Royal Blood | JJK ✓

38: Hidden Lair

"Ready?"

It was quite a risk and you felt afraid in knowing that Zero could find the eight of you now that you were leaving the mansion but you knew it was worth the risk. You had to summon that seraph blade, even if it meant looking for some witch in order to get it.

You nodded your head, face combined of both confidence and fear as you answered Namjoon's question. "I'm ready."

As if reading your thoughts, the leader gave you a smile, hand touching your shoulder to give you comfort and assurance. "We won't let anything happen to you."

"I know," you said, returning the smile, "I trust you all."

He chuckled, satisfied with your reply.

Beside you, Hoseok let a sigh escape his lips as his arms crossed against his chest, watching the group that had stood in the middle of the living room, ready to head off. Wherever that was.

"We're getting the seraph blade, so this means facing Zero again afterwards, huh?"

You took a short moment to let Hoseok's words sink in, knowing very well that you'd be facing Zero soon and..ending his life.

"We can do this," Taehyung said, letting a hand pat your shoulder. "We've been preparing for this."

"Right," you nodded, letting a sigh out at his words. "We've gotten this far, and no matter what, I'm happy to have you guys here with me."

They all gave you a smile, except for one certain guy who couldn't take the sudden change in the mood.

"Okay, don't start with that. Let's just go," said Yoongi as he snatched the map out of Namjoon and began walking away.

You all but chuckled at him, knowing very well that Yoongi had felt the same but refused to admit to his feelings.

You knew you were right as you took a glance at each one of the guys who began trailing behind Yoongi. No matter how dangerous the mission in getting rid of Zero was, at least you weren't alone in the fight. Plus his sister was on your side as well so that was a greater benefit.

Still, as you stepped outside, towards the gateway, your steps were hesitant, knowing very well that you would be exposed to the outside world, away from the protection of the mansion.

"I'll protect you," a quiet voice came up behind you and you turned around to find Jungkook giving you a reassuring smile. He extended a hand out for you, eyes looking into yours. "Do you trust me?"

There wasn't any doubt in the answer to his question so you gave a smile back, letting your hand fall upon his. "Of course."

Somewhere during that small sweet moment, you and Jungkook were too immersed in each other to realize a certain pair of eyes witnessing the whole thing. Though he knew of the inevitable fate, sadness still lingered in his eyes.

~*~

The journey wasn't as difficult as you had thought, in fact, you felt so much lighter out in nature. It had been days, maybe even weeks since you had last roamed freely somewhere outside the mansion.

The fear of Zero had taken over you but being out with your seven protectors, everything felt so much better.

You missed the beautiful stars above the skies, the zephyr wind blowing through your hair, and the wonderful music of nature all around you. Crickets chirped here and there and even the sound of soft padding as the eight of you stepped foot one after the other made you smiled.

You never knew you'd ever fall in love with the night as you had done that night, you never knew the darkness could be so beautiful.

"Gosh, I miss being out," you sighed contently, letting your eyes flutter close as you breathed in the smell of the forest.