The Stormbringer (Starlight #1) - Kim Taehyung/ BTS Fanfic (#SerendipityAwards)

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                            Taehyung

I felt like my soul had been ripped out as I doubled over, panting and clutching at my collar as if it would allow me some semblance of relief. All around me, Westerran Sylphs were coughing violently, the magic within them fluctuating at dangerous levels.

“What’s going on? Why are they in such a state?” someone roared over the commotion. Probably Namjoon.

“Maybe something went wrong with the ritual,” I distinctly heard Seokjin state nervously as shuffling feet pounded across the graveled ground. The sounds and sensations melded into a dull, muted resonance which hung over me like a plague.

Suddenly, I felt gentle but strong arms lift me up and I raised my head to meet Zephryn’s anxious eyes.“Taehyung, are you alright?”

I could see Xander helping Yoongi while the princes and nobles belonging to the other countries attended to the afflicted Westerrans, including my family.

I managed to nod dimly as I struggled to straighten myself, my feet still a bit wobbly. The priests and priestesses were speaking in hushed whispers as they attempted to figure out what had gone wrong.

“It’s probably a temporary magic block. Doesn’t it happen all the time with these Crystals?” Hoseok offered hopefully.

Jungkook shook his head, lifting his muscled arms to summon a blast of air, “Unlikely. My magic works just fine.”

Namjoon and Seokjin collectively flicked their fingers and instantly an aura of Spirit surrounded us, enveloping the meadow in a soothing atmosphere. A ripple of water rolled through the ground, cooling it without rendering it wet. Hoseok’s magic was functioning fine too.

“Is it just the Fire Crystal then?” Xander said as he slung an arm over Yoongi’s shoulders to keep him upright.

I threw a bemused glance around the field, my eyes landing on Ilia. She appeared to be unaffected by whatever had just occurred, her head tilted to the side as if surveying the results of an important experiment.

“Are you responsible for this?” I snarled as her eyes met mine in bashful surprise. Everyone turned to face me with perplexity shining on their faces.

“What are you talking about?” I heard Zephryn question me quietly, her eyes flitting between the Priestess and me.

“I have absolutely no idea what you mean Prince,” Ilia clicked her teeth, concern etched on her face.

I had a hard time believing her blatant show of blamelessness. “You were going to help assess the Fire Crystal. Is this your idea of an assessment? A power surge?”

I felt Zephryn go completely still beside me as my words resounded around us. Nervous eyes darted about and finally rested on me as Ilia’s features went slack.

“That is a dangerous accusation Prince. I can assure you that I am as clueless as you are regarding what just took place.”

I flexed my fingers, my stomach clenching at the absence of the magical thrumming in my veins. “Weren’t you supposed to guarantee the safety of the Fire Crystal?”

“You are probably disoriented by the lack of magic my Lord. But not to worry, this is probably just a side effect of our recitals,” Her face twisted into a warped smile,”Such mishaps are not unheard of.”

I was about to retort when suddenly the bonfire reignited, the flames flaring as burning clinkers sputtered out of it. We watched in taciturn amazement as the magic flowed into our blood again. Priestesses equipped with healing abilities ran to and fro to ensure that the sudden overload of magic didn’t result in any serious casualties.