Chapter 1: Shadows and Whispers Part 1: The Proclamation

Summary: Jeon Jungkook learns about a looming war threatening his home, the Shadow Empire. His father tasks him with investigating the unrest in the borderlands. Meanwhile, Kim Taehyung is forced to flee the Azure Palace after being accused of treason.

---

Opening Scene: Jeon Jungkook

The stone halls of the Shadow Fortress were silent but for the sound of Jeon Jungkook’s boots echoing against the cold marble. He walked with purpose, his expression unreadable as he approached the council chamber. At twenty-five, he had mastered the art of concealment—of hiding the storm raging beneath the surface.

Inside, his father, Jeon Jung-suk, waited alongside the empire’s advisors. The tension in the room was palpable.

“The borderlands burn,” Jung-suk began without preamble. “Bandits. Rebels. Or worse. We cannot afford weakness.” His gaze was sharp, assessing Jungkook like a soldier preparing for battle.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. “What do you want me to do?”

“You will leave at dawn. Scout the situation and eliminate any threat to the empire.”

There was no room for argument.

Transition to Kim Taehyung

The air smelled of smoke and betrayal. Taehyung stood in the royal courtyard, the accusations of treason still ringing in his ears. Guards surrounded him, their expressions cold, their spears ready.

“You cannot exile me without proof,” Taehyung growled, his honey-colored eyes blazing with defiance.

His elder brother, the crown prince, smirked from his gilded throne. “Proof or not, your presence is poison. Leave, or face the blade.”

Taehyung’s heart ached, but he would not give them the satisfaction of seeing him break. Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked out of the only home he had ever known.

⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰ ⁰

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







Previous Chapter

Introductions:

Next Chapter

Chapter 1: Shadows and Whispers Part 2: The Exile



Hot

Comments



—𝗝𝗘𝗢𝗡 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗩𝗜𝗣𝗘𝗥

Woahhh Serena, Bravo!
Your Vocabulary skills are perfect, and I felt as I am reading some high quality fiction.. I am Loving it, the emotions are perfectly portrayed

2024-12-16

  2