Mirage

by LilySabrina

Summary:

In a world filled with fantastical beings where he was abandoned by his own family, Jungkook is taken in by two very powerful beings who care for him as their own. As they search for the one they lost, they stumble upon others who need their protection. Being half dark elf and half human, Jungkook unknowingly gives his heart to a person he meets for only a split second.

Notes:

If you feel like you've read this before on Wattpad, you probably have. I am the original writer, and I am moving all of my stories from my Wattpad to here.

To my re-readers, I hope you enjoy the little edits. To my new readers, I hope you have loads of fun on this little adventure! 🖤🖤🖤

My Instagram: jjkthvborahae
My X: kthjjkborahae

Love you guys! 🖤

Borahae 💜

-Lily ☀️🌻🖤

Chapter 1: Mutt

"Water. I need water." The warrior hoarsely whispers as he stumbles through the scorching desert. As he looks up, everything becomes dizzy, and he collapses into the hot sand. Through blurry vision, he watches as the sun ripples and sets. "Water." He mumbles and passes out from fatigue and exhaustion.

"Wake up!" The loud voices and harsh kicks startle the warrior awake.

As he looks around, he realizes that he is amongst a large group of people. After a few moments, he realizes that there are chains connecting everyone. He lifts his hands and looks at the large, iron chains around his wrists. When he touches his neck, he realizes there is a chain around his neck as well.

The warrior winces in pain when he feels a burning sensation on his chest. To his horror, he sees a slave brand burned into his skin.

Suddenly, he is jerked up from the ground as the others stand to their feet. The warrior flinches when a whip cracks through the air and stings his body. This is when he realizes that he is not wearing his clothes. The clothes covering his body are thin and torn.

My sword. Where are my things? Where am I? What happened?

"Be careful." A man behind him tells him and helps him steady.

"Thank you." The warrior answers and looks at the man behind him. He softly gasps as beautiful green eyes meet him.

"You will get used to this." The green-eyed man mutters quietly.

"I refuse to get used to this." He mumbles with defiance in his eyes and voice.

"You have an accent. Where are you from?"

"Not this godforsaken hell hole." He grumbles and looks around at the endless sea of sand.

"Clearly." The green-eyed man chuckles.

"Stop yapping!" A woman shouts and sends her whip flying at them.

The warrior does his best to shield the other man from the whip.

"If you want to survive, you should worry about yourself more." The green-eyed man mumbles to the warrior.

"I will think about it." The warrior chuckles.

When they reach a small oasis, the chained people quickly scurry to the water and drink as much water as possible. The warrior watches as the green-eyed man slowly kneels by the water and drinks only a little water.

You are also unlike the others. Who are you?

"Drink or else you will not survive the journey." The green-eyed man tells him and lifts his cupped hands filled with water.

"Thank you." The warrior smiles and drinks the offered water.

"What is your name, warrior?" The green-eyed man asks as the warrior finishes drinking the water.

"Jungkook." The warrior answers.

"Hm, interesting. I am Seokjin." The green-eyed man smiles and dips his hands in the water.

As they rest by the cool pool of water, Jungkook examines the shackles around his wrists and ankles. Seokjin quietly watches him with an amused smile.

"What?" Jungkook asks as Seokjin grins.

"Nothing." Seokjin smiles and looks away from the warrior.

"You do not seem too concerned about the situation." Jungkook mumbles and looks at the mysterious man.

"Hmm, I do not?" 

"You do not." The warrior deadpans.

"How old are you?" Seokjin asks and examines the warrior.

"Twenty-three." Jungkook mumbles and plays with the sand.

"You are quite young." Seokjin hums in response.

"How old are you?" Jungkook asks and watches the sunset.

"You will not believe me."

"Try me," Jungkook mumbles as he is entranced by the fiery sunset.

"573," Jin answers with a grin.

Jungkook's jaw drops, and he looks at the man next to him in complete shock. "Are you a magician?" Jungkook quietly asks in shock.

"No," Seokjin answers and tucks his hair behind his ear to reveal pointed ears.

"Elf? What is an elf doing in this place?" Jungkook asks in even more shock.

"What is a dark elf doing having a child with a human?" Seokjin asks as he looks at Jungkook, who quickly covers his ears. "Do not worry. I am not prejudiced against dark elves, nor am I prejudiced against mixed children." Seokjin softly tells the nervous warrior.

"My father had an affair with a human woman." Jungkook quietly whispers and nervously messes with the sand.

"Hmm. That is definitely interesting." Seokjin hums as he listens to Jungkook's story.

Both men stay quiet for the rest of the evening. When the cool night breeze blows through the desert, Jungkook smiles, closes his eyes, and enjoys the cool breeze. 

"Why are you so calm?" Jungkook asks as the night continues on.

"Because I have been a slave many times." Seokjin hums in response and looks up at the moon. "Also, they stopped at the oasis where the monsters gather, and now there is you." The elf grins while the warrior looks around in horror.

"Monsters? What do monsters have to do with me?" Jungkook whispers and scoots closer to the elf.

"I have been waiting for a night like tonight." The elf hums and patiently waits.

After a few silent hours, Jungkook hears the desert begin to rumble beneath them. To Jungkook's surprise, Seokjin takes his hand and pulls him close.

"Do not worry, Mutt. I will protect you." The elf grins as he stands up and pulls Jungkook up with him.

"I am not a mutt," Jungkook grumbles with a frown.

"Hmm, you are." Seokjin chuckles and gets ready.

"Vintalis! The vintalis are coming!" The slave traders scream at the top of their lungs and begin to scatter as they fear the desert man-eaters.

"Idiots. There are no vintalis in this region." Seokjin frowns and snaps the chain around his neck.

Jungkook stares in horror as black shadows suddenly fill the night sky, completely hiding the moon and stars.

"Here!" Seokjin shouts and tosses Jungkook's sword to him.

"When did you get loose?" Jungkook asks as he cuts his chains.

"I have escaped many times." Seokjin grins and faces the monsters.

"You are a psycho." The warrior mumbles and prepares to fight.

"Never said that I was not." Seokjin laughs and reaches out and grabs one of the monsters. "Thank you for getting captured. Darkness attracts darkness." Seokjin grins and mounts the shadow creature.

"What?" Jungkook asks, then yelps when Seokjin drags him onto the monster.

"I also never said that we would be fighting the monsters." Seokjin laughs as they speed into the dark desert night.

"You fucking psycho!" Jungkook screams as they are carried away.

"Thank you for being a mutt!" Seokjin laughs and enjoys the harrowing ride into the dark night.

The moment the sun cracks over the horizon, the dark shadows disappear. Jungkook grunts as he falls to the ground in front of a bustling desert city.

"I feel so refreshed." Seokjin sighs as he stretches his back and walks toward the city.

"Uhm, we are dressed as slaves." Jungkook reminds the elf who pays him no heed.

"And?" Seokjin grins and walks over to a very large, handsome man who is glaring at him.

"It has been three years." The large man growls as he glares at the laughing elf.

"I did not mean for it to take so long." Seokjin hums and hugs the disgruntled man.

"Who is that?" The man grunts and ignores the hug.

"A mutt named Jungkook," Seokjin answers and looks over at the exhausted warrior.

"He must have come with the dark-elven King." The man mumbles as he examines Jungkook.

"Probably since he is that bastard's son." Seokjin sighs and looks over at Jungkook, who is about to pass out from exhaustion.

"Tell your mutt to follow us." The man gruffly mutters and walks off.

"Mutt, follow us." Seokjin smiles and grabs Jungkook by the wrist and drags him off.

That bastard King must have abandoned the boy because he is an illegitimate child with a human. Poor kid.

"Where are we going?" Jungkook asks as he follows Seokjin and the large man.

"Somewhere to get clothes, food, and rest," Seokjin answers and follows the man into a very large home.

Jungkook quietly nods and follows the elf into the large residence. The moment they are in the home, several servants surround them and begin undressing them. Jungkook quickly covers himself in embarrassment while Seokjin does not even flinch.

Soon, Jungkook is whisked away and dropped into a warm bath. He sighs in relief when his muscles relax in the warm water. Jungkook, you should not trust people so easily. For all you know, they are going to kill you. Who cares? Your own father abandoned you in the middle of the desert to be taken as a slave. It is not like these people could be any worse.

By the time Jungkook finishes bathing, there is food waiting for him in the room that is connected to the large bathroom. The exhausted warrior sits on the bed and takes a bite of the food. He happily sighs and slowly eats. I do not know when the next time will be when I have food again.

After eating, he walks out of the room and slowly roams around the large residence. As he walks into the garden, he sees Seokjin relaxing in the other man's arms. Not wanting to disturb them, Jungkook hides behind a pillar and looks at the Rose of Sharon bush.

"What do you think of him?" Jungkook hears Seokjin ask the other man.

"Hmm, he seems young."

"He is only twenty-three."

"Are you going to let him stay with us?" The other man softly asks Seokjin.

"I most certainly am not going to kick him out or abandon him. He can choose to stay with us or go his own way. He seems like a good kid." Seokjin's answer brings tears to Jungkook's eyes. Jungkook slowly slides down the pillar and silently cries. Abandonment has been all he has known in his miserable life.

"Hey, are you okay?" Seokjin's soft voice startles Jungkook.

"I-I, yes." He mumbles and quickly dries his tears.

"So, are you staying or leaving?" The other man asks as he looks at the young warrior.

"Staying." Jungkook looks up at them with hope in his eyes.

"It is nice to meet you, Jungkook. My name is Namjoon." The other man smiles and helps Jungkook stand up.

"It is nice to meet you, too." Jungkook smiles as he wipes his teary eyes.

"Let us go get something to drink," Seokjin suggests as they walk back into the large residence.

When they arrive at a large tavern, Jungkook instinctively sticks closer to Seokjin and Namjoon. To his horror, several of his father's men are here.

"Here." Namjoon mumbles and covers Jungkook's head with the hood of the cloak he is wearing.

"Thank you." Jungkook hums and pulls the hood further over his eyes.

As they walk through the tavern, the other tavern guests watch them. Seokjin and Namjoon are both clearly elves by the way they carry themselves and the swords strapped to them. Jungkook is grateful that he did not bring his sword with him because his father's men would have recognized his sword.

"Did you hear that the King's mutt was taken as a slave? One of the slave traders recognized him. Apparently, the slave train will arrive tomorrow. I cannot wait to see that mutt in chains."

Seokjin clenches his fists in anger when he hears them. He knows that they are talking about Jungkook. When Seokjin looks at Jungkook's downcast eyes, he feels his heart break.

"Hey, Mutt, stop crying. I will kill them for you." Seokjin softly tells him and prepares to draw his sword.

"It is okay. They will be dumbfounded when they see that I am not there." Jungkook dryly chuckles and takes a drink of his ale.

"No one calls my Mutt a mutt," Seokjin growls in frustration when he hears the group of dark elves continue to mock Jungkook.

"You should have heard his cries when he was left tied to the cactus. He sounded so pathetic. Being taken by the slave traders saved him." One laughs and downs his ale.

"Would you bastards shut the fuck up?!" Seokjin shouts as he slams his hands on the wooden table and threateningly stands up from his chair.

"What do you plan on doing if we do not, elf?" A large dark elf stands up in defiance.

"Kill you." Seokjin grins and reveals his sword.

"Sit down and shut up if you want to live." A dark elf warns the one who stood up in defiance.

"And why should I?" He growls and glares at Seokjin.

"Look at his sword." The other one mumbles nervously as he looks at the white sheath with a black dragon slithering up the sheath.

The entire tavern falls into deafening silence as they stare at Seokjin's sword. Jungkook gawks and looks at Seokjin's and Namjoon's swords.

"Cowards." Seokjin scoffs and sits back down.

"I thought that those two traveled alone? Why is there a third one with them?" The dark elves whisper as they look at the cloaked man sitting with Seokjin and Namjoon.

"Maybe those three killed the two dragons." Another quietly whispers and looks at the three with fear.

"What is it, Mutt?" Seokjin asks as Jungkook stares at them in shock.

"You are them ..." Jungkook whispers and looks at the two swords.

"We are. Are you scared of us now?" Namjoon chuckles as he looks at the young warrior.

"No, I am just surprised." The young man mumbles and looks at his ale. Why would anyone as strong and powerful as you take in something like me?

"You are quite brave. Even when you woke up in chains, you did not panic. Stay with us, and we will train you to be able to kill every person who has mocked you." Seokjin tells the young warrior he saved when he sees the uncertainty and self-doubt in Jungkook's downcast eyes.

"You call me a mutt," Jungkook grumbles with a frown.

"If you can kill me someday, go ahead." Seokjin grins and clinks their mugs.

"I will." Jungkook smiles and downs the rest of his ale. At least, it seems like they will not be abandoning me right now.

"Soon, we will be known as the three dragons."

"Our mutt is cute."

Chapter 2: Zaniah

As the days pass by, Jungkook learns why Namjoon and Seokjin have traveled to this desert city. They are here for the same reason his father is here. There is a meeting of many of the strongest kings and sultans. Seokjin and Namjoon have come to kill one of those kings.

"Are you disappointed to know that we are not killing your father?" Seokjin asks the young warrior who is enjoying the warm sun.

"No. Someone will kill him someday, and that someone is me." Jungkook answers and looks at the two elves.

"Our little mutt bites." Seokjin grins and ruffles Jungkook's hair.

"Bastard," Jungkook grumbles and fixes his hair.

"Mutt, get up," Namjoon tells the disgruntled warrior.

"I will kill both of you." Jungkook hisses as he stands to his feet and dodges the dagger that is flying at him.

"Then you'd better come with me and choose the weapon that you will use to kill me." Namjoon chuckles and slings his arm over the young male's shoulder.

When Namjoon leads him into a large stone room, Jungkook gasps in awe as he looks at all of the weapons that Seokjin and Namjoon have collected from their travels. Seokjin and Namjoon watch Jungkook walk around and look at all of the various weapons on display.

"I can choose whichever one I want?" Jungkook asks as he gently runs his fingers over a green sword. As he looks at the green sword, he traces his fingers over the writing on the blade.

"You can choose anything except for that green sword and the bow next to it. Their owners will return for them one day." Namjoon answers, and Jungkook nods in understanding.

"Those two weapons are beautiful." Jungkook hums and walks past the bow and sword.

"Their owners were lovers who made them together when they came of age. They have been through much pain and hardship." Namjoon mutters quietly and watches as Jungkook's eyes light up as he looks at a black sword that was purposefully hidden away in the back corner of the room.

Seokjin and Namjoon watch as the young warrior reaches his hand out to grab the black sword. They both gasp when Jungkook grabs it and unsheathes it.

"How did you do that?" Seokjin asks in awe as Jungkook holds the beautiful sword.

"Um, I pulled on it?" Jungkook answers and looks at the two stunned elves.

"Is that the weapon you want to choose?" Namjoon asks as he observes the young man.

"Yes." Jungkook smiles and admires the beautiful sword.

"Very well. Follow me." Namjoon hums in response and walks out of the room.

"Namjoon, can we really let him take it?" Seokjin whispers as they leave the room together.

"His fate was decided long ago." Namjoon answers and gently pats his lover's back.

"We specifically took that sword to hide it." Seokjin worries and turns to look at the smiling warrior.

"We did, but we took it to hide it from people who would harm others with it. Our mutt has us. We will train him and raise him well." Namjoon softly hums as Jungkook skips over to them to catch up.

"You have grown rather fond of him." Seokjin chuckles and shakes his head.

"What is my sword's name?" Jungkook asks as he walks between the two elves.

"You get to name your sword. This sword has been through many hands. Each person names it differently." Namjoon answers and looks at the younger male.

"I feel like this sword has seen much death, so I want to name him something that has to do with life and beauty. Hmmm, how about Zaniah? I feel like the name of a star is something beautiful." Jungkook smiles as he looks at his sword.

"That sounds perfect." Namjoon hums in agreement and then smiles at Seokjin.

"Our mutt will be just fine." Seokjin chuckles as he looks at the young warrior who is filled with goodness and light.

"You will not be fine if you keep calling me a mutt," Jungkook grumbles and glares at the laughing elves.

"You are too cute." Seokjin squeals and pinches Jungkook's cheeks.

"Tomorrow, we will go to the palace. Mutt, try your hardest not to get separated from us. After we finish what we came here for, we will flee the city." Namjoon explains as they walk to the roof terrace for dinner.

"I will stay by your side," Jungkook answers in obedience and then smiles as he looks at all of the food.

As they eat, Seokjin and Namjoon constantly pile more food onto Jungkook's plate. By the end of the meal, the sun is setting, so they quietly watch the sky turn blood red. When the last sliver of crimson has almost disappeared, they hear a commotion in the streets beneath them.

"Thief! Catch him!" A merchant screams as he chases a boy through the streets.

When the boy looks back, Jungkook sees golden eyes. He gasps in shock when those eyes look up at him before the boy disappears into a dark alley.

"This kingdom is disgustingly corrupt. So many children are starving on the streets." Namjoon hums and drops a clay pot on the screaming merchant.

Seokjin chuckles when his lover interferes with the chase. Jungkook stares at Namjoon in admiration as the elf sits back down and sips his blood-red wine. When Jungkook looks back at the alley where the boy disappeared, he sees golden eyes peering at him from the shadows. The moment the young warrior blinks, the boy has vanished completely.

"Are thieving children not common in your kingdom?" Namjoon asks when he notices Jungkook is still looking in the direction the boy disappeared in.

"No, they are very common. My father is a terrible king who over-taxes his people." Jungkook answers and sits down.

Namjoon and Seokjin nod in understanding and enjoy the rest of their wine. As the evening continues, Jungkook tries his hardest to forget the entrancing golden eyes.

The next morning, the three prepare to enter the palace. As Jungkook straps his large sword to his back, Namjoon hands him a black mask to tie over his face.

"Wear this. You do not want your father to see you." Namjoon explains as Jungkook gratefully takes the fabric.

Once they are ready, they mount gorgeous Arabian horses and ride through town. Jungkook rides between the two elves as they approach the palace. When they are in front of the palace walls, he makes sure that his hood covers his eyes and his mask is snugly tied.

To Jungkook's surprise, they ride right past the guards who bow to them. Seokjin and Namjoon are revered, neutral advisors to rulers who also happen to kill many corrupt rulers and royals. However, no one would ever dare to turn them away.

Many look at Jungkook and whisper as they wonder who he is to travel with the two great elves known as the two dragons. The curious servants quickly run over and help the three dismount. As Jungkook looks around, he admits to himself that the people of the desert are much more beautiful than his kin of the mountains. Many beautiful women surround them and sensually smile and entertain the three men.

Soon, they are surrounded by dancers and musicians. Jungkook looks around in awe as the castle is lit up with the beautiful flowers of the desert and festivities. He watches as the dancers seem to float with each beautiful step and spin. The young warrior is used to the crude songs and chants of his people. This beauty is overwhelming for the warrior from the cold mountains.

"Elven lords, Seokjin and Namjoon, it is an honor to have you as guests within my palace walls." The desert king smiles as he greets the two elves.

Jungkook gawks when the two elves do not bow or respond.

"I see that the rumors of you two traveling with a third person are true." The desert king points out as he looks at Jungkook.

"Who we travel with is of no concern for you," Namjoon answers and looks at the line of slaves.

"Of course, Lord Namjoon." The king bows and glares at the proud elf.

The three sit down and watch the entertainment that has been provided for the event. As they enjoy the show, the doors to the throne room slam open, and Jungkook's father enters with Jungkook's half-siblings. The young warrior quickly looks down as his father and half-siblings briskly walk past him.

"King Daejung, it is an honor to have you in my palace." The king greets Jungkook's father.

"It is an honor to be here as well." King Deajung bows out of respect. As he looks around, he pauses when he sees Seokjin and Namjoon. "My lords." He smiles and bows to Seokjin and Namjoon, who completely ignore him.

"I see that your youngest son has not arrived with you." The desert king points out as he observes the princes and princesses.

"Alas, it is rather unfortunate, but we were separated in a sandstorm." Jungkook's father lies with a sorrowful face that would fool no one.

"That is quite a shame. I was looking forward to watching him compete, for I heard he is the strongest of your children." The desert king sighs and looks at Jungkook's oldest brother, who clenches his fists in anger.

Jungkook looks at the only sibling who has ever cared for him. He wants to know if his brother really cared for him or if it was all an act.

"My brother was not separated from us. He was left to be taken by slave traders." Jungkook's oldest brother growls with anger and hatred in his eyes. "I was drugged, and he was left tied to a cactus in the middle of the scorching desert."

"Hyuk." Jungkook quietly whispers with teary eyes. You really do care for me. Hyuk, I am okay. I promise. I am safe. Someone saved me.

Seokjin and Namjoon smile with pride when they look at the dark elf who will become king of the dark elves of the Nychta Mountains after Jungkook's father dies. They both know that the mountain kingdom has a righteous future king.

"That is quite a shame. If you wanted him to be a slave, you could have sold him to me." The desert king sighs in disappointment.

"If I had known, I would have brought him as a gift. My deepest apologies." Jungkook's father bows and glares at his oldest son.

"Jungkook is not an object to be sold. He is a prince." The oldest son growls and glares at his father.

"Brother, he is a mutt." One of Jungkook's sisters spits venom.

"Speak about Jungkook like that again, and I will slit your throat." The Crown Prince snarls as he places his sword against her throat. "You all disgust me." Jungkook watches as his brother storms out of the throne room, leaving a silent room.

After a few silent seconds, another king and his people walk into the throne room, sparking the festivities again. As the festivities continue, Namjoon slips out of the throne room and finds Jungkook's oldest brother.

Not wanting Jungkook's older brother to know who he is, Namjoon goes to the highest floor of the palace and unsheathes Jungkook's old sword before he drops it. The Crown Prince startles when a sword suddenly pierces the ground in front of him. 

When he recognizes the sword, he shakily reaches out and grabs the hilt of the sword. Tears trickle down his face as he runs his fingers over the double-edged sword's blade.

"Please, tell me this means that you are safe." He whispers and holds the sword close to him. "I am sorry for not protecting you as I promised. I will find you. Your brother will find you. Trust in your brother." The Crown Prince cries as he falls to his knees, holding Jungkook's sword.

Jungkook watches from the shadows as his older brother cries for him. "Brother, I am sorry. I am following a different path now. I am okay. I have sworn myself to kind people. I will use everything that you have taught me. Thank you for always protecting me. When it comes time for you to be King, I promise that I will return and protect you." He quietly whispers with a soft smile as he watches his older brother.

To Jungkook's surprise, his older brother unsheathes his own sword and replaces it with Jungkook's sword. "Until I can give your sword back to you, I will carry it with me."

"Mutt, do not fear. If there is ever a time when your brother is in danger, the three of us will go to him and protect him. Your brother will not be neglected." Seokjin softly tells Jungkook as he stands with him in the shadows.

"Thank you. My brother will be a good king. Our people need him."

"I know."

Chapter 3: Training

When Jungkook's brother walks back into the throne room, he desperately looks around for Jungkook. The Crown Prince pauses when he sees the man sitting with Seokjin and Namjoon. He takes a deep breath and approaches them. Seeing the Crown Prince approaching them, Seokjin blows on Jungkook's face, causing the warrior to flinch with surprise.

"Jungkook?" The Crown Prince softly asks, which causes Jungkook to freeze.

"I do apologize. I believe that you have the wrong person." Namjoon kindly smiles at the heartbroken prince.

"Jungkook?" The Crown Prince asks again with desperation in his voice. When Jungkook turns to look at him, the Crown Prince's face falls. "I apologize. I mistook you for someone else." He mutters, bows, and quickly walks away while tightly gripping Jungkook's sword.

"Why did he not recognize me?" Jungkook asks in surprise when his brother walks off.

"I changed how people perceive you. It will only last a few minutes." Seokjin answers while Jungkook nods in understanding.

When their prey enters the palace, Jungkook notices how Namjoon's and Seokjin's stances change and how their attention is fully on the new arrival. When the new arrival looks in their direction, he freezes in horror.

What has he done to know that they are here to kill him? My father and this desert king are terrible people, but they are not worried about the two elves being here.

"Your new companion has a very interesting sword." Another guest points out to Seokjin and Namjoon.

"If you plan on bothering us, I will have him kill you with it," Seokjin growls in displeasure.

"I heard that you were unfriendly." The man sneers and storms away.

"What is wrong with my sword?" Jungkook asks and looks at his sheathed sword.

"It might be cursed." Namjoon shrugs and takes a drink of the wine.

"Cursed?" Jungkook asks in shock and looks at the sword.

"Also, it has been around three hundred years since someone has been able to unsheathe it." Seokjin hums and takes a bite of his rice.

"What?" Jungkook's eyes bug out as he looks at his sword again.

"Mhm. Imagine our surprise when you unsheathed it." Namjoon chuckles and shakes his head.

"He is leaving the room," Seokjin tells Namjoon as their prey tries to escape.

"Let us go." Namjoon mumbles and stands up from the table.

"What did he do?" Jungkook asks as they follow their prey.

"Around three years ago, he killed all of his twenty children and all six wives. All of the dead queens' parents asked us to kill him." Seokjin answers and watches as the murderer slips into a room.

"Even my father did not do that. My mother flat-out abandoned me on her own." Jungkook mutters and clenches his sword.

"Do you want to be the one to kill him?" Namjoon asks when he sees Jungkook's anger.

"I might mess it up. I will watch you." Jungkook answers and calms down.

"Okay. Stay close." Seokjin whispers and silently runs to the room that the killer disappeared into.

"Mutt, guard the hall," Namjoon mutters and follows Seokjin.

Jungkook stays in the hallway and guards the door of the room while the two elves sneak into the room. As he stands guard, he hears people walking down the large hall toward him.

"Did you hear the rumors?"

"What rumors?"

"The king of the Nychta Mountains tied his bastard son to a cactus and let slave traders take him."

"Damn. I would too. No one wants an embarrassment like that to follow you when you meet kings and sultans." 

Jungkook clenches his jaw as he tries to ignore their ignorant and cold words. You are used to these degrading comments. Get a grip.

"How fucking embarrassing. He was not a regular illegitimate bastard. He was a mutt between a human and the dark elf king."

"How dare you talk about my mutt like that?" Seokjin snarls as he storms out of the room and kills the three guards in one swift motion.

Jungkook looks at the furious elf in surprise when he kills the three guards to protect him. 

"It is time to go." Namjoon mumbles and drags the elf and warrior out of the hallway.

"Are you injured?" Jungkook asks when he sees blood dripping from Namjoon's side.

"I will be fine. First, we need to get out of this place." Namjoon mutters and winces.

The moment they mount their horses, the warning bell rings, alerting everyone to the killings. The three instantly spur their horses into action and ride with lightning speed out of the palace walls. As they gallop through the streets, Jungkook sees the boy with golden eyes being dragged away by a palace guard. So, the warrior pulls the dagger from his boot and tosses it at the guard, killing the guard and freeing the boy.

The boy looks at him in surprise but spares no second to grab the dagger and run for his life. "Kid! You'd better survive and come and find me to give me that dagger back! That dagger was given to me by someone very important!" Jungkook shouts as he rides away with Seokjin and Namjoon.

As the desert city disappears on the horizon, they slow down their pace and look for a place to rest. When Jungkook spots trees in the distance, he points them out, and they ride toward the trees. Once they reach the mini oasis, they dismount and water their horses.

"Let me take a look at your injury," Seokjin tells his husband and has him sit down.

Jungkook quietly watches Seokjin's eyes glow as he gently places his hands on Namjoon's wound. Namjoon softly smiles up at the man he loves and cups his face. "You do not know how much I have missed you over these three years. I have lived for so long, but the past three years were the longest years of my life." Namjoon softly whispers with teary eyes.

"I am so sorry for leaving you alone for so long." Seokjin softly smiles and kisses Namjoon's forehead.

"Did you find any evidence of him?" Namjoon asks without ever looking away from his lover.

"No. Not yet." Seokjin sighs quietly and rests his forehead against Namjoon's forehead.

"Can I ask how long you two have been together?" Jungkook asks as he admires their sweet relationship.

"Hmm, we have been together for over four hundred years." Seokjin hums as he thinks about how they met so long ago.

"Four hundred years. It must be nice to be in love for so long." The young warrior smiles and imagines what it would be like to have someone whom you love so much that eternity is too short.

"We definitely have our ups and downs, but I would not want to have lived the past hundreds of years without him. I do not even want to imagine the future without him." Seokjin smiles as he looks into Namjoon's loving gaze.

"With your strength, I am guessing that you allowed yourself to be taken as a slave. Why?" Jungkook asks with curiosity.

"We are looking for someone. Namjoon and I promised to meet up in that city for this specific event. I had been planning on escaping soon when you were picked up in the desert. Your dark energy attracted the shadow beasts, making it very easy to escape." Seokjin explains while Jungkook processes everything.

"What happened to all of the weapons?" Jungkook asks when he realizes that the room was left behind.

"Our home travels with us everywhere." Namjoon answers, and suddenly a large desert-style residence surrounds them.

Jungkook jumps up in shock as he looks around the residence. Namjoon and Seokjin softly chuckle at the adorable young warrior.

"Go to your room and get some rest." Seokjin softly tells Jungkook, who nods and slowly walks to his room as he looks around the residence in awe.

As Jungkook lies down on the bed made of large pillows and thick blankets, he watches as the desert wind gently blows the white linen curtains. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes as the wind gently brushes over his bare body. When he closes his eyes, those golden eyes flash through his mind.

"Why am I thinking about that kid?" He quietly mumbles and tries to push those eyes out of his mind. "His eyes are unique. They remind me of something that I cannot quite put my finger on."

When the sun rises, he sits up and looks at the desert that is being painted in pastel.

"Mutt, get up. It is time to train." Namjoon's voice filters through the large house, stirring Jungkook from his daze.

Jungkook quickly gets dressed and grabs his sword, then walks through the large residence to find the elf. When he walks into the courtyard, he sees Namjoon swinging his sword. He watches in awe as the elf slices his sword through the desert morning air.

"Come here." Namjoon motions him over once he finishes warming up. "Show me what you can do."

Jungkook nods as he unsheathes Zaniah and takes a deep breath. When the young warrior opens his eyes, they are pitch black. Namjoon nods in approval. "You have mastered much for your young age."

The rest of the desert morning is filled with their swords clashing. Seokjin watches the young warrior with excitement. He is very talented and well-trained. If he stays with us, he will be unstoppable. People will come to fear and respect him. No one will ever dare to call him a mutt ever again. I will make sure of it.

Jungkook jumps to the side as an arrow whizzes toward him from Seokjin's bow. The beautiful elf smiles at Jungkook's quick speed and situational awareness. Jungkook ducks as Namjoon's sword swings toward him.

However, despite Jungkook's best efforts, Namjoon sends Jungkook's sword flying. Jungkook softly pants as Namjoon's sword sings through the air and stops at his neck.

"Good job." Namjoon hums in approval and removes his sword from Jungkook's neck.

"You are not even panting or sweating," Jungkook grumbles with a pout.

"Of course not. I have been wielding a sword for hundreds of years. You are only twenty-three." Namjoon chuckles as he looks at the pouting boy.

"Today, you will train the whole day. Tomorrow, we will move on." Seokjin tells Jungkook as he hands him cool water from the oasis.

By the end of the grueling day, Jungkook is completely exhausted. He winces at the various cuts he received from the gruesome training.

"Mutt, come here." Seokjin motions the young warrior over when he sees the various wounds on him. Jungkook gratefully limps over to Seokjin and sits down next to the elf. Within a few minutes, Seokjin has healed the wounds and sends Jungkook to bathe in the oasis.

Jungkook sighs in relief as he relaxes in the cool oasis water. His aching muscles are being soothed from the long, hot day.

Once the sun sets, Jungkook looks up at the stars and smiles. They are twinkling in all their glory since the night sky is dark because it is a new moon. He smiles, closes his eyes, and drifts off to sleep.

When Jungkook wakes up, he is in his bed. He looks around in surprise as he is wrapped up in the blankets. When did I get here? Didn't I go to sleep in the water?

"Good morning, Mutt." Seokjin smiles as he walks into Jungkook's room with breakfast.

"Did you bring me to bed last night?" Jungkook asks as Seokjin sets the food down next to his bed.

"I did. You would have drowned if I had left you out there." Seokjin chuckles and lifts a chunk of cheese and a slice of bread up to Jungkook's lips. "Eat. You worked a lot yesterday. You must be hungry." The elf smiles and pushes the piece of cheese into Jungkook's mouth.

As Jungkook looks at the sweet elf, he tears up. Seokjin's eyes widen in shock as he watches a tear trickle down the young warrior's face.

"What is wrong? Does it taste bad?" Seokjin mumbles and nibbles on the cheese.

"It tastes really good. It is just that you remind me of my mother before she left me." Jungkook sniffles and dries his tears.

"Eat up." Seokjin softly smiles and wipes his thumb across Jungkook's face, drying the tears.

Jungkook sniffles and nods as he eats the delicious food. As he eats, Seokjin stays with him. After a few minutes, Namjoon joins them, and they discuss their travel plans.

"I heard that there is a people that only appears in the darkness of the night in the Canyon of the Dead. I heard that those people are being hunted for their medicinal properties." Seokjin tells them as he opens a map and points to a large canyon that splits the desert in half.

"Should we go there?" Namjoon asks and examines the map.

"We should go." Jungkook smiles as he grows excited for an adventure.

Chapter 4: Two Moons

As they traverse through the large, never-ending desert, Jungkook shields his eyes from the blinding sun. He makes sure to keep his mouth and nose covered to protect himself from the blowing sand. He is grateful that Namjoon has tied their horses together; otherwise, he would have gotten separated because of the sand swirling in the wind.

When they suddenly stop, Jungkook looks up and squints to try to see why they have stopped. He watches as Seokjin dismounts and walks forward, then disappears. Jungkook quickly jumps off his horse and runs to where Seokjin disappeared.

"Mutt, stop." Namjoon grabs Jungkook before the boy gets injured.

"Where did he go?" Jungkook asks as he looks at the spot where Seokjin disappeared.

"He jumped," Namjoon answers and leads Jungkook to the edge of the canyon.

"Jumped?!" Jungkook shouts in horror and looks down into the canyon.

"He will be fine." Namjoon chuckles and continues to hold onto Jungkook, making sure that the young warrior does not do anything rash.

"There is a river at the bottom," Seokjin informs them when he suddenly stands next to them.

"I thought you died!" Jungkook shrieks as he glares at Seokjin.

"Do not worry, Mutt. It is very hard to kill me." Seokjin grins and winks at Jungkook, who huffs and grumbles.

"We can hunt the slave traders once the night falls. They will likely come for the people of the night." Namjoon suggests as he grabs Jungkook by the waist and jumps. Jungkook's breath leaves him as he plummets to the bottom of the canyon.

"I am surprised that our mutt did not scream." Seokjin chuckles when they land at the bottom of the canyon.

"What about our horses?" Jungkook asks and looks up to the top of the canyon.

"Do not worry about them. It is safer for them up there than down here. The people we are trying to protect will likely attack us. They vigilantly protect their home." Seokjin answers and walks over to the river.

"I feel like we are being watched." Jungkook shivers and looks around the large canyon.

"We are," Namjoon answers and checks the water's drinkability.

"We will wait here for the sun to set," Seokjin tells them and sits next to the river. Jungkook nods and follows suit.

"Also, they do not speak the same language as us." Namjoon informs Jungkook.

When the sun sets, Jungkook places his hand on the hilt of his sword and waits to be attacked. Seokjin's and Namjoon's eyes are closed, but Jungkook knows that they are listening and feeling everything that is happening around them.

"The hunters have arrived," Seokjin mutters and draws his sword. The elf with emerald green eyes swiftly swings his sword, cutting an arrow in half.

Jungkook stands to his feet and faces the hunters who are charging toward them. He takes a deep breath and draws his sword. These people are disgusting. They hunt others for fun and money.

As the three fight the hunters, Jungkook notices the people of the night slinking through the shadows. To his horror, he watches as a smaller, pale male is dragged by a chain around his neck. He can hear the man's cries as he is dragged through the night.

"I might be protecting you from slave hunters, but I will not let you harm someone," Jungkook mutters and quickly leaves the fight to chase after the group dragging the chained man.

"Release him!" Jungkook shouts as he points his sword at the group. They all freeze when they hear him. "Let him go," Jungkook growls as he looks at the sacrificial altar that the chained man is being chained to.

The chained man looks at Jungkook, his eyes begging the warrior to save him. As Jungkook raises his sword, another sobbing young man runs to the sacrifice and covers the chained man with his small, scarred body.

"I came to protect you, but it looks like I will be killing you instead." Jungkook growls and lunges at the people who draw their weapons.

Seokjin and Namjoon quickly join the young warrior after they kill the slave hunters. "Seokjin, get those two out of here! Now!" Namjoon shouts when he sees one of the people of the night aiming her arrow at the two crying men.

The elf quickly kills the archer before he scoops the two smaller men into his arms and runs. The smaller male desperately clings to the sacrificial one and cries, his cries breaking Seokjin's heart. Without speaking the same language, Seokjin understands his pained cries.

Within a few minutes, Jungkook and Namjoon send the people of the night running back into the cliff of the canyon. As Jungkook turns to leave, he sees a small necklace on the canyon floor. When he picks it up, he realizes that he saw this necklace on the smaller male who protected the sacrifice.

"Those two must have been slaves that were taken from a nearby enemy clan," Namjoon explains as they walk toward Seokjin.

When Seokjin carefully sets the two humans down, the smaller male quickly covers the larger one with his bare body to protect him. Seokjin gently pats the smaller male's back to calm him.

"Yoongi. Yoongi." The smaller male cries as he gently holds the injured man.

Seokjin watches as the man meant to be the sacrifice softly smiles at the crying man and gently wipes away his tears. The smaller male instantly sobs and clings to the other man.

"I know that you cannot understand us, but we will not hurt you." Seokjin softly tells them.

They both look at him as they try to understand what he is saying to them. When Jungkook and Namjoon approach them, the larger male weakly tries to protect the smaller one. Jungkook slowly gets down to one knee and reaches his hand out to give them the necklace. He watches as the smaller male's eyes light up, and he carefully reaches his hand out to take the necklace. The young warrior stays completely still so as not to startle the small human.

When the small human takes the necklace from Jungkook's hand, he smiles and shows the necklace to the other man, who gently cradles his face.

"I do not know what happened to them, but they are both malnourished and injured." Seokjin softly mutters as he drapes his cloak over the smaller male.

"I told Mutt that I believe they are from an enemy clan and must have been taken as slaves," Namjoon answers and looks around the canyon.

"We need to get them out of here. More will return to try and take this one as a sacrifice again." Seokjin explains and stands up.

"I agree." Namjoon hums and looks at the two they just saved.

"Oh, the one who was about to be sacrificed is named Yoongi, I believe. The smaller one called him that." Seokjin tells them as he looks at the two terrified men.

"We came here to protect these people, but we ended up killing several of them," Jungkook mumbles quietly as he cleans his sword.

"That does happen from time to time," Namjoon tells the young warrior.

"I am just grateful that we came tonight." Jungkook sighs and looks at Yoongi and his lover.

"Mutt, you take the smaller one. I will carry Yoongi." Namjoon tells Jungkook as they prepare to leave the canyon.

When Jungkook lifts the smaller one into his arms and Namjoon takes Yoongi, the smaller one screams and tries to fight Jungkook. "Hey, little human, I am trying to help you. Stay still. You will not be separated, and both of you will be safe." Jungkook softly tells the screaming human who looks at him with big eyes and hiccups in fear.

"It is time to go," Seokjin tells them, then jumps. Jungkook watches in awe as Seokjin quickly makes it to the very top of the canyon. Jungkook yelps when Namjoon wraps his arm around him and leaps. To Jungkook's surprise, they safely make it to the top.

The moment Jungkook sets the small human down, he runs over to Yoongi and hugs him.

"I will heal them once we have found an oasis for the night," Seokjin tells them as he mounts his horse.

"We will have to separate them once again." Namjoon sighs and lifts Yoongi in his arms to set him on his horse.

To Jungkook's surprise, the smaller one does not scream this time. "He seems calmer now." Jungkook mumbles and sets the smaller human on his horse before he mounts up behind the human.

As they ride through the desert, both humans eventually fall asleep from the exhaustion and trauma they have faced. When they reach an oasis, Jungkook carefully dismounts with the small human in his arms and then carries him into their residence. He and Namjoon lay the two humans together in the same bed and then let Seokjin heal them.

When the sun rises, the two humans wake up in a panic and then frantically look around the room. They both relax when they see that they are together. The smaller one cries in relief when he sees that Yoongi's wounds have healed.

"So, the reason why they only come out at night is because they live in the caves. They are not accustomed to the sun. When we travel, we will have to completely bundle them up to keep the sun from burning them." Seokjin explains as he watches Namjoon and Jungkook train.

"Okay, we have plenty of clothing to wrap them in," Namjoon answers as he stands still and easily blocks Jungkook's moves.

"Someday, I will make you sweat." Jungkook grunts in frustration as his body shimmers with sweat and his pants fill the oasis.

"I am sure you will, Mutt." Namjoon chuckles and blocks another slash.

"They are awake," Seokjin tells them when he hears their soft footfalls in the beautiful marble residence.

Jungkook and Namjoon stop when they see the two small humans nervously standing at the edge of the shade. Seokjin slowly and carefully stands up from his chair and then walks toward the food he has laid out for the two humans. Both humans nervously watch the tall elf as he walks past them toward a table with light food.

"You can have whatever you want." Seokjin softly smiles and motions them over.

Neither of the two humans budges from their spot as they nervously hold each other's hands. Seokjin takes a bite of bread to show them that the food is safe to eat, then holds out a slice of bread for each of them. He notices that they seem to be waiting for something, so he looks at them and tries to figure out what it is they are waiting for.

"They are waiting for you to toss it to the ground," Jungkook tells Soekjin as he walks into the residence and takes the bread from Seokjin. He then sets the bread on a plate and gently sets the plate on the ground in front of the two humans.

"Really?" Seokjin asks in shock, then watches as the two sit on the floor and hungrily eat the bread.

"They have been slaves for quite some time. As I looked at them, I realized they did not resemble the people who lived in that canyon. The people in the canyon have white eyes. These two have blue eyes. They must have been sold to the canyon people as slaves. Also, the scars around their necks, wrists, and joints show that they have been slaves for many years." Jungkook explains as they watch the two humans eat.

"But neither of them has the brand mark that we have." Seokjin points out.

"That is because they likely were sold from their clan directly to the canyon people. They were not hauled around in the slave trains." Jungkook answers as he sits down and eats a grape.

When the two humans finish the bread, they stay on the ground and nervously look at the three very large men.

"Now, they probably expect to pay for the food. From their appearance, I think they are sex slaves." Jungkook whispers with pain in his eyes as he looks at the terrified humans.

"So, they think that they have to pleasure us if they want food," Namjoon mutters with disgust in his voice as he thinks about the horrors the two have been forced through.

"Yeah." Jungkook hums and tries to think of a way to let them know that they are free. After a few minutes of thinking, Jungkook stands up and slips his shirt off, then walks over to the terrified humans. "Free." He softly whispers and points to the brand on his chest, then points to their chain-less wrists, ankles, and necks. "Free." He gently repeats and carefully holds both of their wrists, acting as if breaking the chains.

"Free." The smaller one mumbles with big eyes as he understands what Jungkook is telling them. "Free." He cries and hugs Yoongi.

"Yes, free." Jungkook smiles and gently pats both of their heads.

The smaller one instantly bows to thank them for his freedom, then hugs Yoongi again.

"We will take them to the next town, give them money, and let them go wherever they want to go." Namjoon smiles as he looks at the relief on their faces.

Chapter 5: A Taste of Happiness

When they reach the next town, Namjoon hands both of the humans plenty of money to start their new lives. "You are free now, so go live your lives to the fullest." He softly smiles and pats both of their heads. The moment he turns to mount his horse, both cry out and hold onto him. He turns and looks at them in shock as they cling to him with teary eyes.

"They are scared. They have been slaves for so long that I do not think that they know how to survive on their own." Seokjin softly explains as he dismounts and walks over to the crying pair. When he hugs both of them, he looks at his lover with big eyes.

"They can travel with us." Namjoon softly chuckles as Seokjin's puppy eyes attack him.

"Man, you are wrapped around his finger." Jungkook laughs as Namjoon quickly gives in to Seokjin's puppy eyes.

"Tell me about it." Namjoon sighs and softly laughs.

"You two can stay with us until you are ready to go on your own." Seokjin softly tells the two crying humans.

When Namjoon sets Yoongi on his horse and Jungkook sets the smaller one on his horse, they both stop crying and hug the horses.

"Yoongi, hold on tight. We are about to ride off quickly." Namjoon softly tells the small human, then spurs his horse into action.

Both humans squeal in excitement as they race through the desert. The taste of freedom is flowing through their spirits.

If they want to stay with us, we need to teach them how to defend themselves. The life we lead is very dangerous, especially for such small humans. Namjoon tightens his embrace around Yoongi to keep him safely seated on his racing steed.

"Little human, what is your name?" Jungkook asks the smiling human. "Jungkook." The warrior points to himself, so the human understands what he is asking.

"Jimin." The small human smiles and looks at the large warrior.

"Jimin. Nice name." Jungkook smiles and then spurs his horse to run faster.

The group rides until the sun becomes a golden sliver on the horizon. Jimin and Yoongi gasp when a large marble house suddenly appears in front of them. They both follow the large men into the residence and then smile when they recognize that it is the same place as before.

"So, I have been thinking. We need to train them how to fight since they wish to stay with us. However, our weapons are made for elves and larger beings. They are small humans." Namjoon points out as they settle down for a meal.

"They can become archers," Seokjin suggests and looks at the pair who sit down on the floor and quietly wait for their food.

"All of our bows are made to be our size." Namjoon reminds Seokjin, who nods in agreement.

"We can still teach them archery. They will grow into it." Jungkook answers and sits down next to the two humans.

Jimin and Yoongi look at the warrior in shock as he sits next to them on the floor. Shocking them even more, Seokjin and Namjoon place all of the platters on the floor and join them. Seokjin places plenty of food on two plates for the two humans and then sets the plates in front of them. Both humans quietly watch as the three men eat while they wait for them to finish before they themselves eat.

Seokjin notices this, so he shoves a grape into each of their mouths. Both humans squeak in surprise as the grapes pop in their mouths, filling their mouths with an unknown sweetness. Their eyes grow in shock as they look at the red grapes in front of them. Yoongi carefully picks up a grape, then pushes it into Jimin's mouth and smiles.

Jungkook watches with a soft smile as the two humans slowly get lost in their own world together. The pain and hardship they have been through make everything they discover together precious. They must have been so terrified that night. Just from knowing Seokjin and Namjoon, being separated from your lover is terrifying. I cannot imagine being separated by death. If I had been any later, Jimin would have learned an excruciating pain that would have finished breaking him. They are both so innocent. I took the first step to protect them, and I will never stop protecting them.

The next morning, Jimin and Yoongi roam around the large residence and find Jungkook and Seokjin training. They both quietly watch from the shadows. When Namjoon notices the two hiding in the shade, he slowly approaches them with food. Both humans awkwardly wave at him, causing the large elf to smile and softly laugh. When he waves back at them, they both smile and shyly walk over to him.

As a compromise, Namjoon places the food on the low table where people can sit on pillows on the floor while eating at the table. Both humans happily sit on the pillows and begin eating the breakfast given to them.

With a fond smile, Namjoon watches them eat. You two are younger than Jungkook. Somehow, Seokjin and I ended up with three kids within a month. We will keep you three safe. We will never lose a child again. We will train you until you break so that you can build yourselves back up. You three will be untouchable. No one will be able to harm you. This I promise you. 

"Jimin, Yoongi, follow me." Namjoon softly tells the two humans once they finish their food.

Both look at him with big eyes when he says their names, then follow him. Neither of them knows what is going on, but they trust him. When Seokjin and Jungkook see that Namjoon is bringing them to the weapons room, they follow.

The two humans gasp in surprise when they see the many weapons lining the walls of the large room. They nervously look around as Namjoon motions them over to the wall where many bows are carefully mounted.

"Choose the one you want," Namjoon tells them and points to the bows.

Jimin and Yoongi both look at the bows that were created by the most skilled of masters. Namjoon watches as Yoongi's eyes rest on a black bow made of dragon bone, so he reaches over and hands the bow to the curious human. Yoongi admires the large bow in his hands and then looks up at Namjoon, who encourages him with a smile.

Jimin looks at the bow in Yoongi's hands, then looks at the other bows. As he examines the various bows, he softly hums. After a few moments, Jimin reaches his hand out to a crystal bow. When Namjoon hands the crystal bow to Jimin, the small human smiles and nods his head.

"It looks like they have found the ones they like." Namjoon chuckles as he watches the small humans.

"The bows they chose are excellent." Seokjin hums with fondness.

"It is time to train," Namjoon tells them and leads the two humans out of the weapons room.

When they walk to a long walkway with targets at the end of it, Namjoon creates a bow with ice and summons an arrow, then sends the arrow flying. Jungkook's eyes widen in admiration as he watches the older elf shoot with precision and speed.

Jimin and Yoongi both nervously gulp as they hold their bows. Neither of them has ever even held a bow before. Seokjin softly smiles when he senses their nervousness and walks over to them. The beautiful elf lifts Yoongi's bow and shows him how to hold it, then notches an arrow on the bow. When he helps Yoongi pull the string back, they both take a deep breath and then release the arrow.

Jimin squeals in excitement when the arrow pierces the center of the target and waits for Seokjin to help him. When Jimin's arrow pierces the center of the target, Yoongi claps and praises him.

For the rest of the day, Seokjin trains Jimin and Yoongi while Namjoon ruthlessly beats Jungkook to the ground over and over again. When Jungkook's sword is sent flying for the hundredth time, the young warrior grunts in frustration.

"Mutt, you are already better than the first day." Namjoon chuckles and hands Zaniah back to Jungkook.

"You still are not sweating!" Jungkook yells at the elf with a pout.

"I will sweat someday." Namjoon grins and motions for Jungkook to start another round.

By the time the sun sets, Jungkook is lying on the ground while panting from pure exhaustion. Namjoon chuckles and sits next to the dramatic warrior and pats his head.

"Tell me, did my Jin break a sweat this morning while he was training you?" Namjoon asks and lies down next to the exhausted boy.

"Not even close," Jungkook grumbles with a pout.

"Just so you know, he is a better swordsman and archer than I am." Namjoon grins while Seokjin walks over to them.

"Liar." Seokjin laughs and dumps ice-cold water on his lover.

"Seokjin is faster, but you are stronger." Jungkook points out and happily takes the cup of water from Seokjin.

"It is good that you can already tell the difference in our fighting styles." Namjoon hums in approval, then glares at his giggling lover.

"You are from different elven kingdoms. Seokjin is from the forest, while you are from the seafaring kingdom." Jungkook further points out.

"Very good." Soekjin praises and helps Jungkook stand up.

As they walk into their home, Jimin and Yoongi are both quietly talking. From their faces, Jungkook can tell that their training went well. Wanting to get to know them a little better, Jungkook picks up a bowl of grapes and walks over to them.

When he sits with them, they both look at him and smile. He smiles back and offers them grapes. The three of them quietly sit and enjoy the grapes together. Seokjin and Namjoon fondly watch the three as they bond.

"Do you think that he is still alive?" Seokjin whispers with a sorrowful gaze.

"He is, and we will find him. He would love to get to know those three." Namjoon softly hums and wraps Seokjin in his arms.

"It has been twenty-five years. We have searched for him everywhere." Seokjin sniffles and closes his eyes. "What if we lose these three?"

"Do not worry. We will not lose them. We will keep them safe, and we will find him." Namjoon softly tells Seokjin and kisses the top of his head.

At the end of dinner, the two humans are slowly drifting off to sleep, so Seokjin gets up and gently ushers them to bed. When Yoongi and Jimin plop down onto their bed, Seokjin gently fluffs the bed and makes sure that they are comfortable. Both humans happily hum and snuggle into the pillows and blankets and fall asleep.

Seokjin lovingly brushes his fingers through their hair and hums a soft desert lullaby. As the lullaby floats through the air, Jungkook lies down on his bed and listens to the soft tune. He listens to the cool desert breeze that is softly blowing into his room from the large open window. He listens to how the sand rustles and whisks through the wind.

I miss the sound of the wind blowing through the trees and the sound of snow falling. I miss the sound of the wolves howling in the distance and the stream bubbling nearby. I miss the sound of the owl hooting through the night and the sound of my brother reading to me at night. However, I love the sound of happiness in this home. I love the sound of Seokjin softly singing a lullaby. I love the sound of my sword clashing with Namjoon's sword. I love the sound of the book pages turning as Namjoon reads late into the night. I love the sound of the desert breeze. I love the sound of Seokjin's and Namjoon's late-night talks as they rest together. There is a warmth and comfort they bring that I have never known. I have lost the life that I was never allowed to live in the mountains, but I have gained a life here in the desert with the two who saved me. I will willingly trade the beautiful mountains for the desert with Seokjin and Namjoon any day. They saved me, and I plan on staying by their sides until they tell me to leave. If I am abandoned in the end, at least I have tasted happiness. This time, I will be abandoned with a smile on my face. They have shown me warmth that I never thought I would know, and for this, I am immensely grateful.

Chapter 6: The Darkness of Humans

Ten Years Later

"RUN!" A man shrieks as arrows whizz down on the large slave compound that has been skillfully hidden in the desert cliff.

