Forbidden Threads Of Fate | TaeKook

21

“Yoongi, place Mount Vireldor on high alert. Inform His Excellency of the potential casualties,” Seokjin ordered, eyes fixed on the activities of rouges near the ancient mountain.

Mount Vireldor was the oldest and most sacred territory under vampire dominion. Its very existence symbolized their historic victory over others. It was a source of rare herbs and magical flowers—an invaluable sanctuary.

“Rouges have been sighted there,” Seokjin added gravely. “A guard brought us the news... and we’ve lost one already.”

Yoongi’s expression darkened with disbelief.

“What? Vireldor is heavily fortified. No one should be able to breach its protection. There must be some mistake.”

Seokjin shook his head, face stern. “We can’t afford assumptions. One guard is dead, and another—barely alive—was the one who informed us.”

A weight settled in Yoongi’s chest. He hadn’t even considered Vireldor vulnerable.

Without wasting a moment, Yoongi rushed to find Jungkook.

Jungkook, however, was already uneasy. A tightness gripped his chest—a foreboding feeling, eerily familiar but fainter than the last time.

“Jungkook! It’s urgent,” Yoongi called, snapping him from his trance.

“What’s happened? You never sound this alarmed,” Jungkook asked, steady but alert.

“It’s Vireldor. Rouges have been spotted. One guard is dead, and another is injured. These rouges... they’re stronger. Trained.”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed, rage simmering beneath his calm.

“Do we assemble the army?” Yoongi asked.

“No,” Jungkook replied firmly. “That would cause panic. Vireldor is sacred. If word spreads that it’s in danger, the fear among our people would be worse than any attack.”

Yoongi bowed respectfully and began leading him toward the mountain.

As they moved swiftly, they came upon Namjoon—sitting in the middle of the path, disheveled and distant.

“Namjoon?” Yoongi called.

At the sound of his name, Namjoon quickly composed himself, standing upright as though nothing was wrong.

“What are you doing here this late?” Yoongi asked.

Namjoon swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. But the next question shook him completely.

“Where’s Taehyung?” Jungkook asked. He distinctly remembered Taehyung was supposed to be with Namjoon.

“He’s with Jimin, Your Excellency,” Namjoon answered after a pause.

“He was supposed to go with you. It’s late. Where is he?”

Namjoon hesitated, then answered, “We were heading to Mount Vireldor... but we argued. He went ahead—with Jimin.”

“Vireldor?” Jungkook whispered, alarm spreading across his face.

Namjoon nodded. Both Jungkook and Yoongi cursed under their breath and broke into a sprint toward the mountain.