[ Jeon Jungkook's POV ]
As we stepped out of the cell, the faint light of dawn began to seep into the horizon, casting a soft glow over the otherwise grim surroundings.
The entire night had been spent delivering justice, but the fire inside me refused to extinguish.
Even after killing those men, I could feel my anger simmering, an unrelenting storm raging within me.
I wanted to bring them back to life just to kill them again-over and over-until this fury finally subsided.
The walk back to the barracks was heavy with silence. Taehyung didn't utter a word, nor did I.
He must have known there was no reasoning with me in this state.
As much as I appreciated his quiet understanding, I couldn't ignore the weight of my own thoughts.
When we arrived, I gave Taehyung a simple order.
"Go rest. But first, send word to Inaya's family. Inform them of her condition and reassure them that she's safe. I want you back here by the morning session."
He bowed slightly, murmuring a quiet,
"Yes, General,"
before leaving to carry out my orders.
I headed toward my chamber, my steps slow, my mind still clouded with the images of those men and the monstrous acts they'd attempted.
My fists clenched at the thought, and I bit back the growl threatening to escape.
This anger wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The moment I pushed open the door to my chamber, I was struck by the sight before me.
Inaya.

She lay there on my bed, wrapped in my clothes and covered with my sheets, her delicate form almost disappearing in their vastness.
Her soft, steady breaths filled the room, the rise and fall of her chest gentle and calming.
For a moment, I was rooted to the spot, unable to move.
There was something about her vulnerability that tugged at something deep within me-a part of me I didn't want to acknowledge.
My heart twisted, unfamiliar and strange, but I shoved the feeling aside.
The woman who had been caring for her was still in the room, standing quietly as if waiting for my arrival.
I nodded to her, silently signaling that she could leave now.
She bowed politely and slipped out of the chamber, closing the door behind her.
My gaze returned to Inaya.
Her presence had a peculiar effect on me. My anger, though still present, seemed less overwhelming now.
Yet, the thought of those men, their audacity, and the pain they had caused-it still burned inside me.
I could kill them a thousand more times, and it still wouldn't be enough to quench my fury.
I turned away, realizing the state I was in.
Blood and sweat clung to me, a grim reminder of the night I had endured.
Without sparing another glance at her, I moved toward the bathroom attached to my chamber.
I needed to wash away the remnants of the night-the blood, the sweat, and perhaps even the weight of my anger.
The sound of water filled the space as I stepped into the shower, letting the warmth cascade over me.
But even as the water washed away the physical evidence, it did nothing to cleanse the storm raging within.
After I finished and changed into my fresh clothes, I heard faint shuffling sounds from outside the bathroom.
My senses sharpened immediately, and then suddenly, a loud clang echoed through the room-the sound of something metal hitting the ground.
Alarmed, I rushed out.
There she was-
Inaya.
She was awake but in a fragile state.
She was on the floor, crouched down, trembling as silent sobs wracked her frail body.
Her small frame seemed even smaller as she hugged her knees to her chest, burying her face in her lap.
Broken glass from the water jug that had fallen nearby lay scattered across the ground.
It looked like she had panicked, tried to get up, and lost her balance, causing the fall.
"Inaya, are you okay?"
I asked, my voice laced with genuine concern as I moved closer to her.
But the moment I stepped near, she recoiled, clutching herself tighter.
Her body trembled as though even my voice frightened her.
"Don't touch me!"
she cried out, her voice broken and filled with fear.
"D-don't touch me!"
The raw terror in her voice stopped me in my tracks.
She didn't even look at me.
Instead, she buried her head deeper into her arms, as though she were trying to disappear.
My chest tightened seeing her like this. She was still trapped in the trauma of what had happened last night.
Her sobs were heart-wrenching, her whispered words incoherent as she rocked herself back and forth.
"Inaya,"
I tried again, softer this time.
I crouched down a safe distance from her, not wanting to frighten her further.
"It's me, Jungkook. Shh, you're safe now. No one will hurt you."
I reached out cautiously, placing my hand lightly on her arm to reassure her.
But her reaction was immediate and forceful.