"Do not let a single one live!" Namjoon shouts as he wields his sword and leaps into the middle of the fleeing slave traders.

Jungkook skillfully cuts down every single slave trader that tries to flee past him while Jimin and Yoongi pick off the ones who are trying to hide. As the fight ensues, Seokjin runs to the cages where the many slaves are being held and frees them. The slaves instantly recognize the emerald eyes of the elf and cling to him, thanking him in their many languages.

By the time Seokjin has unchained every slave, none of the slave traders are alive. Jungkook frowns as he rips his sword out of the skull of his last victim.

"That is disgusting." Jimin shivers as he looks at the people Jungkook cut to pieces.

"Shut up." Jungkook mumbles and slings the blood from his sword.

"The older you are, the grouchier you are." Jimin clicks his tongue in disapproval.

"The older you are, the more annoying you are." Jungkook grunts and sheathes his sword.

"You two, cut it out." Namjoon sighs as he looks at the bickering pair.

Yoongi chuckles and gently kisses his lover's cheek while Jungkook scoffs and rolls his eyes. 

When Seokjin approaches them with the freed slaves, the bickering pair calms and looks at the slaves with sympathy. The slaves look around in surprise as their captors' torn bodies are strewn all over the desert floor. 

"We will take you to the nearest town. From there, you can find your different ways home." Namjoon informs the slaves as he mounts his large horse.

"It is time to go," Seokjin tells the slaves and mounts his horse as hundreds of shadow horses race through the desert toward them after hearing Jungkook's whistle.

The slaves tremble in fear as large horses made of darkness surround them. "It is safe to ride them. They are mine." Jungkook tells the terrified slaves as he mounts the largest of the shadow horses.

When all of the slaves are safely mounted onto the shadows, they head toward the nearest town. The moment they arrive at the town, the shadow horses stop and let the slaves off. The five warriors watch as the slaves gratefully bow and then enter the large desert city.

"They are safe now," Seokjin tells the others once all of the slaves have safely entered the city.

As they ride through the sand dunes, Yoongi notices that Jungkook still has the empty sheath of a dagger dangling on a string around his neck. Over the past ten years, Yoongi has wondered why Jungkook carries the empty sheathe with him but has never asked.

By nightfall, the five riders reach their destination. When they ride into the large city, the people on the streets gasp in fear and hide from the five. The largest of the five rides a large Arabian stallion with a sword strapped to his back, and long black hair flows behind him as his blue eyes seem to glow and pierce the night. The rider next to him encompasses all that is beautiful as his long black hair with willow green streaks is beautifully braided, and his emerald green eyes glow in the night. In the center of the group are two smaller men with long white hair and blue eyes, carrying two large bows. Their complexion is as white as the purest of full moons. At the very back of the group is a large rider on a horse made of shadows and darkness. He wears a hood over his eyes and a mask covering his face and has a large black sword strapped to his broad back. When his eyes peer out from beneath the hood, they seem to soak up all light and turn it into pure darkness.

The people of the town tremble in fear as the riders approach a tavern. When the five riders reach the tavern, many leave the tavern.

"My lords, how may I accommodate you on this fine night?" The owner of the tavern smiles and bows to the five.

"Five large ales, a boar, bread, and cheese." Namjoon answers and dismounts.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable." The owner of the tavern bows and goes to prepare the food.

"I could eat the entire boar by myself," Jimin grumbles as his stomach growls in hunger.

"You literally had a whole loaf of bread on the way here." Jungkook deadpans and sits down at the large table.

"Shut up." Jimin hisses and plops down on Yoongi's lap.

"Why can you not be more like Yoongi?" Jungkook frowns as he glares at the small human.

"Then you would have no one to talk to, despite you two only speaking when fighting." Seokjin points out with a soft laugh.

"We do not fight!" Jimin and Jungkook shout in defense at the same time.

"Seriously." Namjoon deadpans as he glares at the two young warriors.

"We do not." They both grumble with a frown.

Within a few minutes, the two are arguing over who gets to eat the last slice of bread while Namjoon and Seokjin laugh. The owner of the tavern stares at them in horror as Jimin stabs a knife into the table.

"Jimin, do not dare threaten me! That is my slice!" Jungkook growls and slams an arrow into the wooden table.

Before the argument can go any further, Yoongi takes the slice of bread in question and eats it without a care in the world. Jimin and Jungkook both gawk at him and begin whining.

"Thank the gods that we have Yoongi." Seokjin laughs as Jimin and Jungkook fuss over the empty basket.

"Did you hear that there is going to be an interesting exhibit at the carnival tomorrow?" The group hears someone at another table ask their companion.

"I did. I heard that it is a monster. Its eyes are going to be for auction tomorrow."

Jungkook grimaces when he hears them talking. 

"Did you just shiver when you heard a creature's eyes are going to be for sale? You literally just chopped people to pieces." Jimin deadpans when he sees Jungkook's reaction.

"I would never go around selling their body parts." Jungkook mumbles and picks at his food. "I have lost my appetite," Jungkook whispers and sets his fork down. "The creature is still alive, which means they will take its eyes while causing it excruciating pain."

"Oh yeah. You are right." Jimin mumbles and also sets his fork down.

"I do not torture, especially not for fun," Jungkook mutters and leaves the tavern.

Seokjin quickly gets up from the table and follows Jungkook out of the tavern. "Jungkook, you have not lost your soul nor your innocence," Seokjin tells him once he catches up to the younger man.

"I feel like I have." The warrior whispers and looks at the bloodstained sword in his hands.

"You have to clear up your mind and heart. Zaniah's energy will become dark just like he has with his past wielders. Do not let yourself go down the same path as them. You save people. You are not like the monsters who torment a creature for pleasure and profit." Seokjin softens his voice at the end and gently cups Jungkook's face.

"I am scared. I have heard that many of my siblings have gone mad from the dark energy swirling within them. I know why dark elves are looked down upon. We are a cursed people. I can feel the darkness growing in me each day." Jungkook cries and allows Seokjin to hold him.

"Mutt, you are different. You have the pure soul that humans are born with. You have us. We will help you through everything. When you feel like it is too much to bear alone, tell us. We will hold you and walk with you." Seokjin whispers and holds the warrior who has become a son to him.

"Thank you." Jungkook sniffles and rests his head on Seokjin's shoulder.

"My sweet little Mutt." Seokjin fondly hums and holds the large man in his arms.

When they walk back into the tavern, Jimin instantly hugs Jungkook and looks up at him with teary eyes. "I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you." He sniffles and holds onto Jungkook. I am so sorry. I will watch what I say.

"It is okay. You did nothing wrong. I am dealing with my own problems." Jungkook softly smiles and looks down at the human, who is a constant reminder that he saves people.

"Is it the dark energy?" Jimin asks and continues to hug Jungkook.

"Yes." He quietly answers and looks at Zaniah.

"It is okay. You will be okay." Jimin smiles and drags Jungkook back to their table.

"We will be staying at an inn tonight," Namjoon tells them as they finish eating their dinner.

That night, Jungkook looks out of his window and watches the clouds float past the sliver crescent moon. There is a darkness in this city that is affecting the growing energy within him. What disturbs Jungkook is that the dark energy is created by the darkness of humans' hearts, specifically the humans in this very city.

He knows that they have traveled to this city to look for the person whom Soekjin and Namjoon have been relentlessly searching for. This city is the center of human trafficking in this desert because it is a port city. He can hear the clinking of chains as slaves are led off the ships docked at the port. This desert seaside city is filled with endless evil and darkness. He can hear his horse neighing in distress from the heavy energy.

Before the sun even rises, Jungkook gets out of his bed and trains. He was too restless to get any rest during the dark night. When Seokjin walks into Jungkook's room to wake him, he sees the warrior hanging upside down from the rafters with sweat dripping down his body.

"I see that you could not sleep either." Seokjin hums and wipes the sweat from Jungkook's face.

"Something very evil is happening today. Geulimja was restless the entire night. He neighed the whole night. The humans here are about to do something horrible." Jungkook mutters and gets down.

"Then we'd better go out and find out what is about to happen," Seokjin answers and leaves the room to get the others up.

As the five roam the streets, people quickly part to let them by. Jungkook keeps his ears piqued to try to hear any clues as to what is going on in this town. Then he hears it.

"They are about to take its eyes! Hurry!" Jungkook looks up and quickly follows the crowd, causing his group to run to catch up with him. As he pushes his way through the large crowd and makes his way to the front, he sees the dagger he gave the boy all of those years ago. He quickly snatches the dagger from the large man and stares at it.

"Who the fuck are you?" The man growls and tries to grab Jungkook.

"The owner of this dagger." Jungkook snarls and swiftly kills the man. "Why did that pig have this dagger? What happened to the-" A scream suddenly pierces the air, sending a pain to Jungkook's heart. The warrior quickly shoves his way to the front of the crowd and then freezes in horror as he looks at a being with large, leather, black dragon wings that are nailed to a large wooden board. A scream lodges in his throat when he sees one golden eye looking at the crowd with blood and tears streaming down the young man's face. Jungkook collapses to his knees as the golden eye is ruthlessly taken from the screaming boy. "N-no. H-how did thi-is happen?" Jungkook whispers and clenches his fists as the boy sobs in pain.

"Jungkook, do not." Namjoon grabs Jungkook's shoulder as Jungkook moves to save the boy.

"They are all monsters," Jungkook growls as darkness begins to swirl around him.

"Mutt, listen to me. Do not do this. We will save him. I swear to you that we will save him." Seokjin quickly wraps Jungkook in his arms and holds him to calm him.

"Why can I not kill everyone?" Jungkook growls and clenches the dagger in his fists.

"Look." Seokjin points to a group of small children playing in the dirt. "They are why. The adults here are all monsters, but their children are innocent."

"They will turn their children into monsters."

"You will turn the children into monsters. Do not be the reason for that. Let others be the ones damned for ruining their innocence. Do not let it be you." Seokjin desperately holds onto Jungkook as he watches Zaniah's energy darken.

"Fine." Jungkook whispers and calms.

"Good. We will kill the ones who tormented the boy. Do not worry." Namjoon tells Jungkook as they disappear into the crowd.

Jungkook looks away as the tormentors cut the boy's throat to silence his cries. When the large metal stakes in the boy's wings are ripped out, the winged boy silently screams and collapses to the ground. I should not have left you. I should have taken you with me.

Chapter 7: Please, Do Not Cry

That night, the five sneak into the circus's compound and search for the boy with dragon wings and his eyes. Everywhere Jungkook searches, he kills the workers. He refuses to leave a single one alive.

When he runs past a large cage, he hears chains clinking as someone shakes in pain. Jungkook quickly runs toward the pain. His hands tremble in anger as he breaks the lock on the cage where the winged boy is being caged.

The injured male instantly tries to cry out in fear when Jungkook touches him. "It is okay. You are safe." Jungkook softly whispers and drapes his cloak over the small male's broken and bloodied body. He carefully scoops him into his arms and folds the injured wings. The injured male shakes in pain as Jungkook carries him out of the cage.

Seokjin walks over to Jungkook and ties a linen sash over where the young man's eyes are supposed to be. Tears shimmer in Jungkook's eyes as he holds the shivering boy.

"Let's go. I need to heal him." Seokjin softly tells Jungkook and leads him out of the compound.

When Jimin picks up the jar with golden eyes, he shudders in anger and holds the jar close. He and Yoongi quickly leave the area and run to the edge of the city, where Namjoon is waiting for them.

"It is time to go. Jin and Jungkook are already heading to the next oasis." Namjoon tells them as they mount their horses.

"Is he alive?" Jimin asks as they flee the city.

"He is," Namjoon answers and spurs his horse.

When Seokjin and Jungkook reach the oasis, Seokjin summons their home and quickly goes inside to prepare a room for the boy.

"He can stay in my room," Jungkook mumbles as he carries the silently crying boy to his room. Seokjin nods in agreement and helps Jungkook lay the injured male on the bed of pillows. The elf quickly begins to heal his wings so that the boy can put them away.

Jungkook gently holds the winged boy's hand as he continues to shake in pain. After a few minutes, the silent cries calm, and the shaking lessens. Jungkook breathes out in relief when he notices the pain subsiding.

When the other three walk into the room, Jimin winces when he sees the injured male in Jungkook's bed. Jimin carefully walks over to Seokjin and sets the jar next to the elf. Jungkook feels his stomach churn when he sees the jar. When Jimin notices Jungkook's nausea, he quickly covers the jar with a blanket.

"I did not know that he was a dragon," Jungkook whispers once the injured young man falls asleep.

"He is the boy you gave your dagger to, isn't he?" Namjoon asks as he sits next to Jungkook's bed.

"He is." Jungkook softly answers and pulls out the sheathed dagger.

Yoongi's eyes widen when he sees the dagger in the sheath that has been empty since he met Jungkook. He now understands why Jungkook almost lost his mind while watching the horrific scene earlier.

"Little fire breather, you can put your wings away now." Seokjin softly tells the small dragon.

"Why did they cut his vocal cords?" Yoongi asks as he looks at the cut on the dragon's throat.

"Because he is a dragon. The shackles on his wrists and ankles have a spell that stops him from summoning fire. They cut his throat because the special organ that creates the fire he breathes out sits next to his vocal cords. The organ is called an ignis." Seokjin explains and heals the cut on the small dragon's throat. "He will not be able to speak for now. I can only heal the bleeding wounds. I do not have enough energy to heal everything." Seokjin weakly whispers as he heals a large gash on the dragon's side.

"That is okay. He will live." Jungkook mumbles and gently rubs his thumb over the top of the dragon's hand.

Namjoon carefully examines the shackles around the young man's wrists and ankles, then begins to chant. When his eyes begin to glow, he breaks the shackles. They all smile in relief when the shackles break.

"We will need to find a magician to heal his eyes and voice," Seokjn explains as he weakly slumps into Namjoon's arms after healing the major wounds.

"Thank you," Jungkook whispers and looks at the now sleeping dragon.

For the rest of the night, Jungkook stays awake by the sleeping young dragon's side. Jungkook watches over him, making sure that nothing happens to him.

When the morning sun shines into the room, the dragon stirs from his sleep. Jungkook quickly sets the dagger in the boy's hand. "It is okay. I will not harm you. I promise."

The dragon runs his fingers over the dagger and smiles because he recognizes the voice of the man who saved him. When he tries to speak, he is horrified when no sound leaves his throat. Jungkook notices bloody tears staining the linen sash.

"Do not cry. Please, do not cry." Jungkook quickly lifts the boy into a hug and holds him. The young dragon clings to him and silently sobs.

Seokjin and Namjoon quickly enter the room when they sense Jungkook's distress. They both tear up when they see the boy desperately trying to talk.

"We will find a magician to heal you. I promise." Jungkook desperately tells the sobbing dragon.

Jungkook's words seem to calm the crying dragon, and he stills in Jungkook's arms. Jungkook gently pats his back and softly hums the lullaby that he has often heard Seokjin singing at night. Soon, the dragon is peacefully sleeping in Jungkook's arms.

"He must be so exhausted from the pain and trauma." Seokjin softly whispers and pats the sleeping dragon's head.

"I sent a letter to a magician for help. I suggest we start our journey tomorrow once everyone has rested." Namjoon tells Seokjin and Jungkook as they care for the sleeping boy.

"They called him a creature and monster," Jungkook whispers with a broken voice and teary eyes.

Seokjin gently pats Jungkook's back to soothe him. After a few minutes, Jungkook leans into Seokjin's arms and closes his eyes. Seokjin holds him and lets him sleep in his arms while Namjoon prepares for their journey.

"Is he okay?" Jimin asks Namjoon as the elf prepares everything for their journey.

"He is still scared and in pain, but he will be okay," Namjoon answers, smiling at the worried humans.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Yoongi asks and helps Namjoon pack a few bags.

"Just be gentle with him. He can not see or speak, so his world has been completely shattered. It will be harder for us traveling with him because we will have to fight attackers while remembering to protect him." Namjoon explains and prepares light food for the injured dragon.

"I am sure that Jungkook will protect him. We will also make sure that the journey is comfortable. Why are we packing bags?" Jimin asks when he realizes that this is the first time they have packed bags.

"We are going to the swamps where magic energy is void. We will not be able to travel with our home." Namjoon answers.

"Oh, so you will have to fight without magic as well. Will Jungkook be able to use his dark energy?" Jimin asks, his voice filled with worry.

"Do not worry, little one. We are all good enough fighters that we do not need to use magic. But I am not sure about Jungkook's dark energy. We will see what happens." Namjoon answers and carries the food to Jungkook's room.

"Wait, how is the magician going to be able to heal the young dragon if the swamp is void of magic?" Yoongi mumbles in confusion.

"The magician uses a different energy than elves since he is human." The elf answers and looks at Seokjin, who is holding a sleeping Jungkook.

"How did Jungkook meet the dragon?" Jimin asks as they leave the food with Seokjin and leave the room.

"It was very brief, but he looked into the dragon's eyes. Dragons and dark elves are made of the same dark energy, so their souls are very compatible. From the dragon's reaction to Jungkook, they both connected in that split second." Namjoon explains as they continue to pack bags for their journey.

"So, their souls connected?"

"Yes."

When the dragon wakes up, he frantically reaches out to find the only person he knows. Jungkook quickly takes his hand and carefully hugs him. "I am here. I will not leave you." He softly whispers and rocks the scared dragon in his arms.

Once the dragon calms down, Seokjin hands the plate of food to Jungkook. Jungkook carefully turns the boy in his arms and has him sit in his lap with his back pressed against Jungkook's chest. "Here, are you hungry?" Jungkook softly asks him, which earns him a quick nod.

For the next several minutes, Jungkook feeds him while Seokjin roams around the room and packs the things Jungkook will need for the journey. As the dragon eats, he softly smiles and sways in Jungkook's arms. It has been a very long time since he last had something to eat.

After he finishes eating, Jungkook carries him to the bath and sets him next to the basin filled with warm water. "So, I will leave you to let you bathe. There are clothes for you right here." When Jungkook turns to leave, the dragon reaches out and grabs him. "Do you want me to stay?" The dragon fervently nods and tightens his grip on Jungkook's pants. "Very well, I will stay right next to the basin and help you."

As Jungkook helps him bathe, Jungkook wonders what the dragon's voice sounds like. He wonders what his laughter sounds like. Jungkook gently rubs soap on the dragon's small body and feels like crying as he looks at the gruesome scars. He has fought many fights, but he does not have nearly as many scars as the young dragon.

When Jungkook sniffles, the boy gently reaches his hand up and clumsily wipes his tears away. "Do not cry." The boy mouths and pats Jungkook's cheek. 

"Okay." Jungkook smiles softly.

Jungkook stops what he is doing when the boy mouths something else. "Are you trying to tell me your name?" Jungkook's question earns him a nod and a smile, so he watches as he mouths it once again.

"Tae ... hyun?" Jungkook earns a quick shake of the head when he guesses wrong. "Is tae the first sound?" The boy quickly nods and mouths his name again. "Tae ... hyung?" Taehyung quickly nods his head and smiles when he hears Jungkook say his name. "It is nice to know your name, Taehyung. I am Jungkook." Jungkook smiles and gently pats Taehyung's head.

Once Jungkook has cleaned Taehyung, his wings suddenly appear and unfurl, causing Jungkook to get smacked in the face. He softly chuckles as he wipes the soapy water off his face, then begins cleaning Taehyung's large, leather wings. Jungkook watches as Taehyung smiles as he scrubs the leather wings.

By the time he cleans Taehyung's wings, the water is a murky mixture of blood and mud. At this moment, Jungkook is grateful that Taehyung cannot see. 

When Jungkook carefully lifts Taehyung from the murky water, he sets him on the marble floor and pours clean water on him to rinse off the murky water. Taehyung patiently waits as Jungkook makes sure that he is completely clean.

Once Taehyung is clean, Jungkook dries him and dresses him. He softly chuckles when his clothes seem to engulf the small dragon. As he carries Taehyung to bed, Taehyung smiles and plays with the long sleeves.

When Jungkook sets him in bed, Taehyung notices that Jungkook quietly sits next to him. This is when he realizes that Jungkook has been sitting next to him the entire time. He blindly reaches out to pat the floor and realizes that Jungkook has been sitting on the floor and that there is no bed other than the one he is on. So, he reaches out and gently tugs on the large man.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook softly asks and checks to make sure that Taehyung is comfortable. Taehyung nods in response and tugs on Jungkook's shirt again before he pats the space next to him on the bed. "It is okay. Do not worry about me." Jungkook smiles and pats Taehyung's hand. To his surprise, Taehyung pouts and pats the space next to him more fervently. 

Not wanting to upset Taehyung, Jungkook carefully moves and sits next to him. Taehyung huffs as Jungkook stays sitting up and tries to tug him down to lie down. Jungkook smiles and quickly obeys the cute dragon, lying down. Once Jungkook lies down, Taehyung smiles and relaxes.

To Jungkook's surprise, the small dragon scoots closer and curls up next to him. Jungkook carefully rolls over and looks at Taehyung, who reaches out and touches his face. Jungkook smiles as Taehyung begins tracing his fingers over Jungkook's face.

Your eyes, I wanted to see your eyes again. Taehyung's mind fills with the memories of Jungkook's beautiful eyes. Your eyes are darker than the darkest night, yet they hold so many emotions swirling in their depths. However, I did not want my last time seeing your beautiful eyes to be your eyes filled with pain, tears, and anger. I did not want you to be there. What hurt me the most was you watching what they did to me. I wish that I could see you smile like you did that day you left me your dagger. Taehyung sniffles as he longs to see the man who saved him.

"Taehyung, do not cry." Jungkook softly whispers and wipes the bloody tears from Taehyung's face.

I am sorry. I do not mean to make you sad, but it is hard for me not to cry. It is hard for me not to be able to tell you how thankful I am for that day. It is hard for me not to be able to tell you that I have traveled everywhere to find you. I finally found you, but I can no longer see you, nor can I tell you everything.

"Please, do not cry."

Chapter 8: Fire Dancer

When the sun rises, they all prepare their horses. Jungkook carefully bundles Taehyung in linen clothing and then sets him on his horse. Once they are all mounted on their horses, they begin their long journey to find the magician in the swamps.

For the next several days, Jungkook keeps Taehyung protectively wrapped in his embrace. Because Taehyung cannot call out for help, Jungkook does not want to lose sight of him.

As they set up the large tent for the night, Jungkook leaves Taehyung with Jimin. Jimin makes sure to be extra careful with the dragon. When Jimin tries to make a fire, Taehyung listens to him struggling with striking a spark. Jimin's eyes grow wide in surprise as Taehyung picks up a piece of wood and ignites it.

"I should have asked you from the start." Jimin adorably pouts and stokes the fire.

Taehyung smiles as he listens to the human pout. As the fire blazes, Taehyung reaches his hands out and feels the warmth of the fire. Jimin watches as Taehyung flicks his fingers in the fire. As Taehyung's hand dances in the flames, black scales ripple over his hands. Jimin becomes entranced by the beauty of Taehyung's hand dancing in the flames.

"Do you want to dance?" Namjoon asks the dragon who is enjoying the flames.

I have not danced ever since I was very young. I feel like I have forgotten how.

"There is no one around who will harm you. Everyone here wants to protect you and wants you to be happy." Namjoon softly tells the dragon who contemplates dancing.

When Jungkook walks out of the tent, he watches as Namjoon talks to Taehyung, whose hand is still in the flames. He watches as Soekjin smooths out a spot of sand and leads Taehyung to it.

"Only dance if you want to." Seokjin softly tells the dragon who feels the warm desert sand between his toes.

Jungkook watches in awe as flames suddenly engulf the beautiful dragon. He quickly walks over, sits in the warm sand, and falls prey to the dragon's entrancing beauty. 

As Taehyung feels the familiar warmth of fire engulfing him, the sound of a darbuka begins to drum in the night. The dragon slowly whisks his foot through the sand and sways his hips. When Jungkook's voice joins the darbuka, Taehyung dances to his heart's content.

Warm tears drip down Jungkook's face as he watches Taehyung dance with a smile on his face. As Taehyung falls prey to Jungkook's beautiful voice, Jungkook falls prey to Taehyung's beautiful dance.

"Beautiful," Jungkook whispers as Taehyung's leather wings unfurl and black scales ripple over his honey-golden skin.

Jungkook suddenly stills when he hears a group approaching them. He quickly springs up from the ground and draws Zaniah. Taehyung instantly stops dancing and steps closer to the warrior for protection.

The others draw their weapons and look in the direction Jungkook is glaring. Yoongi and Jimin instantly shoot arrows into the night and listen to hear what their arrows hit.

"My arrow hit someone," Yoongi informs the group as he draws his bow once again.

"Mine did too." Jimin hums and sends another arrow flying into the night.

A pained scream greets the group as Jimin's second arrow finds its target once again. Jungkook quickly wraps his arm around Taehyung's waist and surrounds their camp with shadow monsters.

"Bandits." Seokjin hisses when the large group of bandits riding camels appears at the top of the dune in front of them.

"Jin and I will handle this." Namjoon growls and raises his sword above his head, then sends a wave of ice spikes flying toward the bandits who chose the wrong group to attack. Seokjin closes his eyes and slows his breathing, then sends several arrows flying toward the enemy, each arrow piercing their target through the heart.

Soon, all of the bandits lie dead on top of the sand dune.

"We will move our camp. We do not want to sleep near so many dead." Namjoon mumbles and walks toward their tent. With a whisk of his hand, their tent is packed up.

Jungkook quickly places Taehyung on his horse and then mounts up behind the dragon. Once they are all on their horses, they leave their campsite and find another one. Jungkook softly smiles as Taehyung falls asleep in his arms.

"Mutt, Taehyung is a very powerful dragon, so whoever captured him knows magic and is very skilled. His golden eyes have magical properties, which is why they were taken to be sold. I am sure that his wings were going to be stripped from him, too. Afterward, they would have locked him in a fire and forced his scales to appear. Then they would have ripped each scale off. After taking all of his scales, they would have killed him by draining his blood, then they would have stripped his bones of all flesh. His eyes, wings, scales, talons, blood, and bones carry very powerful magical properties. To have black scales and golden eyes is very rare. I am telling you this because the one who captured him will come for him. Until we kill that person, Taehyung is in danger. Also, we cannot take his captor lightly. Taehyung has amazing control over his fire, which means that the one who captured him is very powerful." Seokjin warns Jungkook as the dragon sleeps peacefully. Jungkook's grip tightens around the dragon as he listens to Seokjin's dark warning.

"I will not let that monster harm him." Jungkook growls and hides Taehyung in his embrace.

"I know." Seokjin smiles and looks at the determined warrior.

For the rest of their journey through the desert, Jungkook does not sleep. The thought that the one who captured Taehyung could be following them keeps sleep far away. Every night, he protectively holds the small dragon in his arms while his shadows guard their camp.

When they reach the edge of the desert, they all look at the never-ending swampy forest in front of them. The stench of the swamp brings a grimace to all of their faces.

"The moment we set foot into this forest, our magic will be locked. Be on guard. Do not lose sight of each other. There are monsters within this forest that are hungry." Namjoon warns them and is the first to step into the forest.

When Jungkook walks into the forest, his shadow creatures stay in the desert. He looks at them and then dismisses them. The farther they walk into the forest, Jungkook tightens his hold on the boy who is on his back while Jimin protectively clutches the glass jar closer to his body.

Namjoon walks at the front of the group with his sword drawn at the ready to protect his family. Taehyung nervously buries his face against the crook of Jungkook's neck when he hears the voices of the jungle dwellers surrounding them.

"We mean you no harm. We have come seeking the healing aid of the magician who lives in this forest. We ask that you grant us permission to traverse through your forest. The boy has been unjustly injured. All that we wish is for him to be healed." Seokjin addresses the forest dwellers as they get on their knees to show respect.

"We heard the cries of the young dragon when he was unjustly mutilated. You may pass through. If you are attacked by the creatures who dwell within this forest, you may maim them; however, you may not kill them." A woman's voice responds, granting them permission to travel through the forest.

"We thank you for your permission and shall heed your words," Seokjin answers and bows his head in thanks.

When the voices dissipate, the group stands to their feet and continues their grueling journey. Jimin and Yoongi keep an eye on their surroundings as they have Jungkook walk between them with Taehyung on his back.

As they slip through the mud and do their best to avoid the swampy waters, Taehyung wishes that he could help. However, since he cannot see nor can he call out for help, he knows that he would be more of a burden if he walked with them.

"How do people live here?" Jimin mutters to himself as he accidentally steps into knee-deep bog water.

"Beats me," Yoongi answers and helps his lover out of the water.

"The fish have teeth!" Jimin shrieks as he looks into the water.

"Be very careful. The fish in these waters are flesh-eating fish." Namjoon warns them and helps Seokjin cross a stream.

"That is downright freaky." Jimin mumbles and clings to his lover, who softly chuckles and looks at him with adoration.

"The sun is setting. It will be best if we climb one of these immensely large trees to sleep on its branches." Seokjin tells them as he looks around for a large enough tree for them to sleep on.

"Tae, hold on tight," Jungkook tells the dragon once they find a tree large enough for them to sleep in.

Once they are all safely perched in the tree, Jungkook carefully moves Taehyung to be held in his arms. The thought of being high up in a tree terrifies Taehyung, so he nervously clings to the large warrior.

After checking their surroundings to make sure there are no creatures around them, Seokjin walks over to Jungkook and Taehyung and then carefully unties the linen sash that is around Taehyung's eyes. The beautiful elf gently cups Taehyung's face in his hands as he examines him to make sure that he is healing well. Taehyung carefully reaches his hand out and touches Seokjin's face.

I feel like you are very beautiful. Taehyung thinks as he feels Seokjin's facial features.

"He is beautiful." Jungkook softly confirms and pets Taehyung's head.

"Don't worry, little fire-breather. You will soon be able to see me and confirm it for yourself." Seokjin softly hums and ties the sash back around Taehyung's eyes.

"I will keep the first watch. Mutt, make sure to sleep." Namjoon tells them as he positions himself for the night watch.

Jungkook nods and closes his eyes as he tightly wraps his arms around the small dragon. While his family rests, Namjoon keeps a sharp eye on the surroundings. The large elf quietly draws his sword when he senses someone approaching him.

"You are just as handsome as the stories tell, banished elven king Namjoon." The woman approaching him seductively hums.

Namjoon protectively steps closer to his sleeping husband as he keeps an eye on the woman.

"I know you talk. I heard you earlier." She hums and reaches out to touch him.

"Touch me, and you will lose your hand." Namjoon growls and lifts his sword. "Wake them, and you will lose your voice."

"Do not worry, fierce elf. They will not awaken. I have put them into a deep slumber." She smiles and looks the handsome elf up and down.

"Leave us be." Namjoon snarls without letting his guard down for a single second.

"Do you not find it tiring being the one who is constantly protecting everyone?" She seductively whispers and takes a step closer to the angry elf.

"I am not the one protecting everyone. Jin is." Namjoon answers without hesitation.

"What is it your heart desires?" She asks with a seductive smile.

"All that I want is for Taehyung to be healed and for us to make it through this forest," Namjoon answers honestly.

The moment she touches him, Namjoon stays true to his word and cuts her hand off. When she gasps in pain, Seokjin stands up with an annoyed look on his face.

"I told you that if any of them woke up, I would silence you." Namjoon growls and quickly cuts her throat.

"I swear. Could she have been any louder? Whatever she supposedly used to make us sleep did not work." Seokjin grumbles and watches as she silently gasps in pain.

"If she had spoken any more, I would have vomited." Yoongi huffs and sits up with a grouchy Jimin in his arms.

"She is not human, nor elf, nor dragon, nor dark elf." Jungkook points out as green blood oozes from her wounds.

"She is a serpent who can take on a human form. These serpents seduce males to mate with them, and then they eat the males." Namjoon explains and kicks the hissing woman off the tree.

"She is like a praying mantis." Jungkook mumbles as he listens to the large serpent fall to the forest floor.

"If she dies, we are doomed." Seokjin sighs and shakes his head.

"She will live."

Chapter 9: Safety

When the sun peaks over the horizon, the group leaves the safety of their tree and continues with their journey. As they climb through the forest, Yoongi begins to realize that they are randomly roaming around the swampy jungle.

"Are we lost?" Yoongi asks as they take a small break.

"Yes. We have been lost for quite some time." Namjoon chuckles and hands Yoongi the camel skin water jug.

"What direction should we be heading?" Jungkook asks and looks around the dense jungle.

"It does not matter. He will come to find us." Namjoon answers and checks on Seokjin to make sure that he is doing faring well.

"Are you saying that he is likely watching us and seeing if we are worthy of his help?" Jimin asks and looks over at the tired dragon.

"Basically." Namjoon hums and also looks at the dragon with worry.

"Why is he weakening so quickly?" Yoongi mumbles as they all grow worried.

"He needs to be near fire energy. There is too much earth and water energy here." Seokjin explains and gently presses the back of his hand to Taehyung's forehead to check his temperature. "Because his body is weak from the abuse he has been through, he is susceptible to disease, especially since we are in this jungle."

The longer they trudge through the forest, the more exhausted the group becomes, and the weaker Taehyung grows. His breath becomes labored and faint, worrying Jungkook.

When a monster suddenly swoops down from the canopy above, Namjoon and Seokjin instantly draw their weapons while Jungkook moves Taehyung from his back to being held in his arms. Jungkook protectively holds Taehyung as the group fights the monster. Since they cannot kill the monster, it is harder for them to fight and defend themselves. When Seokjin successfully maims the monster and sends it fleeing, they all sigh in relief; however, their relief is short-lived.

"Taehyung! Tae!" Jungkook shouts as Taeyung begins coughing up blood.

"Yah! You shitty magician! Are you really just going to watch us as the boy dies?!" Yoongi shouts out angrily as Seokjin quickly pulls out herbs to try to help Taehyung. "You better fucking help us, or else I will start killing all of your precious monsters!"

"Aren't you impatient?" A deep voice chuckles through the forest as Yoongi hisses in anger.

"We do not fucking care! Get your fucking ass over here!" Jimin screams in anger as Taehyung shivers in pain.

"Very well." A grinning man answers as he walks over to the group. "King Namjoon, I thought that you would raise your children to be more patient and soft-spoken." The magician grins as he walks over to the large elf.

"Being patient and soft-spoken will get them nowhere," Namjoon answers with an even-keeled voice.

"Your husband is as beautiful as I remember. Who would have thought that the valiant elven king of the seafaring people would gladly be banished to be with a slave?" The magician chuckles and examines Seokjin.

"Stop with this useless talk. Heal the boy. You owe me." Namjoon growls in frustration.

"You are sexy when you are riled up."

"And you are boring." Namjoon deadpans while the magician feigns pain. "Now hurry."

"Very well. I have to admit that seeing this beautiful dragon like this does pain me." The magician turns serious and checks on the struggling dragon. "We will go to my home."

When they are suddenly teleported into his castle, Jungkook sighs in relief. He quickly sets Taehyung on the medical bed that the magician points to, then steps aside to let the magician work. The warrior clenches his fists when he sees Taehyung's body shaking and trembling in pain.

"Mutt, we should step out to let him work." Seokjin softly tells the concerned warrior. Jungkook quietly nods in response and follows Seokjin out of the magician's castle.

"Will he really be okay?" Jungkook asks as he wrings his hands in concern and fear.

"The magician already placed a fire stone on Taehyung to give him the energy he needs. I trust him." Seokjin softly answers Jungkook.

"He and Namjoon have a past." Jimin points out as he remembers the conversation from earlier.

"He was Namjoon's advisor. He tried to stop Namjoon from marrying me." Seokjin explains and looks at the jungle that is outside the castle gates.

"Why?" Yoongi asks and picks an apple from one of the castle's garden trees.

"I was a slave while Namjoon was a king. We fell in love. Namjoon knew that the moment he married me, he would be banished and his sister would take the throne, but he did not care. He went against everyone for me. We have been together ever since." Seokjin smiles at the elf who walks out of the castle to join them.

"He said that he has to wait until Taehyung is stronger before he can begin healing his voice and eyes," Namjoon informs the worried group.

"Why does he owe you?" Jungkook asks when he remembers what Namjoon told the magician.

"I saved his son's life." Namjoon answers and sorrowfully looks at Seokjin.

"We still lost him," Seokjin whispers quietly with teary eyes.

"We will find him. I promise." Namjoon hums and gently hugs his tired husband.

"I did not know that you two are officially married," Jimin mumbles as he looks at the elves.

"We never told you?" Seokjin looks at Jimin in surprise.

"Nope. You've never told any of us." Jungkook answers with a frown.

"Well, now you know." Namjoon chuckles and kisses Seokjin's forehead.

"The mutt should come with me." The magician suddenly tells them when he walks out of the castle.

"Do not call him a mutt," Seokjin growls with an angry glare.

"Whatever." The magician mumbles and motions for Jungkook to follow him.

"Is something wrong with Taehyung?" Jungkook asks as he follows the magician.

"No, but he wants you to be with him." The magician answers and walks into the room where Taehyung is waiting for Jungkook.

"Taehyung, I am here." Jungkook softly hums and walks over to the dragon, who holds out his hand to him. "I am right here." Taehyung smiles and nods as Jungkook holds his hand. "How are you feeling?" Jungkook asks and gently brushes his fingers through Taehyung's black hair. Taehyung smiles and squeezes Jungkook's hand in response. "Good. I am relieved that you are feeling better."

The magician watches the pair and then leaves them to talk with Namjoon and Seokjin. When he approaches them, he smiles. He was against Namjoon leaving the throne because his sister would be a horrible ruler, but he is happy to see the pair happily in love.

"Jungho, what is it?" Namjoon asks as he looks at the approaching magician.

"The dragon is quite young. He needs to be with his people right now since he is still developing. I know that he and your mu- warrior are very close, but it will be best for him to go home." Jungho explains while Namjoon nods in understanding.

"I understand. How do we safely send him home?" Namjoon mutters and looks at his family.

"I can contact his people. If I am not mistaken, he is a prince who suddenly disappeared many years ago." Jungho answers and waits for Namjoon to give his full approval.

"Very well. Send for them." Namjoon sighs and hugs Seokjin, who is worried for Taehyung and Jungkook.

When the night passes and the morning comes, Jungho walks into the room where Jungkook is gently caring for the young dragon. The magician can see the black string connecting the two souls. I do not want to separate you two, just as I did not want to separate King Namjoon and King Seokjin. However, the young dragon will remain sickly if he is not sent home to heal. I am sorry, Jungkook. Give him a few years, and you can be together again.

"Can he be healed today?" Jungkook asks as he holds Taehyung's hand.

"Yes. I will start with his voice and damaged Ignis." Jungho answers and looks at the smiling dragon.

"Thank you." Jungkook smiles and squeezes Taehyung's hand. Jungho smiles and begins preparing what is needed.

"Because I am going to be using a large amount of energy, it will be best if you are not in here," Jungho tells Jungkook once everything is prepared.

"Very well. Taehyung, I will be close by. Do not worry." Jungkook softly tells the nervous dragon.

When Jungkook leaves the room, his family is waiting for him with sorrowful looks in their eyes. He quickly approaches them with worry growing in his heart.

"What is wrong? Why are you looking at me like this?" He asks and looks at Namjoon and Seokjin.

"We should eat breakfast first," Namjoon whispers and leads Jungkook to the large dining room where food is waiting for them.

As Jungkook picks at his food, his family knows that he will not properly eat anything because of his nerves.

"Mutt, Taehyung was not able to grow up in the environment that was needed for proper development for a dragon. He is in his twenties, but for a dragon, his physical development is behind. Because of everything that has happened to him, he is still physically developing; therefore, he needs to be around dragon energy and other dragons who can properly train him." Namjoon softly explains to his son when he sees how distracted and worried his son is.

"So, he has to go back to his home," Jungkook whispers as he interrupts Seokjin's explanation.

"Exactly, if he stays with us, he will only become weaker and sicker. He will never be able to reach his full strength." Seokjin explains with a soft, worried gaze.

"Have you contacted his people yet?" Jungkook breathes out quietly.

"We have. They will arrive in a few days." Namjoon answers as Jungkook nods his head in understanding.

"I only want what is best for him." Jungkook smiles and takes a bite of his food. "Honestly, I was afraid that you were going to tell me that he could not be fully healed." 

"We know that you two have become close, so we were afraid that you would not take the news very well." Seokjin softly smiles and pats Jungkook's back.

"I do not want to let him go, but I need to. He needs to heal and be happy. He will be happiest with his family, so I will not stop him from going home." Jungkook mutters as he takes a bite of his food.

"It will not be forever. Just give him a few years."

"Fifty years to be precise," Namjoon adds to Seokjin's statement.

"We will likely be dead before we can see him again," Yoongi mutters as he looks at Jimin and remembers they are humans amongst a group of powerful beings.

"You will not die. I refuse to lose you." Seokjin's jaw clenches as he looks at the two humans.

"It is okay. We've always known that we will die. That is something that comes with being human." Jimin smiles at his family.

"We will find a way to keep you with us. I promise." Seokjin shakes his head, refusing the thought of losing the two who have become precious to him.

"We certainly will not stop you. We would love for all of us to be together forever." Yoongi smiles as he reaches over the table and gently pats Seokjin's clenched fist.

"I am not going to lose you." Seokjin sniffles and holds Jimin's and Yoongi's hands.

"Of course, we will not lose them." Namjoon smiles as he looks at his family.

"Yah! Yoongi, why did you have to say something so depressing?!" Jimin chastises Yoongi and smacks him on the back.

"Sorry," Yoongi mumbles as he flinches with each powerful smack from his small lover.

"For once, Jimin is yelling at you instead of me." Jungkook chuckles as he watches Jimin chastise Yoongi.

"I do not yell at you!" Jimin shouts and crosses his arms in disapproval.

"Mhm, sure you do not." Jungkook grins and then runs out of the room as Jimin chases after while waving a dagger at the large man.

"Those two will never grow up." Namjoon chuckles as Jimin's and Jungkook's shouts fill the castle. I will not lose my family again.

"Jungkook! That is cheating!" Jimin shrieks as he runs into the large dining room with a shadow wolf chasing after him and a laughing Jungkook sauntering behind.

"So, you can summon your shadows here." Namjoon chuckles as the wolf nips at Jimin's heels.

"I was unable to in the forest, but I can within the castle's territory." Jungkook answers, then swishes his hand, sending the shadow wolf away.

"Stupid mutt." Jimin growls and angrily stomps his foot.

"I can summon the wolf back." Jungkook playfully threatens with a grin.

"Nope! I am good!"

Chapter 10: We Shall Meet Again

"Jungkook, come with me." 

Jungkook quickly gets up from his seat and follows the magician. When they reach the room, the magician opens the door and motions Jungkook into the room.

"Tae?" Jungkook softly asks as he walks into the room.

"Jungkook." Taehyung smiles and looks up at Jungkook, who gasps in happiness and excitement.

"You are stunning." Jungkook smiles and looks into Taehyung's golden dragon eyes.

"You are so handsome." Taehyung hums and walks over to the stunned man.

"I love your voice." The warrior softly murmurs and hugs the small dragon.

"Why do you look sad?" Taehyung asks and looks into Jungkook's eyes.

"There is no need to worry about that right now." Jungkook smiles and gently pats Taehyung's head.

"Please, tell me," Taehyung mumbles as he looks at Jungkook.

"Very well, but do not be frightened. It is actually something very good. Your family is coming for you to take you home." 

"I am going back to the nest?" Taehyung asks with big eyes and a bright smile.

"Yes. See? I told you that it was nothing bad." Jungkook chuckles as the small dragon becomes excited about going home.

"I get to see everyone again. I am going home." Taehyung cries and covers his face, so Jungkook quickly wraps him in his arms and comforts him.

"You are finally going home," Jungkook whispers and rocks the crying dragon.

"You will get to meet everyone." Taehyung smiles and looks up at Jungkook.

"I will not be going with you." Jungkook softly explains to the dragon in his arms.

"What? Why?" Taehyung asks and holds onto Jungkook's shirt as his smile dims.

"If I go, I will disrupt the energy balance that is essential for young dragons. I can not do that to your home." Jungkook explains and wipes Taehyung's tears away.

"So, you are leaving me." Taehyung cries and buries his face in Jungkook's chest.

"No, I am not leaving you. I promise. Once you are old enough and strong enough to live outside of the nest, we will travel together." Jungkook quickly answers as he feels tears threaten to fall.

"Promise?" The young dragon dries his tears and holds his pinky out to Jungkook.

"I promise." Jungkook chuckles and crosses their pinkies.

"Stamp it." Taehyung pouts and wiggles his thumb.

"Okay." Jungkook hums and presses their thumbs together. He jolts when he feels heat spark between their thumbs.

"You cannot break your promise to me." Taehyung looks at Jungkook with big, teary eyes.

"I will not." Jungkook smiles as he examines the flame mark on his thumb.

"Good." Taehyung smiles, then rests his head on Jungkook's chest and listens to his heartbeat.

After a few minutes, Jungkook lies down with the sleeping dragon in his arms and then falls asleep. As the warrior sleeps, the dragon wakes up and looks at him. He gently traces his fingers over Jungkook's face and smiles before he gets up.

When Jungkook wakes up, he looks around the dark room and sees the small dragon in a corner with red light pulsing from him. "Tae, are you okay?" Jungkook quickly sits up in a panic.

"I am okay. I am just doing dragon stuff." Taehyung answers and puts away whatever he was holding.

"Okay." Jungkook sighs in relief and watches as Taehyung walks over to him. "How are you feeling?" Jungkook asks as Taehyung crawls into the bed with him.

"I am okay." Taehyung hums and closes his eyes as Jungkook's warmth engulfs him.

As Taehyung falls asleep, Jungkook softly hums the lullaby that Seokjin always hums. The dragon smiles in his sleep as Jungkook's soft voice fills the room and engulfs him in a warm hug.

When Taehyung wakes up, Jungkook is not in the room, but he can hear Jungkook talking to someone outside the room. So, he gets up and sleepily walks out of the room.

"They will be here for him in a few hours." Tears fill the dragon's eyes when he hears Namjoon's words.

"They are getting here quicker than anticipated." Jungkook quietly sighs.

"I am sorry, Mutt." Namjoon quietly sighs as he looks at the saddened warrior.

"It is okay. It is best for him if he goes home sooner, so he can heal." Jungkook quietly mumbles, then takes a deep breath.

When Jungkook walks back into the room, he is quickly engulfed in the small dragon's embrace. "So soon?" Taehyung asks with teary eyes as he looks up at Jungkook.

"It will be okay. You will be with your family and friends again soon." Jungkook softly smiles and gently wipes Taehyung's tears away as he cups the dragon's small face in his large hands.

"I do not even remember them very well because I was separated from them from such a young age." Taehyung mumbles and leans his forehead against Jungkook's chest.

"You will make new friends. Do not worry." Jungkook gently hums and wraps the dragon in his warm embrace.

"I have something for you." Taehyung sniffles as he reaches into his shirt pocket, then pulls out a small black stone that has golden veins slithering around it.

"What is it?" Jungkook softly asks when Taehyung sets the small stone in his hand. "It is heavier than I expected."

"I made it for you. It is made of my energy." Taehyung shyly mumbles as he avoids Jungkook's tender gaze.

"I am guessing that this is your heartbeat thudding in my hand." Jungkook smiles and gently closes his hand to keep the stone safe.

"Yes." Taehyung nods with a blush igniting his face.

"Thank you so much, Tae." Jungkook hums and hugs Taehyung again. "I also have something for you. It is somewhat of a pet. It will stay by your side at all times, and if you ever need anything from me, you can send it to me. It will find me no matter where I am." Jungkook explains as a small shadow dragon dances in the palm of his hand.

"It is cute." Taehyung's teary eyes widen as he looks at the small, dancing dragon.

"Here." Jungkook smiles as the small dragon flies over to Taehyung and then perches on Taehyung's shoulder. "I infused some of my energy in it, so a part of me will always be with you to watch over you and keep you safe."

"Thank you." Taehyung cries and hugs the large warrior.

"There is nothing to worry about, little dragon. I will be able to find you wherever you are." Jungkook hums and embraces Taehyung, who buries his face in the warrior's chest. "I have something else for you." Jungkook takes the dagger on the leather string around his neck off and gives it to Taehyung. "Someone very dear to me gave this to me to protect myself with when I was very young and too small to wield a sword." He explains as Taehyung takes the dagger 

"Then, I cannot keep it." Taehyung mumbles and tries to give it back to Jungkook.

"When I first gave it to you, it was yours to keep. It is no longer mine." Jungkook smiles and places the leather string around Taehyung's neck.

"Who gave it to you?" Taehyung asks as he looks at the sheathed dagger that he has used to protect himself for many years.

"My oldest brother gave it to me." Jungkook answers and gently pats Taehyung's head.

"I will keep it safe. I will not allow anyone to take it from me again. I promise. I have an older brother, too. He is the one who took me out of the nest. He was protecting me. My brother heard that people were coming to kidnap me since I am the heir to the nest. He is the one who has always protected me and has kept me safe. One night, we were attacked and got separated. I have not seen him since. When I am stronger, I want to find him." Taehyung whispers as he thinks about his older brother.

"You are very brave and strong, so I know that you will become a very powerful dragon." Jungkook gently smiles as he admires the beautiful dragon.

"Thank you." Taehyung sniffles and snuggles his face in the warrior's large hand that is gently cupping his face.

"Do you want to go and see my family?" Jungkook asks after a few minutes.

"I would love to." Taehyung smiles.

When they walk into the garden where Jungkook's family is sitting and enjoying their time together, Taehyung's eyes widen in awe. As he looks around, he recognizes Soekjin and Namjoon from the first fleeting moment that they met many years ago.

"Omo! The pretty dragon!" Seokjin coos and stands up when he sees Taehyung and Jungkook.

"How are you feeling?" Namjoon asks as the family walks over to Taehyung.

"I am feeling much better. Thank you for saving me and bringing me here to be healed." Taehyung quickly bows to everyone.

"There is no need to thank us, little fire breather." Seokjin softly answers and has Taehyung stand up.

"The two humans are Jimin and Yoongi. We rescued them about ten years ago." Jungkook tells the dragon when he sees that he is looking at the two humans.

"Thank you." Taehyung quickly bows to the two humans.

"Wow. Your eyes are gorgeous." Jimin smiles in awe as he admires the beautiful dragon.

"Oh, thank you." Taehyung blushes and looks away.

"Are you hungry? Would you like to eat something while sitting out here in the garden?" Seokjin asks and motions to an area with a table and chairs.

"That would be nice." Taehyung's eyes brighten when he sees all of the food on the table.

Once the group is seated, they begin to eat. As they eat, Jimin asks Taehyung many questions about the nest that he was raised in. Taehyung happily answers every question that the curious human has.

"I was imagining like rocks with giant bird nests." Jimin laughs and shakes his head when Taehyung explains that his home is a beautiful city sitting at the base of a large volcano right next to the ocean.

Jimin's response causes Taehyung to laugh and try to imagine his home being a giant bird's nest.

As their time together ticks by, none of them realizes how long they have been talking and enjoying their time together until a voice calls out to Taehyung.

"Your Highness!" Several voices call out, which draw the group's attention.

Taehyung's eyes widen in surprise when he sees the many people who are bowing on one knee to him. "Is it already time?" He quietly asks as he looks at the many dragons.

"It is time for you to safely return home, my son." A stunning woman with golden eyes tells Taehyung. "I am sure that the warrior by your side will come for you once you are fully grown and healthy." She softly tells her son when she sees how he tightens his grip around the warrior's hand.

"Your mother is right. I will come for you once you send for me. I promise." Jungkook gently whispers to the small dragon.

"Promise?" Taehyung asks and looks into Jungkook's abyss-black eyes.

"I promise." Jungkook smiles and hugs the dragon he has bonded with.

"I will hold you to your promise. Is that okay?" Taehyung asks and lifts Jungkook's wrist to his mouth.

"Very well." Jungkook hums and watches as Taehyung gently presses his lips to his wrist, then breathes hot air and marks him.

Taehyung's mother's eyes widen in shock when she watches her son bind Jungkook to himself.

"Now you are mine." Taehyung's golden eyes flash when he sees the golden flame on the dark elf's wrist.

"Gladly." Jungkook smiles and gently pets Taehyung's head.

When Taehyung gets up to leave, the little shadow dragon dances around him in excitement. Seeing the shadow with him helps calm Taehyung's nerves.

"I will see you again." Taehyung smiles and waves at the family that saved him.

"We shall meet again, little fire breather." Seokjin smiles and watches as the mature dragons turn from their human forms to large dragons.

Taehyung takes one last glance at Jungkook and then climbs onto the back of one of the large dragons. I will grow strong so that I can travel the world with you and protect you. When the dragons fly away, Jungkook looks at the small stone in his hand and softly chuckles. "He sure did leave his mark on me multiple times." He hums and looks at the flame on his wrist and the mark on his thumb.

"Are you worried that the man who hunted him will find him once again?" Namjoon asks when he notices that his son is concerned.

"Yes," Jungkook mutters and nods his head.

"He was separated from his family when he was young. He and his older brother disappeared the night before the nest was attacked. They have been frantically scouring the world to find the heir, but they were unsuccessful because that sibling also disappeared. The one who hunted him will not be able to harm him while he is in the nest. The nest has grown in strength ever since his disappearance. Also, once he is with you, I know that the hunter will never be able to harm him. So, do not worry about your little dragon. He is safe." Jungho explains as he walks over to the family.

"I will continue to become stronger to better protect him," Jungkook mutters and clenches his fist around the small black stone.

