The Enchanted Warriors (Dragon Riders AU)

73💛

Jin adjusted his hold on Y/N, cradling her carefully against his chest as he stood. She felt weightless in his arms, her small frame delicate, as if a single misstep could shatter her. Yet even in unconsciousness, her fingers clung to his shirt, a faint, desperate touch-like a whispered plea to stay close. The warmth of her breath ghosted against his neck, steady yet fragile, and without thinking, he held her just a little tighter.

Jimin stepped forward, reaching out. "Do you want me to carry her?"

Before Jin could answer, Y/N's hold instinctively tightened around his neck.

Jimin blinked, startled. His hand hovered for a moment before he pulled back, his expression briefly unreadable. Then, his lips pressed into a small frown as he crossed his arms. "Is she mad at me even when she's unconscious? I thought she wasn't that stubborn anymore." He huffed, his gaze lingering on her sleeping face, though there was no real bite to his words.

Jin let out a quiet breath, shifting her slightly in his arms.

Jimin only sighed, trailing behind his brother without another word.

"Let's go," Hoseok said, glancing toward the hallway. The torches flickered, casting long shadows against the walls. "It's getting dark. People will start coming for dinner soon."

With that, they moved toward the Mistway, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor.

With that, they moved toward the Mistway, their footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor.

The group stepped onto the Mistway, silence settling between them as Jin held Y/N securely in his arms. Her breathing was soft, her unconscious form still curled against him, fingers loosely gripping his shirt. As they traveled, she shifted slightly, her hand pressing against his neck. Instinctively, Jin held her closer, his grip firm yet gentle, as if shielding her from the world.

When they stepped out, Yoongi lifted his palm, and shadows unfurled around them like a protective veil. It wasn't unusual-he often did this when they wanted to move unseen. The darkness clung to them, offering cover as they made their way toward the Lumora Tree.

The tree stood tall, its golden branches stretching toward the sky, glowing faintly in the night. As they stepped onto one of its large, shimmering petals, the tree stirred beneath them, lifting them smoothly upward.

Namjoon exhaled, his gaze flickering around. "Do you know which one is her room?"

The tree remained silent, though Namjoon knew it was listening. The Lumora Tree always listened. When no answer came, he turned toward Taehyung.

Taehyung closed his eyes, his voice calm but distant as he replied,

"Tenth floor. Room seven."

Jin glanced down at Y/N, still unconscious in his arms. Her soft breath warmed his skin.

The entrance to her room shimmered just beyond their reach, but it remained sealed. The tree would only open for her, and no one else.

"You knew her room number?" Jungkook asked, his voice quiet but pointed, eyes narrowing as he studied his brother, searching for something beneath the surface.

Taehyung scoffed, his gaze sharp and unwavering. "Don't pretend I'm the only one watching over her. We all are-whether we admit it or not." Each word landed with the weight of something long buried, Thick with an undeniable truth, heavy and inescapable-like a storm looming on the horizon, waiting to break."We've been dodging the truth, acting like we're not trapped in the same storm. But we are-and we all know it." His tone dropped, colder now. "We each carry our own secrets, our own anger when it comes to our little mate. And whether we accept it or not, our dragons feel it too. They're preparing us for something. We can't outrun this forever."