Chapter 3: The Return of Shadows

As Jungkook stepped into the vibrant courtyard of the Ethiopia kingdom, a strange sensation enveloped him. The storm clouds that had loomed ominously over the realm had vanished, replaced by sunlight streaming through the trees, bathing everything in a warm glow. He took a moment to breathe, feeling the warmth on his skin, a stark contrast to the shadows he had fought.

Without hesitation, he made his way to the royal court, his bare feet silent against the polished marble floors. The door swung open as the guards recognized him, and the murmurs within the court hushed. All faces turned towards him, eyes wide with surprise — not just at Jungkook’s disheveled appearance, but at what he carried in his arms.

The king, seated at the head of the court, furrowed his brow, scanning Jungkook’s face for any sign of recognition or humility. “Where have you been?” he questioned, trying to mask his concern. “And who is this you carry?”

Jungkook’s gaze flickered to Yoongi, his loyal servant standing off to the side. Communicating through a mere thought, he commanded, Take this body to the physician and ensure he is treated properly.

Yoongi nodded without hesitation, moving swiftly to take Taehyung from Jungkook’s arms.

The court remained silent, eyes darting back and forth between the prince and the unconscious figure. Jungkook cleared his throat, and with a voice roughened by the events of the past days, he stated bitterly, “You don’t need to know where I was. I’m a grown man and can go wherever I please, as long as it doesn't involve killing anyone.”

His eyes landed on his mother, cold and distant. “Your dreams have come true. This is Prince Taehyung from the Kingdom of Hearts,” he announced, his words sending ripples of disbelief through the room. “He just fainted.”

“No way…” gasped one council member.

Jungkook’s mother leaped to her feet, her eyes sparkling with hope and disbelief. “You brought him back!” she gasped. But before she could rush over, Jungkook’s voice cut through with firmness.

“I wasn’t the one who saved him; it was my other self.” He didn’t wait for a response, bowing his head slightly before striding out of the room, leaving the court in stunned silence.

“Dismissed,” the king finally commanded after a moment’s pause, trying to regain control of the situation as the members of the court began to murmur amongst themselves about the unexpected arrival of the prince.

As the court filed out, Jungkook's mother rushed to the physician's quarters where Taehyung was being treated. She entered the room and immediately her heart ached at the sight of him — still so beautiful, even in unconsciousness. She brushed a gentle hand over his forehead as she reflected on what had to have happened to him. Why was he alone?

She caressed his head softly and turned to leave, her heart heavy with questions.

The next day dawned bright and warm, a golden sun warming the kingdom as Taehyung began to wake. He stirred, blinking against the brightness. Something tickled his legs, and he rubbed his eyes, trying to adjust to the sun’s glare. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he nestled closely to the small bunny he had rescued — his only companion in a world that had become so hostile.

Relief washed over him. “We survived,” he whispered in joy, cradling the bunny and squeezing it tightly, tears of gratitude spilling down his cheeks as he pressed a kiss on its small head.

Suddenly, a knock at the door broke his moment of peace. Panic surged through him, and he scrambled to hide on the other end of the bed, praying whoever it was didn’t see him.

“Taehyung?” a gentle voice called from the other side of the door. Jungkook’s mother entered the room, glancing around. She spotted the bunny peeking from behind the bed.

“Taehyung, I know you’re in here!” she teased lovingly, her heart swelling at the thought of him. She told her maids to leave the veil dress on the bed and stepped further into the room.

“Come out now! It’s just me,” she encouraged, her voice inviting Calming.

Tentatively, Taehyung glanced up, his heart pounding. When he saw her, he burst from his hiding place, rushing into her arms. “Aunt Laura!” he exclaimed, wrapping his arms tightly around her. “I missed you so much!”

Joy filled her as she returned his embrace, holding him tightly. “Oh, Taehyung, I’m so happy you’re safe! But we have much to talk about,” she began, her tone shifting to one of concern. “First, you need to wash up and come to breakfast.”

With a nod, Taehyung separated from her embrace, feeling the warmth of love and comfort enveloping him before he rushed off to shower.

As warm water poured over him, Taehyung’s mind drifted back to the enormous wolf that had saved him. Its gentle nature and protective presence haunted his thoughts. “I need to thank that creature,” he murmured to himself, heart warming at the memory.

Freshly bathed, he clutched his bunny and headed for the breakfast hall. As he entered, all eyes turned towards him and expressions morphed into shock and curiosity.

“Taehyung!” Jungkook’s mother called out, gesturing for him to take a seat next to her. “Come here!”

With a quick bow and a shy smile, Taehyung approached the table, clutching his bunny tightly as he settled into the chair beside the queen.

“Eat, dear,” she encouraged, gesturing for the servants to serve him. The king cleared his throat, eyeing Taehyung warmly.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice calm.

Taehyung hesitated, glancing down at his plate. “I’m okay, I suppose…” His voice faltered as the memories surged back, choking back the words that threatened to spill. Tears filled his eyes again.

“It’s okay,” Queen Laura said, leaning in closer. “If you don’t want to share now, you don’t have to.”

Taking a deep breath, he blinked back tears. “My parents… they’re gone,” he managed to whisper, his heart breaking all over again.

“What happened, Taehyung?” the king asked, concern etching his features.

“They were killed…” Taehyung’s voice cracked. “There were these people — they had… red eyes and sharp teeth. And they attacked us on our way here.” His breath hitched as he recalled that night. “It was a blood moon, bright and terrifying. There were five of them, and they were so fast, and they could predict my parents' every move…”

“What did you do?” Jungkook’s mother asked gently, placing a reassuring hand on his back.

“They told me to run.” Taehyung’s tears flowed freely now. “I didn’t want to go, but… they told me I had to promise them to survive, to live through their last breath…”

At this, a hushed silence descended on the room, and Jungkook’s mother enveloped him in a warm embrace, absorbing his sorrow. “You’re safe now, my dear. You’re with family.”

“Wasn’t the vampire clan supposed to be extinct?” Lira, his aunt, remarked, her brows furrowed as she processed Taehyung’s account. “How could they still be alive?”

The others looked among themselves, a palpable sense of foreboding settling in. Dark clouds were gathering on the horizon—a warning of the threats they had yet to face.

And as Taehyung relaxed in the comforting embrace of his aunt, they all felt the heaviness in the air; a darkness loomed just beyond the reach of the cheerful sun. Everyone was present except for Jungkook — the one person who understood the true weight of the storms they were about to face.

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