"Mutt, what is in your hand?" Namjoon asks when he sees the black stone.

"It is a stone that Taehyung gave me. He said that he made it from his energy." Jungkook explains and shows Namjoon the stone.

"That is his life source." Seokjin's eyes widen in shock as he stares at the stone. "He gave you the energy of his heart. Even if he is stabbed in the heart, he will not perish. His soul will enter that stone. Dragons only give those to their mates."

Jungkook's eyes widen in shock as he carefully cradles the precious stone in his hand. "What happens if the stone is broken?" He whispers and holds the stone against his chest.

"He will die." Namjoon quietly mutters.

"I will keep it safe with my life," Jungkook whispers and looks at the black stone. 

"It is honestly smart for him to give that to someone far away. If anyone ever tries to attack his home, he will be safe." Yoongi hums and looks at Jungkook.

"The little fire breather is something else and very feisty." Seokjin smiles and looks at his son, who is still staring at the stone in surprise.

"He is rather smart. He will do well in this life. He is not the one we need to worry about. We need to worry about Jungkook because that little dragon has already ensnared his heart." Jimin softly laughs and earns a glare from Jungkook.

"Mutt, do not worry. Taehyung chose the right person to entrust his life and heart to." Seokjin gently pats Jungkook's back. "He is quite smart."

Chapter 11: Kidnapped

Once the family leaves the swamp forest, they spend the next several years doing what they have always done and hunt down slave traders. At night, while around their campfires, the many groups of slave traders tell horror stories of a group of ghosts that kill the slave traders while freeing the slaves. As they whisper amongst themselves, the captured slaves pray to their various gods to send the five ghosts to rescue them.

Out of fear, the slave traders drive the captured slaves harder and faster through the deadly desert. The haunting eyes of the five ghosts chase them through the desert.

When arrows suddenly fly into the campsite of a group of slave traders, they all scream in horror and scatter throughout the desert as the hunt begins. As they scatter, the five hunters chase them down and quickly put them out of their misery.

"You are free." Seokjin softly tells the crying people as Jungkook and Namjoon release them from their chains.

"Thank you." They cry out in their many different languages.

"We will guide you to the nearest city," Namjoon informs them as Jungkook summons his shadow horses.

Once everyone has mounted up, the group of five ghosts guides the newly freed slaves to freedom. When they arrive at the nearest city at dawn, many of the previously freed slaves wait for them at the gates of the city to welcome the newly freed slaves. The previously freed slaves quickly wrap the newly freed slaves with blankets to keep them warm from the cold desert night air and bring them into the city to feed and care for them.

As the group of five prepares to leave the desert city, the young ruler of the surrounding kingdom comes out to greet them. "My Lords, may I request a conference with you?" He asks as he approaches the group.

"Very well." Namjoon answers and then looks at his family to see what they think. When they all nod, they enter the city following the sultan and his entourage.

As they ride through the city, the many people of the desert city come out of their homes and workplaces to see the powerful people who free the slaves. A few curious children wander into the street to have a better view of the group of warriors. When one child steps in front of Namjoon's horse, her mother gasps in horror and calls out for her small child.

"Hey there, little one." Namjoon smiles and looks down at the curious toddler. "You should be careful and not step out in front of horses." He softly tells her as he dismounts his horse and picks her up. "You startled your Mama." He hums and hands the toddler back to her mother.

"Thank you." The mother smiles in relief as she holds her daughter in her arms.

"You have a beautiful and curious daughter. She will do well in her life." Namjoon smiles and pats the toddler's head before he returns to his horse.

When they reach the palace, many servants greet them and welcome them to the palace.

"I usually have a no-weapons policy for guests, but since I am the one who invited you here, you may carry your weapons with you into my palace." The Ruler of Ramil informs them and then leads them into his royal home.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Namjoon hums as they follow the young ruler into the pure white palace.

The ruler leads them to the beautiful, open seating area that is filled with many luxurious items and then motions for them to be seated. Once they are seated, many servants enter and begin laying out breakfast for the group and tend to their needs.

"What is it that you have requested a conference with us?" Namjoon asks once they have settled in.

"My people are disappearing in the night. I am unsure of whether night monsters are taking them or if another kingdom is attacking in the night. I wish to request your help with the matter." The ruler bows his head as he requests their help. "I will pay you whatever fee you ask of me."

"We will look into the matter for you. The only thing we request is that you house us for the time we are here." Seokjin answers the young ruler.

"Thank you very much. I will make sure that your stay is comfortable and that your needs are well tended to." The ruler's voice is filled with relief and immense gratitude as he thanks them.

"Do you believe that any of the powerful in your kingdom could be involved in any way?" Namjoon asks as they enjoy breakfast.

"Anything is possible. Would you like me to look into the various powerful people and families?" The ruler responds and motions one of his warriors over.

"That would be most helpful. If you could, would you whittle down a list of people whose wealth has suddenly increased since the start of the disappearances of your people? We will roam around the streets to listen to the city gossip to see what the people are saying about the disappearances." Namjoon explains, then looks at his family to see if they agree.

"Thank you so very much. I will do everything that you ask of me." The young ruler bows to them once more.

"What type of people are disappearing?" Jimin asks as he leans against Yoongi.

"Mostly children from the ages of ten to about fifteen." One of the men accompanying the young ruler responds.

"Is there a specific gender?" Jungkook asks, then eats an olive.

"It is both boys and girls." The man in warrior garbs answers.

"We will begin looking into this situation immediately." Namjoon stands up from his seat, and his family quickly follows suit.

"Are you certain that you do not need more rest?" The young ruler asks and quickly stands as well.

"We are certain." Seokjin smiles and then motions his family out of the room.

As the group leaves the palace to begin their investigation, the ruler's wife approaches them and bows. "My husband has been worrying over this matter for many restless nights, so I thank you for helping." She smiles and bows to the group.

"You are welcome." Namjoon hums, then they leave without bowing. "Jungkook, I want you to examine the outskirts of the city with your shadows to see if there is anything suspicious. Jimin and Yoongi, I want you two to go to the pubs and taverns to listen to the talk. Jin and I will walk the market streets and listen to the chatter there." Namjoon instructs them as they leave the palace.

They all quickly agree and mount their horses, then leave to fulfill their assignments. As Jungkook leaves the city, he makes sure that his face is covered to hide his identity.

When Jungkook reaches the edge of the large desert city, he notices that the people warily watch him. He notices that many of them watch him from the safety of their homes. So, they came out to see who we are, to see if we are going to protect them, and if we are capable of protecting them. They are terrified.

Once he exits the city, he disperses his shadows to investigate the perimeter of the city, and then he begins examining the outskirts of the large city.

"Mister?" Jungkook stops when he hears the voice of a young child.

"Yes?" Jungkook responds and looks down at the young girl who is looking up at him.

"Are you going to bring my brother back to me?" She asks as she looks at Jungkook with big eyes. 

"Is he your only family?" Jungkook asks when he notices that she has tattered clothes and looks very malnourished.

"Yes." She nods with teary eyes.

"When did he disappear?" Jungkook softly asks and dismounts his shadow horse.

"Last night. We were sleeping, and he was taken by the shadows." She whispers and reaches her small hand out to hold onto Jungkook.

"Did the shadows look like my shadows?" Jungkook points to his shadows that are investigating the edge of the city.

"No. They looked like large men and were not smoky like yours." She answers, then giggles when Jungkook summons a small wisp of shadow to play with her.

"Will you show me where you were sleeping?" Jungkook asks and picks her up.

"Okay. Brother said not to show anyone where we sleep, but I trust you." She smiles and plays with Jungkook's long, black hair.

"You are a very smart girl." Jungkook smiles as he enters the city with the small girl in his arms. "What is your name?" 

"Brother named me Nahla." She answers with a bright smile.

"Your brother gave you a very lovely name. What is your brother's name?" Jungkook asks as he walks where she points.

"His name is Zalar." She smiles as she thinks about her brother. "There. We sleep there." She points to a hidden hole in the wall.

When Jungkook walks over to the hole, he crawls in and is surprised to see that the area is rather spacious. So, they sleep in a well-hidden area, which means that they were watched and followed. They specifically only took the brother. Interesting. This is not done by outsiders.

"Your brother made a very comfortable home, but since he is not here to protect you, do you want to come with me to the palace to stay until I find your brother?" Jungkook asks as he crawls back out of the children's home.

"Okay." She hums and nods.

When Jungkook returns to the palace with Nahla in his arms, the many servants look at her in surprise.

"Mutt, what are you doing with her?" Namjoon asks as he and Seokjin return with two small children in their arms.

"I am bringing her here to keep her safe since her older brother was taken. I see that you also have small children with you." Jungkook responds as he looks at the two small children that Seokjin and Namjoon are holding.

"Their older sister was taken. The three are trying to survive on the streets." Namjoon explains as he gently holds the small girl in his arms.

"Nahla and her older brother are also living on the streets. They live in a place that is not easy to find. I think that someone followed them and watched them." Jungkook tells them as Nahla begins to fall asleep in his arms.

When Yoongi and Jimin arrive with two children as well, they begin to realize that there is a factor that connects the five children.

"Your Majesty, are the children that are disappearing all living on the streets?" Namjoon asks when they walk into the young ruler's throne room with the five children.

"I believe most of them are. My counselor just informed me that they are all children from a group of people who are seeking shelter after their kingdom was attacked and conquered." The Sultan answers and looks at the children who are in the warriors' arms.

"So far, it seems that the older siblings are who are being taken at the moment," Seokjin explains as he gently cradles the small boy in his arms.

"I request that the children who are in danger be allowed to stay in the palace until the kidnappers are found." Jungkook requests as he holds the small child in his arms.

"Very well." The young ruler responds and then sends some of his men out into the city to find the vulnerable children and bring them into the palace.

"We shall continue our search," Namjoon responds as they hand the children in their arms to the servants who will be caring for them.

After they are sure the children are being cared for, they leave the palace and continue searching.

"Should we go to where the people we freed are living and ask them if they know anything?" Seokjin asks as the five walk out of the palace.

"That is a good idea. We need to figure this out quickly. Mutt, for now, I want you to stay in the palace. I fear that there may be something happening in the palace." Namjoon whispers to Jungkook at the end when he notices a palace maid watching them from a distance. "Keep an eye on the children."

"I agree," Jungkook mutters as they watch the palace maid scamper off.

Chapter 12: Poison

As Jungkook watches over the children through the night, he notices shadows leaving the palace and filtering into the city. He quickly has the children move closer to him and continues to watch as the many shadows disappear throughout the large city.

"Look," Jimin whispers to Yoongi and points at the men dressed in all black.

"They are the ones who are taking the children." Yoongi hums as he draws his daggers.

"We need to follow them," Jimin mutters and sneaks from building shadow to building shadow.

Yoongi and Jimin slink through the shadows as they follow one of the men dressed in all black. When the person stops, Jimin and Yoongi hide behind a building and watch as the man looks around his surroundings. Once the man is sure that he is alone, he pulls out a vial of red liquid and then walks down the alley.

Jimin and Yoongi quietly follow him. When the man walks toward a makeshift shelter, they watch as he reaches his hand in and grabs someone. Without a sound, the child is forced to drink the red potion.

To rescue the child and capture the man, Jimin and Yoongi lay in wait. The moment that the man reaches them, Yoongi knocks him unconscious, and Jimin catches the unconscious child.

They quickly return to the palace with the child and the unconscious kidnapper. "I will bring the child to Jungkook. Take the man to our room. I have a feeling that no one in the palace should know that we captured one of the men." Yoongi tells Jimin, who quickly nods in agreement.

When Jimin walks into the room where Jungkook is watching over the children, Jungkook quickly stands up with his hand on his sword.

"They are poisoning the children and kidnapping them." Jimin quietly explains as he sets the child with the other children.

"Someone powerful within the palace is harming these children," Jungkook mutters and sits back down. He watches as the children sleep and gently places his hand on Nahla's head. "We have to find all of the missing children and rescue them."

"We will. Yoongi is interrogating the man that we captured." Jimin responds and then leaves to join Yoongi.

When Seokjin and Namjoon meet with the leader of the slaves that they freed, she tells them that many of their children have started disappearing.

"How long has it been going on?" Seokjin asks as he looks at the children who are all huddled together.

"It has been over two months." The leader responds and gently pets the heads of two sleeping children. "We moved all of the children in here and keep watch over them during the night. We have not lost any children since then. However, I noticed that the children on the streets are disappearing."

"Whoever is doing this is only targeting the older children who are vulnerable, leaving the small children behind. The small children have almost no way to look for their older siblings." Namjoon mutters and clenches his jaw in disgust.

"We will stop this and find whoever is harming the children." Seokjin growls and stands up from his seat.

"I know that you are struggling to find resources, but will you bring in as many children from the streets as you can? I will give you money to feed them." Namjoon requests as he places a large bag of gold coins on the table.

"Of course!" The leader of the group bows to Namjoon and motions for her people to go and bring in as many children as they can find.

"Thank you." Namjoon bows his head and then leaves with Seokjin.

As they return to the castle, they notice someone running on the roofs of the buildings. Seokjin quickly jumps and lands on the roof in front of the person dressed in black.

"Who are you?" Seokjin asks as he draws his deadly sword.

The man quickly tries to rush past Seokjin, but is quickly blocked by the powerful elf. Seokjin slides his foot on the roof and knocks the man off his feet. The elf swiftly catches the bundle that the man was carrying. When Seokjin looks inside the bundle, he sees a child sleeping.

"Found one." Seokjin smiles in relief and holds the child close.

When the man lunges to take the child from Seokjin, Namjoon appears behind the man and knocks him unconscious with the butt of his sword.

"I will take the child and the man back to the palace. Look for more." Seokjin tells his husband before running to the palace.

"Bastards harming children." Namjoon snarls and runs toward a running shadow.

While Jungkook watches over the children, his shadows roam around the palace in search of any clues. When one of his shadows finds a hidden door, Jungkook sits up straight and uses his shadow to be his eyes. He has his shadow open the door. When his shadow opens the door, he sees a staircase that leads into darkness.

"That is eerily suspicious," Jungkook mutters and stands up as he summons his shadows to watch over the sleeping children.

Once he is sure that the children are safe, he runs out of the room toward the secret stairwell. As he peers into the darkness, he hears a scream from somewhere very far away, so he quickly runs down the long, narrow staircase. He keeps his hand on the hilt of his sword, prepared to attack.

As he runs farther through the darkness, he sees a red light glowing in the distance. He quickens his pace as the cries become louder. I am coming!  

When he reaches the end of the staircase, he hears chains clinking and children crying. Rage instantly fills him, so he draws his sword and rushes into the room that the staircase leads to.

"Who are you?!" A woman shouts when she sees Jungkook.

"What is going on?" Jungkook asks as he looks around at all of the captive children.

"You are with the group that the Sultan invited into the palace. You should not be here." The woman growls as she draws her sword.

"And you are with the people who have captured the children. I will not let you harm them." Jungkook snarls and leaps into the air with his sword raised above his head as his eyes turn pitch black.

When Jungkook brings Zaniah down on the woman's sword, her sword shatters, and she falls to the ground in horror. The woman quickly tries to evade Jungkook's attack, but the warrior slams his foot into her chest and sends her flying across the room. The children cry out in relief when they watch the woman crumple to the ground unconscious.

"I will not harm you." Jungkook softly promises the terrified children.

"Please, get us out of here. Our siblings need us." A child cries as she looks up at Jungkook.

"I will. I promise." Jungkook gently smiles and cuts their chains.

"Stop him! Do not let him leave! He is stopping the feeding!" Jungkook looks up when he hears the shouts of the Sultana's right-hand maid.

"I knew that the Sultana was suspicious." Jungkook growls and motions for the children to hide behind him as several men in black try to surround him. "I will not let you harm these children!" He shouts as he blocks the attacks of several of the men in black.

Jungkook fights fiercely as he brings his powerful blade down on every person who tries to stop him from protecting the terrified children. With every swing of his powerful blade, Jungkook sends his opponents' swords flying into the air. Once his enemies are disarmed, he cuts them down.

Several of the children cling to Jungkook when the last enemy is strewn on the ground in a puddle of blood. Jungkook raises his sword at the sultana's maid, who is shaking in terror. "Move." He snarls as he steps toward her.

"Please! Forgive me!" She cries out and bows her head as she tries to sneakily grab her dagger from the sheath hidden in her clothing.

When she tries to stab Jungkook, the large warrior smacks the dagger out of her hand and wraps his large hand around her throat. "I thought that you did not want me to kill you." He snarls and slams her against the wall of the underground dungeon.

"Jungkook!" Yoongi shouts as he and Jimin run down the stairs toward the angered warrior.

"Be careful! The sultana is a demon!" Jimin warns Jungkook as the woman in Jungkook's hand changes forms from the maid to the Sultana to a demon.

"You are smarter than my idiot of a husband." The Sultana cackles as a poisonous stinger stabs into Jungkook's side.

Yoongi quickly draws his bow and shoots her tail, causing her to scream in pain. Without flinching, Jungkook tightens his grip on her throat. 

"What were you kidnapping the children for? What did you mean that I was halting the feeding?" Jungkook snarls as he chokes the cackling woman.

"Why would I tell you?" She sneers as she digs the stinger deeper into Jungkook's body.

"I really do not care to know. I can already guess that you have been eating the children." Jungkook hums and watches as her eyes fill with excruciating pain when Jimin cuts her tail off.

"You disgusting humans! You are weak! How dare you try to kill me!" The demon shrieks as she turns into her true form, causing Jungkook to stumble backward.

Jungkook grunts in pain as he rips the large stinger out of his body. He shakes his head as the poison causes him to be dizzy.

"Jungkook!" Jimin shouts and runs over to Jungkook to hold him up.

"You touched my children!" Seokjin's voice fills the dungeon as he storms in with his sword drawn. "How dare you touch them?! Return to the fiery pits of agony you belong in!" 

Jungkook, Yoongi, and Jimin watch in awe as Seokjin swings his sword above his head and sends a blade of wind flying at the demon, who shrieks in terror. They all gasp when the wind turns to green fire and engulfs the scorpion demon.

The Sultana screams out in agonizing pain as she is burned by Seokjin's fire. The elf pants in anger as he watches to make sure that the demon will never harm his family again. The moment that the demon turns to ashes, Seokjin rushes over to Jungkook and takes him from Jimin.

"The poison is spreading quickly," Seokjin mutters as he places his hand on Jungkook's wound.

When Seokjin runs out of the dungeon, Namjoon quickly takes Jungkook from him, and they carry him to their room. Seokjin ignites his hand with his green flames and presses his hand against the wound. Jungkook grunts in pain as a searing heat engulfs his body.

"I will not let anyone take my Mutt from me," Seokjin whispers as he burns the poison in Jungkook's body by sending his magic flames coursing through the young warrior's veins.

"Our Mutt is strong." Namjoon softly reassures his husband as he gently dabs Jungkook's forehead with a wet rag.

Jimin and Yoongi quietly stand at the doorway and watch while Seokjin heals Jungkook. Jimin clings to Yoongi because this is the first time that they have seen Jungkook weakened like this.

They all startle when black smoke fills the room and surrounds Jungkook. Seokjin gets up and takes a step back as they watch the black smoke enshroud Jungkook. Jungkook suddenly sits up and gasps as he takes deep breaths.

"Mutt!" Namjoon and Seokjin shout and wrap him in their arms.

"Are you okay?" Jimin asks as he and Yoongi rush into the room.

"I am okay." Jungkook pants out as he tries to catch his breath. "Something is burning." He pants in pain as he reaches his hand onto his shirt and pulls out the small, black, and gold stone. "It is hot!" He winces and drops the stone.

"Taehyung could probably feel that you were in danger. He must be worried." Seokjin explains and lifts the stone from the bed and hands it to Jungkook. "Place it next to your heart. He will feel your heartbeat."

As Jungkook places the hot stone against his chest, he feels it cool. He smiles and cradles the small stone. "I am safe. Do not worry about me." Jungkook softly whispers and closes his eyes as he tries to comfort the worried dragon.

Taehyung stands at the top of the volcano that the nest is nestled against and looks out in the distance as he worries for the warrior he gave his heart to. "Is he okay?" The dragon asks the small shadow dragon that is dancing around him. He smiles as the shadow dragon coos and rubs against his cheek. "I miss him." Taehyung whispers and lifts his hand for the shadow dragon to perch on. He giggles as the shadow dragon curls up on his hand and looks up at him. "I will get stronger so that I can stand with him."

Chapter 13: Child of Darkness and Light

When they walk out of the room, the Sultan instantly bows to them in thanks. "I do not know how I can properly thank you for protecting my people." The Sultan thanks them profusely.

"I do not wish to take advantage of your kindness, but will you allow me to enter your royal library without any restrictions? There is something that I am searching for." Jungkook requests from the Ruler.

"Of course!" The Ruler quickly responds, grateful that he can help the people who saved his lands from the demon.

"Thank you." Jungkook smiles and then looks at Jimin and Yoongi.

For the next several weeks, Jungkook goes through the many scrolls and books housed in the royal library. He reads everything that he can about human lifelines.

While Jungkook locks himself in the royal library, the others help the children adjust to their lives with the freed slaves.

Seokjin smiles as he watches several children happily play with each other in the dirt. He sighs as happiness and peace fill him as their happy laughter and voices fill the air.

"They are all going to be so dirty at dinner." Jimin giggles as he watches the happy children.

"We will bathe them before dinner," Seokjin responds and gets up to prepare many large baths for the children.

"Moon," Namjoon calls out to his husband as he walks over to the gorgeous elf.

"Yes, Dear Husband?" Seokjin responds and looks at his approaching husband.

"Do you want me to draw water for the baths?" Namjoon asks and wraps his arms around his husband's waist.

"Will you do that?" Seokjin happily hums as he leans into his husband's warm embrace.

"Of course." Namjoon smiles and pecks his husband's soft cheek.

Seokjin puts up his long hair as Namjoon summons water and fills the large baths with water. Once the baths are filled, Seokjin heats the water.

The children watch in horror in the distance as the baths are prepared. They all try to escape the horrors of bathing but are stopped by Yoongi and Jimin.

"Come here, you adorable little babies!" Jimin laughs as he and Yoongi catch the fleeing children.

"No! No baf!!!" The smaller children shriek and laugh as Jimin and Yoongi pick them up.

"You will be all clean and will feel sooooo much better!" Jimin exclaims as he carries the squirming children to the baths.

The younger children who have older siblings are bathed by their older siblings, while Seokjin, Namjoon, Jimin, and Yoongi bathe the children who are too young to bathe themselves. While they bathe the wiggling children, Namjoon creates bubbles that float in the air, causing the children to squeal in excitement. The children excitedly lift their hands and try to catch the bubbles that are shimmering in the sunlight.

Namjoon smiles and looks at his husband as Seokjin plays with the bubbles with the happy children. I have loved you for centuries, but I fall even more in love with you with every passing moment. Your soul is absolutely beautiful.

When Seokjin looks over at his husband, Namjoon's loving gaze causes him to blush as if it is the first time that the handsome elf has ever looked at him with such love and adoration. As he looks at Namjoon, he remembers the first time that he saw the elven king. Your gaze will never fail to make my heart flutter as it has since our very beginning. Seokjin smiles at his husband.

As Seokjin smiles at him, Namjoon remembers the tears and pain in Seokjin's eyes the day they met. He will never forget how broken the beautiful elf was. I swear that I will never let you be in pain like that again. I will make sure that you always smile so beautifully.

Once all of the children are bathed, dried, and dressed, Namjoon and Jimin watch them while Yoongi and Seokjin help cook dinner for everyone. Namjoon gently rocks two sleeping toddlers while Jimin pats the backs of two sleeping children.

"It is so peaceful." Namjoon hums and looks at the toddlers in his arms.

"It is." Jimin smiles and looks at the setting sun.

When dinner is ready, Namjoon and Jimin guide the sleepy children to the dining area of the camp and have them sit down. The children sleepily yawn as they sit down and look at all of the delicious food.

As the days pass by, many of the freed slaves begin to adopt the orphans. Seokjin smiles in relief every time a child is adopted by someone.

One night, Jungkook opens a scroll that was shoved to the back of the library as if hidden. He frowns when he sees that it is written in an ancient language that he is not able to read. Determined not to let that stop him, he searches for a book that would help him translate the language. After a few hours, he finds the translation book.

He quickly sits down and begins translating the mysterious book that he found. "Children Born of Darkness and Light." He murmurs as he reads the title of the mysterious book. As he flips through the fading pages, his eyes widen in surprise when he sees a drawing of a person with ears similar to his having a black string tying him to a human. He hurriedly begins translating the page.

"Because ... children of darkness and light ... are ... made of both energies ... they can c-conne-ect their ... immortal ... souls to ... mortal beings made of light." He slowly reads the faded text as he translates it. "Mortal beings? What are mortal beings?" He mumbles and tries to think of what the book means by mortal beings. "Humans? Humans are souls made of light that are mortal!" He gasps in surprise and quickly continues reading.

The young warrior takes his time to understand what he is reading. He tells himself not to get excited because he is not sure if this is what he is looking for. However, as he continues reading, he realizes this is exactly what he has been searching for.

While Jimin and Yoongi tuck several young children in bed, Jungkook comes running into the camp shouting for them, so they both quickly run to meet him to see what is wrong.

"I found it!" Jungkook shouts as he runs over to the two humans. "I found it!" He quickly pulls them into a tight hug and holds them close.

"You did?" Seokjin asks with hope in his voice.

"It is in this book!" Jungkook hands Namjoon the book that he found hidden in the library.

"Children Born of Darkness and Light." Namjoon reads as he looks at the title.

"You can read it?" Jungkook looks at the regal elf in shock.

"Of course, I can." Namjoon chuckles and shakes his head at the adorable warrior.

"Whoa. You are old." Jungkook mutters, which earns him a disapproving hiss from Seokjin.

"Show me the page." Namjoon hands the book back to Jungkook, who flips through the pages quickly.

"Here." The young warrior quickly hands the book back to Namjoon.

As Namjoon reads, his eyes widen in surprise and fear. "If you do this, the moment that you die, they die as well. If either of them dies, a part of your soul will disappear. You are basically giving a piece of your soul to keep them alive." Namjoon mutters and looks up at Jungkook, who is unfazed.

"No! You cannot do this! It is too risky." Jimin quickly refuses and desperately holds onto Jungkook's hands.

"I know. I do not mind the risks." Jungkook softly smiles as he looks at the two humans he has cherished ever since he rescued them. "When I found you two in that canyon, I swore to protect you to the very end. I will never break that promise." He hums and hugs them.

"Wait until we are stronger so that we can properly protect ourselves. You almost died in that dungeon, and we were basically useless." Yoongi mumbles as he looks into Jungkook's eyes, which are blacker than the darkest night.

"You are already strong enough. There is no need to wait." Jungkook softly smiles and pats both of the humans on the head.

"You are not going to back down, are you?" Jimin sighs as he looks at the man who saved Yoongi and him.

"Never." Jungkook softly smiles at them.

"Very well." Yoongi gives in because he knows that their family will watch them age. He does not want them to go through that pain.

"We have to do it during the new moon," Namjoon explains as he continues to read the book.

"Perfect timing. Tonight is the new moon." Seokjin smiles and looks up at the moonless night. "Thank you. I hate to ask this of you. If I could be the one doing this, I would."

"I would still do this even if you could." Jungkook hums and wraps his arms around the elf.

"It looks simple and danger-free. I am grateful for that." Namjoon sighs in relief once he finishes reading about tying the humans' souls with Jungkook's soul.

Within a few minutes, they are ready to tie the human souls to Jungkook's soul. Without hesitation, Jungkook places both of his hands above the hearts of the two humans. He smiles when he feels their hearts steadily thumping. 

Suddenly, black smoke surrounds them and circles them like a tornado. Jungkook's eyes turn pitch black as he ties the humans to him. When a part of his soul leaves him, he grunts in pain but stays steady. As their souls bind together, black blood trickles from Jungkook's eyes as excruciating pain courses through his body.

Jimin and Yoongi are entranced as their souls are tied to Jungkook's immortal soul. Their souls made of light are filled with darkness as Jungkook's dark soul enters them like a poisonous back fog.

Even though he is in pain, Jungkook watches the two humans, making sure that they are absorbing his soul well. He smiles in relief when he sees that they are not in any pain.

After a few minutes, the tornado disappears, and Jungkook collapses to the ground. When Jimin and Yoongi come to their senses, they see Seokjin holding Jungkook in his arms, wiping the dried blood from Jungkook's face and ears.

"What happened?" Jimin whimpers when he sees the state that Jungkook is in.

"It was successful. Do not worry. He just needs to rest." Namjoon softly tells the worried humans who have now been cursed by Jungkook.

"To tie both of your souls to someone made of partial darkness like him was a powerful curse that took a toll on him," Seokjin explains as he stands up with Jungkook in his arms.

"All three of you knew this, but you did not tell us," Yoongi mutters as he looks at Jungkook.

"You would have tried to stop him. He knows this. He tore that page out." Namjoon mutters and shows them the torn page they found in Jungkook's pocket.

Seokjin carries Jungkook to their home and gently sets the warrior in his bed. The elf stays by Jungkook's side and cares for him while transferring healing energy to him. Seokjin softly hums a desert lullaby as he cares for the unconscious warrior.

"That stupid brute does not care about his own safety," Jimin growls with a worried frown as they watch Jungkook sleep.

"His mother left him to be abused. Then his own father tied him to a cactus and abandoned him in the desert. He would sacrifice himself for the people who have shown him kindness because his own family abused him." Namjoon sighs and looks at the unconscious warrior.

"What about his older brother? He mentioned him before." Yoongi asks and leans against the doorway.

"His older brother cares about him, but his older brother has always been busy training to be the future King of the Dark Elves. Mutt has been craving to know the warmth and love of a family. He would rather die than lose that." Namjoon whispers with teary eyes.

"His sweet soul never deserved any of the pain that he went through," Seokjin whispers and gently presses a soft kiss on Jungkook's forehead.

Chapter 14: Flames

Notes:

For Dragons:
*Ina means mother
*Aba means father
*Ononi means brother
*Anoni means sister

As Taehyung stands on the rim of the large volcano, the wind whips around him. He worries as he feels Jungkook's heart struggling. "I need to get stronger quicker." The young dragon mutters as his golden eyes begin to glow.

"Your Highness! Please! You must rest! You have not slept in weeks!" Taehyung's servant begs as she watches Taehyung summon fire once again.

"If I want to keep my heart safe, I must work harder," Taehyung mutters and closes his eyes to concentrate.

The dragon queen stands on her balcony and watches as her son practices for days on end.

"Ina, he has not rested for several weeks." One of Taehyung's siblings tells their mother with worry.

"I lost two of my children and got one back. However, it feels as if I still lost both of them." The dragon queen sorrowfully whispers as she listens to her son grunt in pain from summoning too much energy at one time. Ever since he returned, he has kept to himself and continuously pushes himself to a breaking point.

"He is already stronger than most." Taehyung's older sibling mutters with worry.

"To him, that was not enough to protect his brother. He will not stop until he is strong enough to protect the people he loves." The Queen looks at her many children who are in the room.

"Do not forget that when he was found, his eyes were taken from him, and his ignis was destroyed. He has been through much trauma." The oldest sibling reminds her younger siblings.

"Your Highness!" Taehyung's servant's shout echoes throughout the large nest as Taehyung collapses.

"Do not touch me." Taehyung hisses and slowly stands to his feet. "Do not help me. I can stand up on my own."

The young dragon's family watches with eyes flooding with concern as he shakily stands to his feet. From the bottom of the large volcanic mountain, the entire royal family watches as their brother collapses and stands to his feet in a never-ending cycle.

"No. This will not do. I did not lose my son." The Queen mutters and suddenly unfurls her large, golden wings.

As Taehyung stands to his feet, his mother suddenly stands before him. He watches in awe as she draws her large sword and ignites it with golden flames.

"I am your ina, you will let me teach you how to fight." The beautiful dragon points her flaming sword toward her son.

Taehyung quickly unfurls his black wings and dodges his mother's sword. A fire ignites in his eyes as his mother trains him without mercy.

"Aba has returned!" One of the siblings shouts when a large, black dragon flies toward the castle.

When the large dragon lands, he turns to his human form. The sound of fighting draws his attention to the top of the volcano.

"Ina is training Taehyung." The oldest sibling informs their father.

"How is he doing?" Their father asks and watches as flames ignite at the top of the volcano.

"He is faring well." A sibling responds.

"Good. How tall is he now?" The father, who has not seen his son in many years, asks.

"He is tall for a dragon who was raised outside of the nest." A sibling with orange hair answers.

"Have you found our brother? Are there still no clues as to where he is?" Their father shakes his head at their question.

"Ina still misses him." A sibling with lightning-blue hair and purple eyes sighs. "I miss him."

"I will find him. I will not stop searching until I find him." Their father sorrowfully whispers.

"What are our brothers like?" The youngest two siblings, who have never met Taehyung or their other brother, ask their father.

"Both of them used to be carefree and would always be laughing and smiling. However, it seems that Taehyung has changed." The oldest sibling whispers toward the end with sorrow in her eyes.

"Those two used to always pull pranks on the rest of us, but Taehyung has not said a single word to us ever since his return. It has been three years." The sibling with orange hair and orange eyes mumbles.

When night comes and the training does not end, the queen's husband goes to the top of the volcano to halt the training.

"Nara. Taehyung. It is time to stop and rest." The large dragon softly tells his wife and son.

"He is about to break," Nara responds and looks at Taehyung, who has cracks of gold running along his arms.

"This will break him." Taehyung's father mutters and suddenly pushes Taehyung into the mouth of the volcano.

Taehyung gasps in surprise as he falls toward the burning lava. Before he can catch himself in the air with his wings, he plunges into the lava.

The Queen and her husband stand at the edge as they watch and wait for their son to emerge from the lava. After a few moments, Taehyung flies out of the lava and quickly shakes the lava off his burning skin.

"Works every time." Taehyung's father chuckles when he sees that Taehyung's wings now have golden lines.

"Your scales will always protect you from the harm of fire. This includes lava." Taehyung's mother explains as Taehyung looks at his unharmed skin.

"You have grown much since I last saw you." Taehyung's father quietly whispers when he looks at his son, who has been missing for over twenty years.

"Aba." Taehyung smiles and hugs his father.

"I am so sorry that we could not protect you." Taehyung's father quietly cries as he wraps Taehyung in his warm embrace. I am so sorry it took me so long to come back home.

"Taehyung, come inside and eat. Rest for tonight. In the morning, I will train you more." Nara tells her exhausted son.

"Very well." Taehyung sleepily hums.

"Look at how sleepy our little jewel is." Taehyung's father chuckles as he lifts Taehyung into his arms.

"Aba! Put me down!" Taehyung shrieks as his father tickles him.

"Never!" Taehyung's father laughs and slings his son over his shoulder.

"Aba is still a brute!" Taehyung shouts as he struggles to get off his father's shoulder.

"He is." Nara chuckles and shakes her head as she watches her son and husband. "Thank you, Hwal. You are always able to bring smiles to our faces."

"Anything for you, my darling wife." Hwal smiles as he and his wife speak through their connection.

All of Taehyung's fourteen siblings rush out of the castle when they hear their father and brother laughing. The older siblings all quietly cry in relief when they see their younger brother laughing and shouting at their father.

"Release me! ABA!" Taehyung shrieks as his father continues to tickle him nonstop.

"Ow! What was that?!" Hwal shouts when something bites him on the neck.

"That is Saiwol." Taehyung giggles when he sees the angry shadow dragon.

Hwal stares at the angry shadow dragon in complete shock. When the small dragon hisses, he quickly sets Taehyung down. 

"It bit me," Hwal mutters as he watches the small shadow dragon purr and snuggle against Taehyung's face.

"He was protecting me." Taehyung softly smiles and opens his hand for the dragon to rest on.

"Vicious little guy." Hwal chuckles as the small dragon happily curls up on Taehyung's hand.

"Jungkook gave him to me." Taehyung hums and gently pets the purring dragon.

"Well, he gave you quite a feisty gift." Hwal smiles and pats his son's shoulder.

"That dragon is a piece of his soul, so be careful with it. He did not give you a random shadow." Nara tells her very surprised son when she sees a core of white light radiating from the center of the small dragon.

Taehyung quickly hugs the small dragon to his chest. "I will protect his soul." He whispers and looks at the dragon that is looking up at him with big eyes.

When Taehyung looks up, he realizes that his siblings are looking at him. As he looks at them, he stops at the two younger siblings whom he does not recognize.

"They hatched after you left," Nara explains when she realizes that her son is looking at the two youngest.

"Oh." Taehyung nods as he looks at his younger siblings.

"It smells like the food is ready! I am famished!" Hwal happily shouts as he walks into the castle.

"You are always hungry," Taehyung grumbles as he follows his excited father.

"He really is." Taehyung's oldest sibling snickers as she follows Taehyung. "But, Chanyeol can outeat Aba any day."

"Really?!" Taehyung shouts in shock as he looks at one of his older brothers.

"How is it so shocking? I love food." Chanyeol pouts as his siblings giggle at Taehyung's surprise.

"Oh, do you remember that little sandy tan dragon with yellow eyes?" One of Taehyung's siblings asks.

"Baekhyun?" Taehyung responds and sits in the chair he always sat in at the dinner table when he was younger.

"Yeah, him. He is mated to Chanyeol."

"You have a mate?!" Taehyung shouts again in shock.

"Why are you so surprised?" Chanyeol grumbles as he glares at his younger brother.

"I just did not expect it since we were young when I left." Taehyung mumbles and looks around at his siblings, who have all grown up.

"Ah. Right." Chanyeol whispers and looks at the little brother they have all missed.

"Have ... you found him yet?" Taehyung quietly asks as he misses the brother who raised him.

"We have not. I have been searching everywhere for both of you." Hwal softly responds.

"The same man who attacked the nest and attacked Ononi and me is the one who helped the circus capture me. He only wanted my eyes and heart, so he let the circus have the rest of me." Taehyung quietly explains with clenched fists.

"If I can track his whereabouts, I can find our son," Hwal mutters when he finally has a piece of information that will help him find his missing son.

"We were separated thirteen years ago. I do not know what happened to him. I have not seen him ever since we were separated." Taehyung mumbles with teary eyes.

"I will find him. I promise." Hwal smiles at his son, who has been through much pain.

"Where is your heart?" Taehyung's older sister asks when she realizes that she cannot hear her brother's heartbeat.

"I gave it to Jungkook." Taehyung shyly responds as he plays with his food.

"And he gave you a part of his soul. You two really fit together well." Chanyeol chuckles and shakes his head at his adorable younger brother.

"I did not know that he gave me a part of his soul." Taehyung smiles as he looks at the small dragon that is sleeping on his shoulder.

"What is Jungkook?" Taehyung's sibling with orange hair asks.

"He is half human and half dark elf," Taehyung answers with a smile as he thinks about the handsome warrior who has protected him multiple times.

"Is he handsome?" Taehyung's oldest sibling asks with a grin.

"He is." Taehyung shyly mumbles with a bright blush on his cheek.

"I want to meet this handsome warrior!" Taehyung's siblings squeal as they think about the man to whom Taehyung gave his heart.

"Do not tell anyone of this. It is dangerous and will put Jungkook in danger." Nara warns her children, who all quickly nod in understanding.

Once the large family finishes eating, Taehyung walks down the many hallways he remembers. When he reaches his room, he nervously pushes the door open. He smiles with teary eyes as he looks around the room, which has not changed. As he walks through the large room, his childhood memories fill his mind. His family was always happy and filled with laughter; however, within one night, that all changed. Even though I have been back for three years, I have never been brave enough to walk into this room again. 

After a few minutes, he walks out of his room and walks into his older brother's room. He cries as the memories of his older brother flood his mind. "Ononi, where are you? I miss you so much." 

The young dragon cries himself to sleep on his brother's bed. When his parents go to his room to find him, they stop at the door where their son's quiet cries are coming from.

"He is crying in his sleep," Nara whispers and looks at her husband. 

Taehyung's parents quickly walk into the room and comfort their crying son. Within a few minutes, Taehyung's cries subside, and quiet puffs of air leave his lips. 

"He has been staying in another room and has refused to enter his room until now." Nara quietly tells her husband as she wraps her precious son in her arms. "I do not know why, but he has been hiding himself from us ever since he returned."

"He has been through so much. I am sure he has still been in a protective mode. It will take time for him to heal." Hwal softly tells his worried wife.

"I miss their laughter."

"I will find him. I promise. I will bring back our children's joy."

Chapter 15: Golden

When Jungkook wakes up, he sees his family eagerly waiting and looking at him. He softly smiles when he sees them and then examines Jimin and Yoongi. "How are you two feeling?" He asks Jimin and Yoongi, who both start crying.

"You stupid brute! You could have died!" Jimin sobs as he falls on Jungkook and hugs him.

"I was not going to die." Jungkook chuckles as he gently pats Jimin's back while watching Yoongi cry quietly.

"How are you feeling?" Seokjin softly asks Jungkook as he checks the balance of the dark energy swirling within Jungkook.

"I am fine. But, I am definitely starving." Jungkook grins and pushes Jimin off.

"You bully! I am crying, and you shoved me off!" Jimin wails as he smacks Jungkook's chest.

"You are in the way of dinner." Jungkook grins and stands up.

"You would think that you would have matured some over the years," Jimin grumbles as he glares at Jungkook, who is not fazed by the fact that he almost died.

While Seokjin prepares food for Jungkook, the stone hidden against Jungkook's chest begins to burn uncontrollably. Jungkook hisses in pain as he grabs the stone to see what is wrong with it. "Taehyung," He whispers with worry when he sees more cracks of gold lining the small, black stone.

"Is something wrong with Taehyung?" Namjoon asks as he looks at the stone in Jungkook's hand.

"It is burning hot, and it is cracking more." Jungkook mumbles and watches as another golden crack appears.

"Interesting. Not much is known about dragons because they keep to themselves most of the time." Namjoon mutters and pats Jungkook on the back.

While Jungkook eats dinner in peace with his family, Taehyung is desperately trying to fend off his family's attack.

"Quicker, Ononi!" Taehyung's oldest sister shouts to him as she quickens her attack and strengthens her swings.

"Move your feet!" Taehyung's brother with orange hair sends a wall of fire toward Taehyung.

"The only fire that can harm a dragon is the fire of a dragon that is stronger, so you'd better get out of the way!" Hwal tells his son, who is panting and shaking from fatigue.

"If you do not wish to get burned, you must finish your transformation!" Nara shouts as she watches her children fight and train.

"Like I am the weakest!" Taehyung snarls and sends a ring of fire toward his siblings while his eyes flash a bright golden.

"Duck!" Hwal shouts to his children, who do not realize Taehyung's strength.

"You burned my hair!" Taehyung's younger sister shrieks as her pink hair sizzles at the ends.

"You are the one who did not duck fast enough." Taehyung grins while all of his siblings stare at him in shock.

"This is not fair! You are hiding your true form from us! How are we supposed to know your strength?!" One of Taehyung's brothers shouts as he heals the burn on his arm.

"That is considered strategy." Taehyung snickers as his true form begins to show. "I finally have enough fire energy to show my true form." He hums as his black wings and black hair turn golden.

"Your older brother trained you to death." Nara stares at her son in awe.

"If we had enough fire energy, we could have fought off the man who attacked us, but we had been away from the nest for too long, and our firestone had been shattered," Taehyung explains as he summons a large sword.

"You are ready to forge your sword." Hwal grins with pride as he looks at his son.

"With your sword by your side, you will never have to worry about running out of fire energy." Nara hums and walks over to her son, who is strong enough to inherit the throne.

"Do not even think about making me inherit the throne anytime soon," Taehyung grumbles at his mother, who softly laughs.

"Do you think that I am that old?" Nara grins as she looks her son in the eyes.

"Yes. You are older than the two elves." Taehyung frowns as he looks at his beautiful mother.

"King Namjoon and his husband Seokjin are both very young. I am getting older, but I am not old enough to retire yet." Nara chuckles and pats her son's head. "You have much time left to travel with your dark elf."

As Jungkook looks at the stone in his hand, it suddenly shatters. "Tae!" He stares at the shards in his hands as fear grips his heart. Suddenly, a bright light flashes in the room, and the shards turn golden. He watches with teary eyes as the shards float out of his hand and dance in the room.

"Cover your eyes!" Namjoon shouts as he grabs Yoongi and shields him from the burning light.

"Jimin!" Seokjin quickly grabs his son and protects him from the intense energy.

"Tae," Jungkook whispers as the room is filled with a flash of blinding light. When Jungkook can see again, he sees a golden stone floating in the middle of the room. As he reaches out for the stone, it floats to him and settles in his hand. He smiles in relief as he closes his hand around the golden stone.

"Mutt, do not ever let anyone see the stone in your hand," Namjoon mutters with big eyes as he continues to hold Yoongi.

"Why?" Yoongi asks as he looks at Namjoon.

"Because Taehyung is the heir to the throne. Only the golden dragon can inherit the throne." Namjoon explains and watches as Jungkook swiftly hides the stone once again.

"Our little fire breather has quite a few surprises." Seokjin chuckles and slowly lets go of Jimin once he is sure that the small human will not be harmed by the dragon's strong energy.

Jungkook suddenly grunts in pain and places his hand over his chest, where he had placed the golden stone. "What is wiggling?" Jungkook grumbles and removes his hand. To his surprise, a small, golden, horned dragon slithers out of his shirt.

"Did the stone turn into a dragon like the shadow dragon that you gave to Taehyung?" Jimin asks as he looks at the small dragon that is nuzzling against Jungkook's cheek.

"I think so," Jungkook whispers in awe as he gently pets the small dragon.

"You two are something else." Namjoon chuckles and watches as the small golden dragon swirls around Jungkook's neck and settles over Jungkook's shoulders.

"You two are always with each other." Seokjin hums and reaches over to pet the small dragon.

When the horned dragon sees the elf, he chirps and reaches his head out to let the beautiful elf pet him. Seokjin coos as the small dragon purrs and enjoys the soft pet.

"Well, it is time to move on to a new place." Namjoon hums and looks out at the setting sun.

"Where to next?" Jimin asks as they walk out of their home to their waiting horses.

"Wherever the wind takes us." Seokjin grins and mounts his large, white steed.

As the family rides out of the large desert city, the Sultan and his people come out to bid them a happy farewell. Blossoms of the desert willow are tossed in the air in thanks.

"We will follow the wind." Namjoon smiles and steers his large steed in the direction the wind is blowing.

As they leave the large desert city behind, a horde of shadows leaves the city and follows the powerful family. The dark elf with a human soul exudes power as the shadows he commands follow behind his family as a giant army. Several of Jungkook's spirits go ahead of the family and scout what is up ahead.

"Are we rested enough to ride throughout the night?" Namjoon asks once the stars are all that are shining above them.

"We are," Yoongi responds and looks over at his lover, who smiles at him.

"Joon, we are riding toward the sand people!" Seokjin shouts when he realizes which direction they are riding toward.

"The kids will have fun." Namjoon grins and winks at his husband. "Look at what is following us."

Seokjin smiles and looks at the large army of shadows that his Mutt commands. "Very true. We have some very powerful children. Hiyah!"

"There are desert bandits ahead!" Jungkook warns his family when his shadow scouts spot the bandits.

"What a beautiful night." Jimin sighs as he looks up at the thin sliver of the moon and draws his beautiful crystal bow.

"After adopting our Mutt, we turned from being revered dragons to feared demons." Seokjin chuckles when he hears the bandits scream that the demons are upon them.

"They would not have a reason to fear us if they did not go around killing innocent people." Namjoon hums and raises his large sword above his head. With a swift swing of his glowing white sword, dragon-shaped ice is sent flying toward the bandits.

The bandits' screams pierce the air as the dragon-shaped ice pierces through many of their chests. With a whistle, Jungkook's shadows quickly kill the many bandits.

"There is a woman and two children with them. I believe they were captured." Seokjin tells his family as they slowly approach the dead bandits.

"I will talk to her since I am the least intimidating out of all of us," Jimin responds and dismounts from his large steed.

As Jimin approaches the crying woman who is protectively clinging to two small children, she clutches her children tighter. "I will not harm you or your children." Jimin softly tells her as he crouches down and puts his hands up in a non-threatening manner. "We are not bandits." 

The woman begins to calm down as she looks into Jimin's beautiful, entrancing blue eyes. However, the moment Jungkook appears over the dune with his many shadows looming around him, she cries out in terror and desperately holds onto her children.

To try and help her calm down, Jungkook sends three rabbit-shaped shadows hopping over to the woman. When her daughter sees the small bunny, she quietly giggles and reaches her hand out to touch the shadow. Before the mother can stop her daughter, the small child picks up the shadow and happily coos.

Jimin smiles when he sees the younger child pick up one of the bunnies and giggle in happiness. The mother slowly begins to calm down when she sees that her children are unharmed by the shadow bunnies.

"Mama, look." The young son smiles and hands the bunny to his mother.

The mother softly cries when the bunny snuggles against her hands and tries to comfort her. Knowing that Jungkook is not a threat, she respectfully bows her head to him. Jungkook smiles in relief when the mother calms down.

"Yoongi, bring her some food for herself and her children." Seokjin softly tells Yoongi and hands him a bag of food.

Once Yoongi dismounts, he slowly approaches the mother and hands her the bag of food. When she sees the food, her eyes widen in surprise. She quietly looks at the food and ponders if it is safe to give it to her children.

"Here. Allow me." Jimin softly smiles and reaches his hand out for the bag. Because of the horrors that he and Yoongi have been through, he knows that the mother is worried that the food is poisoned.

The mother shakily hands the bag to Jimin and watches as Jimin tears off a small piece of the bread and eats it. Once he shows that the food is not poisoned, she takes the bag and quickly feeds her children.

Seokjin watches with a soft smile as the mother makes sure that her children are well-fed. As the daughter eats, she shoves a large piece of cheese in her mother's mouth when she realizes that her mother is not eating.

"Sand warriors are approaching!"

Chapter 16: Always With Me

Jungkook's warning has the family drawing their weapons and surrounding the mother and two children. The deadly shadows surround the family as the desert warriors approach.

"Do not let them harm the mother and her children!" Seokjin tells his sons as they prepare for the attack.

"Elf! Give back what is ours!" A large sand warrior bellows as she stands at the top of a large dune with the sliver of the moon shining behind her.

"What is she to you?" Seokjin asks in irritation as the sand warrior's eyes shimmer a brilliant desert sunset red.

"She is our king's wife, and those are their children." The sand warrior responds as she grips the large spear in her hand.

"Ah. She is your wife, and they are your children." Namjoon hums and lowers his weapon.

"Do not harm them." The sand warrior warns as she takes a step closer to the group.

"We will not harm your family." Seokjin smiles and steps aside.

"Akilah." The sand warrior quickly opens her arms for her wife, who runs to her and cries out in relief.

"Zahra." The woman cries as her wife engulfs her in a warm hug.

"Nona!!!" The two children cry and hug their warrior mother's legs.

"My babies." She coos and picks up both of her children.

Jungkook's shadows stay on alert as they face the many sand warriors that surround them. As Jungkook watches the wives reunite, he longs for the dragon with golden eyes. He smiles when the golden dragon on his shoulder snuggles against his cheek and softly purrs. "I will see you again," Jungkook whispers and gently pets the small dragon.

"Come. Stay with us for the rest of the night and however long you need to rest. My wife just informed me that you rescued her and our children, who attacked her caravan and kidnapped her." Zahra tells Namjoon and Seokjin.

"Thank you." Namjoon smiles and mounts his large steed.

"Your oldest son is quite frightening, but my daughter informed me that he sent small rabbit shadows to comfort them. I thank you for protecting and comforting my family." Zahra slightly bows her head and then whistles.

They watch in awe as large camels walk over and then lie down on the ground to let the royal family mount them. Once the royal family is mounted, the camels begin the trek to the hidden sand kingdom.

"How did your wife and children get kidnapped?" Namjoon asks Zahra.

"Akilah and our children went to a beautiful oasis to swim. The large group of bandits attacked while they were swimming and took them captive after killing the guards." Zahra explains as she softly looks at her wife, who is sleeping in her embrace.

"I had guessed that your wife was royalty when she did not want to eat the food before we showed her that it was not poisoned." Namjoon chuckles and looks at Yoongi. 

"Yes. We have had many attempts on her life and our children's lives. Many powerful royals were displeased about our marriage because she had already birthed our two children for a man who abused her. She was forced to marry him. Akilah is from a small desert village outside of the capital city. We met when I went to visit during a famine. She had just given birth to our beautiful son when I met her. Her husband at that time was the lord of that village, so I watched how he abused her. The only way to protect her was to challenge her husband. In the end, I killed him and married her. She used to be wary of me, but she is the love of my life. I know that the other royals who have been against our marriage are the ones who kidnapped her and our children. It makes me furious." Zahra growls as she tightens her embrace around her wife.

"My husband and I were not allowed to marry, so in the end we had to leave. I have never regretted for a single moment marrying him. He is my everything." Namjoon smiles and looks at his husband, who is currently staring up at the stars.

"There is a large haboob rolling in. I suggest that we find proper shelter quickly." Seokjin mutters and looks at his husband.

"Even we have no power over those dangerous storms." Zahra quickly scans the night desert for shelter.

"There!" Jimin points to a large structure made of stones that they can hide from the storm in.

The group quickly rides to the stone structure as the storm nears them. When a desert rabbit darts in front of Akilah's camel, the camel is startled and panics. From the camel's panic, the son falls off the saddle.

