The Legend of the White Wolf (BTS FF)

Chapter 70 | Dark Veins

Taehyung's closed eyes twitched slightly, making Y/n stiffen. She could feel him stirring through the mate bond, the familiar pull signaling his return to consciousness. His hand clutched his forehead as he groaned softly, the remnants of the dark smoke swirling around him beginning to dissipate. Slowly, the black tendrils faded into thin air, leaving only the faint glow of his skin beneath.

When his eyes fluttered open, they searched the room briefly before landing on Y/n, who sat beside him, her face a mixture of relief and unease.

"Princess," he murmured hoarsely, sitting up abruptly to pull her into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around her as if he feared she might disappear. His gaze shifted to her hand, which had been injured earlier. Seeing the smooth, unblemished skin, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"Isa made me a healing potion," Y/n explained, sensing his unspoken question.

Taehyung exhaled a shaky breath, his hands trembling slightly as they held hers. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice heavy with guilt. "When I saw him holding you... I lost control. I couldn't stop myself. The thought of losing you again..it would kill me, Y/n."

"Alpha Kim," she said softly, her voice laced with both affection and a quiet reproach. "Violence isn't always the answer."

He nodded but seemed distracted. "Where's Aaren?" he asked, his tone uncertain. Y/n's grip on his hand tightened slightly, a small tell of her hesitation.

"He went for a run, I think," she said. "He always does that when he's angry."

Taehyung's lips pressed into a thin line. "I... I'm so confused right now. Is it because of the rings? Did he somehow use their power to transform into a teenager? God, I sound ridiculous," he chuckled humorlessly.

Y/n smiled faintly, though the tension in her eyes remained. "His growth rate was always abnormal. None of us know why, but he stopped aging last year."

"He looks like..." Taehyung began, trailing off.

"Like you did in your early twenties?" Y/n finished for him.

He nodded slowly, his expression softening. "Your brothers told me he takes after you," she added gently.

A small, sad smile tugged at Taehyung's lips. "Is he mad at me?"

Y/n's expression darkened slightly, and she nodded. "Of course, he is. You hurt me. He hasn't forgiven you for that."

Taehyung looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "He should hate me. If I were him, I'd have killed me on the spot."

Y/n shook her head. "He would've... if you weren't mated to me. He knows killing you would mean losing me too."

Taehyung swallowed hard, his voice filled with regret. "Can I talk to him? I need to explain."

"Not yet," Y/n said gently. "Give him time. Let him cool down first."

Taehyung sighed and nodded. "You're right. I'll wait."

Y/n hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Can you show me your hybrid eyes? I want to see them."

Taehyung blinked in surprise but complied, his eyes shifting instantly. "Anything for you, Princess," he said, pulling her closer as his hybrid gaze locked with hers.

Y/n leaned in, examining his eyes carefully. The original hybrid eyes were completely black, with deep crimson irises that glowed faintly. But Taehyung's were different. The border of his irises was encircled by golden rings, a sign of the power he wielded as a ring bearer. Now, though, there was something new. The darkness in his eyes seemed to bleed into the red irises, creating an ominous merge of colors.