𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 | 정원

42

A loud bang echoed through the space, reverberating off the walls.

Ji-ah stumbled, instinctively covering her ears. Her heart lurched painfully in her chest as she spun around to face the source of the sound.

Eugene stood still, his gun raised high, its barrel aimed directly ahead.

A metallic clatter broke the silence. Ji-ah's gaze snapped to the floor. A bullet lay there, glinting faintly in the dim light. Jungwon hadn't moved.

"Imagine still relying on weapons," a deep, steady voice rang out, cutting through the tension. "Did you lose your abilities, Eugene?"

Ji-ah's head whipped toward the voice. Ni-ki emerged from the shadows, standing beside Jungwon with a calm, lethal presence.

"Ji-ah," Another voice, urgent and closer, reached her ears. Jake jogged up from behind, placing a firm hand on her shoulder.

"You need to get out of here now," he said, his tone low but intense. "More of them are coming for the palace."

Ji-ah's mind whirled, her chest tightening as anxiety clawed at her. She glanced at Jungwon, worry etched across her face.

Sensing her hesitation, Jake pressed on. "We'll handle things here. Don't worry." He gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Let's go out first."

Ji-ah nodded weakly, her legs feeling like lead as she forced herself to follow Jake. He lead her down the hallway and reached the back area of the palace.

They slipped out through the back door, the air colder now as dawn threatened to break. In the distance, a group of figures vaulted over the fence, landing with eerie grace.

"Wait," Jake hissed, throwing out an arm to stop her.

He glanced over his shoulder. "We'll go another way."

Ji-ah didn't argue, her feet quickening as Jake led her away. But before they could gain much distance, a sharp shout erupted from behind them.

"They've spotted us," Jake muttered, tension radiating off him.

They broke into a sprint, heading toward the palace entrance.

"Here," Jake suddenly said, halting. With a flick of his hand, a long, dark coat materialized out of thin air.

Ji-ah blinked, momentarily stunned. He can do that too?

"Put this on," Jake instructed, thrusting the coat into her hands. "Use the hood to cover your face."

Without hesitation, Ji-ah wrapped the heavy fabric around herself, pulling the hood up. After looking over her, Jake gave her an approving nod.

They emerged into the palace yard, the faint glow of sunrise casting a cold light over the snow-dusted ground. Ji-ah pulled the cloak tighter around her, grateful for the warmth.

Jake guided her toward the gates, where a white car waited in front. Ji-ah's heart sank the moment she recognized it. She stared at the license plate, dread pooling in her stomach. This was Haeun's car.

As if on cue, the driver's door swung open, and Haeun stepped out, waving cheerfully.

"Ji-ah!" Haeun called, her voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. She smiled, oblivious to the danger.

Ji-ah's chest constricted. What is she doing here?

Jake frowned, glancing between Ji-ah and Haeun. "Isn't that your friend?"

"She's not supposed to be here," Ji-ah said, her voice trembling with urgency. Ji-ah ran towards her, her hand flicking as a gesture for her to leave.

"Haeun, you need to leave-now," Ji-ah said, her voice low and urgent as she reached her.