"Xaine!" Akilah shouts when her son tumbles in the desert sand.

"I have him!" Jungkook shouts as he quickly leaps from his horse and grabs the small child.

"Mutt! Hurry!" Seokjin shouts when he sees the large storm coming closer.

"Go! Do not worry about us!" Jungkook shouts to Seokjin as he mounts his shadow steed with the small boy in his arms. "Go!"

Namjoon quickly grabs Seokjin's loose horse reins and pulls Seokjin's horse to run with his horse. "No! We cannot leave Jungkook behind!" Seokjin shouts as he tries to fight his husband.

"Remember, Jungkook's life is now Jimin's and Yoongi's lives. Mutt would never risk their lives." Namjoon reminds his husband, who is reliving painful memories. "Trust Mutt. He is not a baby like her. We will not lose him, too."

Seokjin cries and nods his head as he stops struggling. He looks back and sees that the storm has almost swallowed Jungkook and the small boy.

"Okay, Xaine. Trust me. I will protect you." Jungkook softly tells the crying child in his arms.

The small boy sniffles and looks up at Jungkook with teary eyes. The crackling of the lightning in the dangerous storm terrifies the small child, but he decides to promise the large man holding him.

With a whistle, Jungkook's many shadows merge into one large shadow and surround them as a shield. Jungkook quickly dismounts and curls up on the ground around the small boy as his shadows protect him. When the large storm hits them, Jungkook tightens his embrace around the small child. He sings a lullaby that Seokjin often hums.

When the storm becomes stronger, the golden dragon on Jungkook's shoulder begins to glow. Jungkook's eyes widen in shock when a large pair of golden wings grows out of the small dragon's back and wraps around Jungkook to protect him. With the added shield from the dragon wings, not a single particle of sand is able to make it near Jungkook.

"See, it is no longer dark." Jungkook softly tells Xaine, who smiles and reaches his small hand out to touch the glowing dragon wings. "Be careful." 

Xaine nods and then gently touches the golden dragon's wings. He happily giggles when he feels the warmth and energy radiating from the dragon.

Jungkook gently pats the small child's head to keep him calm and watches as a sweet smile ignites the child's face.

After an hour, the dust storm passes, so Jungkook gently taps the dragon's wings to let it know. The golden dragon hums in response and retracts its wings. Once Jungkook's shadows have dispersed, he slowly sits up and looks around.

"It is over." Jungkook softly tells Xaine, who smiles and nods his head.

"Xaine!" Zahra shouts as she runs out of the safety of the rock structure.

"Nona!" Xaine cries and tries to stand up to run to his mother.

Zahra runs as fast as she can to her crying son. The moment that she reaches her son, she wraps him in a tight embrace and holds him to her chest. "Thank you for protecting him." She cries as she holds her dear son.

"Of course." Jungkook smiles and then looks at Seokjin, who is running over to him.

"Did you get hurt?! Hm?!" Seokjin cries as he examines Jungkook.

"I am okay, Appa." Jungkook softly smiles and hugs Seokjin, who begins to sob uncontrollably.

"Yah! You old brute! Why are you always jumping toward danger?!" Jimin shouts as he storms over to Jungkook and smacks him on top of the head. "Stop scaring us so much!"

"I am sorry. I will be more careful from now on." Jungkook smiles up at the angry human who is shaking with anger and fear. "Also, do not worry about me too much. This little dragon protected me as well. He is quite powerful."

"Really? Wow." Jimin's eyes widen in awe as he looks at the dragon nestled on Jungkook's shoulders.

"Why is the journey to the Hidden City so dangerous?" Namjoon grumbles when he feels the earth beneath their feet begin to rumble.

"Vintalis." Seokjin calmly hums and stands up as he draws his sword.

"I thought that these sand people were supposed to be powerful. Why are we protecting them so much?" Yoongi grumbles with a frown as he readies his bow.

"We are outside the barrier of our energy. There is a stone hidden in our city that grants us our powers, but we are too far away." Zahra explains as she hides her family behind her. "But, we are not powerless." She grumbles and then releases a shout for her warriors.

Jimin and Yoongi watch in awe as several warriors suddenly stand from the sand and brandish their large spears and shields.

"My warriors are trained to be able to bury themselves in the sand to avoid haboobs, but Akilah and our children are not warriors." Zahra further explains and motions for her warriors to stab their spears in the ground.

"Vintalis are attracted to vibrations in the sand, so stand still. Let the sand warriors attract the vintalis since they know how to handle the creatures of the desert." Namjoon tells his family, who nod in understanding.

To draw out the vintalis, the sand warriors slam their spears into the ground over and over again as if drumming. The angrier the desert creature becomes, the more the ground beneath them shakes.

With a loud roar and a deafening shriek, the large, venomous lizard breaks the surface and writhes in agony. Without hesitation, the many sand warriors launch their spears and pierce the large lizard. The lizard shrieks in pain and bears its poisonous fangs in anger.

"More are coming!" Zahra shouts to her warriors, who prepare for more of the deadly lizards.

"They have stingers!" Jimin shouts when the dying vintalis lifts its tail and tries to strike Yoongi with its stinger.

With one swift strike, Namjoon cuts the stinger off the lizard. Yoongi winces when a drop of the lizard's blood drops on his hand.

"Their blood is acidic," Yoongi mutters and quickly wipes the burning blood off his hand.

When more of the lizards suddenly launch out of the sand and try to eat them, Namjoon, Seokjin, and Jungkook quickly attack the vintalis and kill them. Jungkook's many shadows make quick work of the poisonous lizards.

"I am starting to think that the legends of the Sand Warriors are false," Yoongi grumbles and glares at Zahra, who is looking at the two elves and the dark elf in shock.

"What? Did you think that we were just pretty?" Seokjin grins as he burns off the acid from his sword.

"The energy that your stone gives you had better be impressive." Yoongi sighs and shakes his head as he motions his horse over.

"You will know it when we cross the barrier." Zahra chuckles as she mounts her camel with Xaine in her arms.

"At this point, I highly doubt it," Yoongi grumbles with a grin as he bickers with the King of the Sand People.

Namjoon softly chuckles and looks at his husband as they listen to their son bicker with a King. When Namjoon sees sadness flicker in his husband's eyes, immense guilt fills him . I am sorry, My Love. I was not strong enough to protect either of them, but I promise you that we will never lose any more children. I will train them until they break over and over again until they are strong enough to protect themselves. I will do everything and anything to make sure that you never lose another child again.

When Seokjin looks over at his husband, he softly smiles. At least through everything, I have always had you. Ever since we met, you have been by my side, protecting me. I can survive losing everything as long as I have you.

My Love, I will die to protect them so that you do not lose another child. I am sorry, My Love, that I did not do more in the past.

As long as you are with me forever, I will be okay.

Chapter 17: Challenge Accepted

"Yoon, look!" Jimin shouts in awe when they see a large orange energy barrier in front of them.

"That must be what the King keeps bragging about." Yoongi snickers as he looks at Zahra, who is glaring at him.

"It is so pretty." Jimin hums in awe with light sparkling in his eyes.

"Not as pretty as you." Yoongi calmly hums, which causes Jimin to gasp in embarrassment.

"Stubborn small human," Zahra grumbles, which causes her wife to softly laugh. Zahra's eyes widen in happiness when she hears Akilah laugh.

"Did you just call me small?" Yoongi hisses and glares at Zahra, who is grinning from ear to ear.

"You are an angry house cat." Zahra grins and then looks at her wife, who is laughing harder than Zahra has ever seen her laugh.

"Well, you are just a giant, human brute." Yoongi snickers and then smiles when he hears Akilah's continued laughter.

"Tiny human, I could win any fight with you." Zahra grins and smiles at Yoongi in thankfulness for making her wife laugh.

"Listen, you giant sand brute, I could beat you with my eyes blindfolded without breaking a sweat." Yoongi retorts with a happy grin when Akilah doubles over at what he calls Zahra.

"I would like to see you try, Kitten." Zahra snickers while Yoongi playfully gasps in horror.

Before Yoongi can respond, they pass through the golden barrier. The family watches in awe as the sand people's tattoos begin to glow sunset orange while they grow in size.

"Yoon, you have to admit that is pretty impressive." Jimin quietly mutters to Yoongi.

"Yeah, but do not tell that giant brute that. She will get haughty." Yoongi grins and looks at the beautiful people who ooze strength.

"We will arrive at the capital at dawn," Zahra informs the group as she looks at them with glowing, sunset-red eyes.

When Akilah looks at Yoongi with a smile, Yoongi gasps in awe because her eyes are glowing a crystal blue.

"Ah, Akilah is not part of the sand people. She was born in an oasis that has a stone. That oasis was destroyed by a large storm, so her people sought refuge with my people. To pay for their safety, they gave my mother the stone from their oasis." Zahra explains when she sees Yoongi staring at Akilah in awe.

"The people from the oasis are much more beautiful than you sand brutes." Yoongi chuckles and then looks at the two children whose eyes are like Akilah's eyes.

"And people of the moon are much smaller than I thought." Zahra hums as she looks at Yoongi and Jimin.

"We were slaves when we were children, so we are most likely smaller than the others like us," Jimin explains as he lies forward on his horse and closes his eyes as he rests.

"We are from the same village. Our village was attacked when we were young. Then we were sold to the people of the night. We grew up together as slaves. And when we became adults, they prepared to sacrifice us. That is when we were rescued by them." Yoongi smiles as he looks at the three large men who rescued them.

"I almost did not recognize you as people of the moon since you now have a cursed soul within you," Zahra mutters and looks at Jungkook, who has been riding in silence. "Your dark elf and human mix is missing several pieces of his soul. He gave away all of the light in his soul, but neither of you has it."

"He gave it to his soulmate," Seokjin responds and softly smiles at Jungkook.

"Ah, the dragon who gave him their heart." Zahra nods her head in understanding.

"You know much." Namjoon chuckles as he looks at the young king.

"I am a King. The gift of sight comes with being King." Zahra explains and looks at her wife, who is now sleeping. "Do not worry. I will tell no one of the dragon your son loves."

"Thank you." Seokjin smiles in relief and looks over at Jungkook, who is playing with the golden dragon.

"Your son's lover is very powerful." Zahra hums as she looks at the golden dragon.

"When we found him, he had been outside of the nest for too long and had not been able to develop properly, so he was being torn to pieces by a circus that sells mystical beings," Seokjin explains to Zahra.

"I did hear news of a large circus being slaughtered while all of the captured mystical beings were released. I was rather surprised that someone was brave enough to attack a circus, especially that circus, since it has a powerful owner." Zahra mutters and looks at the very powerful family.

"It sounds like we have found a target to hunt." Namjoon chuckles when he sees a fire ignite in his family's eyes.

"You did not know of the owner before you attacked?" Zahra asks in shock.

"We did not. We just rescued our little firebreather because of the horrible things they were doing to him. Even if we knew who owned the circus, we still would have attacked. And now we will hunt the owner down." Namjoon responds with an excited grin.

"Do you think that it is the same person who separated Taehyung from his brother and who attacked the nest?" Jungkook asks as he looks at the small dragon in his hand.

"I do. And that person is after Taehyung's heart." Seokjin mutters and tightens his grip on his horse's reins.

"We will find that bastard before that bastard finds Taehyung," Jimin growls with anger and determination.

"I will give you all of the information on that person that my spies have found. If you need anything else, please let me know. Stopping that monster is crucial." Zahra tells them with determination.

"Thank you," Namjoon responds with a grateful nod.

When the sun begins rising, they see the sand city in the distance. The beautiful morning sun rays shine on the city and make it glow with vibrant hues of pink and yellow.

"Welcome to Zalhara. Please, stay here for a few days to rest before you begin your journey. You have saved my family, and you will embark on a dangerous journey soon." Zahra tells the powerful family as they draw near her home.

"Thank you. We will definitely rest and prepare in Zalhara. Your city is beautiful." Seokjin responds with a smile.

When they reach the beautiful city, they are surprised to see a large man on a shimmering, white horse waiting for them at the entrance of the large city.

"Armand, what are you doing here?" Zahra asks as she looks at the large man.

"Zahra, why do you continue to go against what your people want?" Armand asks with a deep, commanding voice.

"I am your King. How dare you say my name." Zahra growls in anger as her eyes begin to glow in warning.

"I am your betrothed," Armand responds without showing any reverence for the royal family in front of him.

"You are not my betrothed. I have been married for three years. You stopped being my betrothed three years ago." Zahra grips the spear in her hand as anger and frustration fill her.

As Namjoon watches the interaction, he is reminded of what he and Seokjin went through when they fell in love.

"How can you call it a proper marriage when you married that person without the blessing of your people?" Armand asks with hatred as he looks at Akilah.

"By people, you mean the powerful who betrothed you to me at birth. I refuse to be controlled by them. I am their King, and they are my subjects. I refuse to be controlled by those who are greedy for power and wealth." Zahra snarls as the sand around her begins to swirl.

"Very well. Then I challenge the girl from the oasis for your hand." Armand grins with malice in his eyes as he looks at the woman with crystal blue eyes.

"Armand! Know your place!" Zahra commands as sand wraps around Armand and drags him off his horse.

"I will fight in Queen Akilah's place. I despise people like this useless man." Seokjin snarls with hatred as he leaps from his horse and draws his sword. "People like this disgusting man will take everything if given the opportunity."

Zahra smiles at Seokjin with gratitude because, despite her anger, Armand's challenge is legitimate.

"You dare to challenge me while within the territory of the stone?" Armand sneers as he looks at the beautiful elf.

"Oh, I do." Seokjin grins and readies his sword. "Trash like you should be put in their place: the trash pit where you will be burned."

Namjoon stays quiet and watches because he knows that his husband needs to fight Armand on his own to heal some of the painful memories that are still raw despite the time that has passed.

With one swift motion, Armand sends many spears of sand flying at the elf, who takes a deep breath to calm himself. When the spears reach him, Seokjin easily dodges them. 

Seokjin swiftly swings his sword and sends a blade of air hurling at Armand. As Armand defends himself from the blade of air, Seokjin lunges at him and swiftly knocks the spear out of the large warrior's hand. Armand's eyes widen in shock when Seokjin brings his slender white blade to his throat and gently slices the skin just enough to draw blood.

"Know your place, Human." Seokjin snarls before taking a step back.

"Elf, it was a challenge to the death." Armand sneers and summons a spike of sand to pierce through Seokjin.

"You should accept mercy when it is given to you." Seokjin sighs and quickly slices the deadly spike and Armand's head off in one swift, effortless motion. "Young King, you should teach your family how to fight. They have many enemies. My husband and I learned the most painful way that you cannot rely on your strength alone to protect those you love. So, we trained our children how to fight and kill anyone who would dare try to harm them." Seokjin's beautiful, piercing green eyes flicker with a bright flame as he looks at Zahra.

"I will teach my family how to fight," Zahra responds as she hugs her wife and looks at her small children.

"Do not be afraid to break them to build them back up. We live in a world that is waiting to break them." Seokjin tells Zahra as he looks at Jungkook, Jimin, and Yoongi.

"Your Majesty! What have you done?!" A woman shouts as she rides over on a large, white stallion.

"Armand was foolish enough to challenge Akilah." Zahra calmly responds and rides past the dead body of the warrior she grew up with.

"He was your betrothed! How could you?! His family is-" Before the woman can finish her rant, Yoongi's arrow pierces her between the eyes.

"You really need to teach your people to respect you more." Yoongi clicks his tongue and shakes his head in disapproval.

"It is because I am young that they think that they can treat me this way," Zahra explains with a tired sigh.

"It is because you are married to me." Akilah sorrowfully whispers with downcast eyes. "Before you married me, you were respected and feared, even though you ascended to the throne at the age of fourteen."

"It is not your fault, Queen Akilah. It is the greed and disgust of the royal families." Seokjin hisses with hatred and disgust.

"Is that why King Namjoon left the throne to his sister?" Zahra asks as she looks at Namjoon.

"It is. To me, Seokjin's life and happiness are more important than the throne." Namjoon responds and fondly smiles at his husband. 

"If I leave my people, they will be devoured by the desert. My people do not deserve that. The people are kind and loving, but the royal families are vipers." Zahra mutters with guilt as she looks at her beautiful family.

"Do you know the best way to handle vipers?" Jungkook asks with a dark grin as his shadows float around him. "You cut their heads off." He chuckles as death glints in his eyes while his fingers wrap around the hilt of Zaniah.

Chapter 18: Beautifully Destructive

That night, as the family rests, Jungkook sits on the balcony of the desert palace and looks up at the crescent moon. He quietly sighs and closes his eyes as he misses the dragon who fills him with warmth. A sad coo from the small dragon on his shoulder brings a small smile to the large warrior's face.

"Do not be sad, little dragon." Jungkook hums, lifts the small dragon off his shoulder, and sets it in the palm of his hand. "I just miss who you belong to."

The small dragon whines and puffs out a small flame. Jungkook chuckles as he looks at the adorable dragon in his hand.

"Fine. I will smile more." Jungkook smiles and sets the dragon in his lap.

With a satisfied purr, the small dragon curls up in Jungkook's lap and falls asleep. As Jungkook sleeps, thieves and bandits sneak into the desert city to kill and plunder while the residents sleep.

Zahra quickly awakens when she senses the presence of intruders in her city. She swiftly stands from her bed and grabs her spear. With a shrill whistle, the sand warriors quickly flood out of their homes and attack the thieves and bandits.

While Zahra fights to protect her people, assassins sneak into her bedchambers, where her wife is quietly sitting on the bed. Akilah's crystal blue eyes flash when the assassins surround her. She unsheathes the dagger that she keeps under her pillow and lifts it to defend herself.

When the first assassin leaps to kill her, Akilah jumps off her bed and avoids the attack. Her heart beats out of her chest as she desperately tries to swallow her fear and trauma. I am the Queen. I have to be brave. I cannot be a weakness for Zahra.

"How many of you were sent to gang up against one woman who does not know how to fight?" Yoongi's cold voice sends shivers down the spines of the assassins.

"You really are pathetic." Jimin's voice is haunting as he jumps down from the rafters and stands between Akilah and the assassins. "You should be ashamed."

In the blink of an eye, Jimin and Yoongi draw their daggers and silently slice the throats of the assassins. Neither wince as the assassins' blood splatters on their faces.

Akilah watches in awe as the eight assassins fall to the ground without a sound. She looks at the two small humans and wonders how they are so fearless.

"Jungkook, seriously. You made us do all of the work." Jimin fusses as he glares at the man who is walking out of the shadows.

"You two are better at killing assassins than I am. Why would I interfere?" Jungkook asks with a grin and nudges a dead assassin with his boot to see if the person is actually dead.

"What do we do with the bodies?" Yoongi asks as he rips the masks off the assassins to see their faces.

"We need to find out who sent them," Jimin mutters and strips the assassins to look for identifying marks of who owns them.

"A red sun. That is interesting." Yoongi murmurs as he examines the mark that is on the back of the assassins' necks.

"They belong to Zahra's family. Her brother and sister want me dead." Akilah whispers when she realizes who sent the assassins. "By saving me and marrying me, she lost the support of her family."

"Queen Akilah, trust me when I say this: You and your children are Zahra's family. The only love and support she wants is from you and your children." Yoongi softly tells the distraught woman.

"I bring no power or wealth to her throne. I am not a strength for her." Akilah mutters as she looks at the faded slave brand on her wrist.

"You bring something even better. You are someone Zahra trusts and loves. She would rather have you holding her hand than have all of the power in the world. The way that she looks at you is with endless galaxies of love and adoration. You are the most powerful strength for her." Jimin pulls the crying Queen into his arms. "I know that it must be difficult, but you must hold your head high. They will continue to try to kill you, so you must hold your head high with a weapon in your hand."

Akilah sniffles and calms her crying when Jimin places an arrow in her hand. She looks at the crystal arrow in awe.

"We know just the perfect place for you to find your weapon." Jungkook hums and looks out the window at Seokjin and Namjoon, who are killing the final intruders.

"You have a kingdom, a King, a Crown Princess, and a prince to protect. As Queen, you are King Zahra's strongest strength." Yoongi grins and hands Akilah one of his arrows.

"So, Queen Akilah, what do we do with the bodies?" Jungkook asks as he looks at the assassins.

"Return them to their owners." Akilah grits out as a flicker of strength lights her crystal blue eyes.

"Very well." Jungkook hums as he summons a few shadows to bring the bodies to the owners of the assassins.

"What next?" Jimin asks and keeps a supportive hand on Akilah's back.

"Kill their owners." Akilah hisses with hatred and anger in her eyes. "Make sure that no one can threaten my King and my children."

"Where are your children?" Yoongi asks as he looks around the room.

"They sleep in a hidden room." Akilah points to a tapestry on the wall that hides the door to her children's room.

"Good. They are safely hidden." Yoongi hums in approval.

"Akilah! What happened?!" Zahra shouts as she runs into their bedchambers.

"Assassins." Akilah calmly responds as her wife wraps her in a warm embrace.

"Were you harmed?" Zahra clings to her wife as worry consumes her.

"I was not harmed. They protected me." Akilah answers and gently pats her wife's back to calm her.

"Who sent the assassins?" Zahra's voice deepens with anger as she looks at the pools of blood on the ground.

"The red sun." Yoongi's response fills Zahra with anger and the pain of betrayal.

"King Zahra, would you like for us to solidify your throne? We will kill every royal who is threatening you without shedding the blood of your people." Namjoon asks as he looks at the young King.

"Yes," Akilah responds for Zahra as she tightens her hold on her wife.

"Very well, Queen Akilah." Namjoon grins and looks at his family, who nod their heads in agreement.

"Because you are within the barrier of the stone, the people you will be fighting will be strong," Zahra warns them as she looks at the smiling family.

"Do not worry about us. We have an army." Jungkook chuckles and then whistles.

Zahra's eyes widen when she senses Jungkook's shadows flood her kingdom. As she looks at the warrior, she realizes just how powerful the family is.

"It is time to go hunting." Yoongi hums as his fingers deftly glide over his bow.

Without hesitation, the family leaves the castle and separates to hunt down their many prey. The doors to many royal palaces are kicked open as the powerful family marches into the various palaces with shadows following behind.

When Jungkook sees the red sun on the large flags outside of the palace that he is barging into, he realizes that he is attacking the King's family. He chuckles when he sees many sand warriors ready to kill him. "We shall see just how powerful you really are." He calmly hums as he draws Zaniah.

The many sand warriors watch in horror as Jungkook consumes any light around him with darkness. They tremble when the golden dragon draped over his shoulders illuminates his sinister grin.

"I smell your pitiful fear." Jungkook's deep chuckle resonates throughout the palace grounds as he strides toward the sand warriors.

"Kill him!" A man shouts and runs toward Jungkook with his spear drawn and spikes of sand surrounding him.

When Jungkook's sword slices through the man's body, the man turns to sand and re-materializes behind Jungkook. Right as he re-materializes, a black arrow pierces his back. 

"Smart, but not smart enough." Jungkook grins and prepares to kill the rest.

The large group of sand warriors surges at Jungkook in one swift motion. With an excited grin, Jungkook stands still and watches as his shadows attack the sand warriors. As his shadows attack the sand warriors, the sand warriors swiftly turn to sand and re-materialize. The moment that they re-materialize, Jungkook powerfully thrusts his sword through their bodies, slicing them in half.

The dark elf's energy darkens as the thrill of death surrounds him with screams of agony. His dark soul twists with excitement. Before his darkness consumes him, the dragon on his shoulders begins to glow and chirp at him worriedly. Jungkook quickly snaps out of his twisted daze. He shudders as he feels his darkness consuming him.

"If I exert too much energy controlling my shadows, my darkness consumes me," Jungkook whispers as his hands shake. "Thank you." He smiles as the small dragon nuzzles against his cheek.

"Jungkook, are you okay?" Yoongi rushes over to his brother as he shoots down the remaining sand warriors.

"I uh yeah," Jungkook mutters and slings the blood off of his sword.

"What happened? I felt a surge." Yoongi softly asks as he looks at the one who has grown to be his brother, whose face is filled with shame.

"I almost lost control," Jungkook whispers as a tear trickles down his face.

To Jungkook's surprise, Yoongi embraces him. "Do not be ashamed. You are strong. You will not lose control. I know you." Yoongi gently tells his crying brother.

"Thank you." Jungkook sniffles and lets Yoongi embrace him.

After a few moments, Jungkook pulls himself together, so Yoongi gives him one final pat on the back before pulling away. Once they pull away, they look around their surroundings.

"King Zahra's siblings must be in the palace," Yoongi mutters as they begin marching toward the residence.

"They must be lying in wait." Jungkook hums as he grips the hilt of Zaniah.

"Do not use your shadows. Put them away." Yoongi gently tells Jungkook when he sees the dark energy surge within Jungkook.

"Very well," Jungkook responds and puts away his shadows.

When they reach the entrance of the wealthy residence, the dragon on Jungkook's shoulder releases a column of fire and begins burning down the residence, which leaves Jungkook and Yoongi shocked.

"Why did the dragon not do that before?" Yoongi grumbles as he looks at the small but powerful dragon.

"Do not ask me." Jungkook chuckles as he fondly smiles at the small dragon.

"How dare a mere small human and a disgrace from the mountains come to my kingdom and wreak havoc?!" A man's voice shouts out as Zahra's sister and brother storm out of the burned residence.

"First of all, this is not 'your' kingdom. Second of all, we were invited to kill you. And lastly, do not ever call Yoongi a 'mere small human'. No one is allowed to insult my family and get away with it." Jungkook snarls as he draws Zaniah from the sheath on his back and slings his sword, slicing into Zahra's brother.

"As fancy as your interesting disappearing act is, you sure are annoying," Yoongi grumbles and shoots Zahra's brother the moment he re-materializes.

"How dare you?!" The injured man shrieks in pain when Yoongi's arrow pierces his chest.

"Brother!" Zahra's sister shouts as she runs toward her injured brother.

"I am guessing that you have a different mother than King Zahra." Jungkook hums as he watches the siblings. "She is younger than both of you."

"They are the children of my father's mistress." Zahra's voice draws all of their attention as she rides toward them.

"Father loved our mother! He never loved you nor your mother! Your mother was a murderer!" Zahra's sister hisses with venom lacing her tongue as hot tears of anger stream down her face.

"I never said that he loved me, and I never said that my mother was a saint. I would never have harmed you if you had stayed away from my family, but you tried to kill the woman I love." Zahra snarls as she draws her sword and leaps from her steed. "If you hated me so much, you should have tried to kill me instead of trying to harm my wife."

"Your mother killed our father! It is only right that you lose someone you love!" Zahra's sister shouts as she clings to her dying brother.

"And I had her executed for killing your father," Zahra responds with her jaw clenched.

"You did not love her." Her sister mutters and sorrowfully looks at her dying brother.

"Do not lie to me and tell me that you loved your father. You and I both know that you two were after the throne." Zahra scoffs in disbelief. "The only person either of you has ever loved is each other. You couldn't care less about your dead father."

Jungkook and Yoongi quietly watch and marvel at the dysfunctional family. As Jungkook watches them, he remembers his family, which was filled with hatred and disgust. His oldest brother was the only warmth that he knew.

"The demons you hired killed him." Zahra's sister's voice is filled with pain when her brother breathes his final breath. "You killed him!"

They quickly step back when she screams in pain, and sand begins to swirl around her as she is filled with agony. Jungkook quickly grabs Yoongi and covers him to protect him from the dangerous wind.

"Syrah! Stop!" Zahra shouts and puts her arm in front of her face to shield herself from the windstorm her sister has created.

As Syrah screams in pain, Jimin climbs to the top of a tall building and aims his arrow at her heart. "Be at peace," Jimin whispers as he releases his arrow. When Jimin's arrow pierces Syrah's heart, she collapses, and everything calms. 

"I will bury them next to their father." Zahra sorrowfully mutters as she looks at her siblings' bodies.

"Family can either be beautiful, destructive, or beautifully destructive."

Chapter 19: Regrets

As the bodies of the many royals, who have leeched the people of their livelihoods, are dragged to the center of the beautiful desert city, the people slowly come out of their homes.

"Burn them," Zahra instructs her guards once all of the bodies have been thrown into a large pile. "Out of the ashes, a new era will be born. I will make sure that my people are strong."

"You are a good King, wife, and mother." Namjoon proudly tells Zahra, who looks at him with a large smile.

"Thank you." Zahra takes a deep breath as she relaxes. "I have a few people going through the tax records to return the excess amount of taxes the people were forced to pay. From now on, I will be strong and will not back down. A Kingdom only prospers if its people are prosperous."

"You are correct." Namjoon hums and looks around at all of the people who are watching the fire in awe and fear.

That evening, the family goes over the information that Zahra's spies have acquired. As Seokjin reads the information, he feels a familiarity with the information, which worries him.

"Jin, what is wrong?" Namjoon asks when he notices his husband's discomfort.

"I am unsure." Seokjin quietly responds as he looks at the scroll in his hand. "I will let you know when I know."

"Look at all of the horrid things this person has done!" Jimin shouts with anger as he slams his hands on the large oak table.

"They deserve thousands of painful deaths," Jungkook mutters in disgust.

"I do not care about the person's excuse or reason as to why they are doing all of these horrid things. I will make sure that they die painfully." Yoongi snarls and clenches the paper in his hand.

"No matter who this person is, they will die." Seokjin mumbles and sets the scroll aside.

"Painfully," Namjoon adds. "For now, we should rest. We will leave at dawn." He stands up from his chair and reaches his hand out for his husband. Seokjin instantly smiles and places his hand in his husband's much larger hand.

While the husbands walk to their room together, Namjoon notices that Seokjin is lost in thought. Once they are in their room, Namjoon shuts the door and leads his husband to their bed. "Jin, what is wrong?" He softly asks his distracted husband.

"Uh, I was just thinking." Seokjin murmurs as he sits on the bed and looks up at his worried husband.

"Will you tell me?" Namjoon's voice softens when he sees conflict flickering in his sweet husband's eyes.

"We did not raise him that way," Seokjin whispers as tears well up in his eyes.

"We did not." Namjoon hums as he gently places his hand on the back of his husband's head and lovingly hugs his husband.

"You think that it is him as well." Seokjin whimpers and buries his face against his husband's stomach.

"I do." Namjoon whispers and lovingly brushes his fingers through his husband's long hair.

"What happened?" Seokjin asks as he wraps his arms around his husband and holds him as close as possible.

"I am just as confused as you." Namjoon slightly bends down as he curls up around his crying husband.

After a few minutes, Seokjin's cries subside, and he pulls his husband onto the bed with him. Once he is safely tucked away in his husband's embrace, Seokjin releases a long breath and buries his face in the crook of his husband's neck.

"We cannot tell Yoongi, Jimin, and Jungkook. They will hesitate because they love us. It will hurt, but neither you nor I can hesitate either. Just like Yoongi said, no matter the reason or excuse, he must die." Seokjin quietly whispers and looks into his husband's beautiful blue eyes.

"I agree." Namjoon softly smiles with sorrow flickering in his eyes.

"We lost her and now him." Seokjin's lips wobble as his eyes tear up again.

"I am so sorry, my dear husband. I am so very sorry." Namjoon quietly cries and buries Seokjin in his embrace.

"You have done nothing wrong. Please, do not apologize." Seokjin sniffles and wipes the tears from Namjoon's face. "We have those three now. We will not lose them."

"We will never lose them," I promise you will never lose them. Never again. Namjoon smiles through his tears and kisses his husband's soft lips.

"Do you think that her reincarnations have been happy?" Seokjin mumbles as his fingers lovingly brush over his husband's face.

"I hope so," Namjoon whispers and closes his eyes as his husband's fingers gently touch his face.

"I just want to see her once," Seokjin mutters and gently kisses his husband's soft lips.

"Me too." Namjoon smiles as a tear trickles down his face. "She would have grown up so beautifully. I am so sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong." Seokjin instantly embraces his husband as he worries about him. Has he blamed himself this entire time? How did I not know this?

"I am so sorry." Namjoon suddenly begins sobbing as he clings to his husband.

"Please, do not blame yourself. My beautiful Moon, do not blame yourself." Seokjin's heart clenches in pain when he realizes that his husband has been blaming himself this entire time. I almost lost you that day. I cannot lose you.

"I promised to protect both of you. I promised." Namjoon sobs as he buries his face in his husband's chest.

"My Moon, please stop crying. Please." Seokjin whispers as his tears stream down his face. "How am I supposed to be strong when you are crying? Hm?"

"I am sorry. I will do better. I promise." Namjoon whimpers and desperately clings to his husband.

"You have already done so much. I love you so very much. Even after being married to you for hundreds of years, I am not done loving you. I will never have enough time to love you." Seokjin soothingly whispers as he buries his face in the crown of Namjoon's head and softly kisses him.

"She was so beautiful." Namjoon softly cries as his husband comforts him.

"She was." Seokjin sorrowfully smiles as he remembers his daughter.

"I promise that will never happen again," Namjoon whispers as he begins to fall asleep in his husband's arms. 

"I know, Moon-ah." Seokjin hums and closes his eyes.

When morning comes, Seokjin watches the sunrise as he runs his fingers through his husband's hair. He softly smiles as the desert sunrise lights up the room with soft, pastel reds and pinks. Waking up in the mornings with you in my arms like this is heaven. Heaven cannot be better than this. Seokjin's thoughts are soft and warm as his husband's soft breath brushes against his neck, his husband's face snuggling into his neck, and soft, sleepy hums filling the room.

"Jin." Namjoon's sleepy morning voice fills the room as his lips brush against his husband's neck.

"Yes, Moon?" Seokjin softly responds as his fingers continue to brush through his husband's soft hair.

"I love you." The large elf tenderly whispers and kisses his husband's neck.

"I love you too. So much." Seokjin happily hums and buries his face in the crown of his husband's head.

"Our children are awake." Namjoon softly chuckles when he hears Jungkook and Jimin bickering.

"They sound excited." Seokjin smiles and kisses the crown of Namjoon's head.

"They do," Namjoon whispers as he wraps his arms around his husband's waist and pulls his husband closer. "I love you so much." Namjoon's soft, loving gaze fills Seokjin's heart with endless warmth.

"Me too, Moon-ah." Seokjin smiles and tenderly pecks his husband's nose.

"Jimin! Give that back!" Jungkook's voice booms through the large residence, which causes Seokjin and Namjoon to laugh.

"It sounds like we need to get up and manage our rowdy children." Namjoon laughs and sits up.

"They are adults. They can manage themselves." Seokjin whines and pulls his husband back onto the bed with him.

"Midget! Give it! Now!" Jungkook's voice rises.

"What did you just call me?!" Jimin shrieks as he draws his bow and aims it at Jungkook.

"They are children with dangerous weapons." Namjoon sighs as he begrudgingly gets out of bed and walks out of the room to handle his very upset children.

"Appa! Tell him to give it back!" Jungkook calling him 'appa' causes Namjoon to freeze in his tracks and stare at the young man, who is pouting like a child.

"Jimin, give him his shirt back." Namjoon sighs once he composes himself.

"Fine," Jimin grumbles and throws the shirt at Jungkook's face.

"What is wrong with tiny humans?" Jungkook huffs and stomps away, leaving a still surprised Namjoon standing in the middle of the corridor.

When Namjoon returns to their room, Seokjin notices that his husband is in a daze. "What happened?" Seokjin softly asks and walks over to his husband as he elegantly puts on a long, white silk robe.

"Jungkook called me 'Appa'." Namjoon's eyes are big and shimmering with tears.

"My sweet Moon." Seokjin coos and litters his husband's face with soft pecks.

"She used to call us that." Namjoon sorrowfully whispers as a tear trickles down his face.

"She did." Seokjin hums and wraps his crying husband in his arms as he tries his best to comfort Namjoon.

"I will never forget the day she called me 'Appa'. I swore to protect her, but I broke my promise. I failed her." Namjoon suddenly sobs and clings to his loving husband.

"Moon, you never failed. The moment that she was born, I thought that she would never know happiness. What child knows happiness when their mother dies from birthing them? What child knows happiness when born into slavery? Her own father did not know what happiness was. And then you came and saved us. You taught us how to smile. You taught us how to live. You never failed either of us. You saved us. Our daughter learned how to smile when all of the odds were against her. She smiled because of you." Seokjin lovingly whispers with teary eyes as he tightens his embrace around his sobbing husband.

"And then we lost him. If I were stronger, we would never have lost either of them." Namjoon's sobs strengthen as the pain of losing two children fills his heart.

"No. None of it was your fault. Stop blaming yourself." Seokjin's voice becomes strong as he squeezes his husband in his arms. "It was never your fault. The fault is with the people who took them from us. And you and I killed all of them."

"I will kill them in every life to make sure that they never harm her." Namjoon growls and buries his face in his husband's shoulder.

"And if we have to face him, we will kill him for what he did to Taehyung," Seokjin whispers and looks out at the bright morning sky.

"I agree." Namjoon hums and straightens up as he looks into Seokjin's eyes, which have a far-off gaze. "We did not raise him that way. I will not tolerate what he has done. He can try again in his next life."

"After we kill him, do we want to search for her to make sure she is happy?" Seokjin asks as he longs to wander the world with his husband and children freely.

"Of course. We can show Jungkook, Jimin, and Yoongi all of the wonders of the world." Namjoon smiles as he cups his beautiful husband's face in his large hands.

"They would love that." Seokjin softly smiles and nuzzles his face in his husband's hands.

"We should hurry to make sure that he does not harm anyone else." Namjoon murmurs and presses his lips on his husband's forehead.

"We should." Seokjin sighs and looks out at the beautiful morning. "There are people in pain because of him, and we need to end their pain."

Chapter 20: Kiran

"Taehyung, are you ready?" Nara asks her son as she walks into his room.

"I am ready." Taehyung takes a deep breath as he turns to face his mother in his ceremonial clothing.

"Do not be nervous. You will do well." She smiles and walks over to her son.

"Thank you, Ina." Taehyung breathes out and lets his mother straighten up his hair and clothing. "I just wish that he were here," Taehyung whispers with a sorrowful sigh.

"I know that your ononi is very proud of you." Nara gently tells her son as she pats his shoulder.

"Once I am strong enough to turn into my dragon form, I will search for him. I know that Jungkook will search with me." Taehyung smiles as he looks at the small shadow dragon that is resting on his shoulder.

"It is time." Hwal's voice fills the room as he approaches his son and wife.

With an encouraging smile, Nara and Hwal lead their son out of the castle to the forge where the master swordsmith is waiting to guide Taehyung in creating his sword.

"Your Highness." The swordsmith bows her head to Taehyung when he approaches her. "It is an honor to assist you during your coming-of-age crafting."

"Thank you. I ask you to guide me and help me." Taehyung respectfully responds with a kind smile.

"Please, pick the stone for your sword." She motions to a large wooden table covered in different metals for the sword for Taehyung to choose from.

Taehyung walks over to the metals and carefully examines them. To his surprise, the dragon on his shoulder flies to one of the stones and circles around it. Taehyung watches as the dragon's white core glows brighter. With a smile, Taehyung picks up the metal that his shadow dragon chose. 

When the swordsmith examines the stone, she smiles brightly. "You have chosen a wonderful ore for your sword. It is filled with fire energy."

"Thank you." Taehyung smiles and holds his hand out for his small dragon.

"It is time to begin. The sun has reached its highest peak." Nara informs Taehyung and the master swordsmith.

Soon, chanting fills the air as the dragons surround the smithy. Taehyung watches in awe as all of the dragons' eyes glow brightly in the daylight. He takes a deep breath and follows the swordsmith to the forge.

"Light the fire, Your Highness." The swordsmith tells Taehyung as they stand in front of the forge.

Taehyung takes a deep breath and then blows out a steady stream of fire into the forge. He smiles when he watches the wood catch fire. The swordsmith's eyes widen in awe when she sees the strength and heat of Taehyung's fire.

Once the fire is roaring, the swordsmith has Taehyung place his ore into the fire. Taehyung watches as his ore heats up and begins to glow a bright yellow. When the metal is hot enough, the swordsmith instructs Taehyung to remove it from the fire.

The moment the first sound of a hammer falling onto the metal rings through the air as Taehyung shapes it, the chanting of the dragons grows louder and more reverent. Taehyung sweats as the fire from the forge fills the beautiful marble building, and the physical exertion he is putting out tires him.

As the sun begins to set, the sound of Taehyung's hammer never falters. He heats the metal, shapes the metal, and cools the metal over and over again. His eyes shimmer in excitement as he watches his sword take shape.

Many days pass by without rest as the young prince shapes his beautiful sword. His people chant and wait in anticipation for the moment their Crown Prince exits the smithy to reveal his sword.

When the sun sets on the seventh day, Taehyung begins sharpening his sword. He takes his time and is careful with every pass of the whetstone. The air rings with the glide of the stone against his sword.

Right as the sun rises on the eighth day, Taehyung infuses his sword with his energy. His eyes widen when he watches his sword turn a light gold, and white flames lick across the beautiful blade.

"Your Highness, here is the hilt your parents made for your sword at your birth." The swordsmith bows before Taehyung as she holds the white hilt up for Taehyung.

As Taehyung puts the hilt onto his sword, he balances it. To his surprise and satisfaction, the hilt and sword balance perfectly. 

Once his sword is finished, Taehyung takes the sheath that the swordsmith is holding up for him. He takes a deep breath as he sheaths his sword. "It is finished."

When he walks out of the smithy, everyone watches and waits in anticipation. With one swift motion, Taehyung unsheaths his sword and lifts it for his people to see. The moment that the sun hits the sword, the people cheer in excitement. The young Crown Prince feels the energy from his sword coursing through his body as he lifts his sword over his head.

"Crown Prince Taehyung, what is the name of your sword?" Hwal asks as he looks at his son with immense pride.

"Kiran," Taehyung responds and looks up at his sword.

"It is time to celebrate!" Taehyung's oldest sister shouts in excitement as his siblings, who have all made their swords, draw their swords in unison.

The siblings clang their swords together in excitement and look up at their colorful swords shimmering in the sunlight. Taehyung's eyes are teary when he hears his siblings' laughter and happiness. I have missed this so much.

"I claim the first duel!" Taehyung's oldest sister shouts as she readies her sword.

"Challenge accepted!" Taehyung grins and clangs his sword against his sister's sword.

Hwal and Nara watch with teary eyes as their children happily duel each other. Their children's laughter fills the large nest while their people rejoice and celebrate the coming of age of their Crown Prince.

"Nara, I will leave in the morning to continue my search. This time, I will not return until I have found him. I promise." Hwal softly tells his wife. "I want you to be able to smile fully."

"No. You have to come back often. Do not leave me for so long. Last time, you left for five years. It was agony to be away from you for so long." Nara suddenly embraces her husband as she dreads being separated from him once again.

"I do not want to disappoint you again. I hate seeing you look behind me to see if our son is with me." Hwal whispers as he wraps his wife in his arms.

"You have never disappointed me. It is more painful when you are away for so long. Please, do not leave me for so long. It hurts to wake up without you by my side. Every morning, I am afraid to wake up without you. I know that I am the Queen and am supposed to be strong, but it is hard without you. So, please do not leave me for so long." Nara cries as she buries her face in her husband's embrace. "Please."

"I am sorry. Do not cry. I will not leave you for so long. I did not mean to make you cry or hurt you." Hwal mutters as he comforts his wife.

Nara sniffles and nods as she rests in her husband's embrace. She smiles and snuggles her face in the crook of his neck as she lets her husband comfort her.

"Ina! Aba! The food is ready!" Taehyung shouts as he runs over to his parents.

As Taehyung runs over to them, both of them have a flash of him excitedly running over to them as a small child with his brother, who always stuck by his side. Now, Taehyung has grown, and his brother is missing.

"Did they make your favorite food?" Nara asks once she recovers from the beautiful yet painful flash of memory.

"They did! Come on!" Taehyung grabs both of their hands and drags them to the festivities that are in full swing.

Both parents tighten their hold on their sweet son's hands as tears shimmer in their eyes. Taehyung's older siblings quickly look away to control the pain that they have felt over the years while either searching for Taehyung or praying for his safe return.

"Why do we never say Ononi's name?" One of the youngest two siblings asks one of their older sisters.

"Because it hurts." She softly responds and ruffles her little sister's hair.

"But now we can say Taehyung ononi's name." The youngest brother smiles brightly as Taehyung approaches them with their parents.

"Because it does not hurt so much anymore." The oldest sibling mutters and softly smiles at Taehyung.

"Look! It all looks so yummy!" Taehyung squeals and sits down at the table in excitement as he drags his parents to sit with them.

"It does." Hwal smiles and places food on his wife's plate.

"No wonder Ina fell in love with Aba. He is so romantic." The youngest sister giggles when she sees her sweet parents.

"Chanyeol learned from the best." Baekhyun grins and rests his head on Chanyeol's shoulder.

"Yoonah anoni, what is your mate like? I was told that he is currently visiting another nest because of some recent attacks." Taehyung asks his oldest sister, which brings a bright smile to her face.

"My mate is really sweet. His name is Junho." Yoonah smiles and blushes as she thinks about her handsome mate.

"Do you miss him?" Taehyung softly asks and looks at the little dragon on his shoulder.

"I do. It is hard to be separated from your mate." Yoonah sighs and looks at the beautiful, golden ring around her finger. "Junho made the ring for me with his fire so that I can always feel his energy. And, he gave me his heart." She smiles and places her hand over her chest. "He has mine, and I have his."

"Junho must be a very kind man if he makes you this mushy for him." Taehyung softly giggles and smiles at his sister.

"Yoonah anoni becomes a puddle when he is here. It is always so surprising." The youngest brother snickers and ducks when Yoonah tosses a chopstick at him.

"You are a menace." Yoonah hisses and glares at her giggling younger brother.

As the royal family enjoys the festivities, a group of large dragons returns to the nest. When Yoonah senses the presence of her mate, her eyes widen in surprise and excitement.

"He is back." Nara hums when she sees her oldest child's excitement.

"He is a black dragon just like Aba," Taehyung mutters in surprise when he watches his oldest sister run to a very handsome man whose arms are open, waiting to hold his mate.

Once Junho and Yoonah reunite, Junho walks over to the family and bows to Nara and Hwal.

"What did you discover?" Hwal asks as he motions for Junho to join them.

"The seaside nest is being attacked by sea monsters. We do not know why they are attacking. I had the guards focus most of their forces on the sea to keep the nest as safe as possible. They are really worried because three eggs are supposed to hatch soon. It makes me wonder if someone is trying to steal dragon eggs." Junho explains to Hwal.

"We need to send reinforcements to the sea nest to protect the eggs," Hwal mutters and looks at his wife.

"I will go. I need more training, and the dragons at our seaside nest have techniques that I have never learned. Plus, I can help protect the eggs." Taehyung volunteers as he thinks about hatchlings being separated from their families, like he was.

"Very well. Leave with Junho and Yoonah in the morning. You three will take ten more dragons to protect the seaside nest." Nara responds and looks at her children.

"Crown Prince Taehyung, it is an honor to meet you." Junho quickly stands and bows to Taehyung.

"Please, just call me Taehyung. You are my oldest anoni's mate. I am honored to meet you." Taehyung smiles and has Junho stand up.

"Then please just call me Junho." Junho smiles and wraps his arm around his mate's waist.

"We will leave at dawn to protect the seaside nest," Yoonah tells her mate and younger brother.

"Very well."

Chapter 21: Hope

"Thank you for everything that you have done for us. I wish you luck and safety on your hunt." Zahra bows to the family of warriors as they prepare to leave.

"Zahra and Akilah, you are wonderful rulers. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. I wish you both luck as well." Namjoon smiles and mounts his large stallion.

"Thank you." Zahra and Akilah bow their heads as they hold their children in their arms.

"We ride south!" Seokjin shouts with excitement as he spurs his horse in the direction of their hunt.

"You'd better train and surprise me with your strength next time!" Yoongi grins as he steers his horse toward the south.

"We will, tiny human!" Zahra shouts in response.

"Akilah, you are strong. Do not let anyone make you feel weak." Jungkook softly smiles at the young queen before leaving the desert city.

"Thank you," Akilah whispers as she holds the bow that she picked from the weapons room.

As the sun rises high in the desert sky, the horses of the powerful family storm through the desert. "He was last seen in the Golden City!" Namjoon tells his family as they ride to the south.

"That place is filled with corrupt royals," Seokjin mutters in disgust as he clenches the reins in his hands.

"We will arrive two days from now if we do not rest. There are four oases between us and the Golden City. We will rest our horses at the four oases, which means that it will take us three days." Jimin explains as the sun beats down on them.

"Very well. It will take us three days. He likely will no longer be there, but we will be able to find traces of him." Namjoon responds and smiles at his family.

"Hopefully, we do not run into any monsters or bandits," Yoongi mumbles with a frown.

When they arrive at the first oasis at dusk, they see a caravan of travelers. The travelers place their hands on their weapons as the family rides up to them.

"We are only here to rest up our horses. Please, do not mind us." Namjoon explains as they guide their horses to the water.

The fighters of the caravan watch the family with suspicion. They keep their hands on their weapons while the weaker travelers are kept in the middle of the group for protection.

"Some of them are injured. I am guessing that they ran into bandits." Seokjin whispers to Namjoon, who nods in agreement.

"They must be refugees. There are children and pregnant women in the group." Yoongi quietly tells the others, who all agree.

"Do you need medical aid? I am a healer." Seokjin asks the travelers as he shows them his elf ears.

The travelers mutter amongst themselves as they debate whether Seokjin can be trusted or not.

"My husband was severely injured. Will you help him?" A pregnant woman asks as her three small children cling to her legs.

"I will. Where is he?" Seokjin responds and hands his sword to Namjoon to show them that he is not a threat.

"He is in our tent." The pregnant woman responds and quickly leads Seokjin to her husband.

When Seokjin enters the tent, he sees that the man is at death's door, so he quickly begins healing the injured man. While Seokjin heals the injured man, Namjoon motions over the men who seem to be the leaders of the group.

"Where are you coming from?" Namjoon asks once they are close enough to him to hold a conversation.

"We are from a small village. We were attacked by the unruly bandits. Ever since King Namjoon disappeared over three hundred years ago, the world has been ravaged and has fallen into fragmented small kingdoms. As I am sure that you know, the desert has been ravaged the most. Our village used to be a strong city, but we are all that is left. It is hard to believe the legends from hundreds of years ago." A man responds and looks over at his fellow villagers, who are starving, injured, and exhausted.

Namjoon quietly listens to the story that he has heard hundreds of times. Leaving the throne behind was a difficult and easy choice for him. It was difficult because he knew that the people would be in danger, but it was easy because he had to protect his husband and son. They had already lost their daughter, so losing anyone else was not an option. As King, he had to put his family second and his large kingdom first. The powerful elf only wanted to put his family first, so he left the throne to his sister and fled.

"Stop saying it like that! It is not like the elven king meant for this to happen. It is the fault of the wealthy and powerful who control the bandits!" A woman chastises her husband, who sighs and nods. "His daughter was kidnapped and murdered, and you expect him to keep putting his family in danger?"

Namjoon looks at the woman in surprise when he hears her. "How do you know that?" Namjoon asks as the woman sighs.

"I am a quarter elf. My grandmother worked for King Namjoon all those years ago. She told my family never to blame him because he chose his family. She said that he was beyond powerful, but if he used his power to kill the people who killed his daughter while he was King, he would have ravaged and destroyed the world, killing the innocent as well. My grandmother told me that once he left the throne, he and his husband hunted down every person involved in what happened to their daughter. If anyone kidnapped and killed my daughter, I would do the same." The woman explains as she reveals her sleeping newborn daughter, who is safely cradled in a sling hidden in her garments.

Jungkook, Jimin, and Yoongi quietly listen in surprise. Namjoon and Seokjin had never told them about what had happened in the past. The only thing that they knew was that their son was missing.

"Your grandmother was very wise, and your daughter is lucky to have you as her mother." Namjoon softly smiles as he looks at the sleeping baby.

"Ignore my husband. He speaks without thinking. He steps in front of arrows without thinking as well." The woman huffs as she glares at her husband.

"The arrow would have hit you!" Her husband argues and glares at his wife.

"What wife wants her husband stepping in front of a weapon to protect her while he uses his own body as a shield?! No wife wants to watch her husband die!" The woman argues with tears streaming down his face.

"And what husband wants to watch his wife die?" The man softly whispers and hugs his crying wife.

"You keep playing tough, but I know that you are in pain." The wife cries as her husband hugs her.

"Do not forget there is a group led by two elves that is fighting against the bandits and the powerful who are bleeding us dry. I have heard rumors that it is King Namjoon, his husband, and their children." A man tells the group, which causes them to nod in agreement.

"Do you really think that King Namjoon is still alive after all these years?" A woman asks as she cradles her sleeping toddler in her arms.

"Why not? Many elves live for eternity. He might be one of them, especially since he has a husband he loves. Elves with life partners are likely to live for eternity. Plus, it gives us hope to think he is the one protecting us," Another woman responds and leans against her husband.

"I heard that it is a group of five." A woman whispers as she counts Namjoon's family members.

The group of refugees looks at Namjoon with big eyes as they process who is sitting before them. Namjoon stays quiet and looks at the two swords in his lap, which draws the attention of the refugees, who all crowd around Namjoon and stare at the black and white swords.

"Your Majesty!" They all gasp and fall to their knees.

"There is no need to address me like that." Namjoon quietly sighs and looks around at the starving people.

"I have sinned! I did not mean to blame you!" The husband from before slams his face into the sand as he bows all the way to the ground.

