he's holding back a smile. "You're reading too much into things," he mutters, turning his attention away as though to dismiss my words.

Jia quickly bows and turns, heading towards the castle. 

The evening air is cool, the faint rustle of leaves accompanying her hurried steps. But as she crosses the gravel path, her foot catches on a loose stone. She stumbles, her graceful composure faltering.

Before she can fall, Riki steps forward from where he had been leaning casually against a post. His movements are swift as he catches her arm and steadies her with ease. "Careful," he says lightly, though there's an odd tension in his voice.