Whispers of the Mystery Book

Chapter 111: Silent promises

Taehyung stood before her, his face pale but his gaze filled with determination.

Soojin: (whispering, tears welling in her eyes) "She hasn't eaten. She won't speak to anyone. She has been crying since dawn... Please, take care of her."

Taehyung gave a silent nod. Without another word, Soojin stepped out of the chamber, closing the door behind her.

The room was dimly lit by a single lantern. The soft glow flickered against the silk curtains, casting long shadows over the chamber.

Taehyung took a slow step forward, his heart aching at the sight before him.

Na-Rae was curled on the bed, her delicate frame trembling from silent sobs. She didn't even look up-too lost in grief to notice his presence.

His lips parted, and in a voice barely above a whisper, he called out to her.

Taehyung: "Minion..."

The moment the word left his lips, Na-Rae stilled.

For a moment, she thought she had imagined it-her mind playing tricks on her in her sorrow. But then she turned, her red-rimmed eyes locking onto the figure standing before her.

Her breath hitched.

Na-Rae: (hoarse whisper) "Tae..."

In the next heartbeat, she ran to him.

Without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms, burying her face into his chest, her sobs breaking free.

Na-Rae: (sobbing, voice trembling) "Tae... my father... They said he... he's... no more..."

Her words came out in broken hiccups, her body shaking violently against him.

Taehyung closed his eyes, his arms wrapping tightly around her. He held her close, his hand gently cradling the back of her head as she wept against him.

Taehyung: (softly) "I know... I'm here."

He didn't try to stop her tears. He didn't tell her to be strong. He simply held her-because at that moment, that was the only thing he could do.

Na-Rae: (hiccuping) "Everything happened so fast... One moment he was here, and now-now they're preparing his funeral."

Her voice cracked, and fresh tears spilled from her swollen eyes.

Taehyung gently stroked her back, his voice a low whisper against her hair.

Taehyung: "I know.

His hold on her tightened as if he could absorb her sorrow, take away her pain. But he knew better-grief was an unrelenting storm, one that only time could quiet.

She pulled back slightly, her gaze searching his. Her once-bright eyes were dull, hollowed by loss.

Na-Rae: (whispers) "I don't know how to do this without him, Tae. How do I go on when he's not here?"

His jaw clenched, but his voice remained gentle.

Taehyung: "You don't have to do it alone. You have me."

She swallowed hard, her throat aching from crying.

Na-Rae: "But you were locked in the guards' chambers. How did you get out?"

Taehyung exhaled deeply, his hold on her loosening slightly as he leaned back against the bedpost.

Taehyung: "The guards are preparing for the funeral rituals. Everything is in chaos, and I... I couldn't hold back. I had to see you."

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she simply nodded.

Silence stretched between them for a moment. Taehyung shifted, pulling her closer.

Taehyung: "Come here."

Without waiting for her permission, he wrapped his arms around her again, guiding her to lie down. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was soothing, grounding.

His hand moved to her hair, fingers threading through the loose strands.

Taehyung: (softly) "Sleep, Minion. You need rest."

Na-Rae: "I'm afraid... If I close my eyes, I'll see him... see the way he..."

Her voice cracked, and Taehyung closed his eyes, fighting the ache in his chest.

He held her tighter.

Taehyung: "I'll stay here."

She hesitated before nodding slightly.

Na-Rae: (whispers) "Promise?"

He pressed his chin gently against the top of her head.

Taehyung: "I promise."

Minutes passed. The weight of exhaustion settled over her, and slowly, her breathing evened out. Her fingers, once tightly gripping his robe, loosened.

Taehyung remained still, listening to her quiet breaths, making sure she was truly asleep.

Carefully, he shifted, tucking the blanket around her shoulders. His eyes lingered on her face-tear-streaked, fragile, yet beautiful even in sorrow.

Leaning down, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Taehyung: (softly) "You don't have to do this alone, Minion. I won't let you."

With one last lingering glance, he stood and silently slipped out of the chamber, disappearing into the shadows of the night.

To be continued!!!!!

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