"You have done nothing wrong. You are correct. I chose my family over my people." Namjoon gently responds and has the man sit up. "However, I have never abandoned you."

"We know. You are constantly freeing slaves and fighting bandits." A man mutters as he stares at Namjoon in awe.

As Seokjin walks out of the tent, he looks at the refugees in confusion when he realizes that they are looking at his husband in awe.

"Thank you so much!" The pregnant wife cries when her husband's eyes open.

Seokjin looks inside the tent and softly smiles and nods at the crying woman as she cradles her husband in her arms. The husband softly chuckles when his children crawl on top of him and cry in relief that their father is going to live.

"My Lord, may we ask where you and your family are going?" A woman asks Namjoon as they all look at the elf with awe and reverence.

"We are going to the Golden City. There is someone we are searching for." Namjoon explains as he clenches his fists. "Where are you going?"

"There is a large city that is being built by refugees. We are headed there." One of the men responds as he holds his two children in his arms.

"Be careful when you arrive there. Desperate people can harm others without meaning to." Namjoon warns them as he grabs a large pouch of gold for the group. "This should help you get by for some time, but remember to keep the money hidden. Only use it when it is necessary."

"Thank you, my Lord." The refugees quickly bow their heads to Namjoon.

"There is no need to thank me. Once we have found who we are looking for, we will come and check up on you to make sure that you are doing well." Namjoon smiles as he looks at the grateful refugees.

"Will you ever take the throne back?" A teenage boy asks as he eagerly waits for Namjoon's response.

"Most likely not. I will continue to help and protect people, but the throne is not for me." Namjoon responds and smiles as his husband walks over to him.

"The current Queen is a horrible ruler. She is weak and greedy." A young woman mutters with a scowl.

"You would think that being a queen for hundreds of years would have helped her grow and strengthen." A man sighs and shakes his head.

"She had been that way since her birth. Power and wealth were all that she craved. It was negligent of me to leave the throne to her." Namjoon mutters and continues to look at his husband. "I should have chosen someone else."

"From what my grandmother told me, you and your husband had to suddenly flee in the night because assassins were being sent to kill you and your family. You had no time to choose someone else. You protected your family." The woman softly tells Namjoon, who is now being wrapped in his husband's embrace.

As Jungkook, Yoongi, and Jimin listen to the conversation, they realize how much pain the two elves who have loved them as their own children have been through.

"We will become strong enough so that they never have to face such pain again," Yoongi mutters and looks at Jimin and Jungkook, who both nod in determination.

"Never again." Jimin and Jungkook respond at the same time as the three of them make a vow.

Chapter 22: Broken Ruby

When the family arrives in the Golden City, they look at the wealth and riches in disgust. "People are starving and struggling to survive, and these people are the reason." Namjoon scowls as he looks at the wealthy gorging themselves with their riches.

"Despite how disgusting they are, we need to continue our hunt for someone who is more vile than them," Seokjin mutters and scans the city for any signs of the man they are hunting.

"We will stay in an inn for tonight so that we can listen to the whispers on the streets," Namjoon tells his family once he has control of his hatred for the wealthy in the city whose buildings are made of gold.

After riding through the city to find a place to stay, they stop in front of a very extravagant inn that boasts about keeping the identities of its guests a secret.

"Sounds like the perfect place to stay if one is trying to hide their identity." Yoongi mumbles and slams open the inn door, startling the guests.

"My Lords, welcome." The inn's manager bows as the powerful family walks in, scanning their eyes over everyone in the lobby.

"Give us three of your nicest rooms," Namjoon mutters and tosses a bag of gold to the manager.

"Of course." The man bows and motions for the workers to care for the horses.

When one of the workers approaches Jungkook's shadow horse, she screams in shock and horror. She stumbles backward when her hand goes through the beast that is looking at her with pitch-black eyes.

"I would not startle her if I were you. She is easily agitated." Jungkook chuckles and shakes his head as the woman trembles in fear. "But, she is gentle, so stop trembling."

"Yes, m-my Lord." The woman shivers in terror and guides the shadow horse to the stables.

The people in the inn watch the family with curiosity. However, when Jungkook's eyes glance in their direction, they quickly avert their gazes and tremble in fear.

"Weaklings." Jungkook scoffs and follows his family when the manager guides them to their rooms.

Once the manager leaves them, the three of them roam around the floor they are on, searching for any clues about the man they are searching for. As Jungkook roams around the inn, he notices someone with ruby-red eyes watching him from the shadows, so he goes out to an alley.

"Come out." Jungkook deepens his voice as his shadow grabs the person with red eyes. When he sees a very injured man, Jungkook quickly rushes over to the injured man. 

"T-taeh-hyung." The man with ruby-red eyes weakly mutters as he looks at the golden dragon on Jungkook's shoulder.

"You know my mate?" Jungkook asks in surprise.

"M-my li-ittle Ononi." The man weakly smiles and nods.

"You are the brother he lost," Jungkook whispers in realization and quickly scoops the injured man in his arms.

When Jungkook enters their room, Seokjin and Namjoon rush over to him in surprise. "Who is he?" Seokjin asks as he begins healing the injured man.

"He is Taehyung's missing brother," Jungkook explains, letting Seokjin take the man out of his arms. "He recognized Taehyung's dragon heart."

"He has been tortured for many years. He is missing his wings and heart." Seokjin whispers in horror as he looks at the frail man.

"I-is Tae-aehyung safe?" The man asks and looks at Jungkook.

"He is at the nest." Jungkook softly responds.

"No. H-he i-is going to the ungh the nest." The man's eyes widen in fear and terror. "H-he has a-an army."

"The Golden City is a stop on the way to the nest," Namjoon whispers in horror when he realizes they are heading toward the largest dragon nest.

"We must leave at dawn once I have healed him enough." Seokjin increases the amount of healing energy he is using to heal the injured dragon.

"What is your name?" Jungkook softly asks Taehyung's older brother.

"H-hoseok." The dragon responds and reaches his hand out to touch the golden dragon on Jungkook's shoulder.

"Hoseok, here." Jungkook hums and motions for the golden dragon to be with Hoseok.

The small golden dragon instantly cries out and flies to Hoseok. When the golden dragon reaches Hoseok, it snuggles against Hoseok's cheek and cries for the lost brother.

"I was used to find the dragons' weaknesses and to find out how to take a dragon's heart forcefully." Hoseok weakly explains as he snuggles the golden dragon.

"Was this the man who was torturing you?" Namjoon asks as he presses his thumb on Hoseok's forehead to send him an image.

"Yes," Hoseok mutters in terror as his tears stream down his face.

Namjoon's and Seokjin's eyes widen in horror when Hoseok answers them with a nod. Jungkook quickly notices their reaction but says nothing about it.

"What is going on?" Yoongi asks as he and Jimin enter the room.

"Jungkook found Taehyung's missing older brother. He said that the man who captured him was heading to the nest. The man who captured him is the man we are hunting for." Namjoon responds and takes a deep breath to calm his breaking heart.

"Jungkook, is there any way that you can warn them?" Jimin asks his brother as he looks at the large warrior.

"I can!" Jungkook's eyes widen in realization.

As Taehyung prepares to leave for the seaside nest, his shadow dragon suddenly disappears. "J-Jungkook?" He calls out and frantically looks around his room for the small dragon.

"Taehyung, I apologize for suddenly startling you like this, but I have an urgent message for you. I am not here with you. This is a message that I am sending you through the shadow I gave you." Jungkook's voice sounds through the room as his shadowy figure stands before Taehyung.

"You scared me!" Taehyung huffs and glares at the shadowy figure.

"I found your missing brother. He is safe, and my father is currently healing him. However, I am messaging you because your brother has warned us that the one who took him is heading to the main nest with an army. Please, be careful."

Taehyung's eyes widen in shock and fear when he hears Jungkook's message. The moment that Jungkook's shadowy figure turns back to his dragon shape, Taehyung rushes out of his room. "Sound the alarm! We are about to be attacked!" He shouts as he runs to his parents' room. 

"What is going on?!" Yoonah asks as she runs over to her frantic younger brother.

"Jungkook just warned me that we are about to be attacked by the man who hunted me and captured Ononi!" Taehyung explains and looks at his sister.

"Sound the alarm!" Hwal shouts as he marches out of his and his mate's bedchambers upon hearing his son's frantic warning.

Soon, the entire nest is filled with the shouts of people preparing for war. The eggs and hatchlings are all brought to the castle's secret underground chambers for protection while the adults don their armor.

"The seaside nest was a ruse to weaken the main nest by having us send warriors to the seaside nest," Nara mutters in realization as she looks at her husband with concern.

"Do not worry. We are all here and will protect our people and our home." Hwal hugs his wife before leaving to prepare the warriors for battle.

"Your mate saved us," Chanyeol mutters with relief and smiles at the shadow dragon perched on his little brother's shoulder.

"Ina, Jungkook found Hoseok ononi." Hearing her son's words, Nara sobs in relief and pulls Taehyung into a tight embrace. "He said that Hoseok ononi is being healed by Lord Seokjin."

"We will have a huge celebration once we protect our home and he is home with us." Nara tearfully whispers as she feels her cracked heart begin to heal. "Hwal, Taehyung's mate found Hoseok."

The moment that Hwal hears his mate, he sobs and falls to his knees as he clenches his chest. "Finally. We will be whole again." Hwal cries and looks up at the sunny sky. "Finally."

"Is something wrong?" Junho asks his father-in-law when he sees the strong dragon sobbing.

"Hoseok has been found." Hwal smiles through his tears and looks at Junho.

"Finally." Junho cries out in relief. "Prince Hoseok has been found!" Junho shouts loud enough for the entire nest to hear him.

"Prince Hoseok has been found!" The thousands of dragons cry out with pure joy.

"We will fight to welcome home Prince Hoseok to a safe nest!" Hwal shouts at the top of his lungs as his people rejoice.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The large nest shakes and vibrates with excitement.

While Seokjin heals Hoseok, Jungho appears in the room, startling the family. "What are you doing here?" Namjoon asks and looks at the magician.

"I was searching for the final missing son of the Queen of the Dragons," Jungho responds as he looks at Hoseok.

"Do you know that he is the one doing all of this?" Seokjin desperately asks the man whose son he and Namjoon raised.

"I do. I found out when an injured fairy wandered into my realm three days ago." Jungho quietly responds.

"Who? You know who is kidnapping mystical beings and torturing them?" Jungkook asks when he notices the emotion in Seokjin's question.

"We figured it out the other night." Namjoon sighs and looks at the three who are looking at him with big eyes.

"Who is it?" Yoongi asks as he grips the hilts of his daggers.

"It is the son we have been searching for." Seokjin sorrowfully mutters as tears well up in his eyes.

"We raised Jungho's son because he is half-elf and half-human. Jungho is his human father, and his mother was an elf from the lowest caste." Namjoon explains while sorrowfully looking at Hoseok.

"He is collecting the magical properties from the different species. He had taken the fairy's wings and gold dust. The fairy told me that he is after the golden heart of the Crown Prince of the dragons. He knows that he will never be able to get his hands on the Dragon Queen's heart since her mate has it. Taehyung's father is dangerous and should never be messed with." Jungho explains and looks at Hoseok with guilt.

"Tell me everything he has collected so far." Seokjin's eyes widen when he begins putting together what his son is after.

"He has many fairy wings and tons of fairy dust. He has collected dark energy from many royal dark elves that he caused to go mad. He has taken the eyes and hearts of many elves. He has a human soul. His final hunt is the golden dragon, which he lost when you rescued Taehyung. To hide his tracks, he had his circus capture the young Crown Prince and auction off his ... properties. Once the circus auctioned everything off, he was going to take Taehyung's golden heart." As Jungho tells them everything, Seokjin gasps and summons a book from his library. The elf frantically flips through the pages to find what his son is after.

"He is trying to raise the dead," Seokjin mutters in horror as he looks at the page he found.

"His mother." Namjoon mumbles and looks at Jungho with sorrow.

"But she is alive. Why would he try to bring her back to life?" Jungho asks in confusion.

"She is alive?!" Namjoon and Seokjin shout at the same time in disbelief.

"Yes. I sent her far away to protect her, and I sent my son with you because you healed him when he was ill. I knew you would protect him." Jungho mutters as he tries to figure out who his son is trying to raise from the dead.

"As interesting as this conversation is, we need to go. Hoseok is weakening." Jimin tells them when Hoseok begins to struggle to breathe.

"This will help." Jungho pulls a firestone out of his bag and places it on Hoseok's chest. "You go. I will stay here and heal him. The dragons need you. My son has raised an army from overseas filled with elves, dark elves, dragons, war fairies, and sea creatures. He means to destroy the dragon nest."

Without hesitation, the family rushes out of the inn. With a powerful whistle from Jungkook, he summons all of his shadows. "My shadows will be faster than your horses."

"Very well. We head out!"

Chapter 23: Fight To The End

"The enemy is approaching from all sides!" Dragon scouts shout as they rush to the castle.

"Everyone! Hurry and get into the castle's cave!" Nara shouts as she hurries her people, who are too weak to fight.

Taehyung and all of his adult siblings go to the top of the volcano and look out at the hundreds of thousands of enemy soldiers marching toward their home. "We will protect our home," Taehyung mutters as he grips his sword and unfurls his golden wings. His body is quickly covered in scales as he prepares to fight for his home.

"Dragons are coming from across the ocean! They are heading to our seaside nest!" A messenger shouts at the top of her lungs as she flies to the royal family.

"Junho, take Chanyeol, Yoonah, Baekhyun, Taecyeon, Hyejin, Sejeong, and Minkyu; come with me to the seaside nest! We will protect it to the very end!" Nara shouts to her son-in-law and children as she turns to her dragon form. "Hwal, protect our home." The Queen looks at her mate as she flies away.

"I will, my Love." Hwal tearily smiles at his beautiful mate.

"Aba, you better have hunted something yummy for our return!" Hyejin shouts before she turns to her dragon form.

"I want pork!" Minkyu winks and turns to his dragon.

"Be safe," Hwal whispers with teary eyes as he watches his mate and his children fly away.

"Tae ononi, if you need someone to ride on, I am the best flier out of all of us!" One of Taehyung's older sisters shouts.

"Thank you, Hyewon anoni." Taehyung smiles as he looks at his sister.

"Protect our home!" Hwal shouts, summoning all of his soldiers to surround the city and take to the skies.

Taehyung and the rest of his siblings soar to the sky. Before the enemy can reach their home, the dragons attack the enemy. Taehyung quickly ignites his sword and sends a wall of fire roaring at the large army of enemy soldiers.

"Shields up!" The enemy shouts as they try to protect themselves from the dragon's fire.

"Oh no, you do not." Taehyung hisses as he increases the heat of his fire and strengthens the power behind his blows.

The enemy soldiers scream in pain and horror as Taehyung's fire burns up their shields, melting the metal into their arms. As the enemy wallows in excruciating pain, Taehyung quickly strikes them down.

"Their shields are made of soft metal! You can melt them!" Taehyung shouts to his siblings, who then rain down a huge wall of fire on the terrified enemy.

"Shoot the dragons down!" The enemy soldiers shout as their archers aim their bows at the dragons soaring above them.

With a swift slice of his sword, Taehyung sends a blade of fire hurling down on the archers. The archers scream in pain as the fire engulfs them. As Taehyung flies higher, he looks at the oncoming army in horror. When he kills one soldier, ten soldiers fill that dead soldier's place.

"No. This is my home." Taehyung snarls as he tightens his grip on Kiran.

As the battle rages, Taehyung and his siblings fight tirelessly side-by-side. When a loud roar fills the air, the siblings watch in awe as their father burns down hundreds of enemy soldiers. The black dragon soars to the sky and searches for the one who is leading the attack.

"Kill the black dragon!" A woman shouts as she points her sword at Hwal.

Taehyung's eyes widen in horror when a large spear made of magic soars toward his father. He quickly soars to the sky and chases after the spear. When Hwal moves aside to avoid the spear, the spear changes direction and follows him, picking up speed.

"Aba!" Taehyung shouts as he flies as fast as he can.

Hwal growls as he is forced to turn his attention to avoiding the spear instead of searching for the one who is leading the large enemy army. When he breathes a column of fire on the spear, the spear collects the energy of his fire and picks up momentum.

Taehyung cries as he struggles to keep up with the spear. He yelps when a net suddenly launches into the air and captures him. As the young dragon falls to the ground, he reaches his hands out to his father. He desperately fights the metal net around him and tries to melt it.

"No!" Taehyung roars and suddenly turns to his majestic dragon form. He roars and breaks the net as he soars toward his father. The shadow dragon on his shoulder suddenly flies toward the spear and wraps around it, absorbing all of the energy of the spear. As the spear weakens, Taehyung grabs it with his teeth and snaps it in half. A deafening boom fills the air as the spear shatters in Taehyung's jaws.

Hwal stares at his son's golden dragon form in awe. He flies to his son and checks on him to ensure he is not injured. Taehyung happily chirps and flies beside his father.

Once Hwal is sure that his son is unharmed, he turns his attention to the area where the net came from. With a snarl, Hwal zips down to the one who shot the net at his son and breathes out a deadly column of fire. Taehyung watches his father in awe as his father wipes out an entire unit of enemy soldiers.

As more enemy soldiers pour over the mountains that protectively surround the nest, Taehyung continues to fight, but the outcome begins to seem bleak. When one of Taehyung's siblings cries out in pain, Taehyung rushes over to them. He desperately protects his injured sibling while another sibling does her best to bandage their brother's injury.

While Taehyung fights, his shadow dragon fights by his side. The small dragon is a comforting presence for Taehyung. Since he is fighting on the ground, it is easier for him to fight in his human form.

As the sun rises on a second day of fighting, Taehyung pants in exhaustion and looks around at the roaring battle surrounding him. Everything seems to slow down as he looks at the people who have come to kill his people. Tears stream down his face when he sees dragon wings strewn on the bloody battlefield. He looks down at his feet and sees mud made of blood drenching his feet. 

When he looks at the sunrise, he realizes a dark cloud is looming over the mountain. "Saiwol!" Taehyung cries out when his shadow dragon suddenly flies off. He reaches his hand out as his small piece of hope leaves him. "No. I have to fight." He mutters and swiftly spins around and cuts an enemy soldier in half. "Jungkook will come. He will. I know he will."

"Taehyung!" Jungkook's voice startles Taehyung as it fills the battlefield.

The golden-eyed man looks up and gasps in awe when he realizes that the cloud is an army of shadows. "Jungkook!" Taehyung cries out and watches as the army of shadows makes quick work of the large enemy army.

When Jungkook spots Taehyung, his eyes widen in shock when he sees that Taehyung's hair is golden, and the scales covering Taehyung are golden. "Why am I surprised? I know that he is supposed to be golden." Jungkook mutters as he rides toward his crying dragon.

The large warrior cuts down every enemy soldier in his way as he rides to his crying dragon. When he reaches Taehyung, he leaps from his horse and engulfs Taehyung in his embrace.

"You have done so well. You have protected your home." Jungkook softly tells his dragon. "Let me finish protecting your home."

"Thank you, Jungkook," Taehyung whispers and lets the warrior wrap him in his protective embrace.

Jungkook buries Taehyung's face in the crook of his neck as he summons every shadow he can. He feels as his darkness creeps into his heart and tries to suffocate him, but the cries of dying dragons push him past his limits.

"Minjae!" Seokjin shouts as he looks around for his son and cuts down many enemy soldiers. "Why are you doing this?! Minjae!" He shouts as burning tears stream down his beautiful face. "Why?!"

Minjae pauses as he runs his sword through a dragon's heart. He looks up and sees his father looking at him with anger and disgust. "I did not raise you like this." Namjoon snarls as he swings his sword at Minjae.

"You are not my father! You do not get to patronize me!" Minjae shouts as he rips his sword out of the dead dragon's heart and blocks Namjoon's powerful blow.

"I raised you! I raised you to be kind! I raised you to be caring! I raised you to protect others! I did not raise you to slaughter a whole people so that you can bring one person back to life!" Namjoon shouts as he brings his sword down on his son.

"You are weak! You raised me to be weak! You could not even protect her! She died because of your weakness!" Minjae snarls and tries to run his sword through Namjoon's heart. "You should be the one fighting with me to bring her back! She was five years old!"

Namjoon freezes when he realizes that Minjae is trying to bring Seokjin's daughter back to life. 

"Appa broke because of you! All of his tears are because of you!" Minjae shouts as he sends black lightning to strike Jungkook. "You could never protect any of us."

Without hesitation, Namjoon leaps in front of the bolt of lightning to protect Jungkook. As Seokjin runs his sword through an enemy's heart, he screams out in horror as he watches the black lightning strike his husband in the heart.

Namjoon's heart shatters when he hears his husband's screams. As Namjoon crumples to the ground, Seokjin runs to him and lifts him into his arms.

"Look at me! Open your eyes! Moon! Open your eyes!" Seokjin sobs as his world shatters around him. "Do not leave me! Moon!" 

As Seokjin screams in pain, time begins to rewind for Namjoon. "I promised never to leave you," Namjoon whispers as he returns to the moment in time when he blocked the bolt of black lightning. At the very last second, Namjoon creates a large wall of ice while many shadows surround the ice wall. The large elf pants as he tries to figure out what just happened.

"Moon!" Seokjin screams and runs to his husband.

While the battlefield is pure chaos, Minjae surrounds himself with black smoke. "He is escaping!" Yoongi growls when he spots Minjae and then aims his bow at the disappearing man. Minjae screams out in pain when Jimin's and Yoongi's arrows pierce him in the back; however, he disappears in the cloud of smoke.

"At least he is injured," Jimin mutters and looks at his lover.

"Jungkook is breaking." Yoongi mumbles and rushes toward the dark elf.

The moment that Minjae disappeared, many of his monsters flooded the battlefield, causing Jungkook to exert more energy to fight them with his shadows. When Jungkook grunts in pain, Taehyung looks at Jungkook and realizes that there are black cracks creeping up Jungkook's neck.

"Your soul is shattering! Jungkook! Stop!" Taehyung shouts as he shakes Jungkook, whose eyes have turned pitch black. However, Jungkook does not hear him because his soul is screaming in torment. "No, you will not die for me," Taehyung mutters as he opens his hand for the two small dragons. "Save him."

Taehyung presses the two dragons into Jungkook's chest to save him. "Become whole, Jungkook." 

Taehyung's and Jungkook's eyes begin to glow as Taehyung's golden heart and Jungkook's human soul enter Jungkook. The large warrior gasps in pain as the two dragons mend his shattering soul.

When enemies close in around them, Taehyung wraps his arms around Jungkook and flies to the sky to protect the man he loves while his body absorbs the two energies.

"Jungkook, look at me. Please." Taehyung pats Jungkook's cheek. "Please."

Jungkook's eyes snap open when he hears Taehyung's soft voice. Taehyung gasps when he sees that Jungkook has a golden eye. Jungkook smiles as he summons his human soul and presses it into Taehyung. The dragon's wings falter when the powerful energy of his mate's human soul enters him. A shadow quickly catches them as Taehyung's body absorbs Jungkook's human soul. 

While Taehyung recovers, Jungkook flicks his hand and summons thousands more shadow monsters. Within a few minutes, his shadows finish off the enemy army. 

"Go to the seaside nest and kill the invaders." Jungkook's deep voice resonates through the air as he commands his army of shadows.

The dragons watch in awe as the large army of shadow monsters leaves the main nest and swiftly flies toward the seaside nest.

When Taehyung recovers, he quickly hugs Jungkook and pulls him into a kiss. Hwal chuckles and looks away while Taehyung's siblings gape and stare.

"Moon! What were you thinking?!" Seokjin shouts as he shakes his husband and sobs. "Do not ever do that again! Are you listening to me?!"

"I am listening, Love." Namjoon softly hums and wraps his arms around his husband. "I will never hurt you like that."

"Do not leave me. Please." Seokjin cries as his husband hugs him.

"Somehow, I saw what would happen if I died. I heard your broken cries and saw your world shatter. I instantly knew that I could never leave my sweet Love alone in this cruel world." Namjoon whispers as he lovingly holds his husband.

"Get the injured to the castle immediately!" Hwal shouts to his people as he helps an injured dragon up.

The nest is filled with controlled chaos as the injured are cared for, and the dead are prepared for cremation.

"How many did we lose?" Hwal asks as he looks at the white cloths covering their many dead.

"We lost 1,391 people." Hwal's right-hand fighter explains. "One hundred are expected to die over the next three days."

Hwal cries as he looks around the nest at his people, who are grieving the loved ones they have lost. "Without the half-human, half-dark elf, we would not have survived."

Chapter 24: Black and Gold

As the injured are being cared for, Seokjin has Namjoon checked on to make sure that the lightning did not harm him. When Namjoon told him that he remembered being struck by lightning, Seokjin panicked and had him checked on by multiple healers. 

Yoongi and Jimin fondly watch as Seokjin frets over Namjoon. They all know that Minjae is out there planning trouble, but they are all relieved to be together and safe.

Jungkook smiles when he hears Seokjin fretting over Namjoon. At the moment, Taehyung is in a meeting with the other royal dragons to discuss how to handle the aftermath of the battle.

"Oh! Jungkook, how are you feeling?" Seokjin asks when Jungkook walks into the room.

"I am fine. Taehyung's heart healed me." Jungkook responds and sits between Yoongi and Jimin, who both glare at him for sitting between them.

"Good. I am sorry that we were not able to help you." Seokjin looks at Jungkook with sorrow and guilt.

"Appa, you raised us to be strong. Do not worry. We are strong." Jungkook smiles as he slings his arms over Jimin's and Yoongi's shoulders.

"Aish! You are too heavy! Let go!" Jimin shouts as he shoves Jungkook off his shoulder.

"I am older than you. Do not talk to me in that tone of voice, young man." Jungkook goofily scolds Jimin, which causes Jimin's face to turn red with annoyance.

"You little!" Jimin shrieks and begins smacking Jungkook.

Yoongi watches with a fond smile as his lover and brother run around shouting and playing like they always have. He then looks at his parents, who are leaning against each other and fondly watching Jungkook and Jimin chase each other around the room.

When Taehyung walks into the room, Jungkook presses his index finger to Jimin's forehead and easily pushes him away. Jimin huffs in disbelief, but before he can tackle Jungkook, Yoongi wraps him in a hug and holds him. "Give them a moment. They have a lot to discuss."

Jungkook follows Taehyung out of the room to a beautiful courtyard that was left unharmed during the battle. The large warrior stays quiet as they stand in the courtyard together.

"So, I talked to my father and the other royals. They all agreed that I should go with you to hunt down the man who attacked us. My father suggested that I wait for my mother to return to ask for her opinion since she is the Queen. My father is just the King consort." Taehyung explains to Jungkook.

"But it has not been 50 years," Jungkook mutters in confusion as excitement fills him.

"I have my sword, and I turned to my dragon form. Since I was not able to grow up in the nest, we thought it would take a long time for me to be able to fully develop, but I trained as hard as I could so that I could be with you." Taehyung shyly admits as he avoids Jungkook's gaze.

"Because you gave me your dragon heart, you are my mate now, right?" Jungkook asks as he longs to wrap Taehyung in his arms.

"Correct." Taehyung barely whispers and then gasps when Jungkook's arms wrap around him.

"Then, I cannot wait to chase down that monster with my mate." Jungkook hums and softly kisses Taehyung's cheek. "Also, there is someone here to see you."

"Who?" Taehyung looks at his mate as his heart beats in excitement.

When Jungkook points to the man who is standing with Seokjin and Namjoon, Taehyung sobs and rushes to his brother. "Ononi!" Taehyung wraps Hoseok in his arms and tackles him to the ground.

"It is a good thing that I had time to heal him fully." Jungho chuckles when Hoseok is tackled to the ground.

"ONONI!" The castle is filled with sobbing as their other siblings rush to Hoseok and embrace him.

"I have missed you all so much." Hoseok cries as his siblings hold him.

"Hoseok." Nara cries as she rushes into the castle. When she sees her long-lost son, she runs over to him, pulls him out of his siblings' crushing embraces, and holds him close. "My son."

Hwal quickly joins the hug and holds his wife and son in his protective embrace. Soon, all of the siblings crush their parents and brother in a loving embrace.

That night, the dinner table is filled with siblings fighting over who gets to sit next to Hoseok. While his siblings argue, Taehyung sneakily sits next to Hoseok and pulls his mate to sit next to him. Hoseok softly laughs when their siblings dramatically gasp at the audacity of Taehyung.

"I am the oldest, so I will sit next to Hoseok ononi." Yoonah hums and sits next to Hoseok.

"But I am injured!" Another sibling shouts with a glare.

"Me too!"

"Me three!"

"Then I will sleep with Hoseok ononi tonight." Sejeong huffs and glares at her older sister.

"I am sleeping with Hoseok ononi!" Minkyu argues and glares at Sejeong.

"How about you draw numbers and go in the order of the number you draw?" Nara suggests as she fondly watches her children bicker.

"Fine." The many children huff and watch as their father creates different numbers from ashes.

The moment they see their numbers, the table fills with fussing and fighting once more. "This means that I am sleeping with Taehyung ononi!" The youngest daughter shouts when she sees that she grabbed the worst number.

"He has a mate." Yoonah reminds her little sister.

"Since when?! We just slept with him the other night!" The youngest brother gasps in horror.

"The man sitting next to him is his mate." Hwal chuckles as his youngest children stare at Jungkook in shock.

"Give our ononi back!" The youngest sister shouts as she jumps up onto the table.

"I challenge you to a duel!" The youngest brother puffs out a cloud of smoke as he flexes his muscles.

"Taehyung ononi already gave Jungkook his heart." Chanyeol softly laughs while his youngest siblings gasp in horror.

"Nooooooo!" They both wail and melt into their seats.

Taehyung blushes when his family hints that he will be sleeping with Jungkook tonight. Jungkook notices that his mate's heart rate speeds up, so he soothingly places his hand on Taehyung's knee.

"Is Taehyung ononi already going to leave us?" The youngest brother mutters with a pout.

"Were you hiding in the throne room again?" Hwal asks as he looks at his mischievous son and daughter.

"No." They both quickly respond and shove food into their mouths.

"Your father and I have discussed this, and it would be best if he travels with King Namjoon and his family. They are going to hunt down the man who attacked us." Nara explains to her children, who are still pouting.

"But he will come back, right?" The youngest daughter asks and looks at Taehyung.

"I will. Do not worry." Taehyung softly smiles at his younger sister.

"I want to go with Taehyung as well," Hoseok mutters and looks at his parents, causing his siblings to gasp in surprise.

"You do not have a sword or your dragon form yet. It is dangerous for you to be away from the nest for long. Plus, King Namjoon is water energy, and Queen Seokjin is earth energy. They will not be able to make firestones for you." Hwal responds as he worries for his son.

"But he is fire energy. He makes firestones." Hoseok responds and points at Jungho.

"I will be traveling with King Namjoon and Queen Seokjin." Jungho quickly bows his head to Hwal and Nara.

"I promised always to protect Taehyung," Hoseok explains to his parents. "Plus, the monster has my heart, and I will get it back."

Seeing the pain in their son's eyes, they know that he needs to travel with Taehyung. "Very well." Nara softly responds.

"Thank you, Ina." Hoseok bows his head to his mother.

"Until Hoseok returns to create his sword, I will provide him with a sword. I promise that the sword will protect him." Namjoon quickly promises the worried parents.

"You have collected many powerful weapons through the years. I know that you will protect my children." Hwal smiles in relief and bows his head in thanks to Namjoon.

After dinner is finished, Taehyung follows Hoseok to his room. When Hoseok opens his bedroom door, he quietly cries.

"Ononi." Taehyung quietly calls out as his beloved brother cries.

"You are safe. The night we left, I was so afraid that I would not be able to protect you." Hoseok cries and suddenly engulfs his little brother in a tight hug.

"You protected me, Ononi. You have always been so strong." Taehyung whispers as his brother hugs him.

"Jungkook seems like a good person. Is he good to you?" Hoseok asks as he looks into his little brother's golden and black eyes.

"He is better than I could have ever hoped for." Taehyung smiles and gently wipes Hoseok's tears away.

"Good. I am glad." Hoseok smiles in relief and then looks at the man who is standing in the hallway. "He is very handsome as well." Hoseok softly chuckles as Jungkook shyly shifts on his feet.

"He is." Taehyung smiles and turns to look at Jungkook.

"Go to your mate. I will be okay. I have a feeling that I will be getting to know our two youngest siblings." Hoseok chuckles when he sees their youngest siblings peaking from around the corner.

"Sleep well tonight, Ononi." Taehyung softly tells his brother before leaving with his mate.

As Taehyung walks over to his new mate, he reaches his hand out to his mate, who shyly takes his hand and intertwines their fingers. The walk to Taehyung's room is quiet as they try to find something to say.

"Here is my room." Taehyung hums and opens his bedroom door.

Jungkook's eyes widen as they walk into Taehyung's room. Because Jungkook was an illegitimate son, he slept in the slaves' quarters and shared a single room with many others, so he is in awe of Taehyung's childhood bedroom.

"It is still like how it was when I was little. I have changed some things, though." Taehyung explains as he watches his mate look around with shining eyes.

"It is lovely." Jungkook smiles and turns to look at his mate.

"I am glad that you like it." Taehyung hums and walks over to his mate.

Jungkook lovingly wraps his arm around his mate's waist and presses their bodies together. He smiles as he looks into his mate's beautiful golden and black eyes. As he looks into his mate's eyes, Jungkook realizes that his mate is much taller than when they met. "You have grown." Jungkook hums and softly brushes their lips together.

"I have," Taehyung whispers and opens his mouth as their lips press together.

Taehyung softly hums as his mate's tongue gently dances with his tongue. They both happily moan and pull each other closer to deepen their kiss.

"Taehyung, I do not know how it happened or when, but I love you," Jungkook whispers as he lifts Taehyung up and carries him to the bed.

"I love you too, my mate." Taehyung smiles and gently pecks Jungkook's lips. "I knew that you would protect us."

As they continue to tenderly and passionately kiss, Jungkook gently lays his mate on the large bed. Taehyung's golden eye begins to glow as his mate's lips and hands travel over his body.

"May I?" Jungkook softly asks as he hooks his fingers over Taehyung's pants.

"Please." Taehyung pants and spreads his legs open for his mate.

With a soft hum, Jungkook slides his Taehyung's clothes off, leaving his mate's body exposed for him to admire. Taehyung blushes as his mate's golden and black eyes travel over his naked body. He loves how their eyes are reflections of each other.

Shadows float around Jungkook as power and hunger ooze from him, causing his mate to whimper and whine in anticipation. Hearing his mate's patience running thin, Jungkook softly smiles and presses his lips against his mate's fluttering stomach.

"I want to see you," Taehyung mutters as he sits up and suddenly rips his mate's shirt off.

When he sees the golden dragon slithering around Jungkook's body like a glowing tattoo, Taehyung's eyes widen, and he traces his fingers over the moving tattoo. "Absolutely beautiful," Taehyung whispers as he admires his mate.

"Not as beautiful as you." Jungkook hums and runs his fingers over Taehyung's body, showing his mate the shadow dragon that appears on his body and follows his touch.

"Jungkook," Taehyung whispers as his lips brush over his mate's ear.

"Yes, Love?" Jungkook softly hums and kneads his mate's ass in his hands.

"Please, make love to me." Taehyung brushes his lips over his mate's neck, sending shivers throughout the large man's body.

"Happily." Jungkook whispers and gently pushes Taehyung's back onto the bed.

"There is body oil on the nightstand." Taehyung blushes as he points to the jar of oil.

With a soft smile, Jungkook gently litters his shy mate's face with sweet kisses while he grabs the jar of oil. Taehyung happily purrs as his mate gently makes love to him. As his mate's lips travel over his chest and down his abdomen, Taehyung moans and arches his body off the bed.

When Jungkook presses his lips against his mate's soft lips, he presses his oiled finger into his mate's tight hole. Taehyung softly gasps and moans when his mate's long finger enters him. He happily purrs as his mate gently pumps his finger in and out of him.

As Jungkook presses his second finger into his purring mate, he realizes that his mate's body quickly adapts to him. Jungkook hums in excitement when he realizes that his mate's body is loosening quickly.

"My little dragon has so many surprises." Jungkook smiles and presses a third finger into his moaning mate.

"Wh-what surprise?" Taehyung moans and arches his body off the bed as his toes curl in pleasure.

"You are already ready for me." Jungkook hums and pulls his wet fingers out of his mate. "And you are wet."

"Dragons adapt to accommodate their mates," Taehyung explains and stares at his mate's erection in anticipation.

"Then, are you ready?" Jungkook softly asks as he slathers oil over his throbbing dick, flicking his thumb over the tip.

"I am." Taehyung hums and trails his fingers down his mate's muscular body.

"Me too." Jungkook smiles as he leans over his mate and softly kisses him. When he presses his dick against his mate's fluttering hole, Taehyung whines in anticipation and wraps his legs around his mate's torso.

When Jungkook presses into him, Taehyung moans and tightens his hold around his mate, tangling his fingers in Jungkook's long, black hair. Jungkook softly whispers soothing and loving words as his mate's whimpers fill the room.

"So good, Jungkook. So good." Taehyung moans and arches his back as his mate's hands glide down his smooth, muscular body.

"Good." Jungkook whispers and thrusts completely into his mate, causing Taehyung to cry out in pleasure.

"Jungkook, fuck me already," Taehyung whines as his hormones and desire soar.

"Someone is impatient." Jungkook chuckles and gently presses a kiss on his mate's forehead.

When Jungkook thrusts into him, Taehyung moans and yanks on Jungkook's hair. Jungkook quickly realizes that any small movement sends pleasure coursing through his mate's body.

"You are incredible." Jungkook hums as he wraps his fingers around his mate's slender hips and presses him into the bed. "Absolutely and utterly incredible." He whispers and quickens his pace.

"Jungkook. Jungkook!" Taehyung cries in pleasure as his mind fogs over with intense pleasure. "God! Jungkook! Fuck!" He sobs and claws at Jungkook's arms as each movement from his mate sends pleasure coursing and rippling through his trembling body.

"You are doing so well, Tae. So well." Jungkook praises as his bruising grip on Taehyung's hips tightens and roughly presses him into the bed. "Fuck, Tae. Fuck." He grunts and looks into his mate's beautiful eyes.

"Something- hingh! It's hot! Jungkook! I think! Fuck! I- NGH!" Taehyung babbles and cries out as he suddenly cums.

"Tae, do not clench. Fuck." Jungkook groans as he stops himself from cumming when his mate's body tightens around him.

"More. I want more." Taehyung cries as he rolls his hips, wanting so much more from his mate.

"I know, Love." Jungkook hums and thrusts into his mate to appease him. "I know."

"More. Jungkook. More!" Taehyung begs as he nears another orgasm.

"Not yet." Jungkook suddenly flips Taehyung onto his stomach and lifts his ass into the air. "Not just yet." He hums and watches as oil and his mate's natural lubricant dribble out of his twitching hole.

Taehyung blushes and whines as his body heats up, knowing that his mate is staring at his ass. The dragon impatiently waits with his ass in the air for his mate to do something, anything.

"Such a good dragon." Jungkook lovingly praises and spreads his mate's ass cheeks open. "Waiting so beautifully."

His mate's praises cause the dragon to purr in pleasure and happiness. When Jungkook quickly presses back into him, Taehyung moans and buries his face in his pillow.

After making sure that his mate is ready, Jungkook quickly and powerfully thrusts into his mate's ass. Taehyung purrs and moans into his pillow as the sound of his mate's thighs and hips slapping against his ass rings through the large room.

"God. Jung-hingh-kook! Oh Jung ... hingh kook!" Taehyung cries out and cums a second time.

"Fuck, Tae. Stop clenching." Jungkook moans and spreads Taehyung's legs to try to loosen his mate's hold on him.

Realizing that his mate is going to cum soon, Taehyung suddenly rolls over and flips Jungkook onto the bed. Jungkook gasps in surprise and looks up at his mate.

"I want to watch you cum." Taehyung pants as he slides down on his mate's dick.

"Fuck, Tae." Jungkook groans and wraps his large hands around his mate's slender waist. "I want to see your wings." He moans as his mate rides him.

Without hesitation, Taehyung's golden wings unfurl, and golden scales ripple over his beautiful body. Jungkook's eyes shimmer as he admires his beautiful mate. He watches as his mate's stunning body arches and puffs of smoke and sparks leave his beautiful lips. Deep growls and rumbles fill the room as Taehyung chases his and his mate's pleasure.

"You are absolutely beautiful," Jungkook whispers as his fingers gently trace over the shimmering golden scales on his mate's body.

Taehyung happily purrs at his mate's praise and presses his hands on Jungkook's abdomen to quicken his pace. Their eyes lock as Taehyung slams his ass on his mate's thighs over and over.

Reaching his orgasm, Jungkook sits up and wraps his arms around his mate's body, pressing their sweaty, shaking bodies together. Taehyung quickly and passionately smashes their lips together as they cum in each other's embrace.

"I love you." Jungkook grunts as he cums inside of his mate.

"I love you too." Taehyung moans and cums all over their chests.

"My beautiful dragon." Jungkook smiles and lies down with his mate in his arms. "My beautiful mate." He hums as his mate lies on his chest and pants to catch his breath.

"I love you," Taehyung whispers as he buries his face in the crook of his mate's neck.

"I love you too." Jungkook gently brushes his fingers through his mate's golden hair. "So very much."

Chapter 25: The Day We Met

That night, Seokjin and Namjoon lie in bed together as they silently go through their painful memories. When Namjoon sees the pain in his husband's green eyes, he knows which painful memories his husband is thinking of.

"I know that she has the brightest smile in this life." Namjoon softly whispers to his husband.

"I hope that her family in this life loves her so much." Seokjin sniffles and snuggles in his husband's embrace.

"I will never forget the day we met." Namjoon hums and presses a tender kiss on his husband's forehead.

"Me neither," Seokjin whispers and closes his eyes.

 

Around Four Hundred Years Ago

"Jungho, must I visit her? I do not wish to marry at the moment." Namjoon huffed as the magician he grew up with prepared him to visit the Queen of a neighboring kingdom.

"She is powerful, so you need to play nice to appease her. You do not need to marry her." Jungho laughed when he saw his friend's pout. "Seeing you at this moment, no one would think you are the King."

"If you tell anyone that I pout, I will have your head severed from your shoulders." Namjoon huffed and glared at his childhood friend.

"Sure. Sure, you would." Jungho hummed, not a bit fazed by his friend's threat.

Once Namjoon was ready to visit the neighboring kingdom, he and Jungho mounted their horses and led the royal procession. When Namjoon was not behind closed doors, he was very stoic and showed no emotions. He was a good and just elven king who governed his lands fairly and with kindness.

"How are your wife and children?" Namjoon asked his friend as they rode to the neighboring kingdom.

"They are doing well. She was a bit upset that I had to leave today, but she is doing well." Jungho smiled as he thought of his beautiful wife and children.

"I am glad that they are well. I should invite them to the castle for your youngest son's birthday." Namjoon smiled and looked at his friend.

"He would love that. You know that you are his favorite person in the entire world after his mother." Jungho chuckled and shook his head as he thought about his youngest son.

When they arrived at the border, the elven Queen of the neighboring kingdom greeted them. Namjoon instantly scowled when he saw the way she looked at him. He knew that she only wanted to marry him for power and wealth.

"Welcome, King Namjoon." She bowed her head as he rode up to her.

"Thank you." Namjoon coldly responded and rode past her without a second glance. He was only here to keep the political ties necessary for maintaining peace between their kingdoms.

As they rode to the castle, Namjoon noticed camps filled with starving people. His eyes widened in horror when he saw that the starving people had chains around their necks. "What is this?" The elven King hissed in disgust when he saw the starving and broken people.

"Ah, they are from a small, elven forest kingdom I conquered recently. They will work in the gold mines." She explained with a proud smirk on her face.

"Are you seriously proud of yourself?" Namjoon scoffed as he looked at the woman whose proud face quickly faltered.

"Should I not be? Does this not show you my strength? Does this not prove to you that I will be a strong Queen for you?" She asked in surprise as she looked into Namjoon's eyes, that are filled with disgust and hatred.

"This shows me exactly why I will never marry you. We will return home." Namjoon hissed and spat on the ground before motioning for his people to turn around.

As Namjoon turned his horse around, he heard someone cry out in pain. The cry of pain was quickly joined by the cry of a baby. Without hesitation, Namjoon urged his horse toward the cries.

"Please, my baby needs milk." The man curled up on the ground cried out as a whip lashed over his frail body. "Please, she will die." He sobbed as he desperately protected his daughter.

"What is happening here?" Namjoon asked as he leaped from his horse and yanked the whip out of the guard's hand.

"This filth tried to steal milk from one of the goats." The guard explained and kicked the injured man.

"Please, she needs milk." The emaciated man cried as he weakly stood up and looked at Namjoon, revealing the small baby in his arms.

Namjoon quickly reached out and carefully scooped the small baby out of the man's arms. Once the baby was out of his embrace, the starving man collapsed to the ground. The large elven King swiftly wrapped his arm around the man to hold him up.

"How could you do this to people?" Namjoon asked with pain and hatred in his voice as he held the dying man in his arms.

"They are slaves of a conquered people. Why would I show them any kindness? They are weak." The elven Queen scoffed as she looked at Namjoon with annoyance.

"Are they from the forest surrounding the base of the Omichli Mountains?" Namjoon quietly asked as he looked at the elves who were looking at him with eyes begging him to save them.

"Yes." The elven Queen answered and looked at the starving elves with disgust.

"They have always been peaceful and have never threatened anyone. Why would you attack them?" The elven King's anger surged as he tightened his grip around the unconscious man in his arms.

"I needed manpower for my mines, and they were ripe for the taking. They have always been weak and useless. At least I am putting them to use." She scoffed and motioned for her guards to take the man from Namjoon.

"Do not touch him. I am taking all of them with me." Namjoon muttered, standing to his feet with the man and baby in his arms.

"You cannot take them. They are mine!" The elven Queen hissed as she placed her hand on her sword.

"I will take them," Namjoon growled and motioned for his guards to surround the elven Queen and her guards.

"Are you really ready to sever ties with me over some worthless slaves?" She scoffed in shock as Namjoon gently placed the injured man and crying baby in one of the wagons.

"I am. Soldiers, uncuff them and bring them with us." Namjoon told his soldiers, who quickly bowed and obeyed.

"King Namjoon, I am warning you! Do not do this!" The elven Queen shouted as she prepared to draw her sword.

"I will not leave these innocent people to die such gruesome and painful deaths at your merciless hands," Namjoon muttered as he gently wrapped a blanket around the unconscious elf.

"My baby." The man weakly whispered as his eyes fluttered open.

"You are both safe." Namjoon softly told the man and showed him that his daughter was swaddled by his side.

"My wife." He cried as his wife's final breath filled his memory.

"I am sorry." Namjoon gently muttered as he made sure the crying man was safely bundled up for the ride to his kingdom.

"Your Majesty, we have all of them mounted on our horses," Jungho informed Namjoon once all of the slaves were prepared to travel to Namjoon's kingdom.

"Thank you, Jungho." Namjoon smiled and looked at his friend.

"Of course." Jungho hummed and patted Namjoon's shoulder.

"We return home quickly!" Namjoon shouted to his soldiers, who were all standing beside their horses, while the injured and starving slaves were mounted on their horses.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Namjoon's soldiers shouted in response.

"King Namjoon! You have just made me your enemy!" The elven Queen shouted as her archers aimed their arrows at the slaves.

"No. You have made yourself my enemy." Namjoon growled and sent daggers of ice whizzing toward her archers.

The elven Queen watched in horror as Namjoon quickly killed all of her archers with one swift motion. Without another word, Namjoon led his soldiers and the now-freed slaves home.

When they reached the castle, Namjoon had his healers quickly bring the injured people inside and care for them. Hearing the baby's hungry cries, Namjoon had his healers make baby formula. Once the milk was ready, Namjoon rocked the crying baby and fed her. He softly hummed and rocked the baby in his arms as she looked up at him with brilliant green eyes.

"You and your father are safe now." Namjoon hummed as he rocked her in his arms. "I am sorry that I did not arrive soon enough to save your mother. I hope that your father meets someone who will fill the role of your mother." He whispered to the sleepy baby.

"My baby." When Namjoon heard the man's weak voice, he quickly placed the baby next to him on the medical cot.

"I just fed her." Namjoon softly explained to the man.

"Thank you, King Namjoon." The man weakly smiled as a tear trickled down his face.

"I am sorry that I did not know that your home was attacked. Had I known, I would have protected your home." Namjoon muttered as he looked at the man.

"All of our messengers were killed before they made it to anyone to ask for aid." The man quietly explained as he weakly tried to hold his daughter.

"Here, allow me to help you." Namjoon carefully sat beside the man and helped him sit up to lean against his chest. Once the man was leaning against him, Namjoon gently placed the baby in his arms.

"You are as kind as the stories." The green-eyed elf whispered as he looked up at Namjoon.

"Your Majesty, the soldiers are prepared to attack," Jungho informed Namjoon when he entered the room.

"Thank you, Jungho," Namjoon responded and prepared to get up to lead his soldiers into battle.

"Be safe, King Namjoon." The man quietly told Namjoon as he gently laid him back onto the cot.

"I will. Do everything my healers tell you to do so that you are better soon." Namjoon softly smiled at the beautiful man.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The man weakly smiled and tightened his embrace around his daughter.

"What is your name?" Namjoon asked before he walked out the door.

"Seokjin." The man responded as his eyes began to droop sleepily.

"Sleep well, Seokjin." Namjoon smiled and then walked out of the room.

"Namjoon! What were you thinking?!" Namjoon's younger sister shouted as she stormed down the corridor toward him. 

"Keep your voice down. People are resting." Namjoon grabbed her arm and dragged her away from the medical wing.

"Are you insane?! You cannot make her your enemy!" She shouted and tried to yank her arm out of Namjoon's grip.

"She made herself my enemy. Chaeyoung, you of all people should know that I would never stand for anyone enslaving innocent people." Namjoon hissed as he glared at his younger sister.

"Being kind is a weakness that a King cannot afford. You know this!" Chaeyoung shouted as she freed herself from his grasp.

"You know nothing about what makes a people prosper," Namjoon growled, storming away from his sister.

"Jungho, talk some sense into him!" Chaeyoung begged Namjoon's closest friend and right-hand companion.

"He is right. You would make a terrible ruler." Jungho muttered with disappointment and walked away.

Once Namjoon mounted his war horse, he led his soldiers to battle against the neighboring kingdom. He knew that he would be making enemies of other kingdoms, but he would never leave people alone as long as they took innocent people as slaves.

While Namjoon was away at war, Seokjin began to recover from the abuse he had been forced to endure over the past several months. The healers were beyond kind to him and his daughter as they did everything that they could to ensure his healthy recovery.

"You have healing energy." One of the healers noticed as she helped Seokjin walk around the room.

"I do." Seokjin hummed and lifted his hand as green energy swirled in his palm.

"You have very strong healing energy." She smiled and helped Seokjin sit on his bed.

"Why are you so kind?" Seokjin asked as she wiped him down with a wet cloth.

"King Namjoon is very kind and wise. He has been ever since he was young. He has been our King ever since he was fourteen years of age. Being our King for almost 200 years has taught us to be like him. We take pride in having such a kind King and strive to be kind like him." She explains as she helps dress Seokjin.

"Healers! To the courtyard! The injured soldiers are arriving from the war!"

Chapter 26: For You

Hearing the shouts from the courtyard, the healers quickly rushed out to care for the injured soldiers. Seokjin limped to the window and watched as the healers swiftly cared for the injured soldiers.

"They need help," Seokjin muttered as he looked at his daughter, who was sleeping in her crib. "I will be back quickly." He gently kissed her forehead and rushed out to help.

Because of the chaos, none of the healers realized that Seokjin was helping them heal the soldiers. Seokjin worked nonstop as he healed soldier after soldier. He knew that he was still weak from slavery, so he worked to heal the soldiers who were not too terribly injured so that the healers could focus their energy on the severely injured soldiers.

When the sun began to set, Seokjin weakly limped to his room and collapsed on his cot. As he drifted to sleep, his daughter began to cry, so he quickly got up and fed her. Once she was fed and sleeping, Seokjin lay down and fell asleep.

The next morning, he was awakened by the shouts of new arrivals, so he quickly rushed outside after feeding his daughter and began healing more soldiers. As one of the healers looked up from the soldier he healed, he noticed Seokjin healing an injured soldier's leg.

"Seokjin! You should not be out here!" He gasped and rushed over to the weakening elf.

"I have to help," Seokjin muttered, focused on healing the injured soldier's leg.

"How many soldiers have you healed?" The healer asked as he looked around at the soldiers Seokjin had healed.

"I am not sure," Seokjin muttered before passing out.

As Namjoon rode into the courtyard, he heard the healers frantically shouting, so he quickly rode over to them to see what was wrong. His eyes widened in shock when he saw one of his healers rushing into the castle with Seokjin in his arms.

"What happened?" Namjoon asked as he swiftly dismounted.

"Seokjin has the energy of a healer. I did not know this, but he has been healing soldiers ever since they arrived yesterday. He was too weak from the abuse he had suffered, so he ended up passing out. I apologize for not taking better care of him." The head healer bowed her head as she explained the situation.

"You have done nothing wrong. There is no need to apologize." Namjoon quickly responded before rushing into the castle.

When Namjoon rushed into the room, he saw several healers caring for Seokjin. "How is he?" Namjoon asked as he walked over to the bed.