She flinched violently, pushing me back as though my touch burned her.
"Don't!"
she shouted again, shaking her head frantically, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Don't come near me! Please... don't..."
I felt a pang in my chest at her words, her fear.
Her voice trembled, and she refused to look up, her head still buried as she rocked herself, whispering fragmented words I couldn't understand.
I stayed still, watching her, trying to figure out how to reach her.
My anger from earlier, my frustration-it all seemed insignificant compared to the pain radiating from her.
I clenched my fists to keep myself calm.
"It's okay, Inaya,"
I said gently, softening my voice as much as I could.
"You're safe. No one is here to hurt you. You're with me now."
But it didn't seem to reach her.
Whatever fear had gripped her heart wasn't letting go.
"Look at me, Inaya,"
I said gently, keeping my voice soft and steady.
"I'm Jungkook. I saved you yesterday-remember? It's me."
Her sobbing faltered slightly, and I saw her head lift just a bit.
Her tear-streaked face peeked out, her swollen eyes blinking up at me cautiously.
She didn't move away this time, and that was all the reassurance I needed.
I slowly approached her, careful not to make any sudden movements.
"You can trust me, okay? I'm not going to hurt you,"
I said, inching closer.
Her sobs still shook her small frame, but she didn't flinch or retreat as I came near.
Finally, I knelt directly in front of her, speaking softly again.
"I won't let anything happen to you. I promise, you're safe now."
Her gaze met mine for a fleeting moment, her tearful eyes locking onto mine.
Then, to my utter surprise, she suddenly threw herself into my arms, her small frame crashing against me.

She clung to me tightly, her trembling hands gripping the fabric of my shirt as though she feared I might disappear.
Her face buried itself in my chest, and I could feel her hot, uncontrollable tears soaking through my clothes.
"Please don't leave me,"
she whispered in a broken, soft voice, her plea tearing through me like a blade.
For a moment, I froze, stunned by her sudden vulnerability.
But then, as if on instinct, I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer into my embrace.
One hand gently rubbed her back while the other rested on her head, my fingers tangling softly in her hair to comfort her.
"Shh, don't worry,"
I murmured, my voice low but steady.
"I won't leave you. I'm here, Butterfly."
The word slipped out before I could stop it-a term of endearment I hadn't planned to say, but it felt right.
Something abouts her fragile state reminded me of a butterfly-delicate, beautiful, and desperately in need of protection.
Her crying intensified, her sobs shaking her body as she began to speak through her hiccups and tears.
"T-they tried to-"
she started, her voice breaking painfully.
She couldn't finish the sentence, her words cutting off into more sobs as her trembling grew worse.
"T-they r-ripped-"
Hearing those words, even fragmented, made my entire body stiffen.
My jaw clenched tightly, and I had to suppress the urge to storm back into that cell and drag their corpses out just to kill them again.
My anger flared dangerously, but I forced myself to focus on her.
"Shh, I know, I know,"
I whispered, pulling her closer against me.
"You don't have to say anything. I'm here now. Nothing will happen to you, I swear."
Her trembling didn't stop, but I continued to rub her back gently and stroke her hair, trying to calm her as best as I could.
"Relax, Inaya. You're safe. Don't talk about it now-just breathe. I've got you,"
I whispered softly, keeping my voice as soothing as possible.
Her hiccups gradually began to slow, her sobs quieter now, though the pain in her fragile frame was still evident.
As I held her, my mind burned with rage at those monsters who had caused this. But for now, my priority was her.
I had to be her strength, her safe haven.
me drop my walls without even realizing it. Her vulnerability, her trembling figure in my arms, stirred something deep within me-something I couldn't quite place.
As I cupped her cheeks, brushing away her tears, I saw how her pain and fear reflected in her dark, innocent eyes.
It was as if she carried the weight of the world in them, yet there was a flicker of hope, fragile but present, as she looked back at me.
"Everything is fine now, okay? I'm here,"
I repeated softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
She nodded hesitantly, her lips trembling as fresh tears escaped despite my attempt to wipe them away.
My thumbs continued to stroke her soft cheeks gently, and I couldn't bring myself to pull away.
