~~chapter 15~~

*13 Years Ago*

The air was filled with laughter and joy as Y/N, barely thirteen and bursting with excitement, prepared for her childhood best friend's birthday party. Decorations adorned the living room, and the scent of delicious treats wafted through the halls. Her little brother, Jungkook, just nine years old, lay sprawled on the couch, blissfully unaware of the festivities around him.

But the day took a dark turn.

Without warning, a magical fireball struck their family car as it traveled along the quiet road. Y/N's heart dropped as her mother, sensing the impending danger, quickly raised a protective shield around Y/N and Jungkook using her immense powers.

The car flipped violently, its metal body crumpling like paper. Blood oozed from their parents' heads as they struggled, but Y/N and Jungkook emerged unscathed, the protective shield having absorbed the impact around them.

The chaos of the moment was suffocating. As the smoke cleared, Y/N's world faded into hazy confusion. The screams of her heart echoed in her ears.

**"Y/N! Jungkook!"** their mother shouted urgently, her voice sharp with fear. **"You have to run! Go!"**

But fear rooted Y/N in place. She looked at her mother, tears welling in her eyes. **"No! Eomma, I will not leave you alone!"**

Her father, dazed but resolute, crawled out from the wreckage. **"Y/N! Take your brother and go! There isn’t much time!"** he urged, blood trickling down his temple.

As if summoned by the darkness, four immortal men appeared in the sky, their presence dominating and ominous, radiating an unsettling power. Y/N's parents exchanged a knowing glance they understood the danger that loomed.

**"We won't let them take you!"** her father shouted with fierce determination, struggling to rise to his feet despite the evident pain.

Y/N felt every inch of her being scream to stay and fight, but her mother's voice cut through the tension like a blade. **"Listen to us, Y/N! You must protect your brother! You are both that important!"**

The urgency in her mother's words snapped through the haze, compelling Y/N into action. **"Run, Y/N! Now!"**

Reluctantly, she turned to Jungkook, who remained terrified yet trusting, eyes wide with confusion. **"Come on, Kookie!"** she cried, taking his hand and tugging him away from the chaos.

As they dashed away into the woods nearby, Y/N glanced back one last time.

The sight of her parents standing against the encroaching darkness ignited a fire of resolve within her. The rumbles of battle echoed behind them, drowning in grief and a sense of loss as they slipped deeper into the trees.

Their footsteps hurried on the leaf-strewn path, every beat echoing the rhythm of their hearts. Y/N knew they couldn't go back, couldn’t save their parents, but promised to protect her brother at all costs.

They pressed on, adrenaline carrying them through the darkness, away from the only home they had ever known.

to be continued

...****************...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***