"He is very weak at the moment. He used the energy he needed to heal, so his body is struggling." The healer explained as he sent energy to Seokjin.

Namjoon quietly watched as the healers did everything they could to help Seokjin. After a few moments, Seokjin's eyes fluttered open.

"Seokjin, how are you feeling?" The healer asked Seokjin as the green-eyed elf looked around the room.

"Are there more soldiers?" Seokjin asked as he tried to sit up.

"No, you healed many of them." Namjoon's soothing voice filled the room, drawing Seokjin's attention to the kind elf.

"Good. Is it over?" Seokjin quietly responded and relaxed on the bed.

"It is over. We won." Namjoo softly smiled and walked over to Seokjin while motioning the healers out of the room.

"Good." Seokjin smiled in relief as he looked up at the large elf.

"Thank you, Seokjin." Namjoon hummed as he sat in the chair next to Seokjin's bed. "My head healer told me what you did. Thank you."

"There is no need to thank me. You saved my daughter, my people, and me. You went to war to protect us. That was the least that I could do." Seokjin muttered as he looked at Namjoon with gratitude.

"Seokjin, you, your people, and your daughter should never have been attacked, enslaved, and abused. You should still be in your beautiful forest with your wife and daughter. Your daughter should have been able to grow up in her beautiful home with both of her parents. You should be able to teach your daughter everything about her beautiful home. She should grow up running around on the forest floor while laughing to her heart's content, and I want your people to be able to go back home to their happiness." Namjoon softly explained to Seokjin, who was crying.

"She burned down our home. There is nothing left of the forest." Seokjin sorrowfully muttered. 

"I am so sorry," Namjoon whispered, looking at the baby sleeping peacefully in her crib.

"There is no need to apologize. You did nothing wrong. In fact, you saved us." Seokjin softly smiled up at the kind King.

"I wish that I could have stopped her," Namjoon muttered as he got up and walked over to the baby. "I wish that your daughter could grow up happily."

"Because of you, she will get the chance to grow up. They were starving the babies and children, but now she is safe." Seokjin softly told Namjoon.

"I will do everything that I can to keep you safe," Namjoon softly murmured as he softly smiled at the father and daughter.

As the days went by, Namjoon visited his injured soldiers and the people he rescued. He made sure that everyone was being well cared for. 

One night, as Namjoon was walking down the corridors, he heard Seokjin's daughter crying, so he quickly went to their room.

"King Namjoon, I apologize. Did she wake you?" Seokjin asked as he looked at Namjoon with exhausted eyes.

"I was walking around when I heard her crying. Is she sick?" Namjoon responded and quickly walked over to the exhausted father.

"I am unsure of what is wrong with her. She has been crying nonstop for the past few days." Seokjin sighed in exhaustion and watched as Namjoon gently scooped up the screaming baby.

To both of their surprise, she instantly stopped crying once Namjoon cradled her in his arms. They both stared at the cooing baby in complete shock. "She must have screamed herself to exhaustion." Namjoon tried to explain as the baby girl looked up at him with shimmering green eyes. "Her eyes are just like your eyes." He muttered as he stared into her beautiful green eyes.

"O-oh yeah. Her eyes are green." Seokjin stuttered as he stared at the gentle king.

"What is her name?" Namjoon softly asked and looked up at Seokjin.

"Nari." Seokjin quietly responded.

"Nari. Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful baby." Namjoon smiled as he gently rocked the baby in his arms. "I will stay until she falls asleep." He softly hummed as Nari sleepily yawned.

"Y-you do not need to stay. You must be exhausted." Seokjin muttered as he opened his arms to take his daughter.

"Do not worry. I enjoy holding her. Plus, you look completely exhausted. You are still healing, so you need to rest." Namjoon softly smiled as he placed his free hand on Seokjin's lower back to guide him to the bed.

Seokjin quietly nodded and lay down on the bed. He softly smiled when Namjoon lifted the blankets over to him to make sure he was comfortable. 

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Seokjin sleepily hummed and began to fall asleep.

"Please, call me Namjoon." The royal elf softly whispered as he watched Seokjin fall asleep.

"Namjoon," Seokjin muttered, half asleep.

When Seokjin woke up the next morning, he was beyond surprised to see Namjoon sleeping in the chair beside his bed with Nari cradled in his arms.

"Y-your Maj- ... Namjoon." Seokjin quietly called out to wake up the sleeping King.

"Hm? Yes?" The large elf sleepily muttered as his blue eyes slowly fluttered open.

"You should have returned to your room. You must be uncomfortable." Seokjin murmured in concern as he looked at the sleepy king.

"Do not worry about me. I have fallen asleep in many more uncomfortable places." Namjoon softly chuckled and popped his neck. "She slept all night." He hummed with a smile as he looked at the sleeping baby in his arms.

"She did. Thank you, Namjoon. She feels safe with you." Seokjin whispered with teary eyes.

"I am glad." Namjoon smiled as he cradled the sleeping baby.

Seokjin quietly watched the elven king from the stories he heard over and over. He used to wonder if there was really a king as kind as the stories portrayed him to be. Watching Namjoon rock Nari, he realized the stories were wrong. Namjoon is far kinder than he had ever heard.

"Did you sleep well?" Namjoon asked after a few minutes.

"I did. Did you?" Seokjin responded and shyly fiddled with the blanket as Namjoon softly gazed at him.

"I did." Namjoon smiled and handed Nari to Seokjin. "I will come back tonight to make sure she is sleeping well. I would stay all day, but I have things I have to handle." Namjoon explained to Seokjin, who nodded in understanding.

"I will see you later." Seokjin smiled and watched as Namjoon got up to leave.

"Rest well, Seokjin." Namjoon softly smiled and walked out of the room.

As Namjoon prepared for the day, he softly smiled to himself, thinking about his peaceful night. Once he was ready for the day's affairs, he went to the war room to meet with his war advisors.

"Did you sleep well last night? When I went to look for you, you were not in your chambers." Jungho asked when Namjoon walked up to him.

"I slept well. A baby could not fall asleep, so I held her until she fell asleep." Namjoon explained with a soft smile.

"Is it the baby girl?" Jungho asked when he saw Namjoon's smile.

"Yeah. She has been upset the past few days, exhausting her father." Namjoon hummed and looked at the large war map. "Have there been any suspicious movements near our borders?" He asked his advisors.

"There have not been any suspicious movements, which is why I am more concerned. I have scouts and spies in the surrounding kingdoms." Namjoon's head war advisor explained as he pointed to the surrounding kingdoms.

"How is the fallen queen faring in the dungeon?" Namjoon asked as he contemplated the map in front of him.

"She has been strangely quiet," Jungho answered with a tinge of concern.

"Do we know of any kingdoms she is close to that would attack us for her?" Namjoon muttered and furrowed his brows in concentration.

"From what my spies have told me, the elves in the Omichli Mountains had contacted her not long before she attacked elven people in the forest," Jungho responded as he looked at the head royal advisor for confirmation.

"Lord Jungho is correct." The head advisor muttered with concern.

"Send more spies to the Omichli mountains. We need to know what they are doing. Also, scour the castle for a spy within the walls. We are currently in the still before the storm. The still is too quiet. There has to be a spy." Namjoon told his most trusted advisors, who all nodded in agreement.

As Seokjin rocked Nari after feeding her, he heard a woman's voice in the corridor outside his room. To his surprise, the door to his room suddenly opened, and a gorgeous woman stormed in.

"So, you are the one that my brother risked his future marriage for." The woman hissed as she marched up to the surprised elven man.

"M-me? Who? What?" Seokjin asked with big eyes filled with confusion.

"You even have a child. What a burden." She scoffed with disgust in her eyes.

"I do not know what I have done to receive your anger and spite," Seokjin muttered as he tightened his grip around his precious daughter.

"Because of you, my brother has endangered himself and his rule." Chaeyoung hissed as she slapped a very startled and frightened Seokjin.

"I-I am sorry. I do not know what I did." Seokjin sniffled and shook in pain and fear.

"Remember, you are nothing but a lowly and disgraceful slave." Chaeyoung snarled as she grabbed Seokjin's hair and yanked his head back, causing him to yelp in pain as tears welled up in his green eyes. "Do not ever approach my brother again, or else your little daughter will disappear. Do you understand?"

"W-who is your brother?" Seokjin cried as he looked into her furious gaze.

"The King." She whispered lowly before releasing Seokjin and storming out of the room.

When Namjoon walked into Seokjin's room, he froze as Seokjin's terrified green eyes looked at him. "Seokjin, what happened?" Namjoon asked as he rushed over to Seokjin's side.

"Please, do not come near me," Seokjin whispered as he squeezed Nari to his chest.

Namjoon quickly stopped in his tracks as he looked at the terrified man. "Will you tell me what happened?" He softly asked as he looked at Seokjin's swollen cheek.

"You will not believe me," Seokjin whispered as he trembled.

"Do you trust me?" Namjoon slowly knelt on the ground as he tried to look into Seokjin's teary eyes.

"I- You are the only one I trust," Seokjin muttered as his eyes widened at his realization. "Your sister visited me." He quietly sighed and avoided Namjoon's gaze.

Without hesitation, Namjoon stormed out of Seokjin's room with a fire blazing in his eyes. Chaeyoung startled when Namjoon slammed the library door open and stormed over to her.

"What did you do?!"

Chapter 27: Betrayal

"What did you do?!" Namjoon roared as he stormed over to his very startled younger sister.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Chaeyoung asked with a small voice as she looked up at Namjoon with big eyes.

"Do not act innocent. I know you are a conniving bitch." Namjoon snarled as he gripped her jaw and forced her to face him.

"Did he tattle to you?" She scoffed as her eyes turned cold.

"He is not like you. Do not ever go near him again, or I will toss you in the tower to be with your mother." Namjoon growled as he tightened his grip on her face. "Do you understand?"

"What is he to you?" Chaeyoung hissed as she looked at her furious half-brother.

"That is none of your business," Namjoon muttered and released her, leaving bruises on her face. "I am warning you, do not approach him again."

When Namjoon walked into Seokjin's room, he saw Seokjin healing his face as he winced in pain. "Are you okay?" Namjoon softly asked as he stood at the entrance of the room, not daring to walk in, afraid that Seokjin would be afraid of him.

"I am okay." Seokjin smiled as he looked up at Namjoon. "You can come in. You do not frighten me." 

"I am very sorry for what she did to you. I did not raise her well." Namjoon quietly sighed as he slowly approached Seokjin.

"It is not your fault. Some people are just born a certain way." Seokjin softly smiled and motioned Namjoon over.

"It is my fault. She hates me for good reason. I locked her mother away in the castle tower." Namjoon muttered as he stood next to Seokjin's bed.

"I know that you had a just reason." Seokjin smiled and looked up at the tall, elven king.

"She poisoned my wife while I was away," Namjoon whispered as he softly looked at Seokjin.

Seokjin's eyes filled with sorrow as he looked up at the kind king. He understood the pain of losing one's partner.

"We did not have a marriage of love, and we were young, but we were friends. We were sixteen when we married, and she died two months later." Namjoon quietly explained as he looked into Seokjin's sorrow-filled eyes.

"My wife and I had an arranged marriage. Our families were friends. I was a few years older than her and was unmarried at an older age, so our families arranged our marriage. I did not love her, but was willing to build a life with her." Seokjin whispered with teary eyes.

"Even though we did not romantically love them, they still meant a lot to us." Namjoon hummed and sat on the bed next to Seokjin.

"Yes." Seokjin nodded and leaned his head on Namjoon's shoulder. "She was fiery and strong-willed and was always smiling, even with her last breath. I hope that Nari is strong like her."

"Nari will be just as strong as both of you. She has very strong parents." Namjoon whispered, gently brushing his thumb over the sleeping baby's cheek.

After a few weeks, Seokjin healed and was ready to move out of the healing room. Wanting to keep Seokjin safely out of the dangerous castle, Namjoon moved him to a bakery in the main city. There was still much uncertainty looming on the darkening horizon. War was brewing.

Early every morning, Namjoon would walk out of the castle and ride to the small bakery. He was always greeted by a kind smile from the beautiful elf, who was quickly stealing his heart.

One morning, as Namjoon was eating a fresh loaf of bread with butter, a messenger rode through the city. Namjoon quickly walked out of the bakery and stopped the messenger.

"Your Majesty! There is movement coming from the Omichli Mountains! I searched for the scouts and spies. I found their bodies hanging from the base of the Omichli Mountains." The messenger quickly explained.

Seokjin quickly walked over to Namjoon and gently placed his hand on Namjoon's arm as he looked up at the elven king with concern.

"War is coming," Namjoon whispered and softly gazed into the green eyes that showed him the kind soul of the man he loved.

"Be safe, and come back home." Seokjin quietly whispered as he reached down and held Namjoon's hand.

"Go and awaken the advisors." Namjoon quickly told his messenger.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The messenger shouted and quickly rode off.

"Seokjin, I will return swiftly. When I do, will you marry me?" The king softly asked as he gently pecked Seokjin's forehead.

"Yes." Seokjin nodded and lovingly looked into Namjoon's tender gaze.

"I love you." Namjoon smiled as he lovingly cradled Seokjin's face in his hands.

"I love you too," Seokjin whispered and gently kissed Namjoon's cheek.

"Here. Use this to protect yourself. When I return, I will train you and teach you how to fight." Namjoon summoned a sword that matched his own.

Seokjin gasped as he looked at the white sheath with a black dragon. He gently traced his fingers over the beautiful dragon and then drew the sword. His eyes sparkled as he admired the beautiful blade. The elve's green eyes traced the black dragon slithering on his sword.

"You know how to fight," Namjoon muttered as he watched Seokjin infuse his energy into the sword.

"I do," Seokjin whispered and sheathed the sword. "But, I was not enough to protect my home." He sorrowfully muttered.

"When I return, show me all that you know. I am excited to learn more about the quiet man I love." Namjoon softly smiled and pecked the tip of Seokjin's nose.

"You are not upset," Seokjin muttered in surprise as he looked into Namjoon's tender gaze.

"Of course not. I never asked whether you knew how to fight or not. If I had asked, I know you would have told me." Namjoon smiled as he prepared to leave for battle.

"I love you, Namjoon." Seokjin smiled as Namjoon mounted his large stallion.

"I love you too, Seokjin." Namjoon softly hummed and then rode to the castle.

Within a few hours, the city was filled with Namjoon's cavalry as they prepared to fight. Namjoon knew there was a spy within the castle, so he worried they would arrive at an empty battlefield when the enemy entered his home from another border.

"Jungho, we are going to another border. I have a bad feeling about this. The bodies left at the base of the Omichli Mountains were left there to draw us there. I know it." Namjoon quietly told his closest friend.

"Of course. I agree." Jungho nodded as he tied his wife's sash to his arm.

"We ride out!" Namjoon shouted as he looked to the border that was the most likely target of the enemy.

"To war!" The large cavalry of soldiers shouted as they rode out of the city with their king at the front.

As Namjoon rode through the city, he saw Seokjin standing in the crowd with the many other residents of the city. The elven king smiled when the man he loved tossed a flower in the air to bid him goodbye. With ease, Namjoon caught the beautiful rose. As Namjoon rode away with the white rose in his hand, Seokjin lifted Nari's hand to wave him goodbye.

"I will return home," Namjoon whispered as he rode through the city gate.

Surrounding the beautiful city was the large elven army at the ready for war. They all shouted when their king rode out of the city with his personal cavalry filled with the strongest of the kingdom.

"To war!" The ground shook as the large army stomped on the ground and beat their shields with their weapons.

With one glance at his best friend, Namjoon changed directions and rode to the border he was worried about. Without question, the king's army followed him to battle.

As Namjoon and his army approached the border, he saw the large cloud of dust created by the army of the mountain elves. Namjoon's kingdom was a seaside kingdom that covered the entire shoreline of the continent. Many had eyed his prosperous seaside kingdom.

"I knew it." Namjoon hissed as he drew his large sword. "Forward without hesitation!" He shouted to his large army.

With one large motion, Namjoon sent a powerful blade of ice flying toward the front line of the enemy army. Namjoon's large army shouted excitedly as they watched their powerful king destroy the army.

"Being in battle is safer than being in the castle. I can fight a war, but I can not protect those within the castle walls." Namjoon muttered in frustration and pain.

The King of the Omichli Mountains looked at Namjoon's army in horror. He knew he could not fight Namjoon head-on, so he planned to lure Namjoon to another border while he attacked the unprotected city. His spy had told him about Namjoon's war plan, so he planned on attacking the unprotected border. However, he realized that Namjoon somehow found out his plan.

Because Namjoon's cavalry was powerful, the regular foot soldiers were commanded to stay in the back and fight those who were able to maneuver around the powerful cavalry. Unlike many kings, Namjoon never used his foot soldiers as fodder for war. Namjoon never put the weakest in the front line.

Despite the size of the enemy king's army, the battle was quick as Namjoon and his cavalry made quick work of the weaker enemy soldiers.

When the enemy king tried to turn and escape, Namjoon summoned several spears of ice to rain down on the escaping enemy king. As the ice spears fell from the sky, they entrapped the enemy king in an ice cage.

"Bring him back to the castle," Namjoon commanded his soldiers.

By nightfall, the elven king and his army returned home. Seokjin waited at the entrance of his small bakery with Nari on his hip. He listened to the conversations on the streets about the battle. When he heard the people confirm Namjoon's safety, Seokjin sighed in relief. He gently kissed Nari's cheek as he bounced her on his hip.

"Seokjin." Namjoon's voice brought a large, relieved smile to Seokjin's face as he looked up to see the elven king walking over to him with open arms.

"Namjoon." The beautiful elf quickly ran to Namjoon and hugged him.

"Thank you for the beautiful rose." Namjoon hummed as he pulled the white rose from the safety of his armor.

"I love you." Seokjin smiled as he looked into Namjoon's beautiful gaze.

"I love you too," Namjoon whispered and softly pecked Seokjin's soft lips.

The next morning, the castle was in chaos when Namjoon announced his engagement to Seokjin. The people who loved their kind and just king celebrated for him, while those who wanted power by having one of their daughters or sons marry the elven king were in an uproar. Namjoon scowled as he sat on his throne and listened to the many royals informing him why he should not marry Seokjin.

To Namjoon's utmost surprise, his childhood friend entered the throne room and bowed. "Your Majesty, please do not marry him."

"Even you are against this?" Namjoon asked in surprise, with hurt evident in his eyes.

"This will endanger you," Jungho explained, looking up at his friend with desperation. "You are the King. You have to marry to protect your throne."

"You mean that I have to marry for power," Namjoon muttered as his eyes hardened and his voice turned icy cold. 

Jungho stilled in surprise as he looked into Namjoon's cold gaze. Never has Namjoon looked at him with such a cruel gaze. He and Namjoon were always able to talk everything through.

"You are the King. You have to think of your people first." Jungho calmly responded as he looked down at the marble floor.

"My people are happy with my decision. I thought that at least my dearest friend would be happy as well. I was wrong." Namjoon clenched his fist. I will not let anyone who would endanger Seokjin and Nari near us. "Everyone, leave."

Jungho flinched when he heard his friend's voice devoid of any emotion. He looks up at his friend with worry and fear. "Namjoon-"

"Do not call me by my name." Namjoon stood up from his throne and looked at his childhood friend with a scowl. "Leave."

Chapter 28: Always You

Seokjin quickly learned that Namjoon was sacrificing much to marry him. When Seokjin considered leaving in the night, he went to the throne room to see Namjoon. He wanted to see Namjoon one last time before leaving.

As Seokjin peered into the throne room, he was surprised to see the cold gaze Namjoon had as he looked at his trembling advisors. When Namjoon was with him and Nari, he was always warm and had the brightest smile on his face. Seokjin ended up leaving the throne room conflicted.

"Nari, what should we do? He is sacrificing so much to be with us." Seokjin whispered as he held his six-month-old daughter in his arms. As Nari cooed in his arms, Seokjin looked at the sword that Namjoon had given him. "I will protect him." He whispered and wrapped his hand around the hilt of the sword.

The beautiful elf swiftly got up and unpacked the bag he had packed and hidden. How could I even think of running when he is willing to sacrifice so much for us?

By the time Namjoon returned to his chambers, Seokjin had fallen asleep on their bed with Nari in his arms. The elven king glanced at the corner where he had seen the bag Seokjin had hidden. Relief instantly flooded him when he saw that the bag was gone. He quickly walked to the drawers and opened them. A tear trickled down his face when he saw Seokjin's belongings returned.

The elven king quickly lay down on the bed next to Seokjin and Nari. As he lay down, Nari's eyes fluttered open, and she happily cooed.

"Thank you," Namjoon whispered as he brushed his fingers over Seokjin's face and embraced Nari. "I know it is hard, but thank you for staying. You are my only happiness."

"I am sorry," Seokjin whispered and opened his eyes as he looked at Namjoon with teary eyes. "I am sorry for even thinking of leaving you."

"There is no need to apologize. You have done nothing wrong. I understand that this is all frightening." Namjoon softly smiled and brushed Seokjin's hair from his face.

"I will stand with you and protect you. I promise." Seokjin muttered and clung to Namjoon's hand.

"I love you." Namjoon smiled and pecked Seokjin's soft lips.

"I love you too." Seokjin hummed and snuggled into Namjoon's warm embrace.

When their wedding day arrived, Namjoon stayed next to Seokjin the entire day and held Nari in his arms. He knew many people were against their marriage, so he wanted to ensure that Seokjin was safe. They both agreed that they wanted a small wedding with only the essential people in attendance.

"Are you ready?" Namjoon asked the beautiful man standing next to him as they stood at the temple entrance.

"I am." Seokjin smiled, hooked his arm with Namjoon's arm, and smiled at Nari, who was happily perched on Namjoon's hip.

As they walked to the altar, Namjoon kept his eyes focused on the altar. Namjoon's half-sister, Jungho, and the priest were the only people in the temple.

When they reached the altar, the priest began the ceremony. Namjoon softly smiled at Seokjin as they shared wine and lit a candle to signify their marital bond. Seokjin watched with stars in his eyes as their candle was placed with the many burning candles of other married couples.

"This candle will continue to burn as long as you walk together as a married couple." The priest explained as he gently set the candle down.

"The candle's fire will never go out." Namjoon softly smiled and wrapped his arm around Seokjin's waist.

"Never." Seokjin hummed as he leaned his head against Namjoon's shoulder.

Two weeks after the wedding, the spy was found. Namjoon stared at Jungho's wife's body in shock as it lay before him on the throne room floor.

"Soo-ah would never!" Jungho sobbed as he cradled his wife's body in his arms. "Namjoon, she would never!" He sobbed as he looked up at Namjoon with immeasurable pain in his eyes.

"Who killed her?" Namjoon asked as he looked at his broken friend.

"Lord Seungchul." Jungho cried as he curled up around his wife's body.

"Bring Lord Seongchul before me, now," Namjoon told his guards, who bowed and swiftly left the throne room.

Seokjin stayed quiet as he watched from his throne with Nari in his lap. He had covered her eyes as the scene unfolded before him. Worried about his husband, Seokjin reached over and held his husband's hand. Namjoon turned to look at his husband and smiled. "Thank you." He whispered as he gently squeezed his husband's hand.

When Lord Seunchul was escorted into the throne room, Namjoon's gaze turned cold as he looked at the man in front of him. "Why did you kill her?"

"She was a threat to the throne." He responded and bowed to Namjoon.

"Did she fight against you?" Namjoon asked as he tightened his hold on his husband's hand.

"She did not." Seungchul bowed his head and shivered as the throne room became icy cold.

"Then why did you kill her?" Namjoon's angered voice boomed throughout the large throne room.

"She was a traitor!" Seungchul argued as he clenched his fists.

"How do you know?" Namjoon slammed his hand on the throne as he glared at the man before him.

"The King of the Omichli Mountains finally broke and told me about her. I went to confront her, and she denied everything. I could not trust her." Seunchul explained as he knelt on the ground.

"I knew her personally. She is Jungho's wife. You know her! How could you kill her?! She deserved a trial!" Namjoon bellowed as he stood from his throne and drew his sword. "Seokjin, leave with Nari." The king softly told his husband as he clenched his sword.

Seokjin quickly handed Nari to her nanny and stood from his throne, approaching his husband. "I promised to always stand with you." He gently placed his hand on Namjoon's shoulder.

Without flinching, Namjoon lifted the sword and brought it down on Seungchul's neck. Seokjin held his breath as his husband swiftly executed one of his advisors.

"Take his body and prepare him for a funeral," Namjoon told his guards, who were staring at the body of Seungchul.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" They quickly shouted and bowed once they recovered from their shock.

"Jungho, take the time you need to grieve your wife properly." Namjoon softly told his childhood friend.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Jungho whispered as he stood up with his wife's body in his arms.

Once they were alone in the throne room, Seokjin hugged his husband. He knew that Namjoon and Soo-ah were friends.

"They have three children," Namjoon muttered as his husband comforted him.

"Everything will be okay, Joon," Seokjin whispered, gently kissing Namjoon's cheek.

"Where is Nari?" Namjoon asked as he wrapped his arm around his husband's waist.

"She is with her nanny," Seokjin responded and gently wiped the blood from Namjoon's cheek.

"That is good." Namjoon hummed as they returned to their thrones.

When Jungho returned to his home, he was mortified to see it burning. He instantly shouted and called out to his children. "Appa!" Jungho heard his youngest son screaming in the burning home.

"Minjae!" Jungho rushed into the flames in search of his youngest child. As he searched for his youngest child, he saw the bodies of his two other children. A blood-curdling scream filled Jungho's chest when he saw his children's burned bodies. Using his magic, he fought to put out the fire. He desperately fought to make his way to his screaming son.

When Jungho finally reached his screaming son, he lifted him into his arms and ran out of the burning home. He watched in horror as the flames completely consumed his home, with the bodies of two of his children.

The broken man collapsed to the ground and screamed in pain as he clutched his toddler in his arms. "I am so sorry, Soo-ah. They killed our children." He sobbed as he rocked back and forth. "I promised to get our children to you safely. I am so sorry."

As Namjoon played with Nari, he heard a ruckus in the courtyard, so he quickly handed Nari to Seokjin and went to see what was happening. To his horror, he saw his childhood friend standing before him with Minjae clutched to his chest. Jungho's clothing was burned, and soot was covering his face and hands.

"I could not protect them," Jungho whispered as he held Minjae in his arms.

"Jungho!" Namjoon quickly rushed to his friend and caught him as Jungho collapsed to the ground. "Minjae," Namjoon muttered as he held the toddler. "Get them to the healers!"

Soon, the healers rushed into the courtyard and took Jungho and Minjae to the healing rooms. As Jungho and Minjae were being cared for, Namjoon sent soldiers to Jungho's home to investigate what had happened.

Hearing what had happened, Seokjin quickly went to the healing wing of the castle. When he entered the room, he saw a boy with severe burns all over his body.

"Let me." Seokjin rushed over and placed his hands on the toddler's chest to heal him. The healers all stepped back as Seokjin's green energy surrounded the toddler.

"Mama." The boy cried as his body surged with pain.

"You will be okay." Seokjin gently whispered as he healed the small boy.

After several minutes, the boy opened his eyes and looked around the room in fear. When he was met by Seokjin's soft smile, he instantly sobbed and reached his small hands out to Seokjin. The elf gently lifted the boy into his arms to comfort him.

"Your Majesty, your healing powers are magnificent." The healers bowed to Seokjin in awe.

"Is he Jungho's youngest son?" Seokjin asked as he gently cradled the sobbing toddler in his arms.

"He is." The head healer responded with sorrow in her voice and eyes.

"You healed my son," Jungho muttered as he walked into the room with immeasurable grief in his eyes.

"He was badly burned. I apologize for touching him." Seokjin quickly tried to set the sobbing boy down.

"No! No! Mama!" The boy screamed as he clung to Seokjin.

"Do not apologize to me for anything. I am the one who should be apologizing." Jungho quickly knelt to the ground as he lowered his head. "I have something to ask of you. I know you will see me as weak, and you have every right to. Will you and Namjoon raise Minjae? I-I do not think I can be a good father right now for him." Jungho whispered as tears streamed down his face.

Seokjin looked up at his husband, who had just entered the room with Nari in his arms. "We will," Namjoon responded as he gently placed his hand on his friend's head.

"Thank you." Jungho cried as he wrapped his arms around his body. "I have to leave." He suddenly muttered and stood up. "I know you will raise Minjae well. Do not look for me."

Namjoon and Seokjin stood in shock when Jungho suddenly disappeared. Namjoon did not know whether he should feel sympathy for his childhood friend or if he should be angry that he left without saying goodbye to Minjae.

"Joon, we will raise him well." Seokjin softly told his husband.

"We will." Namjoon sighed as he released his pent-up breath.

"Nari now has an older brother." Seokjin smiled as he rocked the three-year-old in his arms.

"She does." Namjoon hummed and walked over to his husband.

The next few years were peaceful as Minjae and Nari began to grow up together. Seokjin and Namjoon would smile when they would see Minjae walking around while holding Nari's hand. The siblings were inseparable.

"Father, look! Look at what I can do!" Six-year-old Minjae shouted as he summoned wind and sent leaves flurrying in the wind.

"Minjae! You are so strong!" Namjoon cooed as he watched his son develop his abilities.

"Wow!" Nari squealed as she watched her older brother in awe.

"Someday, Minjae will surpass us!" Seokjin praised as his son continued to send breezes of wind throughout the castle garden.

Namjoon smiled fondly as his family's happiness filled the castle. As Namjoon watched over his beautiful family, he vaguely remembered his childhood and wondered if he was ever as happy as his children were.

"Minjae, now that your powers are coming in, remember to be careful around Nari. I know you love her and will always protect her, but she is still little. So, we have to be careful around her." Namjoon reminded his son, who smiled and nodded in understanding. "You are such a wonderful son and older brother." Minjae happily preened at his father's compliment.

As the happy family spent time together, those who wished for power were plotting behind the royal family's backs. They disapproved of Namjoon's gentle hand toward the people and firm hand toward the wealthy and powerful. They viewed him as weak and incompetent despite the prosperity of the large kingdom and its neighboring allies.

My beautiful husband, I will choose our family over the throne. Seeing your happiness is worth more than any ounce of power or wealth. I am the happiest person alive because of you.

Chapter 29: Lost

Namjoon became harsher toward the powerful royals in his court as they began to show signs of rebelling. He knew that his sister was plotting with the powerful families in the kingdom and enemy kingdoms.

"Your Majesty, you should consider taking a concubine from one of the five powerful families." One of Namjoon's advisors bowed as he spoke.

"Why on earth should I ever do that?" Namjoon scowled as he glared at the advisor. "I have an heir to the throne."

"He is the child of a human magician and an elf of the lowest rank. How could he be the heir to the throne?" Chaeyoung asked as she glared at her older brother.

"He is more powerful than any of your children," Namjoon responded as he took a deep breath to stay calm.

"The people are worried about a halfling being the heir to the throne." An advisor explained as she bowed.

"Do not tell me about the people when you know nothing about them. You do not know their wishes and desires. You have never taken a moment to step out of your golden carriages to mingle with the people. You have never walked on the streets with them to ask how they are doing. So, never lecture me on what the people want." Namjoon snarled as he slammed his curled fist on the arm of his throne.

"Your Majesty-"

"Enough!" Namjoon hissed as he flicked his fingers and slammed the throne room doors open. "Leave. I have heard enough from you."

Seokjin quietly watched as the advisors filed out of the throne room with sneers on their faces. He knew that being a good King came with consequences, and Namjoon was facing those consequences.

"Do you want to duel?" Seokjin asked as he stood from his throne.

"That would be nice." Namjoon chuckled and looked at his husband with gratitude for the much-needed distraction.

As the husbands stood at the ready for their duel, their children sat and stared up at them with awe and admiration. Minjae and Nari held hands as they watched their parents duel with strength and elegance. They gasped in awe as sparks flew and ice sparkled in the sunlight.

The children giggled and clapped when the duel ended with Seokjin wrapped in Namjoon's embrace, the dull side of Namjoon's sword carefully pressed against his throat.

"You are improving." Namjoon lovingly hummed as he lowered his sword.

"And you are still as strong as ever." Seokjin smiled and kissed his husband's cheek, earning giggles from their children.

The rest of the day was filled with the laughter of the beautiful family as the children played in the waves of the sparkling ocean. Namjoon and Seokjin watched their children fondly as Namjoon wrapped his arms around his husband's waist with his chin resting on Seokjin's shoulder.

"I love you so much." Namjoon hummed as he gently placed soft, loving kisses on Seokjin's jaw.

"I love you too. Our family is so happy." Seokjin smiled and closed his eyes as he enjoyed his husband's embrace.

On the night of Nari's fifth birthday, she quietly sat in her room and stared up at the moon. When a shadow danced over the moon and floated toward her, she giggled and reached her hand out for the shadow. She watched in awe as the shadow curled up around her hand and looked at her with green eyes. She cooed as she gently petted the shadow.

As the five-year-old played with her shadow, a man entered her room through the window and suddenly grabbed her without a sound. When Seokjin entered his daughter's room to bring her to the room they had decorated to surprise her, he stared at the empty room in horror.

"Nari!" Seokjin shouted as he placed his hand on his sword and rushed into the room. "NARI!"

Hearing his husband's shouts, Namjoon jumped up from the chair and rushed to his daughter's room. "Joon, Nari is not in her room," Seokjin explained as he looked at his husband with worry.

"She might be playing with Minjae." Namjoon quickly pulled his worried husband into his arms and motioned for his guards to search the entire castle for the princess.

"Father, what is happening?" Minjae asked as he walked over to his parents.

"Nari is missing, so we are searching for her," Namjoon explained as he and Seokjin rushed from room to room.

"Your Majesty, have you searched the Crown Prince's room?" A guard asked Namjoon as he bowed to the King.

"She might be hiding under Minjae's bed. Why did we not think of that before?" Namjoon muttered and rushed to Minjae's room.

When he flung his son's door open, he froze in horror. "Nari!" Seokjin shouted as he ran up behind his husband. Before Seokjin could look, Namjoon grabbed him and covered his eyes. "Do not look," Namjoon whispered and held his husband close.

"What happened?" Seokjin's voice trembled as he smelled the odor of blood.

"NARI!" Minjae screamed as he ran past his parents.

"Minjae!" Namjoon shouted and grabbed his son.

"NARI! NARI, WAKE UP!" Minjae screamed as his father held him.

"Joon, what is happening?" Seokjin whispered as his husband held him and their screaming son.

"Find the murderer. Now!" Namjoon shouted to his guards, who quickly bowed and rushed off.

"L-let me see my daughter." Seokjin cried as Namjoon's grip around him tightened.

"Not like this," Namjoon whispered, gently pushing his husband and son out of the bedroom and shutting the door.

Once his husband and son were out of the room, Namjoon slowly walked over to his daughter's body lying in a puddle of blood. He quietly cried as he gently lifted the small body of his daughter and cradled her in his arms. "Nari, who did this to you?" He cried as he gently held her against his chest. "Who would do such a horrid thing to you? Why? WHY?! NARI!" Namjoon sobbed as he rocked his baby in his arms.

When Seokjin heard Namjoon's cries of pain, he tried to open the door and enter the room, but Namjoon had locked the door. "Joon, let me in." Seokjin cried as he jiggled the door handle.

"I promised to protect you. I failed you." Namjoon whispered as he looked at Nari's calm face. "Appa is sorry, Nari. Appa is so sorry, my beautiful daughter. Appa loves you so much."

Seokjin leaned against the door and listened to his husband's cries. "You never failed us. You protected us." Seokjin sniffled and clutched his heart in pain. "Nari. My Nari." He cried and collapsed to the ground.

After a few minutes, Namjoon walked out of the room with Nari carefully wrapped in a blanket. Seokjin sobbed as he looked at the small body wrapped in a blanket. His hands trembled as he took Nari from his husband's embrace. He sobbed as he looked at Namjoon and cradled his daughter in his arms.

The night was filled with grief and pain as the family cried on the night they should have been celebrating. When dawn arrived, Nari's small body was placed on a boat in the waves of the calm ocean. Seokjin cried as he watched his husband light an arrow as the small boat floated away. The people surrounding them softly sang a lullaby to send Nari safely to the afterlife. When Namjoon released the arrow, Seokjin sobbed and watched as his daughter's little boat burned.

"I am so sorry." Namjoon cried as he wrapped Seokjin in his arms.

"Nari. My baby." Seokjin sobbed as his husband held him and tried to comfort him.

Minjae sat on the beach and watched the burning boat float away to the rising sun. Tears streamed down his face as he sat on the beach where he and his sister used to play for hours every day with Seokjin while their father would be handling the affairs of the kingdom.

As the nights passed by, Namjoon would stay wide awake as his husband would cry for Nari in his sleep. He would plan on how he should hunt down every single person who planned his daughter's death. Every day, he had been investigating who would dare to murder his daughter.

As a King, if I kill them, the kingdom will collapse and be filled with unrest. As a father, if I kill them, it will be revenge. As a father, I would not be causing political unrest. As a father, I will not be damning the entire kingdom to ashes.

One night, as Seokjin slept, Namjoon heard Minjae cry out in his sleep, so he quickly rushed from the bed with his sword in his hand. When Namjoon busted the bedroom door open, he instantly attacked the person who was trying to kidnap his son.

"Appa!" Minjae shouted out in pain as he fell to the floor.

"Minjae!" Namjoon rushed over to his son and picked him up. Before I am King, I am a husband and a father. I refuse to keep the throne at the sacrifice of my family.

"Namjoon, if you leave the throne, Chaeyoung will run the kingdom to the ground." Jungho's voice startled Namjoon.

"Why are you here? You left and told me never to contact you. I needed you! Your magic protected the castle. Nari ... I cannot blame her death on you. I was weak. I should have left the throne when it became dangerous for my family. I will not sacrifice my husband and son for the throne. You can call me weak. I do not care. But I refuse to lose my husband and son." Namjoon growled as he glared at Jungho.

"I came because I knew you would make this choice. You cannot leave. You are a good King. The people need you. Give me Minjae. I will raise him." Jungho argued as he reached his hands out for the boy in Namjoon's arms.

"Appa, who is he?" Minjae asked as he clung to Namjoon.

"No one." Namjoon softly responded and tightened his embrace around Minjae. "I am a good King. I know this. But, I choose to be a good husband and father. Being a good King will only endanger my family." 

"Joon, what is going on?" Seokjin asked as he walked into Minjae's room. "Jungho."

"He was leaving," Namjoon muttered and reached his hand out for his husband. "And so are we."

"Leaving?" Seokjin looked at his husband in confusion.

"I will not choose the safety of my throne over my family's safety," Namjoon softly whispered as he held Seokjin's hand and led him out of Minjae's room. "We leave tonight."

When Seokjin glanced at the body of the dead assassin on the ground, he knew that someone had tried to kill Minjae. He had heard conversations between Namjoon and his advisors. The advisors had tried to convince Namjoon that Minjae had killed his little sister, but Namjoon never wavered.

"We will protect Minjae," Seokjin muttered and began to pack their bags with Namjoon.

"We will hunt down the people who were involved in killing our baby Nari." Namjoon softly told his husband, who nodded with teary eyes.

By dawn, Namjoon and Seokjin had packed everything they would need. They quickly rushed out of the castle with Minjae and their belongings. Without hesitation, Namjoon brought three horses from the stables and strapped the bags to one of the horses.

"Your Majesty, are you leaving?" A young, stable girl asked as she watched the royal family mount their horses.

"I have to. I am sorry." Namjoon softly responded as he looked down at her.

"You have to protect your family. I understand. Please be safe." She smiled as she looked up at Namjoon and Seokjin.

"Thank you." Namjoon smiled and then looked at his husband.

The girl watched as the royal family rode out of the castle. "May the gods always protect you and bring your daughter back to you."

Chapter 30: Black Magic

Present

"Joon, I never blamed you for a moment." Seokjin softly tells his crying husband. "Please stop blaming yourself. Nari would hate to see you cry. She always cried when others would cry."

"I am sorry, Jinnie. We lost our sweet baby." Namjoon cries as he tightens his embrace around his husband.

"It is not your fault, and we killed all of the ones who had her killed." Seokjin gently runs his fingers through his husband's long, black hair.

"I love you so much." Namjoon whispers and clings to his husband.

"I love you too." Seokjin smiles and gently pecks his husband's cheek.

"I have loved you for hundreds of years and will only love you more for eternity." Namjoon hums as his eyes begin to droop shut. 

"Me too, Moon." Seokjin sleepily whispers.

During the night, a messenger gallops into the dragon city, shouting at the top of her lungs. On high alert, everyone leaps from their beds with their weapons at the ready.

"What news do you bring?" Hwal asks as he stops the frantic messenger.

"King Daejung of the Nychta Mountains has died from dark madness!" The messenger shouts as she hands the letter in her hand to Hwal.

"My father would not die of Iku. He has human slaves that he drains his extra dark energy into." Jungkook mutters in surprise as he looks at Namjoon with concern.

"Something definitely is not right." Namjoon frowns because he knows that King Daejung is greedy when it comes to long life.

"Jungkook, what is Iku?" Taehyung asks as he looks at his mate.

"It is when darkness completely fills our souls and kills us like poison. Basically, darkness consumes our souls. Dark elves are cursed elves. Dark elves could live as long as elves if we were not cursed, but darkness consumes our souls and kills us." Jungkook softly explains, which causes his sweet mate to worry about him.

"Little Firebreather, you do not have to worry about Jungkook. He is only half dark elf, and he has your pure dragon heart. Darkness will not consume him." Seokjin softly tells Taehyung when he sees how concerned the dragon has become.

"That is good." Taehyung sighs in relief.

"We need to go to the Nychta Mountains. I am concerned that Minjae is there." Namjoon mutters and looks at his husband with sorrow.

"From the enemy soldiers we captured, it seems that they were hypnotized. There is a chance that something might happen to the new King of Nychta." Hwal informs Namjoon and Seokjin.

"Soohyuk," Jungkook whispers with concern as he thinks about his older brother.

"We need to leave. Now." Namjoon quickly marches into the castle to prepare to leave.

As Taehyung packs his bags, he continuously glances at his mate with concern. He notices that Jungkook is tense and that he has Zaniah clenched in his hand. "Jungkook, look at me." Taehyung softly speaks to his mate as he gently places his hand on his mate's cheek. "Your brother is going to be okay. I know he is strong." Taheyung looks into Jungkook's worry-filled eyes.

"He is strong. He will be okay." Jungkook breathes out and nods.

"I have everything packed. It is time to go." Taehyung gently kisses his mate's forehead before leading him out of the room.

When Namjoon, Seokjin, and Jungho walk past Taehyung and Jungkook, deep in discussion, Taehyung listens to their conversation. "If Minjae can manipulate people to that level, he is stronger than we ever thought," Namjoon mutters and looks at his husband.

"He must have been hiding his strength from us. But why?" Seokjin frowns in confusion. "We would never have stopped him from growing stronger."

"There are traces of black magic, not dark elf black energy, but the forbidden dark sorcery." Jungho lowly mutters and rubs his hand over his face.

"We never taught him any black sorcery." Seokjin murmurs as he tries to think of a time that Minjae would have practiced black sorcery.

"He must have gotten hold of a book during one of our journeys." Namjoon sighs and looks at his downcast husband.

"Losing Nari hurt. The pain has never dissipated, but we know that she has reincarnated. So, why does he want to bring her back from the dead? Doing so will kill the current form she is in. We cannot let him succeed." Seokjin clenches his fists as determination replaces the sorrow in his eyes.

"Nari would want to live out this life in peace. We cannot let two of her lives be stolen from her." Namjoon hums and looks at the five who are looking at him with big eyes. "Plus, she has sent us children to look after." He chuckles when he sees the five pairs of eyes looking at him expectantly. "Mutt, summon the horses."

With a big smile, Jungkook whistles for the shadow horses. Hoseok gasps and stares at the shadow horses in shock.

"Ononi, do not worry. I will ride with you." Taehyung softly tells his nervous older brother.

"Thank you." Hoseok smiles and relaxes.

"Ononi! You have to come back quickly!" The two youngest siblings shout as they run to their older brothers. "Promise!"

"We promise." Hoseok smiles and hugs his younger siblings.

"Before we leave, you need to choose your sword." With a snap of Namjoon's fingers, they are suddenly in the weapons room.

Hoseok looks around in awe and shock as he admires the many weapons lining the walls. When his eyes fall on a red sword, he approaches it and traces his fingers over the sheath. He looks at Namjoon to make sure he is allowed to choose the beautiful sword. With an encouraging nod from Namjoon, Hoseok lifts the sword from the wall and unsheaths it. His ruby-red eyes are large and filled with awe as he infuses his fiery energy into the beautiful sword.

"Your sword's name is Cyra." Seokjin softly tells the young dragon.

"Cyra." Hoseok smiles and sheaths his sword. "She is beautiful."

"You chose a wonderful sword." Namjoon softly praises Hoseok as he waves his hands, causing the weapons room to disappear.

"King Namjoon, I am entrusting the safety of two of my children to you," Nara tells Namjoon as she reaches her hand out to him.

"I will protect them and bring them home to you. I promise." Namjoon smiles and respectfully shakes the dragon queen's hand.

"Be careful. The magician you are about to go against is very powerful. The people we captured have no memory of ever going to war or meeting the magician." Hwal warns the family as they mount the shadow horses.

"Do not worry. We have an even stronger magician with us." Namjoon chuckles and looks at his childhood friend.

"Ononi, are you comfortable?" Taehyung asks once he is mounted behind Hoseok.

"I am. Despite its scary appearance, it is rather calm." Hoseok hums and turns his head to look at his younger brother.

"Jungkook has trained them really well." Taehyung smiles as he gently pats the shadow horse.

"My question is, how are we able to sit on top of a shadow?" Hoseok quietly asks as their horse begins following Jungkook's horse.

"Jungkook has them turn solid for the people he chooses," Taehyung explains with a smile.

"Wow, your mate is really powerful." Hoseok hums and leans back against his younger brother, who has grown to be much taller and larger than him.

"He is." Taehyung softly smiles when Jungkook turns to look at him to make sure he and Hoseok are okay.

"Damn. I want a hot mate now." Hoseok grumbles with a frown.

"You will find a mate someday, Ononi." Taehyung softly tells his older brother.

Once Jungkook is sure that Hoseok has gotten used to riding the shadow horse, he picks up the pace. Hoseok holds his breath and clings to the shadow reins as they gallop out of the dragon nest to the mountains looming in the far distance to the north.

"Hyuk, I will not let him harm you," Jungkook mutters as he worries for his older brother.

"At the speed we are going, we will arrive at the base of the Nychta Mountains by nightfall!" Namjoon shouts to his family.

The ride to the mountains is fast-paced as the horses plow through many streams and rivers without faltering.  None of them flinches when tree branches scratch against their faces and limbs. They know that they are racing against time.

By the time they reach the base of the dark, gloomy mountains, the sun is setting behind the tall mountains. 

"He is here," Hoseok whispers as he feels the energy of his heart growing near.

"It has been many years since I have been home," Jungkook whispers as he looks up the mountain and tries to peer through the dense forest. "It feels foreign. This is not home." He mutters and looks at Namjoon, Seokjin, Taehyung, Yoongi, Jimin, and Hoseok. "Home." He smiles and then urges his horse forward.

As they slowly ride through the forest, Jungkook becomes increasingly concerned. "Jungkook, what is wrong?" Taehyung asks when he notices his mate's concern.

"There should be guards everywhere. We should have been surrounded by guards by now." Jungkook mutters and looks around in confusion.

"Minjae is already taking control," Jungho mumbles as he looks at the energy of dark sorcery wisping through the forest.

"We need to hurry." Namjoon spurs his horse and draws his sword.

When they travel deeper into the forest, they are suddenly surrounded by soldiers. Jungkook quickly draws his sword when he realizes that the soldiers surrounding them are not his people.

"Fighting them is useless. They are shadow figures that will not harm us. We must not waste our energy on them." Jungho mutters and rides through the fake soldiers.

The ride through the forest is eerie as they continue to trigger various fake soldiers. Taehyung tightens his grip around Hoseok as more fake soldiers surround them.

"Ononi, do not look." Taehyung quietly tells his older brother and covers Hoseok's eyes.

When they reach the edge of the city, Jungkook stops his horse and stares in surprise. "There should be children running around. There should be vendors in the streets selling produce for making dinner. The streets should be filled with life." Jungkook whispers and nudges his horse to continue into the city.

"What is Minjae doing?" Jungho hisses as he rides past Jungkook and looks around.

"The city is completely empty." Yoongi mumbles and looks at the deserted streets.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" Jimin asks as he approaches a home to see if the people are hiding within their homes. "The houses are empty."

"The castle is up there." Jungkook points to the top of the mountain at a black castle made of glassy obsidian.

"Let me check something." Namjoon quickly draws his bow and shoots an icy arrow in front of them.

"A barrier." Seokjin murmurs when the arrow is obliterated.

"We do not have time for this." Jungho hisses and places his hand in front of him, summoning a large purple flame. As the flame grows in the magician's hand, his eyes begin to glow a vibrant purple. With a flick of his wrist, Jungho sends a powerful ball of purple flames hurling at the barrier.

Namjoon and Jungkook quickly make a barrier of ice and shadows when the purple flames hit the barrier and cause it to explode.

"It broke. We need to hurry." Seokjin mutters and urges his horse forward.

As they ride through the deserted city, Jungkook begins to hum a lullaby. "Seriously." Yoongi deadpans as the lullaby echoes through the empty city.

"Sorry. I find it comforting." Jungkook chuckles when he sees his brother's glare.

"I have never heard you hum that lullaby before." Seokjin looks at Jungkook in surprise.

"I had a dream last night that my mother sang it to me," Jungkook responds with a smile.

Namjoon and Seokjin look at each other in surprise because it is a lullaby from the forests surrounding the Omichli Mountains. Seokjin grimaces in pain as he and his husband look at each other.

"Ononi!"

Chapter 31: Consumed

"Ononi!" Taehyung shouts when his brother suddenly gasps in pain and clutches his chest.

"It burns." Hoseok gasps in pain as red cracks appear on his chest.

"Minjae! Stop this!" Namjoon shouts as he spurs his horse to gallop at a neck-breaking speed.

Seokjin and Jungho quickly follow behind Namjoon while the others stay behind to care for Hoseok. Jungkook quickly leaps from his horse and rushes over to his mate's horse.

"What happened?" Jungkook asks as he reaches his hands up to pull Hoseok off the horse gently.

"Something is happening to his heart," Taehyung explains as his mate gently holds his brother.

"Unoni." Jungkook softly calls out to Hoseok, surprising Taehyung because he is using the term for an in-law speaking to a sibling of their mate. "Everything will be okay."

"I am okay. Get my heart back for me." Hoseok gasps in pain as he looks at Jungkook with fiery red eyes. "Stop him from hurting more people."

"We will." Jungkook grits out as he summons several shadows to watch over Hoseok.

"Ononi." Taehyung looks at his brother with worry and fear.

"Go. Your ononi is strong." Hoseok smiles and motions for his brother to leave.

Jungkook gasps in surprise when his mate suddenly grabs hold of him and flies into the sky. Taehyung suddenly throws his mate into the air and then turns into his dragon form. With a grunt, Jungkook lands on his mate's back. Jungkook's eyes widen in awe as he brushes his fingers over his mate's golden scales.

"Hold on, Jungkook." Taehyung mentally communicates with his mate as he zips toward the castle.

"There is another barrier!" Jungkook shouts as he summons a giant ball of shadows. 

Knowing that his mate will handle the barrier, Taehyung continues to soar toward the castle. Once they are within reach, Jungkook sends the large, black ball of shadows hurling toward the barrier. To protect them from the explosion, Jungkook creates a shield of shadows, helping Taehyung fly through the debris without harm.

"Who the fuck are you?!" A menacing voice hisses through the air as Taehyung plows into the castle.

"Prince Jungkook," Jungkook responds as he draws Zaniah and leaps from Taehyung's back.

"Crown Prince Taehyung," Taehyung smirks once he is in his human form. 

"Interesting." The voice menacingly chuckles, causing Taehyung and Jungkook to look at each other with concern. "I do hope you have a fun family reunion."

"Family reunion?" Jungkook mutters in confusion, then gasps when his siblings step out of the shadows. "They have Iku poisoning."

"Are they your siblings?" Taehyung asks as he looks at the five dark elves.

"Yes," Jungkook mutters and prepares to fight his siblings.

"Which one is the brother you are here to save?" Taehyung asks and examines each dark elf.

"Him," Jungkook responds and points to the dark elf in gold-embroidered black leather armor.

"I will try my hardest not to harm him," Taehyung mutters before leaping in the air with his sword above his head.

"Be careful! Your safety comes first!" Jungkook shouts as he charges at his siblings.

When Namjoon, Seokjin, and Jungho reach the castle, they hear a fight ensuing, so they rush to see what is happening. "Jungkook! Taehyung!" Seokjin shouts and races toward Jungkook. 

"Go! We will handle them! Look for your son!" Yoongi shouts as he and Jimin join Taehyung and Jungkook.

"Do not worry! You trained us to be able to fight our own battles!" Jimin smiles at Seokjin and Namjoon as he notches several arrows into his bow.

"Stay alive," Seokjin mutters before running off with Namjoon and Jungho.

"Do not kill the one with the black and gold armor!" Taehyung shouts to Jimin and Yoongi.

"Very well!" Yoongi hums and releases several arrows.