"You're safe with me, Inaya. No one will ever hurt you again,"
I said firmly, my voice steady but filled with an unspoken promise.
Her small hands reached up, clutching the fabric of my shirt again, as if grounding herself.
For a moment, it felt like time slowed down, the only sounds in the room her soft sniffles and the faint rustle of movement.
She was the first woman to ever get this close to me, the first to break through the fortress of ice I'd surrounded myself with for years.
I didn't allow people into my life-let alone my heart-but something about her innocence, her purity, drew me in.
I felt a need to protect her, to shield her from every shadow that might ever cross her path.
"Inaya,"
I said softly, tilting her chin up so she could meet my gaze fully.
"You're stronger than you think. And I'll be here... to make sure no one forgets that."
Her eyes widened slightly, her lips parting as though she wanted to say something, but she didn't.
Instead, she leaned into my touch, allowing herself a moment of safety and comfort.
In that moment, I realized something-Inaya wasn't just someone I needed to protect.
She was someone who was unknowingly beginning to change the way my cold, guarded heart beat.
I couldn't let this happen.
This softness-this crack in my walls-was dangerous.
I wasn't supposed to feel like this, to let someone get this close to me.
My life was built on calculated decisions, not fleeting emotions.
I had a purpose to fulfill, and distractions like this could ruin everything.
I took a steadying breath, my jaw tightening as I reminded myself of who I was.
I couldn't afford to lose my control, not even for a moment.
This was the first and the last time I'd let my guard down like this.
I wouldn't allow it to happen again.
I glanced down at her, still nestled in my arms.
She looked fragile, her breathing uneven but slowly calming.
Her vulnerability was unnerving, and yet... it was pulling me in.
Until yesterday, she was nothing but a nuisance-stubborn, fiery, and, frankly, irritating.
She had pushed every button, tested every ounce of my patience.
But now? Now she was leaning into my touch, trusting me without hesitation.
That trust made me feel something I didn't want to name.
She was a stranger-a storm wrapped in chaos, trouble written all over her.
And yet, seeing her so vulnerable, so broken, stirred something I hadn't felt in years.
I hated it. I hated how it made me question myself, my purpose, my resolve.
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to let go of the warmth she brought.
This wasn't who I was.
This wasn't what I was meant to be.
"Inaya,"
I said, my voice steady but distant.
"You need to rest."
She looked up at me, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears, and for a moment, I hesitated.
But I couldn't let this go any further.
I gently helped her back to the bed, making sure she was comfortable.
Her gaze followed me, confusion and trust swirling in her dark eyes, but I avoided looking directly at her.
"Stay here,"
I said curtly, my tone firmer than before.
"You're safe now."
Without waiting for her response, I turned and walked toward the window, needing the distance to regain my composure.
I stared out at the breaking dawn, my hands gripping the windowsill tightly.
This was a mistake.
It had to be. I couldn't allow myself to falter again-not for her, not for anyone.
My purpose was clear, and nothing would derail it. Not even her.
As I stepped out of the chamber, my eyes immediately caught sight of a group of people entering the barracks in hurried steps.
Their faces were etched with worry, and I assumed them to be her family members.
However, as they came closer, I noticed it wasn't her parents.
It was just an elderly couple, whom I assumed to be her grandparents, and a young boy who looked like he was in his teens.
Their anxiety was palpable.
The grandparents' eyes darted around frantically before they saw me approaching.
Without a moment of hesitation, they rushed toward me, their worry evident in their trembling voices.
"Where is Inaya!?"
both of them exclaimed simultaneously, their tone a mixture of fear and urgency.
I paused for a moment, observing their concern, before answering in a steady, cold voice,
"She's inside and safe. You can go meet her."
Relief flickered across their faces, but it didn't completely erase the fear in their eyes.
Without wasting another second, they hurried toward the chamber, their steps quick yet careful.
As they entered, I stopped the boy with a slight gesture of my hand.
He hesitated, glancing back at the elders before turning to face me.
"Before you leave,"
I said, my tone firm but controlled,
"make sure to come in front of the soldiers."
