~~chapter 17~~

*Y/N ran from the scene, her heart shattered, tears streaming down her face. Each step felt like a lead weight, and the thought of looking back clawed at her resolve. She could not afford to let her brother, Jungkook, see her pain; he needed to be safe, and she had to trust that her friends would protect him. The weight of her responsibilities pressed heavily against her chest as she dashed through the night, determined to keep her loved ones out of harm's way.*

*As she reached the clearing beyond the mansion, the chaos of the battle engulfed her. She could see her parents battling fiercely against dark forces; the air crackled with tension, and the scent of charred earth filled her nostrils. Her heart raced as she observed their struggle, the once strong figures now wearing down under continuous attacks from the relentless adversaries.*

*Without hesitation, Y/N reached deep within herself, tapping into the power that coursed through her veins. She focused her energy, her hands igniting with celestial flames as she conjured a massive fireball, one that would evoke awe and fear in equal measure. With a determined shout, she launched the blazing sphere at the four immortals, their sinister forms swallowed by the bright light. In an instant, they were vanquished, disappearing into the twilight sky like ashes scattered by the wind.*

*Y/N's triumph was short-lived, however, as she turned to face her parents. Crumpled on the ground, their bodies bore the marks of the fierce battle. Blood oozed from gashes on their foreheads, and the sight left her breathless. Abandoning all composure, she rushed to their side, her heart pounding in her chest.*

*“Y/N-ah, you did a great job,” her father rasped, a trace of pain lacing his voice as he struggled to form words. Though he wore a painful smile, it did little to ease the dread filling her heart.*

*“We are not with you for your further journey, but always keep in mind, our souls will always protect you both.” Her mother’s voice trembled, yet it carried with it an undeniable strength, as tears streamed down her cheeks.*

*With those last words, Y/N watched as their eyes slowly closed, as if giving in to the fatigue of their injuries. A wave of despair crashed over her, and the heart-wrenching realization settled deep within. Her parents, her very foundation, were gone. The fire still flickered around her, casting shadows that danced ominously against her grief.*

*Y/N burst into tears, the raw emotion spilling out of her in heaving breaths. She felt the weight of the world crashing down upon her—the enormity of her loss pressing against her chest, suffocating her. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a flicker of determination ignited within her. She had to carry their legacy, their love, and their protection, even if it was from beyond the grave.*

*Rising to her feet, Y/N wiped her tears away, the grief transforming into steely resolve. She would become the shield he needed—no matter the cost.*

*As Y/N left the clearing, leaving behind her parents’ silent forms .

to be continued

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