Secrets Of The Shadows | On Hold

Ch•13

They made their way toward Jackson's grand estate, the air thick with anticipation. After a short while, Taeyong's brother caught up with them, his presence adding to the mix of excitement and tension. Upon arriving at the mansion, they sought refuge in the dense foliage surrounding the property. A sense of déjà vu washed over Jungkook, as if he had traversed this path before. Fragments of memories flickered in his mind, leading him to discover a hidden route that would grant them entry into the mansion.

As they moved stealthily, Jungkook sensed a presence trailing behind them, but he dismissed the feeling when a familiar voice broke through the silence. They split into pairs: Jimin and Yoongi, Namjoon and Jin, while Hoseok teamed up with Jungkook and Taeyong's brother.

The others descended into the lower levels of the mansion, while Hoseok, Jungkook, and Taeyong's brother ventured upstairs. As they approached a door, an unseen force yanked them inside and slammed the door shut behind them. The room was cloaked in darkness, obscuring the identity of their captor. Instinctively, they aimed their weapons at the shadowy figure lurking in the gloom.

"Playing hide and seek in the dark, are we?" Jungkook spat, his voice laced with defiance.

The figure remained silent, only moving in the shadows. In a sudden burst of courage, Taeyong's brother lunged forward, seizing the figure by the collar and lifting them off the ground, causing them to gasp for breath.

As the moonlight filtered through a nearby window, illuminating the figure's face, the trio's eyes widened in shock. It was Taeyong, her mouth bound with tape and her hands restrained. Jungkook's heart raced as he realized the peril she was in, struggling against the grip that threatened to suffocate her.

Taehyung released her from his grip, his heart racing as he realized the distress she was in. "Taeyong, are you alright? Did he hurt you?" His voice trembled as he caught sight of the angry red marks etched across her cheeks, a surge of fury coursing through him.

With deliberate care, Taehyung peeled away the tape binding her, loosening the restraints on her hands. She gasped, struggling to reclaim her breath, each cough a painful reminder of her ordeal.

"You shouldn’t have come here," she rasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "They’ll hurt you too. Please, just go." She fell to her knees, the weight of her words heavy in the air. Taehyung knelt beside her, concern etched on his face. "I’m so sorry, Taeyong. I should have never left you alone with her." Confusion flickered in her eyes, searching for clarity amidst the chaos.

"That’s your brother, Kim Taehyung," Jungkook interjected, his tone firm yet gentle.

A storm of anger brewed within Taeyong. "Why are you here now? Just to pick up the pieces of what’s left of our mother?" Her voice trembled, and Taehyung’s brow furrowed in bewilderment.

"What do you mean, Jungkook? What happened to Mom?" He gripped Jungkook’s collar, desperation lacing his words.

Jungkook’s gaze fell, shame washing over him. "I’m sorry, Taehyung. I didn’t know how to tell you." Taehyung exhaled sharply, frustration bubbling to the surface as he turned back to Taeyong.

"I’m truly sorry," he murmured, his head bowed in regret. He felt the weight of failure as a brother, as a son.

Taeyong’s anger began to wane, replaced by a sense of sorrow. She didn’t want to cast blame; she simply wanted to escape the nightmare. Just as they prepared to leave, she halted them with a question.

"What about Dad? Are we not bringing him with us?"

Taehyung and Jungkook exchanged glances, disbelief etched on their faces. "He’s here?" they asked in unison, her nod igniting a spark of anger in Taehyung.

"This day couldn’t possibly get any worse," he muttered, determination igniting within him as he began to formulate a pla.

"First, we need to get you to safety. We can sort everything out later. Hoseok, let the others know," he instructed. Hoseok nodded, leading the way as they made their exit. The group moved swiftly, but Taeyong suddenly halted, a flicker of recognition washing over her.

She scanned the surroundings, an unsettling familiarity tugging at her memory. Her gaze fell upon a quaint hut nestled within the trees, its presence stirring something deep within her.

"Taeyong, is everything alright?" Taehyung asked, concern lacing his voice.

Just as she opened her mouth to respond, a deafening crash echoed through the air, plunging her world into darkness.