The boy nodded silently, his expression a mix of confusion and unease.
Without saying another word, he quickly followed his grandparents into the chamber.
I stood there for a moment, watching them disappear behind the doors.
Their reaction to seeing Inaya safe would be a moment of relief, but I couldn't help but notice something off her parents weren't here.
Where were they? Why was it only her grandparents and a brother?
Shaking off the thought, I turned away and walked further down the hall.
The encounter had left a faint buzz in my mind, but I buried it.
I had more pressing matters to deal with, and getting entangled in someone else's family issues wasn't part of my agenda.
I composed myself, masking every trace of emotion left lingering from the earlier events.
Whatever had happened in my chamber needed to be pushed aside.
My focus now was solely on the meeting ahead one involving the ministers, kings, and queens.
This wasn't just any discussion; it was about the peculiar murder that had everyone talking, a murder shrouded in mystery that would leave the kingdom in confusion if unresolved.
With that in mind, I made my way toward the castle, where the officials would be gathering.
As I arrived at the castle gates, I dismounted my horse.
My hand briefly grazed her mane before I gave her a final pat, whispering with an amused smirk,
"It will take me a while now, princess. Wait for me, my fearless panther."
The soldiers promptly took the reins of my horse, leading her away to the stables, while I adjusted my coat and strode confidently toward the grand entrance.
The heavy iron doors swung open with a groan as I stepped inside, and the immediate reaction from everyone in the hall didn't go unnoticed.
Ministers, officials, soldiers they all bowed low, their expressions veiling a mix of fear and respect.
Some of them visibly shivered, as though my mere presence carried the weight of judgment.
I smirked inwardly, reveling in the dominance my presence commanded.
The news of what I had done to those culprits must have spread like wildfire across the castle.
I could see it in their stiffened postures and the nervous glances they exchanged. Good.
Let the fear remain it would serve its purpose.
I moved further into the hall, each step echoing across the vast space.
My gaze was sharp, scanning the room as the ministers and high-ranking officials sat in their designated sections, separated by rank and title.
Soon, Taehyung arrived, entering the hall with his usual composed demeanor.
He nodded slightly at me before taking the seat beside mine.
His presence was steady, yet I could sense he was still processing the events from earlier.
But we didn't exchange any words this wasn't the place or time for personal matters.
As I took my seat at the head of the table, a place reserved specifically for me, I acknowledged my father's presence.
Despite my dominant stance in the hall, I still bowed slightly in respect to him.
His expression remained unreadable, as always, but I could tell he was watching me closely.
Moments later, the grand doors opened again, and a hush fell over the room.
Everyone turned their attention to the regal figures entering the king and queen.
Their entrance was marked by an air of authority, and the room collectively bowed once more.
The tension in the hall grew thicker as they made their way to their seats, their faces grave.
This wasn't going to be an ordinary meeting.
The murder in question wasn't ordinary either.
I straightened in my chair, my sharp gaze fixed on the king as he prepared to speak.
The room was silent, save for the faint rustle of robes and papers as everyone awaited the discussion to begin.
The king's voice rang with authority as he declared,
"I will let you handle this case, General Jeon. I expect results soon!"
A weighty silence followed his words, but I nodded firmly, understanding the responsibility that now lay on my shoulders.
He continued, his gaze sweeping across the room,
"Ensure our kingdom remains protected. I want soldiers stationed at every cornerno gaps, no weaknesses. Make it clear to everyone under your command that vigilance is our top priority."
The ministers and officials murmured their agreement, nodding their heads in obedience.
The king then turned back to me, his tone resolute and direct.
"General Jeon,"
he said,
"I want you to assemble a new group of soldiers. Choose them from the civilians. They must be well-trained, strong, and energetic."
I tilted my head slightly in acknowledgment, my cold demeanor unwavering.
"Understood, Your Majesty,"
I replied, my voice firm.
His gaze lingered on me for a moment longer before he added,
"We need more soldiers to fortify our defenses. The times ahead may test the strength of our kingdom, and I expect you to ensure we are prepared for any threat."
I didn't flinch or hesitate.