As Jungho, Namjoon, and Seokjin run throughout the large castle, Jungho searches for the energy of a dark sorcerer and the energy of a dragon's heart. "There!" Jungho shouts and turns down a long corridor.

"What is that?" Namjoon asks when he sees many streams of dark energy leaving the many rooms, flowing toward the room at the end of the corridor.

"No," Jungho mutters in horror and rushes into the first room. 

"Minjae! Stop this! Now!" Seokjin shouts as he stares at the many people lying on the ground, lifeless. "Stop! Why are you doing this?!"

"I am doing this for you and for her!" Minjae's voice echoes through the large castle. "I am doing this because HE has always been too weak to protect us!"

"Do not talk about my husband like that!" Seokjin snarls with pure anger and hatred. " You, of all people, have no right to speak about your father like that! He sacrificed everything to protect us! He left the people he loved for us!" 

"Apparently, he did not sacrifice enough." Minjae snarls lowly as he continues to chant and summon his black magic.

"We have to stop him before he kills every dark elf. I know what he is doing. He is making a powerful heart of pure darkness since he cannot have the golden dragon heart." Jungho explains as he looks down the corridor at all of the dark energy being sucked out of the dark elves.

"By draining all of the dark energy from the dark elves," Namjoon mutters in horror before running down the hallway to the door at the end of the corridor. "Minjae, I am sorry. I am sorry that I did not protect Nari, but you have to stop this. You cannot do this."

"If you were truly sorry, you would have already done this and more to bring her back." Minjae snarls with hatred dripping from his tongue.

"No. She has reincarnated. She most likely has a family. You cannot strip Nari from this life because you want her in the form you remember her in." Namjoon tries to explain to his heartbroken son.

"I do not care. I will get my Nari back!" Minjae shouts and begins the cursed ceremony.

"Step away from the door," Jungho tells Namjoon as he summons a giant ball of purple energy.

Namjoon quickly steps away and stands by his husband's side. The large elf quickly wraps himself around his husband to protect him from the explosion.

"We have to stop him." Seokjin gently tells his heartbroken husband.

"We will." Namjoon nods with a sorrowful smile before charging into the large room.

The moment they enter the room, they are attacked by bolts of black lightning and soldiers that Minjae manipulated.

"Appa!" Jungkook shouts as he, Taehyung, Jimin, and Yoongi rush into the room to fight.

"Be careful!" Namjoon quickly jumps in front of Yoongi with his sword in front of him to deflect the black lightning bolt.

As the fight rages, Jungkook suddenly grunts in pain and collapses to the ground as he clutches his chest. The warrior gasps in pain as he tries to catch his breath.

"Jungkook!" Taehyung shouts and rushes to his mate. "What happened?" He desperately checks on his mate. "Ack!" Taehyung grunts in pain and fights for air.

Seokjin and Namjoon watch in horror as Yoongi and Jimin also collapse to the ground in pain. Seokjin's eyes widen in shock when he sees Jungkook's black eye and Taehyung's black eye glowing green.

"Nari," Seokjin whispers in shock and rushes over to Jungkook. "Minjae! You have to stop! Jungkook, look at me. Mutt!" Seokjin cries out as he wraps Jungkook in his arms. "Minjae! Stop this!"

"He has lost himself to his madness," Jungho mutters as the charged air continues to rain black lightning bolts around them.

"My babies." Seokjin cries as he emits as much of his energy as he can summon to protect Jungkook, Jimin, Yoongi, and Taehyung. The elf grunts in pain as he uses his energy to hold onto Jungkook's soul to keep Jungkook's soul in their bodies, desperately trying to stop Minjae from bringing Nari back to life. "Minjae! Stop! You are killing my babies!" Seokjin cries out as he desperately holds Jungkook's soul together.

"You replaced Nari with them! You forgot about Nari!" Minjae bellows in anger as his pitch-black eyes glare at Seokjin.

"Never. I have never forgotten Nari, and I will always love her. But I love them too." Seokjin cries as he looks at the son he raised. "You have become like those monsters who killed Nari," He growls as he buries Jungkook's face in the crook of his neck.

When Jungkook cries out in pain, Taehyung stumbles to his feet with his sword pointed in front of him. The dragon shakes his head as his vision dizzies. He watches and waits for the right moment as Namjoon and Jungho desperately fend off the manipulated dark elf soldiers and black lightning.

"I will never let anyone take my mate from me. Fuck your painful past." Taehyung snarls as he flaps his golden wings, launching himself toward Minjae with as much force and speed as possible.

Namjoon quickly leaps in front of Taehyung to protect him from the large bolt of black lightning. The elf fights everything in Taehyung's way to give him the opening he needs to kill Minjae.

When Kiran pierces through Minjae's heart, Minjae gasps in pain and looks into Taehyung's eyes. "Do better in your next life. Stop fucking with my life." Taehyung snarls and twists his sword.

"Mama." Minjae whimpers in pain and looks at Seokjin.

However, as Minjae looks at Seokjin, he sees Seokjin desperately clinging to Jungkook while looking up at him with disappointment and pain.

Namjoon is quick to catch Taehyung as he crumples to the ground in pain. "You did so well." Namjoon softly praises the young dragon, then yanks Kiran out of his son's chest. "Thank you, Little Firebreather, for doing what I could not."

"No parent should have to kill their own child." Taehyung softly smiles at Namjoon.

"Appa," Jungkook mutters and opens his eyes.

"We are here." Seokjin softly responds and gently helps Jungkook sit up on his own.

"Sing me a lullaby." Jungkook sleepily mutters before falling forward against Seokjin.

"Come down from the mountain, little sprite.
Dance in the shadows of the dark forest
Drink from the fresh springs trickling down
Listen to the songs of the bluebird
Listen to Mama's lullaby and fall asleep
Let Mama protect you
Mama will sing with the songbirds
Mama will dance with you
Mama will play in the streams with you
Mama will sing you a sweet lullaby." Seokjin softly sings as he cradles Jungkook in his arms with tears streaming down his face, "Mama will always protect my little Sprite."

"Your son split his soul to protect these two," Jungho mutters as he looks at Jimin and Yoongi, who are sleeping in Namjoon's arms with Taehyung.

"Jungkook!" A deep voice shouts as a man runs down the corridor through the confused people who are slowly walking around as they awaken from their sleep.

"He is okay." Seokjin smiles up at the dark elf as he reveals Jungkook peacefully sleeping in his arms.

"He was with you all those years ago in that desert kingdom," Soohyuk mutters as he looks at his little brother.

"I met him in the desert after slave traders had captured him," Seokjin explains and stands to his feet with his son in his arms.

"Thank you." Soohyuk bows to Seokjin as tears stream down his face. "I could not protect him. I was too weak."

"Where is the little red dragon?" Jungho asks as he carefully holds the ruby-red heart in his hands.

"I can sense him. I will bring his heart to him." Soohyuk bows his head to the magician as he holds his hands out to hold the dragon heart.

"Be swift. He is weakening. Place this over his heart on his chest once you have given him his heart." Jungho responds and hands the heart and firestone to the prince.

Soohyuk swiftly races out of the castle toward the home where Hoseok had been safely and carefully placed. When Soohyuk enters the home, he rushes over to the struggling dragon.

"Here you go." Soohyuk softly mutters and presses the ruby-red heart into the dragon's chest.

Once Hoseok has absorbed his dragon heart, Soohyuk places the firestone on Hoseok's chest. The Crown Prince watches and waits for the dragon to awaken.

After a few moments, Hoseok's ruby red eyes flutter open, stunning the Crown Prince. "Who are you?" Hoseok asks as he warily observes the stunned Crown Prince.

"I am Soohyuk, Jungkook's older brother." Soohyuk quickly responds with a smile.

"Is my ononi okay?" Hoseok asks with big eyes as he tries to sit up.

"If your brother is the golden dragon, then he is okay. Elven King Namjoon is caring for him." Soohyuk responds as he scoops Hoseok up into his arms.

"Dark elf, put me down." Hoseok huffs as the dark elf carries him out of the house.

"I am taking you to your younger brother. Stop fussing." Soohyuk chuckles and continues to carry Hoseok through the city.

"Insufferable dark elf."

Chapter 32: His Family

Once Seokjin is sure that Jungkook, Jimin, Yoongi, Hoseok, and Taehyung are resting, he goes into the room where Minjae's body is lying in a pool of blood. The elf quietly cries and sinks to the floor next to his son's body.

"I never stopped looking for you after you disappeared. Never once have I forgotten how you and Nari used to run around together, laughing at the top of your lungs. Your father never forgot you, either. I do not know what happened to cause you to do this, but I promise that I will find out." Seokjin whispers as he gently covers his son's body with a sheet. "And this time, I will protect all of my children. Nari was reborn. Nari is with us again."

"Blinded by his madness, he almost killed his sibling." Namjoon calmly mutters as he walks over to his husband.

"If Minjae had succeeded, he would have broken your dark elf's cycle of reincarnation," Jungho explains as he leans against a crumbling pillar in the large room.

"We have to find out what caused him to walk down this path." Seokjin looks up at his husband with teary eyes.

"We will." Namjoon softly smiles and kneels beside his distraught husband.

"So, your daughter reincarnated into a half-dark elf, half-human boy." Jungho hums and picks up a golden scale from the ground. "And he fell in love with the heir to the dragon nest."

"Have you met your two oldest children you lost?" Seokjin asks as he looks at the human magician.

"I have. My wife and I found them and have watched both of them go through two more life cycles." Jungho softly smiles and pockets the dragon scale. "Do not worry. I will ask your son's mate if I can keep this scale. My wife is fond of shiny things."

"How is Soo-ah alive? I saw her dead body on the throne room floor." Namjoon asks his childhood friend.

"When I found out that she was being investigated for treason, I went home and moved her to the castle in the swamp. I promised her that I would bring our children shortly thereafter. I was afraid that it would be suspicious if the children died as well or disappeared. I wanted to find out who was after her, so I let the person kill a figment of my wife that I had created. I would do anything for my wife and children, including lying to my friend. Anyway, before I could get my children to safety, my home was attacked, and two of my children died. Soo-ah was distraught that two of our children died. I left Minjae with you because the forest was still dangerous, and Soo-ah was ill because of the environment of the forest." Jungho explains as he looks at his son's covered body.

"I apologize for intruding, but is there a chance he was manipulated like we were?" Soohyuk asks after listening to the three parents speak.

"There is." Jungho hums and kneels beside his son's body.

"If you do not find a mark, there is still a chance he was manipulated without magic," Namjoon mutters and gently wraps his arms around his husband's waist.

"Minjae was always so sweet," Seokjin whispers as he buries his face in the crook of his husband's neck.

"Here," Jungho mumbles as he looks at a mark behind Minjae's ear. "I recognize this mark." 

"Chaeyoung," Namjoon growls as he tightens his embrace around his husband when he sees the red lotus mark behind Minjae's ear.

"I am going to kill that witch." Seokjin snarls and stands up with clenched fists.

"She has a son now. He is quite strong. She conceived him and then killed the father without hesitation. Apparently, she is not someone who shares power." Jungho hums and gently covers his son's face with the cloth covering his body.

"Why would she do this?" Soohyuk asks as he looks around the destroyed throne room and then at the bodies of his soldiers that Minjae had manipulated to fight.

"There is one thing she has always lusted for: power," Namjoon explains with hatred and disgust.

"I heard she has experimented on her son with magic and has made him as strong as a beast," Jungho mutters and shakes his head.

"Appa," Jungkook calls out as he sleepily stumbles into the large throne room.

"Mutt." Seokjin quickly rushes over to Jungkook and holds him up.

"Is it over?" Jungkook asks and leans against Seokjin.

"I am afraid not. There is one last person." Seokjin gently hums and pats Jungkook's back.

"I had a dream." Jungkook mumbles and buries his face in the crook of Seokjin's neck. "I was playing on a beach, and you and Father were watching from a distance. As I was building a sand castle, a man approached me and knelt before me. He was crying. He kept apologizing and promised to protect me. He told me to tell both of you that he is sorry and that he will repent for everything he did." Jungkook explains as Seokjin continues to hold him.

Seokjin looks at Namjoon with a sorrowful smile and then at Minjae's body. Namjoon quickly walks over to his husband and wraps Seokjin and Jungkook in his arms.

Soohyuk quietly watches as his little brother is comforted by the parents Jungkook never had growing up. Tears stream down his face in relief.

"What a mess," Taehyung grumbles and stumbles around the rubble.

"How are you feeling?" Seokjin asks as Taehyung walks over to them.

"Like someone tried to rip my heart out." The dragon frowns and rubs his chest.

Jungkook moves out of Seokjin's embrace upon Taehyung's arrival and wraps his mate in his arms. "Thank you, Tae." He hums and buries his face in Taehyung's golden hair.

"There is no need to thank me. I will never let anyone take my mate from me." Taehyung smiles and gently pecks Jungkook's cheek.

"What do we do with the body?" Yoongi asks as he enters the room and looks at Minjae.

"It is customary for our people to burn the body to release the soul fully," Namjoon explains and lifts Minjae into his arms.

"There was a woman who would come and chant a bunch of spells. She had a small red lotus tattoo on top of her nose bridge." Hoseok explains as Namjoon carries Minjae out of the destroyed throne room.

"That witch happens to be Namjoon's younger sister, Queen Chaeyoung," Seokjin explains and follows his husband.

"This family is fucking powerful," Soohyuk mutters when he realizes that all of the horrors that have been happening are from Namjoon's family members.

"Namjoon and Chaeyoung are the direct descendants of the two stars that turned into elves," Jungho explains to a very surprised dark elf.

"Oh. That explains a lot." Soohyuk responds with a nod.

"Hyuk." Jungkook looks at his brother when he realizes his brother is in the room.

"Hey." Soohyuk smiles and approaches his little brother. "You grew taller."

"How are you? Do you feel okay?" Jungkook asks as he examines his brother.

"I am okay." Soohyuk gently places his hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "How have you been?"

"I have been good. This is my mate, Taehyung." Jungkook smiles and wraps his arm around Taehyung's waist.

"I cannot believe that my youngest sibling mated before I did." Soohyuk laughs and then politely bows his head to Taehyung. "Congratulations on your mating."

"Thank you." Taehyung smiles and bows in response.

"Your archer siblings are quite fierce. When I went to check on our siblings' bodies, they were pierced by many arrows." Soohyuk mutters and looks at Jimin and Yoongi, who are quietly talking with Hoseok.

"They are. I try my hardest not to piss them off." Jungkook chuckles and then flinches when Jimin marches over.

"Are you talking about us?" Jimin asks with his eyes slanted.

"Nope." Jungkook snickers and summons a shadow wolf.

"JUNGKOOK! You stupid MUTT!" Jimin shrieks and runs away as the shadow wolf chases him.

"Could they be any more childish?" Yoongi mutters and shakes his head as he watches his lover scream and run around the large room.

At dusk, Seokjin, Namjoon, and Jungho stand at a pyre and softly chant. As they chant, Taehyung approaches them and summons golden flames.

"Prince Minjae, rest in peace." Taehyung softly hums and ignites the pyre with golden flames.

Seokjin, Namjoon, and Jungho watch the burning pyre with teary eyes. As they watch the golden flames, their hearts are filled with the memories of Minjae's childhood.

"Who is it that killed my son?" They all startle when they hear a woman's voice.

"Soo-ah." Jungho sorrowfully whispers and opens his arms for his wife.

"Who turned my son into a monster? He was raised by King Namjoon and Queen Seokjin. He was a good person. I know it, so why did he become a monster?" Soo-ah cries as her husband lovingly holds her.

"Chaeyoung," Namjoon mutters as he clenches his jaw.

"Chaeyoung. She always let her greed and lust control her." Soo-ah mutters and looks at Namjoon.

"How does forcing Minjae to resurrect Nari help her?" Seokjin asks in confusion.

"Only she knows the answer to that." Jungho hums as he gently brushes his fingers through his wife's hair.

"Not to be that person, but where did she come from?" Soohyuk asks as he looks at the elven woman who appeared out of nowhere.

"She knows magic," Jungho explains with a soft laugh.

"Oh, okay." Soohyuk nods.

Once the sun sets, Soohyuk rides out to the city to check on his people. He knows they are all traumatized by the horrific events.

"Crown Prince." The people quietly call out and rush into the streets to greet their Crown Prince.

"How are you faring?" Soohyuk asks and swiftly dismounts from his horse.

"Crown Prince, what happened? Why did we awaken inside the castle?" They ask as they crowd around their Crown Prince. "Is the King really dead? What about the other princes and princesses?"

"A sorcerer of black magic came to steal our dark energy. He killed the King and had plans to kill every dark elf. However, Elven King Namjoon, Elven Queen Seokjin, Dragon Crown Prince Taehyung, and Prince Jungkook came and saved us. Without them, we would have fallen without knowing what happened." Soohyuk explains, causing his people to gasp in surprise.

"Was that sorcerer really that powerful?" The people ask in horror.

"He was." Soohyuk calmly responds.

"Elven King Namjoon and his family saved everyone. We must celebrate!" A man shouts in gratitude.

Soohyuk watches as his people's faces turn from terror to excitement. The Crown Prince swiftly looks around for the man who shouted. As he looks around, glowing red eyes catch his attention.

"Prince Hoseok," Soohyuk mutters as the dragon approaches him.

"Scared, broken people are every good ruler's sorrow." Hoseok hums as he stands in front of Soohyuk.

"Did I hear that there are going to be celebrations?" Jimin chirps in excitement as he and Yoongi walk toward Soohyuk.

"Looks like it," Soohyuk responds and composes his fluttering heart.

"Are you blushing?" Taehyung asks when he sees his older brother's flushed cheeks.

"No." Hoseok quickly responds and turns away.

"You are!" Taehyung gasps and then looks at Soohyuk. "Well, he is Jungkook's older brother. I approve." Taehyung grins and then runs away with a yelp when Hoseok raises his hand to smack him on the back of the head.

"Your mate is quite lively." Soohyuk chuckles and looks at his younger brother.

"He is." Jungkook smiles as he fondly watches his mate.

"Jungkook, an entire kingdom relies on you. You hold the Crown Prince's heart with your heart." Soohyuk quietly tells his younger brother.

"I hold my entire universe," Jungkook whispers as he places his hand over his heart.

"Good. You will never let anything happen to your mate." Soohuk hums and softly smiles.

"Just so you know, if you fall in love with Prince Hoseok and if he falls in love with you, he still will never leave his brother's side." Jungkook quietly tells his older brother.

"From my bedchamber window, I can see the dragon nest nestled between the Nychta Mountains and the Ignis Volcano. Within a day's ride, I can visit him. I do not mind." Soohyuk smiles and watches as Hoseok climbs on Taehyung's back to yank at Taehyung's golden hair.

"So, you have fallen for the red dragon." Yoongi's sudden presence startles Soohyuk.

"I knew it." Jimin sings and leans against his lover.

"For us, it happens within a split second."

Chapter 33: Ready for War

"Ononi! Get up!" Taehyung's voice fills the large, obsidian castle as he saunters out of his room with his sword slung over his shoulder.

Hoseok quickly sits up in his bed with a confused expression on his face. He sleepily squints and scratches his chest as he looks at the sliver of sunlight peaking over the horizon.

"It is time to train!" Taehyung sings and slings open his brother's bedroom door.

"Now?" Hoseok sleepily asks as he groggily looks at his excited younger brother.

"Yes, now." Taehyung grins and walks over to Hoseok.

"Why?" Hoseok asks and grips his blanket, knowing what his younger brother is about to do.

"We are leaving in three days to kill King Namjoon's sister. I need to make sure your fighting skills are still sharp." Taehyung responds and yanks the blanket off Hoseok.

"You evil menace," Hoseok grumbles as he glares at his younger brother.

"You used to do this to me all of the time." Taehyung grins and grabs Hoseok's hand to drag him out of the comfortable bed.

"Fine. Fine." Hoseok huffs and gets out of bed. "You are the one who will have to prove to me that your skills are good enough for battling against elves." Hoseok chuckles and walks toward his waiting clothes.

"Works with me." Taehyung smiles and sits on his brother's bed.

"Where is your mate?" Hoseok asks as he prepares for the day.

"He is creating a plan with his brother and parents," Taehyung responds and lies down on the bed.

"Should you not be with them?" Hoseok asks and straps his sword to his back.

"I was for a little while, but I got bored." Taehyung hums and sits up.

"I am ready." Hoseok smiles and motions for Taehyung to leave the room with him.

"Why would we leave the way wingless creatures leave?" Taehyung laughs and runs to the balcony, unfurling his golden wings.

"Very true!" Hoseok whoops and follows his little brother.

As the brothers leap from the balcony, they unfurl their wings and powerfully flap them. With a couple of powerful flaps, they are soaring through the sky together.

"Dragons!" The dark elves gasp in awe as the two dragons zip through the dense forest with their swords drawn.

"Faster!" Hoseok shouts as he speeds up his attacks.

With a grin, Taehyung reciprocates and speeds up his defensive maneuvers. Loud clangs of metal fill the dense forest as Taehyung and Hoseok fight each other. The two dragons skillfully and swiftly maneuver through the woods, avoiding the large trees and animals that are running out of fear.

"Ononi! I know you are stronger than this!" Taehyung shouts as he lifts his sword above his head and slams it down on his brother's raised sword.

"Very well." Hoseok hisses and strengthens his attacks.

As their swords clash powerfully and swiftly, they soar through the trees toward the sky. When they break through the treetops, they send columns of fire barreling at each other.

Hearing the commotion, Jungkook quickly rushes to the balcony of the war room. He looks up in the morning sky in awe and watches as Taehyung and Hoseok skillfully fight and train. As he watches them, he wishes he could fly with Taehyung. 

"Loving a dragon comes with one drawback." Namjoon hums as he stands beside Jungkook. "Unless he holds you, you cannot fly with him."

"It must feel freeing to fly." Jungkook quietly mutters without taking his eyes off his mate.

"How does it feel when he carries you?" Seokjin asks and looks at his son.

"Freeing and safe." Jungkook smiles and leans against the metal railing.

"That does sound rather lovely." Seokjin nods and gently pats Jungkook's shoulder.

When dusk arrives, Taehyung and Hoseok enter the castle with their heads drooping from exhaustion. Jungkook quickly rushes to his mate and lifts him into his arms.

"Jungkook!" Taehyung laughs and quickly holds onto his smiling mate.

"Did you have a good day?" Jungkook asks and pecks Taehyung's lips.

"I did." Taehyung hums and snuggles his face in the crook of Jungkook's neck.

"That is good." Jungkook smiles as he carries his mate to the dining room.

Hoseok fondly smiles as he follows the mates to the dining room. He loves how warm and tender Jungkook is with his little brother.

"You trained very hard today. You must be exhausted." Jungkook softly hums as he sets his mate in a chair at the table.

"I am." Taehyung smiles and holds Jungkook's hand as Jungkook sits down.

"Here. You should eat a lot." Jungkook mutters and begins placing food on Taehyung's plate.

As Hoseok watches Jungkook take care of Taehyung, Soohyuk sits beside him and quietly adores him. Feeling the adoring gaze of the soon-to-be King, Hoseok blushes and suddenly grabs a roll and eats it.

"Here. You should have meat since you trained hard today." Soohyuk murmurs and places several pieces of meat on Hoseok's plate.

"O-oh." Hoseok stutters and avoids Soohyuk's gaze.

"I am sorry. Am I making you uncomfortable?" Soohyuk asks as he moves away from Hoseok.

"No! Not at all!" Hoseok suddenly shouts, then clamps his mouth shut in horror.

"We never went through that awkward phase," Jimin whispers to Yoongi as he feeds Yoongi.

"We never had the chance." Yoongi hums and munches on the food Jimin is feeding him.

"We only had each other." Jimin smiles and rests his head on Yoongi's shoulder.

"We will always have each other," Yoongi whispers and pecks Jimin's forehead. "Always."

When Namjoon and Seokjin walk into the dining room, they fondly watch Taehyung and Jungkook feed each other, Yoongi and Jimin cuddle and softly talk, and Hoseok and Soohyuk flirt awkwardly.

"Your children are happy." Soo-ah hums as she stands beside Seokjin.

"They are, but you and I know this happiness can be stripped within a split second." Seokjin sorrowfully whispers.

"That is why we as parents should treasure every moment of our children's laughter and joy." Soo-ah softly smiles at Seokjin and pats his shoulder.

"I will never let that bitch take my children from me again." Seokjin hisses and clenches his fists.

Namjoon quietly wraps his arms around his husband and hugs him. When his sister was born, their mother died, so he swore that he would protect her to the very end. However, she was born with a twisted soul. Namjoon watched in horror as his little sister grew to have a soul darker than any dark elf. He was young, so he did not realize that the advisors raising his sister were corrupt and craved power. His sister's soul was corrupted from a very young age; however, in the end, she chose the darkness. She saw the light and good in her older brother, but considered it weak. She chose the darkness of power.

"I want to fight with you. Minjae was my son as well." Soo-ah mutters with clenched fists.

"Chaeyoung is strong, so we will definitely need you." Namjoon hums and looks at his happy children.

"We should leave now before they realize." Jungho quietly tells them.

When Yoongi looks up, he looks at the entrance of the dining room in confusion. I thought I saw someone there. Yoongi looks around the large dining table in confusion. 

"Are we ready?" Jungkook asks after a few minutes.

"They should be sleeping now." Jimin hums and stands up.

"They think they can outsmart us." Taehyung scoffs and shakes his head.

"I did see them at the door." Yoongi chuckles when he sees them leaning against the wall, sleeping.

"We should place them in their rooms," Soohyuk mutters and picks up Soo-ah.

"Did they really think we would not notice they are planning something?" Hoseok clicks his tongue and shakes his head as Soohyuk places Soo-ah on the bed beside Jungho.

"We should leave before they awaken." Jungkook hums as he lays Namjoon down.

"Old people are so stubborn." Yoongi chuckles and gently places Seokjin next to Namjoon on the bed.

"They should sleep for a few hours," Taehyung mutters as he gently pulls the blanket over Namjoon and Seokjin.

"Watch over them," Jungkook tells the shadow wolves he leaves behind to guard the castle.

"Let's go." Yoongi hums and mounts a large shadow horse.

"We head north," Soohyuk mounts on a shadow horse.

"Ononi and I will fly. We will be able to spot any danger ahead." Taehyung tells Jungkook as Jungkook reaches down to help him mount the horse.

"Okay. Be careful." Jungkook smiles and leans down to kiss his mate.

"I love you." Taehyung softly pecks Jungkook's lips.

"Let's go!" Jimin whoops and spurs his horse.

Taehyung and Hoseok quickly soar into the sky and fly north ahead of the shadow horses. Jungkook quickly spurs his horse as he looks up at the two flying dragons. He smiles as the moon sparkles against the golden scales of his mate's dragon form. 

The shadow horses thunder out of the large castle courtyard and through the dark elven city. The people look out of their homes and watch in awe as the powerful horses fly past them. 

As they ride past the dragon nest, several of Taehyung's siblings join them. Earlier that day, Taehyung had sent them a message about the plan they had made during the night when they found out the parents were planning on sneaking off to fight on their own.

"Do not forget that the magician's wife can teleport! We must be quick!" Yoonah shouts to her brothers as she flies beside them.

"Trust me, my mate's shadows are fast." Taehyung grins and swoops down to fly beside his mate.

"Having fun?" Jungkook chuckles when he sees his mate's smile.

"So much!" Taehyung cheers and lands behind his mate on the large horse.

"That is good." Jungkook hums and reaches his arm back to hold onto Taehyung's leg to keep him steady on the galloping horse.

"At this pace, we will arrive in five days!" Jimin shouts as they reach the edge of the desert.

"Jungkook, will your soul be able to control the shadows for five days?" Soohyuk asks with worry as he looks at his little brother.

"You have us!" Chanyeol shouts and swoops down to scoop Jimin and Yoongi off their horses. Jimin shrieks as he is tossed into the air. Yoongi quickly reaches out and grabs Jimin, and then they land on the large dragon's back.

"Brute!" Jimin shouts as he clings to the large dragon, earning a puff of smoke from the laughing dragon.

Soohyuk gasps as Hoseok follows suit and tosses him into the air. The dark elf holds his breath until he has safely landed on the red dragon's large back.

Knowing that he is next, Jungkook disperses the shadows and stays calm as his mate tosses him into the air. The warrior skillfully lands on his mate's back and relaxes. With a smile, the warrior gently pats his mate's neck.

"We should arrive in three days' time!" Yoonah shouts and then turns to her dragon form.

Yoongi's and Jimin's eyes widen in awe as they soar over the desert. Yoongi lovingly wraps his arms around his lover and rests his chin on Jimin's shoulder. As Yoongi holds him, Jimin leans back and happily sighs.

"We are going to war against the elves, but I am happy right now." Jimin hums as he relaxes in his lover's embrace.

"Me too." Yoongi softly smiles and pecks Jimin's cheek. "Stay by my side the entire time. This will be the most dangerous thing we have ever done." Yoongi softly tells Jimin.

"I will not leave your side." Jimin smiles and closes his eyes.

"I see a golden barrier! It is the sand people!" Jungkook shouts when he sees the powerful barrier around the territory of the sand people.

They watch in awe as Zahra and her warriors mount up on large horses and ride after them. "The King has the sandstone placed in her armor! She is joining us!" Jimin shouts when he sees the golden stone in her breastplate.

"We will bring an end to the suffering the Elven Queen has caused," Jungkook mutters and looks to the mountains in the north.

Chapter 34: Twisted

When Seokjin and Namjoon awaken, they both sit up quickly and look around in surprise and confusion. "Mutt, what have you done?" Namjoon asks when he sees two shadow wolves sitting beside their bed.

"We have to hurry! We do not know how long we have been asleep!" Seokjin shouts as he scrambles out of the bed.

"Jungho! Soo-ah!" Namjoon shouts and rushes down the large castle corridor.

"Here!" Jungho responds as he and Soo-ah stumble out of their room into the corridor.

"How long did we sleep?" Soo-ah asks as she holds her dizzy head.

"I have no idea, but we must hurry," Namjoon mutters and looks at the large pack of shadow wolves. "Those wolves are reporting to Jungkook. He knows we have awakened."

"Here. Hurry." Soo-ah reaches her hands out to hold the people she will teleport with.

Namjoon quickly grabs Soo-ah's hand and holds Seokjin as Jungho wraps his arm around his wife's waist. When Soo-ah's eyes glow a bright yellow, light surrounds them, and then they are teleported. Seokjin closes his eyes as he holds onto Namjoon.

"We are here. I teleported us to the forest surrounding the castle." Soo-ah informs them as they take in their surroundings.

"She already knows we are here," Namjoon mutters and draws his large sword.

"Brother. What are you doing here?" A woman's mocking voice fills the dark forest.

"I am here to kill you." Namjoon calmly responds and begins marching through the forest.

"You would dare to kill me?" Chaeyoung scoffs and summons large hoards of monsters to kill her brother.

"What did you do to Minjae?" Seokjin asks as he grips his sword.

"Minjae? That pathetic human mutt?" Chaeyoung sneers, causing Seokjin to snarl with anger.

"Do not call my son a mutt!" Seokjin sends a large wave of green energy zipping toward the horde of monsters.

"But I thought you loved calling your human mixed children mutts." Chaeyoung's mocking laugh fills Seokjin with pure rage.

"You disgust me." Seokjin hisses as he rips his sword through a large monster.

"I disgust you? Rich coming from a mere slave!" Chaeyoung sneers as she watches through a mirror from the safety of her castle. "Now, where is your ragtag group of orphans?" She hums as she tries to use her magic to see where Jungkook and the others are. "I know they must not be far behind you. Where are they?" She growls in annoyance when she cannot find them.

"You touched my children. I will be the one to kill you." Seokjin snarls as he summons a large wave of green energy and sends it crashing down on the horde of monsters.

"This way!" Soo-ah shouts as she spots an opening in the horde of monsters.

"Seokjin!" Namjoon grabs Seokjin and drags him toward the opening.

"Fucking monsters," Jungho mutters and rains down bolts of purple lightning on the monsters.

As they run through the opening, Namjoon creates large ice walls to protect them from the raging monsters. The elven King makes sure to hold onto his husband to keep him by his side.

A cry of a large bird from above draws the attention of the elves and the human magician. Jungho gasps and covers his wife when a phoenix rains down a column of fire on them while Namjoon shoots several spears of ice at the fiery bird. 

"When I catch you, you will tell me what you did to my son." Seokjin snarls and continues to run toward the castle. The beautiful elf knows that his husband will protect him as he runs into danger.

When a large column of fire aims at Seokjin, Namjoon quickly creates a large ice shield and covers his husband with it. 

As they reach the edge of the forest, Seokjin and Namjoon hear Nari's voice, while Jungho and Soo-ah hear the voices of their three children. Seokjin freezes when he sees Nari climbing a large tree while giggling.

"Look at me!" Nari shouts at her parents.

"No. You cannot trick me." Seokjin mutters and tosses a dagger at the image of his dead daughter.

"Minjae. Jaehyun. Hwamin." Soo-ah whispers when she sees her three children playing beneath a large oak tree. "My babies." She cries and reaches her hands out to them.

"Soo-ah, they are phantoms." Jungho softly tells his wife. "We lost our babies. I could not protect them." He cries and wraps his wife in his arms.

"My babies." Soo-ah sobs as her husband holds her.

"Trust me. Those are not your babies." Namjoon mutters and impales the phantoms with ice.

"That bitch." Soo-ah snarls as her tears continue to stream down her face.

"Namjoon-ah, just how cold are you? You did not even flinch upon seeing the images of your own children." Chaeyoung cackles and watches as her brother's eyes fill with hatred and grief.

"You are the monster to use the images of my lost children against me." Namjoon snarls and looks at the castle in the distance.

"I wonder just how much pain you will be in when you watch your other children die." Chaeyoung sings and sends another wave of monsters toward Namjoon.

"I will not lose them. They are stronger than you." Namjoon growls and cuts down a monster that pops out of the ground.

"Then why were you planning on leaving them behind? Were you not afraid they would die?" Chaeyoung asks with a taunting voice.

"No. I just did not want them to face any more death." Namjoon grips his sword as he cuts down monster after monster. "They are young and have witnessed too much death," Namjoon whispers with grief in his voice and heart.

"Our children could easily tear you to pieces." Seokjin snarls and rips the head off of a monster.

"Namjoon, all of these monsters have human souls," Jungho mutters in horror as he examines the monsters.

"What did you do?" Namjoon whispers in horror as he looks at the many monsters surrounding them.

"They were failures." Chaeyoung hums and watches in amusement as her brother's eyes fill with more grief. "You have always been weak." She hums and leans back on her throne. 

"No. You have just always been a monster." Namjoon snarls and stabs a human-turned-monster.

"I am someone with a vision for the future. How is that considered being a monster?" Chaeyoung scoffs with a roll of her eyes.

"Because your future requires the spilled blood of the innocents," Namjoon mutters and looks at the many dead monsters.

"I am not the one killing them. You are." Chaeyoung calmly hums and watches as her brother's face twists with a scowl.

"You are the one who turned them into monsters and sent them to kill me. If I do not stop you, you will torture more innocent people and turn them into monsters." Namjoon hisses and cuts the head off of a monster.

"Namjoon, stop talking to her. She is not worth your time or distraction." Seokjin chastises his husband when he protects Namjoon from a monster he did not see.

"Yes, Love." Namjoon hums and turns his full attention to the fight at hand.

As they fight, more and more monsters fill the places of the dead monsters. Seokjin grimaces when he realizes he is fighting atop a large mound of dead bodies. He looks over at his husband and sees he is in a similar predicament.

Where are they? Seokjin wonders as he looks around for Jungkook and the others. He knows they are drawing near, but he is worried something has happened to them.

"Seokjin! Pay attention!" Namjoon shouts as he wraps his husband in a wall of ice to protect him from a phoenix.

Seokjin grunts as he lifts his sword to block the large column of fire. When the flames suddenly stop, and the phoenix cries out in pain, Seokjin lowers his sword and watches as a dragon flies in front of the moon.

"Appa!" Yoongi shouts as he aims another arrow at the injured phoenix.

"Yoongi!" Seokjin gasps as he watches many dragons fly above them.

When a powerful whistle fills the air, shadows flood the battlefield and devour the many monsters.

"Why would you leave us behind?!" Jimin shouts as he angrily glares at his parents.

"To get a head start!" Namjoon responds with a big smile.

"Head start?! All I see is an old man struggling!" Yoongi hisses as he aims an arrow at another phoenix.

"You are a menace." Namjoon huffs and then runs over to his husband. "Are you okay?" Namjoon asks and hugs his husband.

"I am." Seokjin smiles and looks around at the many dead monsters. "We killed most of the monsters, and then the children swoop in like heroes." He chuckles and gently wipes blood from Namjoon's face.

"Damn. They killed a lot." Jungkook mutters as he looks at the covered battlefield.

"Jungkook, look." Taehyung points out thousands of elven soldiers who are marching toward the battlefield.

"Appa! Father! Look to the south!" Jungkook shouts as he points to the large elven army that is being led by a large group of magicians.

"What do we do?" Yoongi asks and waits for his father's command.

"Kill them! We have to stop Chaeyoung." Namjoon looks up at the large group of dragons.

"You heard King Namjoon! Kill them!" Zahra's fierce voice fills the night air as she and her army thunder out of the forest.

"Appa! Father! Go! Kill the Elven Queen!" Jungkook shouts as he sends his shadows charging at the large elven army.

"Mutt! Watch out!" Seokjin shouts as he sends a spear of green energy toward the large man who is leaping in the air toward Jungkook.

"Tae! Duck!" Jungkook desperately summons a wall of shadows to shield his mate.

"Jungkook!" Taehyung turns to his human form to avoid the sudden enemy and catches his mate in his arms.

Jungkook's eyes widen in horror as the man grabs the shadows and destroys them. He gasps in pain as his shadows are killed by the unknown man.

"Jungkook." Taehyung tightens his embrace around his mate.

"I am okay. We have to kill him." Jungkook responds and looks at the man who is falling to the ground.

"Very well." Taehyung hums and folds his wings to fall toward the ground.

When they near the ground, Taehyung opens his wings and softly lands with his mate. "Yoongi! Jimin! Hoseok! Soohyuk! Fight with King Zahra against the elven army! We will handle him!" Jungkook shouts to Yoongi, Jimin, Hoseok, and Soohyuk.

"Do not die!" Jimin shouts in response.

"Do not worry about me! Go!" Jungkook responds and motions for them to leave. "Appa! Go! Kill the elven Queen!" He quickly motions for his parents to leave.

"Be safe!" Namjoon shouts before rushing toward the castle.

"What is that?" Taehyung asks in horror when the man from before faces them with blazing red eyes.

"I have no idea," Jungkook mutters as he draws his sword.

"Do not fight him with your shadows. I have a feeling he was created specifically to kill you." Taehyung clenches his sword and ignites it.

"I agree." Jungkook hums and then charges at the enemy.

When Jungkook's and Taehyung's swords hit the enemy's body, they are surprised by the strength of the man's body. Their swords hit the large man's body and bounce off. Jungkook is quick to push his mate aside and block the enemy's attack. Jungkook grunts as he blocks the blow of an enormous hammer.

As Jungkook distracts the enemy soldier, Taehyung sneaks from behind and leaps into the air. When Taehyung's blade falls on the enemy soldier, the soldier uses his other hand and smacks Taehyung, sending him flying toward a large tree, but the dragon unfurls his wings and softens his fall.

Taehyung hisses in frustration and leaps back to his feet. Without hesitation, the dragon charges toward the powerful enemy soldier and sends a blade of fire slicing against the enemy soldier's body.

"What is he?!" Taehyung shouts in horror when his fire does nothing to the enemy soldier.

"He was made to fight against us."

Chapter 35: Tear Everything Down

"King Zahra!" Jimin shouts as he fires five arrows from his bow to protect the powerful desert king.

"Thank you, small human!" Zahra shouts with a grin and slices down five enemy soldiers.

When Yoongi sees an elf aiming a large spear at a dragon, he quickly shoots the elf down and then watches as several dragons release large clouds of fire on the elven army.

"Do you really wish to fight against King Namjoon?!" Yoongi shouts from atop a powerful dragon as he looks down at the elven army.

"He abandoned us!" An elf shouts as he fires spheres of magical energy at the dragon Jimin and Yoongi are seated on.

"The Queen ruling over you killed King Namjoon's children. She is the reason he left to protect his family." Yoongi growls and leaps from the dragon.

When the human lands on the bloody ground, he pulls out two daggers from the belt around his waist and skillfully kills the elves surrounding him. As more elves surround Yoongi, Jimin's arrows fire down on them as Jimin protects his lover. With blood splattered on his face, Yoongi looks up at Jimin and smiles.

"Pay attention!" Jimin hisses and shoots several elves to protect his lover.

"Whatever my Moon says!" Yoongi shouts in response and turns his attention to the fight.

The human swiftly runs through the large army, slicing the throats of the elves in his way. When Zahra becomes overwhelmed with elves, Yoongi suddenly leaps into the air and fires several arrows at the elves.

"I thought you were powerful!" Yoongi shouts as he kills several enemy soldiers.

"There are many elven soldiers!" Zahra responds with a scowl as Yoongi playfully taunts her.

"Hmm, I am stronger than you." Yoongi grins and effortlessly slices the throats of the surrounding elves.

"Whatever makes you happy." Zahra chuckles and throws her large, golden sword, impaling six enemy soldiers in the chest.

"Not bad." Yoongi hums and throws a dagger into the throat of an enemy soldier.

As the bloody battle continues around the castle, Seokjin, Namjoon, Soo-ah, and Jungho fight the guards inside the castle.

"It looks like you have allies on your side." Chaeyoung hums as she watches the battle ensuing around the castle.

"That is what happens when you are good to people." Namjoon growls and cuts many guards down.

"Good to people." Chaeyoung mocks and then summons poisonous fog with a snap of her fingers.

When Jungho sees the purple fog rolling down the corridor toward them, he creates an energy shield around them. Seokjin's eyes widen in horror when the castle guards scream in agony as their skin burns from the poison.

"You would sacrifice the people you were supposed to protect." Namjoon hisses in disgust as he watches the guards collapse to the ground in pain.

"I will do anything for power," Chaeyoung mutters as she becomes agitated. She watches as Hoseok and Soohyuk fight together, skillfully killing the elven soldiers. Her large army is being destroyed by powerful dragons and the fighters on the ground. When she turns her attention to the soldier she created specifically to kill dragons and dark elves, she realizes that Taehyung and Jungkook are holding their own to keep him at bay.

"Namjoon, I have located her. She is in the tower." Jungho tells Namjoon when he is finally able to sense her energy.

"Go. We will fight off the soldiers." Seokjin tells his husband as he impales a guard.

"Be careful." Namjoon kisses Seokjin's forehead before running toward the tallest tower in the castle.

As Taehyung blows fire on the enemy soldier, Jungkook slams his sword against the side of the large enemy soldier. Jungkook grunts in pain when the enemy soldier hits him, sending him flying into the air. When Taehyung realizes Jungkook is about to slam into the side of the castle, he flies to catch him. From the force Jungkook was thrown, they both tumble to the ground and groan in pain.

"He is protected by magic." Jungkook grunts as he slowly stands to his feet.

"He must be the Queen's son," Taehyung mutters and winces as he takes his stance to face the enemy soldier.

"He acts more like a monster than a person. I wonder if she has his consciousness locked away and is controlling him." Jungkook wonders as he observes the large man.

"What do you want to do?" Taehyung asks when he notices that his mate is thinking of a plan.

"We will get nowhere if we keep trying to kill him. We need to restrain him and awaken him." Jungkook explains and looks at his mate.

"I agree." Taehyung nods and pulls out a golden rope from his armor.

"What is that?" Jungkook asks as Taehyung prepares the rope.

"Rope made from melted dragon scales," Taehyung responds and flaps his wings, leaping into the air. "It will hold him down!"

"I will distract him!" Jungkook shouts and lunges at the oncoming enemy.

As Jungkook fights the large soldier, Taehyung watches for an opening. "Herd him toward that pillar!" Taehyung shouts to his mate and points to the large castle pillar.

Without hesitation, Jungkook runs toward the pillar with the enemy chasing him from behind. "Duck!" Taehyung shouts and throws the golden rope. Hearing his mate's warning, Jungkook slides to the ground and curls up in a protective ball.

When the golden rope circles around the enemy soldier, Taehyung blows fire to activate the rope. As the fire activates the rope, it hardens around the large soldier and the pillar, concreting the soldier to the pillar. When Jungkook looks up, his eyes widen in surprise. He watches as the rope disables the soldier.

"Now, we have to find a way to wake him up," Taehyung mutters as he softly lands on his feet in front of the soldier.

"I cannot imagine the agony he is in. His mother killed his father and then tortured him to turn him into a beast made only for war." Jungkook mumbles and looks at the man with sorrow.

"He needs a cognitive realignment." Taehyung hums and suddenly grabs the man's head and slams it against the pillar.

Jungkook gasps as his mate violently slams the man's head into the pillar multiple times. When Taehyung stops, the man shakes his head and groans in pain.

"Appa." The man whimpers and struggles against the golden ropes around him.

"What the hell," Jungkook mutters and looks at Taehyung in shock.

"My Ina did that to a dragon that had been manipulated by magic. It worked." Taehyung calmly hums and approaches the whimpering man. "How old are you?"

"Seven." The man whimpers in fear as he looks at Taehyung.

"He's been manipulated by her magic ever since he was seven," Jungkook whispers in horror as he looks at the crying man.

"Appa. Where is my Appa?" The man cries as he looks at the strangers.

"He is not here right now, but he sent us to protect you." Taehyung softly responds to soothe the terrified man.

"We were sent to protect you from her." Jungkook gently tells the terrified man.

"Her. She hurt my Appa." The man whimpers and shivers in fear.

"We know. That is why we are protecting you." Taehyung reaches his hand up and gently cups the crying man's face to comfort him.

"You woke him up for now, but until she is dead, we cannot let him loose. She might activate her curse again." Jungkook tells his mate as his mate comforts the crying man.

"I agree. I hate to leave him here like this, but we have to go and help your parents." Taehyung responds.

"I know you are scared, but you have to stay here. If you do not stay here, she could hurt you." Jungkook gently tells the crying man.

"O-okay." The man sniffles and nods.

"We need to go." Jungkook softly tells his mate.

"Okay." Taehyung hums and gently pats the man's face before leaving with his mate. "We will return as quickly as we can. I promise." Taehyung smiles and then leaves with Jungkook.

"How were you able to break the spell like that?" Jungkook asks as they rush into the castle.

"My Ina said that doing that disrupts the flow of energy between the heart and the mind. Disrupting the flow of energy breaks some spells, especially spells of manipulation." Taehyung explains to his mate.

"Your Ina is quite incredible." Jungkook hums and smiles at his mate.

"She is." Taehyung smiles and kicks a door open.

"Where is she?" Jungkook mutters and looks around their surroundings.

"Somewhere she would feel safe." Taehyung mumbles as they explore the castle.

"Like a tower?" Jungkook asks and points out of the window at the large tower on the other end of the castle.

"Like a tower." Taehyung nods and runs to the window.

Jungkook slightly gasps when his mate grabs him and leaps out of the window. Once they are out of the window, Taehyung unfurls his wings and flies toward the top of the tower.

When Namjoon looks out of the tower staircase window, he sees Taehyung flying with Jungkook. Realizing they will reach Chaeyoung before he does, he speeds up his pace.

Once they reach the tower, Taehyung sets Jungkook on the roof and slams his foot onto the roof to break it. Chaeyoung gasps in surprise when she realizes Taehyung and Jungkook are on the roof of the tower. "Why can I not see them properly?" She hisses and creates a shield around the room to protect herself from the angry dragon.

"Bitch! Come out!" Taehyung shouts and slams his foot against the roof again. "If you do not come out, I will tear this tower to pieces!"

Jungkook draws his sword and fills it with dark energy as he lifts Zaniah above his head and brings it down against the roof. Taehyung's eyes widen when the roof begins to crumble beneath them. "Careful," Jungkook mutters and wraps his arm around his mate's waist as they fall into the tower room.

When Taehyung and Jungkook land in the room, Namjoon kicks the large, wooden door down. Chaeyoung's eyes widen in fear when she sees the three men looking at her with rage in their eyes.

"I will not kill you until you explain to my husband why you killed our children and what you did to Minjae." Namjoon snarls as he brandishes his sword.

"Do you have time for that?" Chaeyoung hums and shows Namjoon the footage of Yoongi being surrounded by elven soldiers.

"I am sure that I do." Namjoon calmly responds. "I broke him and built him up. He is strong." Namjoon smiles with pride.

"You are weak! How can you raise anyone to be strong?! Minjae and Nari died because of your weakness!" Chaeyoung shouts and summons a storm of dark energy.

"No. They died because of your darkness and greed." Jungkook snarls and summons a large hoard of shadows.

Namjoon's eyes widen with concern when he sees the darkness swirling around his son. He has never seen Jungkook summon such potent darkness before. As Namjoon shouts to calm Jungkook down, he sees the golden dragon slithering around Jungkook's body, glowing to protect Jungkook from his own darkness.

Taehyung gasps in pain as he absorbs Jungkook's excess darkness to protect his mate. Hearing his mate's pain, Jungkook moves to disperse the energy he gathered.

"No. Stop her." Taehyung grits out as he stands to his feet.

"Weak. Chaeyound scoffs and sends a spike of darkness hurling at Taehyung.

Without flinching, Jungkook creates a shield of darkness to protect Taehyung. "We will see whose darkness is stronger." Jungkook snarls and lunges at the woman who tried to kill his mate.

Taehyung grits his teeth as his mate's darkness tears his cells apart bit by bit. You cannot be your mate's weakness. Taehyung grips Kiran and absorbs the fire energy he had placed in Kiran.

Namjoon and Jungkook fight Chaeyoung as the tower begins to shake from the turbulent dark energy. When Chaeyoung sends hundreds of daggers of darkness flying through the room, Jungkook leaps in front of Taehyung to protect him. Taehyung quickly opens his wings and wraps his mate in the protection of his wings.

Before the daggers can pierce Taehyung's wings, Seokjin enters the room and creates a spike from his energy and pierces Chaeyoung in the chest.

"You killed my babies. I will be damned if I let you hurt any more of my babies." Seokjin snarls as his eyes glow a bright green. "Now, tell me, what did you do to my son?" He growls and marches toward Chaeyoung as she gasps in pain. "Tell me!"

"I will show you." Chaeoyng sneers and places her hand on Seokjin's forehead.

Seokjin gasps in pain when he hears his son's cries of pain. Mingled with his son's cries are Chaeyoung's mocking laughter as she tortures Minjae. Seokjin watches as Chaeyoung casts spell after spell to twist Seokjin's innocent son's mind.

"Nari died because of your father. He was too weak to protect any of you. If you do not bring Nari back, Seokjin will continue to be in pain. He always loved Nari more than he loved you. Namjoon never loved you as his son. He loved Nari more than he loved you. Your own parents abandoned you. Nari was the only one who loved you. However, you love Seokjin. You want to see him smile again. You cry when you see his broken eyes. You know it is Namjoon's fault. If you want justice for your little sister, you have to bring him to me so that I can end the man who killed your sister." Seokjin watches in horror as Chaeyoung feeds Minjae lies as she tortures him and causes him to live in constant agony.

He watches as his son's soul begins to crack, and his cries become more anguished. He watched as the years passed by, as Minjae cried out for them to save him. He and Namjoon raised Minjae to be kind and gentle. The elf watches as his son's beautiful and sweet soul is twisted to become gnarled and mangled.

"You tortured him just to hurt Namjoon." Seokjin grits out in pain as he wraps his fingers around Chaeyoung's throat. "You tortured our son just because you have a childish hatred for your brother, your brother who raised you and protected you! Has your soul always been this dark and filled with hatred?"

"He abandoned me for you! For a slave!" Chaeyoung chokes out as tears stream down her face. "He was always weak, but you made him weaker! He could never become who he was meant to be because of you! If only you had never appeared in his life! If only you had died in that slave camp!"

"You did not do this to hurt Namjoon. You did this to hurt me." Seokjin mutters when he realizes who Chaeyoung has always hated.

"You hypnotized him and ruined him!" Chaeyoung screams with hatred as she pierces her hand into Seokjin's chest to rip his heart out.

"No. He gave me life." Namjoon mutters and runs his sword through Chaeyoung's chest.

Chaeyoung gasps in pain as she collapses to the floor with her brother's sword twisted into her heart. 

When Seokjin shivers in pain, Namjoon quickly wraps him in his arms and holds him in his embrace. "I am okay," Seokjin mutters as he heals the wound on his chest.

"We need to leave." Jungkook quickly lifts his mate into his arms and runs out of the room.

Without hesitation, Namjoon picks up his husband and races out of the crumbling tower. As Namjoon leaves without a second glance, Chaeyoung chokes on her blood and watches as her brother leaves her behind.

"You always chose him over me."

Chapter 36: Dawn

When Namjoon rushes out of the tower exit, the tower crumbles behind him, so he quickly ducks to the ground and wraps himself around his husband.

"Are you okay?!" Jungho asks as he and his wife rush toward them.

"We are okay," Namjoon mutters and cradles his husband in his arms.

"She took him in the night, that night he disappeared. She tortured him to turn him into a monster." Seokjin whispers as a tear trickles down his face. "She is the assassin who killed Nari. She killed our children."

"I am so sorry, my Love." Namjoon cries and snuggles his face against Seokjin's face.

