~~chapter 16~~

Y/N ran with all her might, the weight of her brother on her back propelling her forward. The forest trees blurred in a rush of green and brown, but her focus remained singular: keeping Jungkook safe. The sounds of chaos faded behind them, but the thundering footfalls of the two immortal beings, determined to capture them, echoed in her ears.

The first fireball whizzed past her, narrowly missing her side as she ducked instinctively. **"Hold on tight, Kookie!"** she shouted, urgency spiking in her voice.

Jungkook clung to her, fear etched into his young features. As she felt the energy surge through her, Y/N knew she had to reach the mansion she had seen nearby. Summoning her powers, she pushed herself harder, her speed increasing as she channeled the essence of the forest around her.

Finally, the silhouette of the mansion materialized through the trees, a beacon of hope amid the storm. Without hesitation, she pounded on the door, the sound echoing loudly in her chest.

In mere moments, the door swung open to reveal Mrs. Jeon, a woman in her thirties, with a warmth that felt so nurturing.

**"Y/N! What happened?"** she started, surprise flushing her features, but Y/N interrupted her swiftly.

**"Please, keep my brother safe!"** she pleaded, handing Jungkook over to Mrs. Jeon. **"I need you to protect him. My parents are in danger!"**

Mrs. Jeon's eyes widened in concern, her maternal instincts kicking in. **"But Y/N—"**

Without waiting for her to finish, Y/N gazed into her brother's eyes, trying to convey all her love in that moment. **"I promise I'll be back, Kookie. You have to be brave for me."**

Before Jungkook could respond, Y/N knelt down, cupping his tear-streaked face in her hands. **"I need to do something very important,"** she said, her heart breaking. **"I have to make sure you are safe."**

With that, she focused her energies and, using her powers, began to erase his memories of their parents, of their life together, and of any recollection that might expose him to danger. It was a painful decision, but in the depths of her heart, she knew it was necessary.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she kissed his forehead gently, whispering, **"I love you, Jungkook. Always remember that."**

As she pulled away, she could see confusion settle over his features, blurring the edges of their shared past. Y/N felt like a villain in her own story, but the urgency to protect him outweighed her grief.

With one last look at her brother in Mrs. Jeon's arms, Y/N turned and ran away, heart heavy but resolute. She pushed herself deeper into the forest, knowing she needed to confront the impending danger that loomed behind her.

*Ten Minutes Later*

As Y/N entered a clearing, she summoned her power, channeling the elements around her for strength. Her heart raced, and anger surged through her at the thought of the immortals pursuing her family. She would have to face them, no matter the cost.

The sound of footsteps approached, and she felt their malignant energy before she saw them. Arrogant laughter filled the air, and one of the immortal beings stepped forward, cloaked in darkness, eyes glowing with malice.

**"You think you can escape us?"** he taunted, the fireball crackling ominously in his hand.

Y/N stood her ground, fire igniting around her, the air around her charged with energy. **"I won't let you touch my family!"**

With that declaration, the battle commenced. She dodged the attacks, countering with her own magic, determination surging through her every move. She was no longer just a scared little girl; she was the Queen of Heaven, determined to protect what little family she had left.

~~to be continued ~~

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