"I will see to it that the strongest and most capable men are recruited and trained. Our borders will remain unbreakable, and our people safe,"
I assured him.
The hall fell silent again, the weight of the king's orders sinking in.
I glanced briefly at Taehyung, who was seated beside me, his expression thoughtful.
I knew he would assist in this effort without question, just as he always had.
This new task would require precision, strategy, and ruthlessness.
But I thrived on challenges like these.
The safety of the kingdom was my purpose, and I would ensure that no threat, seen or unseen, could break through the walls we had built.
The meeting proceeded as the ministers brought up various topics of discussion each issue meticulously addressed.
Some matters were about trade routes, while others concerned internal disputes and the kingdom's economic standing.
Voices rose and fell as the council debated strategies and solutions, with the king and queen overseeing the discussions with a sharp and commanding presence.
I remained silent for the most part, observing and calculating.
My focus was split between the ongoing topics and my plans for the newly assigned responsibilities.
My mind constantly worked through the details of forming a new group of soldiers while handling the mysterious murder case.
Taehyung occasionally leaned in to offer a quiet comment or suggestion, his words insightful and precise.
Despite the gravity of the discussions, he maintained his calm demeanor, a sharp contrast to some of the more panicked ministers.
As the sun climbed higher, signaling midday, the king raised his hand, signaling an end to the meeting. His voice rang clear in the hall.
"This concludes our discussion for today. Make sure to carry out your duties as assigned. You are dismissed,"
he declared, his tone final.
One by one, the ministers and officials stood, bowing respectfully before taking their leave.
The atmosphere in the room lightened slightly as the crowd thinned, but the weight of responsibility lingered in the air.
I stood from my chair, giving the king and queen a curt bow before turning to leave.
Taehyung followed closely behind, and as we exited the grand hall, the hum of whispers filled the corridors, no doubt speculating about the orders given to me.
The meeting was over, but my tasks had only just begun.
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[ POV ]
A dimly lit chamber flickered with the flames of a fire, shadows dancing on the cracked walls.
A figure sat in front of the fire, their eyes dark and focused as they processed the information brought by their men.
The heat from the flames mirrored the fury burning within.
"This kingdom will burn in fire, and I will destroy it completely!"
the figure hissed, their voice dripping with anger and violent determination.
Their lips twisted into a sinister smirk as they leaned back, the fire reflecting in their calculating eyes.
"The game has started, and everyone will be ensnared in it. In the end, they will all bow before me. No matter what."
A low, maniacal laugh filled the room as the figure grabbed a knife from the table beside them, its blade gleaming ominously in the firelight.
Rising from their seat, they walked with slow, deliberate steps toward a small door at the far end of the room.
The air grew heavier, and faint, desperate screams seeped through the cracks of the door.
"Let me out!"
the voice cried, trembling with fear.
The figure pushed the door open, revealing a man chained in iron restraints against the cold stone wall.
His face was pale, his body trembling uncontrollably at the sight of his captor holding a blade.
His eyes darted frantically, searching for a sliver of mercy.
"Please... let me go! I won't tell anyone! I swear!"
the man begged, his voice cracking.
The figure tilted their head slightly, a chilling calmness radiating from them.
"Begging won't change your fate. You're of no use to me anymore,"
they said, their tone void of emotion.
Without hesitation, they raised the knife and plunged it into the man's chest.
A scream ripped through the room as the blade struck over and over, the echoes of pain and brutality mingling with the sound of blood dripping onto the cold stone floor.
The figure stepped back, breathing heavily, blood staining their hands and the blade.
"The first of many,"
they whispered, a deranged smile spreading across their face.
Wiping the knife on their cloak, they turned and walked out, leaving the lifeless body slumped in the chains, blood pooling beneath it.
The flames in the chamber roared higher, as though they, too, were part of the chaos that had just unfolded.
____________________________________________
Spoiler of chapter 10!
I was walking through the corridor of our camp when someone suddenly bumped into me, sending us both crashing to the ground, the hard surface beneath us jolting me.
"What the hell!"
My words froze mid-sentence as I looked at the person beneath me.
It's her. It's Inaya!
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