Days of Grace | vkook

°Prologue: A Criminal's Fate

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He was brutally dragged to the center of the marketplace, where the pole was towering in all its mighty and menancing glory, silently awaiting its next vicitm to arrive. Heavy grunts pierced the air as the guards pulled the battered body across the paving stones and now and then, there was a shocked or surprised murmur within the audience as they recognized the unfortunate soul.

Indeed, the bustling marketplace was no stranger to crowds, as it was one of the largest venues in the town. There were always busy bodies hurrying through the traders' stands or curious tourists examining the various things placed on top of the desks. However, today, it seemed as though every single resident of Haehandosi had left their homes just to witness this tragedy with their very own eyes.

Dead.

Taehyung could feel desperate pleas trying to escape his mouth with each step closer to his long-awaited verdict. But he knew that upon arrival, there wouldn't be the slightest measure of mercy—not from the monsters who had hunted him all these years, and even less from the force above that had marked his existence since birth as an unwanted mistake. Yet, the urge to surrender had never been as tempting as it was now. Only the last vestiges of his dignity gave him the courage to silence himself by biting his lower lip until he could taste the metallic flavor of blood on the tip of his tongue.

"It's okay —it's okay," he whispered to himself, a weak attempt to console the racing thoughts as he was pushed up the stairs.

"You fucker," the guard holding the rope binding his wrists roughly shoved him against the pole, and a soft moan escaped his lips as his face collided with the unforgiving wood. For a moment, stars danced in his vision, and he was certain he heard a faint crack from his nose. "I can't wait to see you dead."

Taehyung recognized the voice of the General who had nearly caught him during their last encounter.

"Likewise," he mumbled, casting a disgusted sidelong glance through his sweaty bangs. But even this small act of defiance drained more energy than his exhausted mind could spare.

„Hoseok, Baekhyn. Bind him, facing the pole. I want the back exposed," another deep voice commanded.

Resentment became apparent in the crowd and Taehyung could hear some citizen protesting against the procedure, but the interjections quickly died down once the guards threatened that they'd take his place next if they wouldn't shut their mouths.

Rough hands longed for the boy's limbs and Taehyung's arms were wrapped around the ice-cold wood. Not even the slightest movement was allowed as they tightly bound his wrists on the other side. He winced in pain as the rope cut into his flesh.

Dead...

The blond tried to ignore the throbbing headache and the burning sensation in his eyes by focusing on his breathing. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to rest, but the reprieve was cut short when another hand gripped his hair and forced his head back. Through his blurred vision, he met the soulless gaze of the General. No words were needed to convey the depth of his hatred and the longing for retribution.

"Today, we are gathered to chastise a culprit whose judgment is long, long overdue," the man let go of his hair and instead gripped the back of his flimsy garment, tearing it in half and exposing his vulnerable, bruised skin. It was another one of the guards holding the speech. Taehyung wasn't quite sure if he had the pleasure to encounter him before.

"Disloyalty, burglary, deception, arson, treason, and most importantly, murder have marked his soul as a renegade. A purge, formed and described by the sainted laws of the church, is urgently needed."

Deception? When?

The man's harsh words continued to pierce through the heavy silence, demanding everyones, and especially Taehyung's attention. He was reminded of his place, the consequences that awaited any disobedience or defiance. Fifteen lashes for unnecessary remarks, ten for screams or insults, and a brutal forty if he dared to faint. The threat of losing his finger, toes and more if caught lying loomed over him, a horrifying prospect that sent shivers down his spine. Yet, despite the fear gripping his heart, Taehyung summoned his inner strength to maintain a facade of composure. He wouldn't give his tormentors the satisfaction of seeing him vulnerability. It was the least he owed to his self-esteem.

"Did you understand?"

"I understood." he replied, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of unease.

A viperish chuckle rang from the side, causing Taehyung to freeze and shake in fear simultaneously.

"As soon as we are finished, Jeon will receive a reward for finally catching that scum."

"Easy, Min." another person responded.

Jeon?

Behind him, the frantic rustling grew louder, the guards exchanging quick murmurs before a deafening crack tore through the air. A fresh wave of despair rippled through the crowd, and through the narrow slits of his eyes, Taehyung saw a shadow loom over him.

There was no thought of pleading for his life. No desire to reason with his tormentors. No escape from the nightmare closing in around him.

Don't be mistaken: he was terrified. So terrified that he barely noticed the whip being raised, poised to carve its mark into his flesh, an indelible reminder of what was coming next.

He inhaled deeply, his voice barely a whisper as he uttered the previously mentioned name.

Taehyung had never been much of a believer.

Yet, as the whip bit into his back for the first time, he swallowed his scream, gathering every ounce of strength to unleash a curse— a curse upon the one who had orchestrated this hell.

And then, he made a promise.

If by some miracle he survived this, he'd unleash his revenge—more brutal than anything he had ever inflicted before and far more savage than the torment he was about to endure.

If he was destined to endure hell, he'd ensure that this 'Jeon' suffered alongside him.

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(edited: aug/2024)