"You have done nothing wrong. Please do not apologize." Seokjin sniffles and wraps his arm around his husband. "Just like we found Nari, we will find Minjae."

"Yes." Namjoon nods and tightens his embrace around his husband.

When the elven army sees that the tower is nothing but a pile of rubble, they drop their weapons and fall to their knees. Yoongi and Soohyuk pant as they look around at the countless bodies surrounding them.

"Finally. Peace." Zahra whispers and wipes off the blood dripping down her face.

"Yoongi!" Jimin jumps off the dragon he is on and runs over to his lover. "Are you okay?"

"I am okay." Yoongi smiles and hugs his life partner.

"Something happened with Jungkook," Jimin mutters as he snuggles in Yoongi's embrace.

"He probably used too much energy again." Yoongi calmly hums and lifts Jimin into his arms.

"Crown Prince Soohyuk, are you okay?" Hoseok asks as he walks over to the dark elf.

"I am." Soohyuk smiles as he looks at the handsome dragon.

"Good." Hoseok hums and stands next to the dark elf.

Once Taehyung recovers from the pain, he and Jungkook quickly rush over to the man they left tied up. When they reach him, they notice that his gaze has changed from before.

"She must be dead." The man calmly mutters as he looks at Jungkook and Taehyung.

"She is," Taehyung responds and observes the man.

"I am guessing that you are no longer seven." Jungkook hums and approaches the man.

"You are correct. I am forty-three years old." The elven prince answers as he scrutinizes the half-human, half-dark elf before him.

"We are cousins," Jungkook explains when he notices the prince's expression.

"Has King Namjoon returned?" The prince asks in surprise and awe.

"Not really sure." Taehyung hums and then breathes fire on the ropes to melt them off the man.

"You are beautiful." The elven prince mutters in awe as he admires the beautiful dragon.

"I am mated." Taehyung quickly answers and moves to Jungkook's side.

"Pity." The man chuckles and looks at Jungkook.

"Follow us." Jungkook calmly tells the elven prince.

When they approach Namjoon, Jungho's and Soo-ah's eyes widen because the elven prince looks just like their oldest daughter. Noticing their expressions, Namjoon realizes who the elven man looks like.

"I am guessing you are Crown Prince Kangjoon." Namjoon smiles as he looks at his nephew.

"I am," Kangjoon responds with an excited smile.

"How are you feeling? I was informed that my son's mate was quite rough with you." Namjoon chuckles while Taehyung smiles proudly.

"I am okay. I would not complain if he did it again." Kangjoon playfully grins and winks at Taehyung.

"Mated." Taehyung huffs and wraps his arm around Jungkook to make his point.

"Sad." Kangjoon playfully pouts.

"So, the elven prince is a flirt." Jimin chuckles as he watches the interaction.

"Please, tell me you are not mated already," Kangjoon begs as he admires the beautiful man.

"I am a human with a human lover. I might as well be mated." Jimin calmly responds while Yoongi scowls.

"Someone does not look happy." Hoseok softly snickers while Yoongi turns his scowl toward him.

"What about you?" Kangjoon grins and winks at Hoseok.

"Too busy." Hoseok hums and waves the prince off.

"Have I just been rejected three times in a row?" The Crown Prince asks in playful horror as he looks around at the beautiful men.

"Yes, you have." Yoongi proudly smiles and wraps Jimin in his arms.

"Uncle, they are brutal to my weak heart." Kangjoon playfully whimpers in pain.

Seokjin and Soo-ah sorrowfully watch as Kangjoon hides the emotional agony he is in with his playful demeanor. They both see through his smile. They see the cracks in his soul and heart.

"Go. Take care of him." Seokjin whispers to Soo-ah when he sees how she is looking at her daughter's incarnation.

"Crown Prince, you have some injuries. You should come with me." Soo-ah gently tells the elven prince.

"Okay, Eomma." The prince smiles, causing Soo-ah to gasp in shock.

"I-I ... uh-"

"Everything she did to me unlocked my past memories. I know you have both been with me for every life." Kangjoon softly tells the couple, who are looking at him with teary eyes.

Soo-ah suddenly embraces the prince and hugs him as she cries. Her daughter's past two incarnations did not recognize her, so hearing that the prince recognizes her heals some of the pain in her heart.

"Brother is a girl in this life," Kangjoon tells his surprised parents as he hugs his mother.

"Really? Is she okay? Where is she?" Jungho asks as he looks around.

"I hid her. She does not have the memories I do, but I recognize her." Kangjoon explains to his parents.

"Is she happy?" Soo-ah asks as she looks into Kangjoon's gentle gaze.

"She is. She has a husband and three children." Kangjoon softly responds. "I have been looking for Minjae's reincarnation, but I have not been able to find him. I am sorry."

"You did not know," Seokjin whispers as he looks at the prince.

"Know what?" Kangjoon asks and looks at his parents.

"Minjae did not die in the fire with you two. Jungho was only able to rescue Minjae. King Namjoon and Queen Seokjin raised Minjae. He lived a very happy life for many, many years until Chaeyoung captured him and tortured him. She twisted his soul, and he died recently." Soo-ah explains to Kangjoon.

"What did she do to Minjae?" Kangjoon whispers with teary eyes.

"You do not need to know. Just know he is at peace now." Jungho softly tells Kangjoon.

"He was always the sweet one." Kangjoon cries and leans into his mother's embrace.

"When he reincarnates, we will find him and protect him." Namjoon softly tells his crying nephew.

After a few minutes, Kangjoon controls his emotions and begins worrying about his people. "Uncle, will you teach me how to be a good King?"

"I will do my best." Namjoon softly smiles and pats Kangjoon's back.

"I am going to care for the injured. King Zahra has already started setting up medical tents." Seokjin tells his husband.

"Do not overwork yourself." Namjoon hugs his husband.

"We will go with him and help," Jungkook tells his father.

"Good. There are many injured soldiers." Namjoon nods in agreement.

For the next three days, they work nonstop to take care of the injured while Namjoon and Kangjoon travel throughout the elven kingdom to ensure the people have what they need to rebuild the kingdom. Many of the elven people are surprised to find out they have a Crown Prince, while others cry when they see Namjoon.

As Namjoon and Kangjoon travel throughout the kingdom, Namjoon feels his heart clench with pain. The people he loves are struggling to find food. He listens as each village elder tells him about the heavy taxes that have bled the people dry.

Seeing how the people are struggling, Kangjoon sends officials to explore the castle to find grain reserves. Once the grain and seed reserves are found, Kangjoon distributes them to the people to plant and turn into food. The elven kingdom is quickly filled with praises for Namjoon and their future King. They all sing about how their legendary King has returned and is training their future King.

Namjoon watches his nephew with pride as Kangjoon listens to the cries of his suffering people. He looks into Kangjoon's eyes and sees genuine care and concern for the elven people.

"Remember, it hurts the people to wage war against other kingdoms. The only time you should be at war is to protect the people. If you see that a kingdom is making moves to attack you, make the first move and snuff them out. Your duty is to the people. When I was a husband, father, and King, I chose my family over the kingdom. You will also face difficult choices in the future. I pray you will make the right decision when you face difficult times." Namjoon tells his nephew as they sit in a tavern together.

"This is why I do not wish to marry. I would make the same decision as you. My family would be more important to me." Kangjoon mutters and looks at his ale.

"You have people on your side who will protect your family. You are not alone, like I was. If I had support, I would have been able to protect my family and my kingdom." Namjoon softly tells Kangjoon.

"Then I will think about it." Kangjoon hums with a smile and drinks his ale.

As Taehyung stands in front of the rubble from the tower, he wonders how he can drag Chaeyoung's body out and burn it to release her soul to go to where it deserves to be.

"We can burn the whole pile," Yoonah tells her younger brother as she walks up to him.

"She deserves to go on, whether that is to Hades, Heaven, or the next life," Taehyung mutters and looks at his older sister.

"Then, we should release her." Hoseok hums and drapes his arm over Taehyung's shoulders. "So, hopefully, she will suffer in Hades."

"With all of our fire, we should be able to burn everything," Chanyeol mutters and pops his neck in anticipation.

"Very well. I hope you rest in agony." Taehyung huffs and breathes out a column of powerful fire.

Jungkook watches in awe as the dragons burn the rubble to ashes. He watches as the powerful flames lick up every trace of the tower and Chaeyoung's remains and light up the night sky.

"To be a dragon." Soohyuk hums and stands next to his brother.

"Being a dragon comes with a lot of responsibilities. They know just how powerful they are, yet they do not use that to oppress people." Jungkook responds as he proudly watches his mate.

When the flames die out, Taehyung kneels down and lifts up a handful of ashes. He watches as they blow out of his hand and are carried by the wind.

"Now that it is gone, we can relax more," Hoseok mutters and unfurls his wings to blow the ashes away.

"Agreed." The other dragons respond and join Hoseok to blow the ashes away.

Within a few moments, there is no trace left of the tower or Chaeyoung. Taehyung sits down and looks up at the horizon to watch the sun rise over a new day.

As the sun rises, Seokjin looks up from the injured woman he is taking care of and watches as the sun rises. "A new day." He whispers with a smile.

"Justice makes the dawn quite beautiful." Namjoon hums as he walks over to his husband and watches how the vibrant sunrise causes his husband's face to glow.

"It does." Seokjin smiles as he turns his head to look at his handsome husband.

"You look tired." Namjoon kneels in front of his husband and gently cups his face in his hands.

"I am tired." Seokjin softly laughs and pecks Namjoon's lips.

"Then, you need to rest." Namjoon stands up and reaches his hand down to help his husband up.

"I need to finish taking care of her first." Seokjin fondly smiles up at his husband.

"Very well. Tell me what I can do to assist you." Namjoon smiles and looks around the tent.

"Sit next to me and wait patiently. Do not break anything." Seokjin chuckles and motions for Namjoon to sit next to him.

"I can do that." Namjoon grins and sits beside his husband.

The powerful elf fondly watches as his husband carefully heals the woman's injuries. He loves how Seokjin cares for each patient with dedication and devotion to their health and comfort. 

Once Seokjin has finished healing the woman, he and Namjoon leave the tent together and walk to the castle. As they walk past the space where the tower was, they are surprised to see nothing remains except for the dragons sitting in a circle together with their eyes closed.

"They are cleansing the area of dark energy," Soohyuk explains to Seokjin and Namjoon.

"Dragons are incredible." Seokjin hums while he watches flames dance in the air as the dragons burn up any remaining dark energy.

"It is clean now," Taehyung mutters and opens his golden eyes. "It is officially a new day."

Chapter 37: Dreams Become Reality

The Elven Kingdom is filled with celebration as Namjoon places the golden crown on King Kangjoon's head. The people shout and cheer as they welcome a new era. Firecrackers spark throughout the Capitol as the people celebrate their new King.

"Long live the King!" The elven people cheer as their King walks out of the castle to greet them.

Many children run up to their new King and give him the flowers they have picked. He smiles and kneels in front of them to accept their precious gifts.

"Stay healthy." A child smiles as she hands her bundle of wildflowers to the King.

"Thank you." Kangjoon smiles and pats the child's head.

When the sun sets, fireworks fly into the sky and ignite the night sky with vibrant colors as the people continue to celebrate. As the festivities continue throughout the night, Namjoon and Seokjin stand on their balcony and watch the happy people celebrate.

"I wondered if we would return." Seokjin hums as he leans against his husband's bare chest.

"Me too." Namjoon whispers and pecks his husband's neck. 

"Did you miss your home?" Seokjin quietly asks as he tilts his head to give his husband more access to his neck.

"The only time I missed my home was when we were separated. You are my home." Namjoon lovingly responds and caresses his husband's body.

"Me too." Seokjin smiles and presses a kiss on Namjoon's cheek.

"I love you so much." Namjoon whispers and slides his hands beneath his husband's white silk shirt.

"I love you too." Seokjin hums and arches his lithe body as his husband lovingly touches him.

"Catch it!" Jimin shouts as he chases the lantern he released too soon. His shouts draw Namjoon and Seokjin's attention as they look down at the courtyard where the others are celebrating.

As Jimin jumps up to catch the lantern, Zahra grabs it for him and hands the lantern to him with a smile.  "Thank you!" Jimin cheers as he holds his lantern.

Yoongi fondly smiles as he watches Jimin carefully hold onto the lantern. "Look! It is so pretty." Jimin coos as he shows his lover his lantern.

"It is." Yoongi hums and wraps Jimin in his arms. 

When the King's lantern floats into the sky, everyone releases their lanterns, filling the night sky with warm, flickering light. Jimin's eyes widen in awe as he watches the beautiful sight. As their lantern floats away, Yoongi nestles his face in Jimin's hair and breathes in his lover's soft scent.

"Wow! Look!" The children gasp as Jungkook summons little, floating shadows.

When the shadows float away, the children chase them with giggles. Jungkook and Taehyung fondly watch as the children run around with happy smiles. "They are so happy." Taehyung hums and wraps his arms around Jungkook.

"They are." Jungkook smiles and kisses Taehyung's soft lips.

As Hoseok fondly watches his little brother, Soohyuk walks over to him and stands beside him. "How are you feeling?" Soohyuk asks Hoseok as he watches the children run around.

"Happy. Taehyung is healthy and happy." Hoseok smiles and leans against the tree he is standing next to.

"Would you allow me to visit you at the nest?" Soohyuk quietly asks as he admires the beautiful, ruby-red dragon.

"Sure." Hoseok hums with a grin and walks away to calm down his fluttering heart.

"They are flirting," Taehyung whispers to Jungkook.

"They have been flirting quite a bit." Jungkook chuckles and watches as his older brother places his hand on his heart and smiles.

When the sun rises, they all stumble to their rooms, completely exhausted. Taehyung sleepily coos as his mate curls up around him and litters his head with loving kisses. "Sleep well, my Love," Jungkook whispers as his eyes droop shut.

"You too, Koo." Taehyung hums and falls asleep.

As Hoseok sleepily shuffles to his room, he watches as Soohyuk goes to the room across from his. He stands at his door and quietly contemplates wishing Soohyuk sweet dreams. 

When Soohyuk hears a knock at his door, he opens it and is surprised to see Hoseok standing at his door. "I hope you have pleasant dreams." Hoseok awkwardly mutters before rushing back to his room.

"Sweet dreams!" Soohyuk shouts, causing Hoseok to scream in horror and fall facedown on his bed.

Later that afternoon, they all sleepily leave their rooms because they can smell the delicious scent of food. Because Jimin is so tired, he lifts his arms and cutely demands that his lover carry him, so Yoongi lifts Jimin bridal style and carries him with a grin on his face.

As they all sit at the large table, an announcement is made by a page announcing the arrival of a princess. Kangjoon sleepily looks up from his food with a frown on his face. "Now?" He asks as he looks at the page.

"You are King, so you can decide whether you want to see her now or not." Namjoon chuckles as Kangjoon has a big pout on his face.

"Oh, right. Then tell her that I will greet her tomorrow at breakfast." Kangjoon mutters and returns to his food.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The page smiles and bows, then leaves the large dining room.

"Remember, you do not have to feel pressured to marry anyone you do not wish to." Soo-ah softly tells her son.

"Yes, Eomma." Kangjoon smiles and happily eats.

"I am intrigued to see the princess. She was fast." Taehyung yawns and crawls into his mate's lap.

"We will see her in the morning." Jungkook chuckles and helps his mate settle in his lap.

"Okay, I have eaten enough. I am returning to bed." Jimin yawns and stands up from his chair.

"Jimin, you are not used to this, but a King is at the table." Namjoon chuckles as he watches Jimin prepare to leave without asking the King for permission.

"Do not worry about it. None of you has to treat me as someone above you." Kangjoon smiles, which earns a grateful smile from Jimin.

"Thank you." Jimin hums and leaves the room with Yoongi happily trailing behind.

The next morning, they all awaken with curiosity and filter into the throne room to see the princess. Once everyone has taken their place, the large, golden throneroom doors open.

"Princess Elle of Folvanger!" The page at the door announces as a woman with golden hair and crystal blue eyes enters the throne room.

Namjoon watches as Kangjoon's eyes widen in surprise. "Elle." The King whispers as she walks into the room.

"Your Majesty." She smiles and curtsies.

"Can we be alone?" Kangjoon asks as he does not take his eyes off her enchanting blue eyes.

"Of course." Namjoon grins and swiftly leaves the room.

"I smell something suspicious," Soo-ah whispers to Seokjin as they walk out of the room.

"Me too," Seokjin mutters and takes a quick glance into the throneroom as the doors close.

"I wish we could see what was happening." Jimin sighs and crosses his arms.

"We will when he needs us." Namjoon softly laughs and pats Jimin's head.

After some time, the doors open once again. They all stare when they see a bright smile on his face.

"I am getting married!" Kangjoon joyfully announces as he holds the princess's hand.

"Congratulations!" Namjoon walks over and reaches his hand out to shake his nephew's hand.

"Thank you, Uncle." Kangjoon smiles and shakes Namjoon's hand.

"She is lovely." Soo-ah coos and adores the beautiful princess while the princess blushes and shyly looks at the ground.

As Namjoon and Jungho look at the princess, they scrutinize her because her timing is interesting. They are both ecstatic for Kangjoon, but he has been manipulated for most of his life, so a woman suddenly showing up and being from Kangjoon's past is suspicious. When Jungkook notices that his father seems wary of the princess, he summons a shadow to investigate her.

"She is a witch," Taehyung whispers to Jungkook.

"I noticed that as well." Jungkook hums and motions for his shadow to move.

"Should I bang his head on something?" Taehyung mutters as he keeps his eye on Kangjoon.

"Just wait." Jungkook chuckles.

"Hmm." Taehyung hums and walks over to the Elven King. To everyone's surprise, the dragon smacks Kangjoon on the back of the head very hard. Kangjoon stumbles from the force as his eyes widen in surprise.

"What was that for?" Kangjoon asks as he frowns at Taehyung.

"Not hard enough." Taehyung hums and smacks him with the butt of his sword. "There." Taehyung grins when Kangjoon looks around in confusion.

"What is going on?" Kangjoon asks as he lets go of the woman's hand.

Namjoon quickly apprehends the woman and slams her to the marble floor. "I knew it." He hisses and ties her hands behind her back.

"Lady, you forgot that he was raised in a cell his entire life." Seokjin clicks his tongue in disapproval.

"She must have been one of Chaeyoung's acquaintances," Jungho grumbles while the guards escort the woman away.

"She did not scream or anything." Taehyung hums and looks at Kangjoon to ensure he is okay.

"You are still susceptible to spells, so be careful." Soo-ah gently tells her son.

"I do not even know what happened," Kangjoon mutters as he looks at everyone.

"What do you last remember?" Soo-ah asks as she tries to calm him.

"The doors opening." He sighs and rubs his head. "How hard did you hit me?" He frowns and looks at Taehyung.

"Pretty hard." Taehyung grins and pats Kangjoon's shoulder.

"You enjoy hitting me." Kangjoon pouts.

"I do." Taehyung laughs and leans into his mate's embrace.

"Well, I guess you are too beautiful to be mad at." Kangjoon grins and winks at Taehyung.

"As conflicted as I feel saying this, that is more like you." Jungkook sighs and shakes his head.

"Here, take this." Jungho hands his son a talisman to protect him from spells. "It will help."

"What if this happens again once you all leave?" Kangjoon whispers as he clings to the talisman.

"Jungho and I are not leaving. We will stay here with you." Soo-ah softly tells her son, who looks at her with big eyes.

"You will?" Kangjoon asks as he engulfs his mother in a tight hug.

"We will." Jungho softly smiles and pats his son's back.

"Do you honestly think you could do this alone?" Taehyung playfully scoffs as Kangjoon pouts.

"You reject me, then you bully me." The King pouts as Taehyung softly laughs.

"Do not worry. I will hit you in the back of the head whenever you need me to." Taehyung playfully smiles.

"Thank you. Really." Kangjoon hums and reaches his hand out to Taehyung.

"Wow. Dragons are fierce. I want to be just as fierce." Jimin grins and imitates when Taehyung smacks Kangjoon on the back of the head.

To help Kangjoon acclimate to being King, they stay in the elven kingdom for three weeks to assist him, while Soohyuk returns to the dark elven kingdom to take care of his people. As Kangjoon sits in front of Namjoon, he takes in every detail that Namjoon tells him. He listens as Namjoon teaches him how to take care of the people and ensure they are prosperous.

"If a kingdom's people are not happy and healthy, then the kingdom will not flourish. Everything starts with the people on the lowest tier. You must remember to take proper care of them." Namjoon reminds Kangjoon, who eagerly nods. "Make sure that the wealthy and powerful are not the only ones being educated. Make sure that you can hear the voices of your people. Remember to leave the castle and mingle with your people."

"Yes, Sir." Kangjoon hums and writes down everything Namjoon tells him.

"Winter is harsh for the people in the north. You must stock up on supplies over the summer to be able to send them aid."

"Yes, Sir." Kangjoon nods and eagerly waits for more information.

"In your military, let anyone skilled enough rise through the ranks. Do not let the wealthy exclude others."

As Namjoon teaches Kangjoon, Seokjin enters the library and sits to listen. He remembers wondering what it would be like for Namjoon to have taught Minjae how to be the next King. He would dream about Nari playing around them while Namjoon trained Minjae. He dreamed about Nari beating her older brother in various competitions. He dreamed about Minjae running off all of Nari's suitors. He had many dreams, and watching Namjoon teach Kangjoon is fulfilling part of his dreams.

"Sometimes, our dreams come to life differently than we expected them to." 

Chapter 38: Love

The large dragon nest erupts with cheers as their Crown Prince and his mate return to the nest. Taehyung's youngest siblings shout and race each other to hug their older siblings.

"Crown Prince Taehyung returns victorious!" The people shout as sparks ignite the sky, and dragons soar overhead.

"We are so proud of you." Nara hums as she hugs her son.

"Thank you, Ina." Taehyung smiles and snuggles in his mother's embrace.

"King Namjoon and Queen Seokjin, thank you for protecting my children." Hwal reaches his hand out to shake Namjoon's and Seokjin's hands.

"Your children are very strong." Namjoon's words fill Hwal with pride.

"So are yours." Hwal grins and smacks Jungkook on the arm.

"Since your oldest child has mated with our son, we invite you to call this nest your home. You have protected the nest with your blood, and we can never thank you enough. I know that you love to travel; however, when you are weary with travel, return here." Nara addresses Namjoon and Seokjin with a respectful bow of her head.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Seokjin hums and bows in response. "We would love to accept your kindness and warmth."

"There is a dragon hatching! The day the Crown Prince returns victorious with his mate, an egg is hatching!" The people shout with praise, their eyes filled with awe.

Jungkook gasps when his mate grabs his hand and begins running toward the hatching egg. Everyone gathers around the hatching nest to watch as the green egg hatches. "She is beautiful." The father cries as he lifts his hatchling into his arms. "She looks like you." The mother cries and kisses her mate's cheek.

"They have been waiting ten years for their egg to hatch," Nara explains to Seokjin, whose eyes widen in surprise.

"Many would have given up by now, but they have prayed at the temple every night for their daughter's hatching."

"Their love and dedication have rewarded them with a beautiful daughter." Seokjin hums and looks at his husband.

"As did ours." Namjoon smiles and points to Yoongi, Jimin, and Jungkook.

"You are right." Seokjin tearily whispers and wraps his husband in his arms. "My dear husband, I do not believe I have properly said this to you, but thank you. Thank you for giving up your throne for our family. I know you grieved for your people, but thank you."

"I would give up anything for you." Namjoon whispers and buries his face in the crook of his husband's neck. "The moment we met, I knew I would give up everything for you."

For the next three days, the nest is filled with celebration and festivities. As Jungkook and Taehyung stand on the balcony, Jungkook notices that Taehyung's stomach is glowing.

"What does this mean?" Jungkook asks as he places his hand over Taehyung's stomach.

"Our energy is ready to form an egg," Taehyung explains with a soft smile as he gently places his hand on his stomach.

"How do we make an egg?" Jungkook eagerly asks as he looks into his mate's beautiful eyes.

"Would you like me to show you?" Taehyung hums and softly kisses his mate's lips.

"Yes," Jungkook murmurs against Taehyung's lips and lifts him in his arms.

"Then, I will teach you how to properly mate a dragon." Taehyung whispers and nips his mate's bottom lip.

"I am eager to learn." Jungkook grins and sets Taehyung on the large bed.

Jungkook gasps as his mate suddenly pulls him onto the bed and straddles him. He watches as his mate unties his shirt.

"It is not about sperm and egg like humans. Mating with a dragon is about syncing our energies. It just so happens that the best way to sync our energies is to mate." Taehyung explains and grinds on the bulge in his mate's pants.

"What do I do?" Jungkook asks as his fingers flit down the sides of his mate's muscularly slim body.

"Just love me," Taehyung whispers as he leans down and presses their lips together. "Love me until our energy has formed an egg." 

"I can do that for an eternity." Jungkook hums and slips his mate's clothes off. "Loving you is in my nature."

As Taehyung slides his mate into him, fireworks fill the night sky and decorate their bedchambers with vibrant colors. Jungkook watches, entranced, as his mate's golden eyes light up with each explosion of color. The warrior's large hands engulf his mate's waist as Taehyung rides him. He watches as small puffs of smoke leave his mate's soft lips with each bounce.

When little whines leave his mate's chest, Jungkook flips them over and lies his mate beneath him. Taehyung cries out in pleasure when his mate's tongue flicks over his nipple, and his mate's hands glide up and down his erect penis.

As their emotions and heart rates soar, golden and black energy begins to swirl around them. Jungkook's eyes widen when the golden dragon on his body begins to move and glow.

"Kiss me." Taehyung pulls his mate into a head-spinning kiss as the room suddenly flashes with a bright light.

Jungkook moans into the kiss as he cums inside of his mate. As he pulls away from the kiss and pants to catch his breath, he notices a black egg with golden swirls floating in the middle of their room. His eyes widen in awe as he stares at the glowing egg.

When Jungkook looks at his mate, he sees tears streaming down his mate's smiling face. "Our hatchling is going to be beautiful." Taehyung hums and pulls Jungkook into his embrace.

"Definitely." Jungkook hums and wraps his mate in his embrace.

As Jungkook cradles his mate in his arms, he notices a stream of golden energy flowing toward the egg from Taehyung.

"What is this?" Jungkook asks as he brushes his fingers through the golden stream.

"I am the ina, so I am feeding energy to grow our hatchling," Taehyung explains and watches as Jungkook's eyes fill with curiosity.

"You must be exhausted," Jungkook mutters and buries his mate in his embrace.

"I am." Taehyung softly hums and snuggles his face in the crook of his mate's neck.

"Sleep, my Dear," Jungkook whispers and gently rubs his mate's back.

When morning comes, Taehyung stretches and realizes his mate never pulled out. He blushes and squeals in embarrassment when he realizes he passed out not long after making an egg.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook asks when he hears his mate's embarrassed squeal.

"I did not even ask if you liked our egg before I fell asleep," Taehyung grumbles with a pout.

"I love our egg." Jungkook smiles and pecks his mate's forehead.

"You do?" Taehyung asks with sparkling eyes.

"I do." Jungkook hums and gently brushes his fingers down his mate's back. 

"My Ina said that making an egg happens quickly if the mates share a deep bond. It happened really fast for us." Taehyung mutters as he thinks about how quickly their egg was formed.

"Well, that makes me happy." Jungkook smiles and looks at the egg floating in the middle of their room. "How long until our baby hatches?"

"Most eggs take a year. There are some rare exceptions when it takes longer." Taehyung explains with a smile.

"I hope our little hatchling hatches quickly." Jungkook hums as he sits up with his mate in his arms.

When Taehyung suddenly moans, Jungkook freezes because he realizes he is still inside his mate. "S-sorry. I uh did not mean to." He shyly mutters, which causes Taehyung to laugh with endearment.

"It is okay. Just carry me to the bath and then pull out." Taehyung smiles and pecks his mate's soft lips.

Once they are bathed and clean, they walk over to their egg to examine it. Jungkook watches as Taehyung reaches out and holds their egg. "We will take our egg to a priest to make sure our energy sync was truly successful," Taehyung tells his mate.

When they walk out of their bedchambers, they are surprised to see their large family standing there, eagerly waiting to see the egg.

"Why take my future grandchild to a priest when I am the Queen, and he is a powerful healer?" Nara hisses and opens her hands to examine the egg.

"Oh." Taehyung softly laughs and carefully hands the egg to his mother.

"There is energy of a hatchling in the egg," Seokjin announces with big eyes as he stares at the black and gold egg.

"The color of the egg does not denote the color of the hatchling. The egg is black and gold because the parents' energies are black and gold." Hwal explains when he sees many questions in the eyes of the non-dragons.

"My little ononi has made a hatchling before me." Chanyeol fake cries and pouts at his mate, who is scowling at him.

"We should go and place your egg in the hatching nest," Nara tells her son as she hands the egg back to him.

"We are going to be grandparents," Namjoon whispers in awe as he stares at the egg.

"I recognize the energy of the egg." Seokjin quietly tells his husband.

"You do? Whose energy is it?" Namjoon asks as they follow Jungkook and Taehyung to the nest.

"I am not sure, but I recognize it," Seokjin mutters and wraps his arm around his husband's waist.

As Taehyung places his egg in the nest, several people filter in to see the egg of a future royal hatchling. They all whisper amongst themselves as they wonder what color the hatchling will be.

"If our grandchild is golden, you and I get to retire after ruling for 1,357 years," Hwal whispers to his mate in anticipation.

"Retirement sounds nice, but I promised Taehyung that he would get to travel with his mate for many years," Nara tells her pouting mate.

"We have ruled for a long time. I guess we can wait to retire for a few more years." Hwal sighs and fondly looks at the egg.

"Yoonah and Junho's egg will hatch soon." Nara hums as she looks at the egg next to Taehyung and Jungkook's egg.

"It took them many years to be able to form their first egg since they mated for political reasons." Hwal hums and looks at his oldest child.

"It took you and me a thousand years to be able to form our first egg since we were separated by war and did not get along." Nara softly laughs as she looks at the dragon she had hated for many years. "I wish I had come to love you sooner. I regret the time I fought against you. You were always there for me." Nara whispers and gently kisses her mate.

"Waiting for you was worth it. I would wait for you for eternity if I had to." Hwal lovingly smiles and hugs his mate.

As Hwal hugs Nara, she remembers all the times she sent Hwal away to war, to danger. He never once complained or got angry with her. She saw the hurt in his eyes when she kept turning him away. It took several arrows to his chest for her to realize she was about to lose someone who had loved her for a thousand years. Seeing him struggling to breathe so that he could see her before he died broke her. She realized she had fallen in love with him many years before. She realized his gaze always comforted her, and his strength made her feel safe. When she had to fight alone and felt small against her enemies, he came and protected her without complaint.

"I love you so much," Nara whispers with teary eyes as she wraps her mate in her arms and wings.

As Nara wraps him in her wings, Hwal remembers the day he was dying, and she wept by his side. To save him, Nara gave him her heart. He remembers the anguish that filled him when her heart began to beat with his. He remembers that the moment he sat up, she wrapped him in her arms and wings as if to protect him from anyone who would harm him.

"I love you too, my Queen," Hwal whispers and tightens his embrace around his mate.

The night that Nara had given Hwal her heart, they mated for the first time and created Yoonah by surprise. When Hwal saw the egg floating in the middle of their bedchambers, he realized that Nara had loved him for a long time. As Nara slept by his side, he wrapped her in his arms and promised to protect her for eternity. Without Nara having to tell him, Hwal knew that she loved him, and that was enough for him.

Chapter 39: Hatchling

Taehyung and Jungkook stand in front of their egg, embracing each other as they watch with anticipation. It has been exactly one year since they created their egg together. Every day, they sat by the nest and talked to their forming hatchling.

"I see a crack!" Jimin squeals as he bounces around with excitement.

They all hold their breath as more cracks appear on the egg. When the egg bursts open, the nest is filled with the cries of the newborn. Taehyung quickly scoops up the hatchling and hugs her. "We have a daughter." Taehyung cries as he looks at his mate.

"She is beautiful." Jungkook instantly wraps his mate and daughter in his embrace.

"We are grandparents!" Nara gasps as she squeezes her mate.

"We are uncles!" Hoseok nearly faints as he looks at his younger brother.

"She has golden eyes," Taehyung whispers as he adores his daughter.

"She does." Jungkook lovingly smiles as he brushes his fingers over his baby's soft cheeks.

"What should we name her?" Taehyung asks as he lovingly cradles his daughter in his arms.

"How about 'Dami'?" Jungkook suggests and kisses his mate's forehead.

"Dami. I love it." Taehyung coos and stands up with Dami in his arms.

Their family quickly crowds around them to admire the new hatchling. They all coo when she opens her golden eyes and looks at them, reaching her hands up to touch her parents.

"She is absolutely gorgeous." Nara hums and reaches her index finger out for her granddaughter to hold.

"One try, and bam! Heir to the throne." Chanyeol dramatically points out as he adores his niece.

"She has a human soul like Jungkook," Seokjin mutters and gently brushes his finger over Dami's small face.

"What about Jungkook's darkness?" Taehyung asks as he lovingly cradles Dami in her arms.

"She has that as well," Nara responds and softly smiles at her son-in-law.

"Good." Taehyung hums and presses a kiss on his mate's cheek. "I am glad."

"She is a perfect mixture of her parents." Hwal softly coos as his granddaughter looks in his direction and makes a cute sound.

As the years pass, Dami grows quickly and is showered with love from her parents and large family. As her wings grow, she realizes she can fly, so she begins hopping off high places.

"Dami! Darling! No!" Jungkook shouts when he sees that his four-year-old daughter has expertly climbed to the top of a bookshelf.

"Aba! Look!" Dami squeals and jumps off the tall bookshelf.

Jungkook quickly lunges to catch his giggling daughter. He follows her with his arms open as she clumsily flies around the library to show her skills to her father. Fearing for his daughter's safety, Jungkook has shadows float under his daughter to catch her if she falls.

"Hmm, I guess it is time for her first official flight." Taehyung smiles as he walks into the library to find his mate and daughter.

"Really?" Jungkook asks as Dami falls into his arms.

"Really. I was not flying as well as her when my parents had me fly my first flight." Taehyung answers and pecks his mate's and daughter's cheeks.

To Jungkook's absolute horror, Taehyung carries their daughter to the highest castle tower. He had wondered what the tower was for, but now he did not want to know.

"Dami, do you want to fly with Ina?" Taehyung asks as they stand on the roof of the tower.

"Yes!" Dami squeals and wiggles in her ina's arms.

"Love, I know that you know what you are doing, but I am terrified," Jungkook mutters as he stands beside his mate.

"Trust me. I would never do anything to hurt our daughter. Sometimes, hatchlings need a gentle nudge." Taehyung smiles and then falls from the tower with Dami in his arms.

Jungkook gasps and runs to the edge of the tower. His eyes widen in awe when his mate's golden wings unfurl, and he soars high into the sky. "Ready?" Taehyung asks his daughter, who nods with excitement in her eyes.

With a kiss on her forehead, Taehyung lets go of Dami. Dami instantly squeals with excitement as she unfurls her black wings and catches the air. Jungkook watches with abated breath as his daughter begins to float on the air current.

"Aba!" Dami squeals as the wind current carries her toward her father, who is waiting with open arms. "Fly! I fly!"

"You are doing so well! I am so proud of you!" Jungkook cheers as he waits for his daughter to land in his arms. 

Before Dami lands in her father's open arms, she experimentally flaps her wings. When she rises higher, she squeals and looks at her ina, who is flying right beside her to make sure she stays safe.

"Dami's first flight!" Nara shouts when she sees Dami flying in front of her window.

The entire family rushes outside to witness the little dragon's first flight. They all cheer her on as she flies higher into the sky with her ina's careful supervision. "Dami! You are doing so well!" Seokjin shouts and watches with sparkling eyes as his granddaughter flaps her wings and giggles with excitement.

When Dami shows signs of tiring, Taehyung scoops her into his arms and flies to his waiting mate. The moment his mate and daughter reach him, Jungkook wraps them in his arms and pulls them onto the roof.

"Dami, Aba is so so so proud of you." Jungkook praises his daughter and presses kisses on her forehead.

"Dami, promise Ina that you will be careful from now on. We do not want you to get hurt." Taehyung softly warns his daughter, who nods.

"Yes, Ina." Dami hums and snuggles in her parents' embrace.

One evening, as Seokjin reads a book in the library in front of the crackling fireplace with Dami playing with her toys on the floor at his feet, he notices a toy that Dami is playing with. He slides off the chair to join his granddaughter on the floor.

"What is this?" Seokjin softly asks as he picks up the toy bunny that Dami is playing with.

"Aba made it for me. I love it." Dami responds and watches as Seokjin's eyes tear up.

"Did your Aba tell you why he made this toy for you?" Seokjin asks and pulls Dami into his lap.

"He said I must miss it," Dami answers and leans against Seokjin's chest.

"Did you miss it?" Seokjin whispers as he looks into Dami's golden eyes.

"Yes." Dami nods and hugs the bunny to her chest. "A lot."

Seokjin instantly cries as he wraps his granddaughter into his arms and looks at the moon shining outside the library window. "My sweet baby."

When Namjoon enters the library, he sees his husband lying in front of the fireplace, sleeping with Dami in his arms. As he kneels beside them to drape a blanket over them, he sees the bunny clutched in Dami's arms. "Minjae." He whispers and looks at the dried tear tracks on his husband's face. "You returned to Nari."

Hearing the doors to the large library open, Namjoon looks up and sees Jungkook standing at the doorway. Jungkook softly smiles at his father and nods when Namjoon lifts the bunny to show him. "Thank you," Namjoon whispers with teary eyes. "Thank you both for coming back to us."

"Neither of us wanted to leave you." Jungkook softly smiles and walks over to Namjoon. "Now, Minjae will inherit the throne just like he was always supposed to."

Namjoon quickly stands up and engulfs Jungkook in a tight embrace. As he hugs Jungkook, he remembers holding his daughter's lifeless body in his arms as his husband cried out in pain. While Namjoon and Jungkook hug, a little shadow floats around them.

When Taehyung enters the library to find his daughter and mate, he sees Seokjin sleeping with Dami wrapped in his embrace and Jungkook engulfed in Namjoon's arms. "Everyone has found their way home." Taehyung softly smiles and leans against the large doorway.

As Hoseok listens to his siblings' children and mates run around the castle, filling it with laughter, he stands on his balcony and looks toward the Nychta Mountains longingly. He does not want to leave Taehyung's side, but he misses Soohyuk. The Dark Elven King has visited very often, but Hoseok has yet to give the Dark Elf his heart.

"Ononi, go to him." Taehyung's voice startles Hoseok out of his thoughts.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Hoseok asks and watches as his brother walks over to him.

"You love him. Go to him." Taehyung softly tells his older brother.

"No. I will stay here with you." Hoseok mutters and shakes his head.

"Why? Why do you want to stay with me?" Taehyung gently asks Hoseok.

"I will protect you. Always." Hoseok responds and suddenly hugs his younger brother. "I swore always to protect you, and I will never break that promise. To protect you, I will stay by your side. When I made this promise, it was not out of duty, and I knew the consequences. I do not regret my decision, and I never will. You will always come first." 

"What about King Soohyuk? He loves you and is longing for you." Taehyung softly tells his brother.

"He knows and understands. He would do the same for Jungkook." Hoseok mutters and tightens his embrace around Taehyung. "I love him, but I made my choice long before I ever met him."

"Ononi, I want you to be happy," Taehyung mumbles as he gently pulls away to look into his older brother's eyes.

"I am happy. I just miss him. That is all." Hoseok softly smiles and cradles his younger brother's face in his hands.

"Missing Jungkook was painful and maddening. I know what you are going through. I do not want you to be in pain." Taehyung whispers with worry flickering in his eyes.

"Taehyung, I was separated from you once. That was painful and maddening. I refuse to be separated again, even for love. I have made my decision." Hoseok gently explains to his worried brother.

"If ever at a moment you question your decision, go to him. I promise that I will understand." Taehyung hugs his brother and looks up at the moon.

"I will always be by your side," Hoseok mutters and gently pats Taehyung's back.

As Hoseok hugs Taehyung, he remembers the day Taehyung hatched. He will never forget the promise he made to his little brother under the full moon. He will never break that promise. He will never leave Taehyung's side. When he was being tortured after they were separated, he swore to escape and find his little brother. He swore never to get separated from Taehyung again. And he will never break that promise.

While Hoseok and Taehyung talk, Nara stands at the doorway with sorrow in her eyes. If Hoseok and Taehyung had been kept safe, Hoseok would not feel the desperate need to stay by his little brother's side, throwing away hope for a mate. She knows that he would have already mated with Soohyuk and would have visited Taehyung frequently, but the trauma they went through ingrained the need to protect Taehyung in Hoseok's heart.

She sorrowfully looks at the doorway where Soohyuk is quietly standing, listening to Taehyung and Hoseok's conversation. She sees the longing in his eyes, but she sees understanding and peace as well. She knows that if Soohyuk did not have a kingdom to protect, he would be with Hoseok in the nest. As she watches Soohyuk, she realizes that she will watch another king choose the one he loves over his own kingdom. 

If I ever had to choose between Hwal and my kingdom, I would choose Hwal in a heartbeat. I almost lost him due to my pride. I would never make that mistake again. Hwal is my heart. He is my love for eternity, and King Namjoon knew that from the moment he met Queen Seokjin. King Soohyuk knows this. He loves Hoseok more than his duty to the throne. My children choose beautiful mates.

Chapter 40: Beat as One

"Grand Ina! Grand Aba! Look at what I got from the seaside nest!" Dami shouts as she runs into the castle to find her grandparents.

"What did our princess find?" Nara coos as her ten-year-old granddaughter races into the large sunroom.

"Seashells from seadragon eggs!" Dami squeals as her grandfather lifts her into his arms.

"Wow! They are beautiful!" Hwal praises as they look at the turquoise shells in their granddaughter's hands.

"Grand Ina! Grand Aba! Look at what I got from the sand kingdom!" Taehyung and Jungkook's second child shouts as he runs up to his grandparents.

"Gangyoo, are those the beads that Queen Akilah makes?" Nara asks as she scoops up her grandson.

"Yes." He happily smiles as he holds the precious beads in his hands. "Aba bought soooo many for Ina." He giggles and snuggles in his grandmother's embrace.

"What I got from the swamps is even cooler!" Taehyung and Jungkook's youngest child exclaims as she whips out a dagger.

"Woah!" Nara and Hwal coo as they kneel on the ground to take the dagger from the six-year-old's hands.

"Jiyoo, do your parents know you got such a cool gift?" Hwal asks as he safely takes the dagger from his excited grandchild.

"Yeah, but they said I could only have it to show you, then I have to give it to Harabeoji." Jiyoo pouts as she looks at her dagger.

"Yep. I will definitely be taking that until you are ten." Namjoon chuckles as he walks into the room and takes the dagger from Hwal.

"How are all of the kingdoms doing?" Nara asks Namjoon as she sets Gangyoo down.

"They are all doing well. King Soohyuk has almost finished passing all of his duties over to the future King of the Nychta Mountains." Namjoon responds as he holds the dagger high over his head to stop his granddaughter from snatching it.

"Oh no, you do not." Yoongi chastises Jiyoo and grabs her as she unfurls her wings to fly and take the dagger. "You are just as mischievous as your Ina." He chastises the pouting dragon and carries her out of the sunroom.

"Was she causing mischief again?" Jungkook chuckles when he sees Jiyoo fussing in her uncle's arms.

"She most certainly was." Yoongi laughs and hands Jiyoo to Jungkook.

"How were your travels?" Yoonah asks as she walks over to her brother and brother-in-law.

"They were good. The hatchlings loved it, so I was happy about that." Taehyung responds and opens his arms as Gangyoo flies over to them.

"Just how many beads did Jungkook buy for you?" Chanyeol asks as he looks at the giant wooden chest that is being carried into the castle.

"I bought any of the ones that made Taehyung's eyes light up." Jungkook shrugs and picks up Dami.

"You and Junho seem to have the same philosophy." Yoonah laughs as she watches her mate walk over to her with their youngest child in his arms.

"We just love seeing our mates happy." Junho hums and kisses his mate's cheek.

"Give me one of my grandchildren. It is not fair that you are holding two of them." Seokjin huffs and takes Jiyoo from Jungkook's embrace.

"You should consider having two or three more," Jimin suggests as he looks at his empty arms.

"Yoonah anoni has plenty of children for you to hold." Taehyung laughs as Jimin crouches down to pick up two of Yoonah's hatchlings.

"One can never have too many, you know." Hoseok grins and kisses the forehead of one of his nephews.

"Next, you and King Soohyuk will be making eggs, so stop fussing." Taehyung grins, causing his older brother to blush.

"He will be moving in officially in four days. You must be happy." Seokjin softly smiles as Hoseok nods.

"I am." Hoseok hums and looks at his cute nephew.

When the sun rises four days later, Soohyuk arrives at the gates of the castle. He smiles when he sees his mate waiting for him on the other side of the gates. Once the gates open, Hoseok instantly rushes to Soohyuk and embraces him. "Welcome home." He shyly whispers as he holds his mate.

"I am happy to be home finally," Soohyuk whispers and kisses the crown of Hoseok's ruby-red hair.

"I am sorry for choosing to stay by my little Ononi's side." Hoseok barely mutters as he buries his face in the crook of Soohyuk's neck.

"As an older brother, I completely understand. I would do the same if I were in your situation." Soohyuk lovingly hums and gently cards his fingers through Hoseok's hair.

When they walk into the castle together, the entire family is waiting with large smiles. They all happily congratulate them and hug them.

"Hyuk, take care of him," Jungkook tells his brother as they hug.

"I will, but I know you will be watching over me to make sure I treat him well." Soohyuk grins as he pats his younger brother's back.

As the years pass by, Nara and Hwal train Taehyung and Jungkook and teach them how to take care of their kingdom. Taehyung and Jungkook listen to their every word and memorize how they handle every situation.

On the days that Nara and Hwal are not training Taehyung and Jungkook, they are training their children how to fight. Namjoon and Seokjin supervise to make sure that Jungkook is training his children appropriately.

"Aba! I'm exhausted!" Fifteen-year-old Gangyoo cries out and collapses to the ground.

"Hmm, then while you rest, Dami is next." Jungkook grins and motions for Dami to lift her sword.

"You are trying to kill us!" Gangyoo shrieks as he watches his father slam his sword down on Dami's sword.

"Killing and breaking are two separate things." Taehyung hums and dumps water on Gangyoo to cool him down.

"Ina!" Gangyoo shrieks and jumps up as if fire has been dropped on him.

"Anoni! Beat Aba!" Thirteen-year-old Jiyoo shrieks and jumps up and down with excitement as she watches her seventeen-year-old sister fight their father.

"You and I both know that is not possible," Gangyoo whines and then yelps as he avoids his uncle's arrow. "You really are trying to kill us!"

"We are training you." Jimin hums and notches another arrow. "You two had better run." He grins and launches the arrow.

"Yikes!" Jiyoo shouts and leaps into the air with her orange wings unfurled.

"Grandfather! Harabeoji! Save us!" Gangyoo and Jiyoo shriek as they run from Jimin's arrows.

"Training days are quite lovely." Namjoon chuckles as he runs his fingers through his husband's long, silky hair.

"Where on earth did they get their dramatics from?" Seokjin snickers and looks at Jungkook, who used to fuss.

"Aba! You did not even sweat!" Dami whines in frustration when her sword is sent flying in the air.

"Train harder. Maybe one day you will make me sweat." Jungkook grins and pats his daughter's shoulder.

"Mutt, you have grown so much." Seokjin hums as he looks at his son.

"I still cannot get either of you two to sweat." Jungkook frowns as he glares at his parents.

"He is still our Mutt." Namjoon chuckles and fondly smiles at his son.

"What is with the chaos?" Yoongi asks as he walks over to the group.

"Ask your husband." Seokjin laughs and points to Jimin, who is still shooting arrows at Jiyoo and Gangyoo.

"Those are not real arrows. Why are they running?" Yoongi snickers and sits down to watch his husband.

"Apparently, they do not know that." Namjoon laughs as he shakes his head.

"Yoori! No!" Hoseok suddenly shrieks as his three-year-old daughter leaps from a window with her wings unfurled.

Jungkook swiftly jumps into the air and catches his falling niece, who is giggling without a care in the world. "Such a rowdy hatchling." Jungkook coos as he softly lands with his niece safely cradled in his arms. With several trial and errors, Jungkook learned how to fly on his shadows.

"Why are you like your uncle?!" Hoseok shouts as he leaps from the window to land next to Jungkook.

"Says the one who literally just jumped out of a window." Yoongi chuckles, earning a scowl from Hoseok.

"Where is she?! Where is Yoori?!" Soohyuk shouts as he frantically runs around, looking for his daughter.

"She jumped out of a window, and Jungkook caught her," Hoseok tells his frantic mate as he reveals Yoori safely tucked in Jungkook's arms.

"Bless the heavens." Soohyuk collapses to the ground, completely pale.

"Was I like that?" Jiyoo asks as she looks at her little cousin.

"You were worse." Jungkook laughs and looks at his horrified daughter.

"Really?!" Jiyoo shouts and looks at her giggling cousin. "How can anyone be worse?!"

"Well, you were." Seokjin nods in agreement with Jungkook. "You were always jumping from random windows or off tall bookshelves. When you realized you had wings, you became a nightmare for all of us. None of us slept because we were afraid you would sneak off."

"At least Yoori sleeps." Namjoon laughs while Jiyoo looks at them in horror.

"Wow. I was a nightmare for a hatchling." She shivers as she thinks of the torment she put her family through.

"Gangyoo was the calmest out of the three of you. Dami was on the same level as Yoori." Taehyung hums and bounces Yoori in his arms.

"But none of us ever wants you to change yourself. We love you no matter how rambunctious you are." Jungkook softly smiles at his children.

When the day comes for Taehyung to finally take the throne, he and Jungkook stand in their bedchambers together as their servants change them into the coronation robes. Jungkook softly smiles as he looks over at his gorgeous mate.

"You look stunning." Jungkook softly praises when his mate's gaze turns toward him.

"You too." Taehyung smiles and walks over to Jungkook.

Once they are standing face to face, Taehyung gently places his hand over Jungkook's heart with a loving smile. "Our hearts will beat as one for eternity," Jungkook whispers and kisses his mate's soft lips.

"I could ask for nothing more." Taehyung smiles and lovingly brushes his fingers over his mate's face.

"I love you so much." Jungkook hums and wraps his arms around his mate's waist, pulling Taehyung flush against his body.

"I love you more and more with each passing moment," Taehyung whispers as their lips gently brush against each other.

"And I will keep loving more and more." Jungkook smiles against Taehyung's lips, then lovingly catches Taehyung's lips with his lips. "So much more."

"Your Majesties, it is time for you to enter the throne room." A priestess informs them as she enters the chambers.

"Thank you." Taehyung smiles and turns to face her.

"Before we leave these chambers, will you allow me to bless you?" She asks as she approaches them.

"Please." Jungkook hums and intertwines his and Taehyung's fingers.

The room falls silent as the priestess softly chants, blessing their reign and long lives. After a few moments, her chants die down, and she gently brushes red paint onto their foreheads with her thumb. "May your reign last for over a millennium."

When the large, golden doors to the throne room open, everyone in the throne room stands to their feet and turns to watch as Taehyung and Jungkook enter the room, hand in hand. Taehyung and Jungkook smile when they see their family smiling at them with love and pride.

As Jungkook looks at Seokjin, he remembers the moment they met. He had just been abandoned by his family and captured by slave traders. He remembers how they escaped together and how Seokjin brought him to meet Namjoon. He remembers how they took him in without hesitation and loved and protected him without wavering. They became the parents he never had.

When Jungkook looks at Jimin and Yoongi, he remembers their cries of pain and terror. He remembers swearing to protect them to the very end. They filled his life with the joy of friendship and love.

As Taehyung and Jungkook walk down to the thrones together, Taehyung looks at his mate and remembers the very first moment their eyes met. He remembers how the fear that was encompassing him instantly melted away. When they met the second time, and Jungkook threw his dagger to protect him, Taehyung swore to find him again.

Once they reach the thrones, Taehyung smiles up at his parents with teary eyes. Nara and Hwal sniffle and hold back their tears as they lovingly smile at their son.

"Kneel," Nara tells Taehyung and Jungkook as she and her mate lift the crowns from their heads.

Taehyung and Jungkook both kneel and bow their heads as Hwal and Nara place the crowns on their heads. "All hail King Taehyung and King Jungkook!" Nara announces as Taehyung and Jungkook stand up with the crowns on their heads.

As Taehyung and Jungkook face the cheering people, Taehyung pulls out the dagger Jungkook had gifted him all those years ago. Jungkook watches as Taehyung slices his hand and spills his blood on the throne room floor to signify his promise to protect the kingdom as the king.

Taehyung and Jungkook smile as they sit on their thrones, holding hands. As they look at the large audience, they see their family members smiling at them with teary eyes. When the cheers shake the throne room, they look at each other and softly smile with overflowing love for each other.

"Long live King Taehyung! Long live Queen Jungkook!"

"May our hearts always beat as one."

-The End

Notes:

Thank you all so very much for reading Mirage! 🖤 I hope you enjoyed their adventure as they ran around protecting people. Thank you so much for all of the love and support you have shown Mirage as I edited and posted it!

I will see you guys in the next re-uploaded book! 😘 Love you guys! 😘🖤

Borahae 💜

-Lily 🌻☀️🖤