The Prince's Shadow (Taekook) 04

. . .

[Balcony – Night]

The city glitters with lanterns. Taehyung leans on the railing, Jungkook at his side.

Prince Taehyung

Tell me something true, Jungkook. Anything.

Jeon Jungkook

*after a pause* …I once dreamed of a home by the river. A place where no one hunts you for what you are.

Taehyung studies him carefully. The slip of words.

Prince Taehyung

For what you are?

Jungkook stiffens, realizing his mistake. He turns away.

Jeon Jungkook

Forget it.

Prince Taehyung

No. I won’t.

They stand in silence. Tension hums in the air.

[Later – Jungkook’s Quarters]

Jungkook removes his armor, scarred skin revealed beneath. He stares into the mirror. His reflection ripples. For a moment, his eyes glow—wolf-like, inhuman. He grips the table hard.

Jeon Jungkook

*to himself, harsh whisper* Control it. Control it…

A knock. He straightens instantly, face blank.

Prince Taehyung

*outside* Jungkook. Walk with me.

[Moonlit Courtyard]

They walk side by side. Crickets hum.

Prince Taehyung

Why do you never speak of yourself?

Jeon Jungkook

Because my past doesn’t matter. Only my duty.

Prince Taehyung

I think it matters more than you admit.

[He stops, turning fully to Jungkook.]

Prince Taehyung

If you trust me… then show me who you are.

Jungkook’s breath falters. His hand clenches at his side.

Jeon Jungkook

*voice low* Some truths, Your Highness… would destroy you.

Prince Taehyung

Or set us free.

Their eyes lock. The distance between them feels fragile, electric. Jungkook looks away first.

[Suddenly – Alarm Bells Ring]

Shouts echo. Soldiers rush through the courtyard.

Soldier

Another shapeshifter! In the city!

Torches flare. Chaos. Taehyung and Jungkook rush forward.

[City Gates – Moments Later]

A young shapeshifter—barely a teenager—trapped by guards. Terrified, half-shifted between forms.

Inquisitor

*arriving, seething* Another rat. Kill it.

Prince Taehyung

Wait...! It’s just a child!

Inquisitor

A child that could slit your throat while you sleep. Mercy is weakness.

The shapeshifter cries, cornered. Taehyung steps forward, but Jungkook grips his arm, trembling.

Prince Taehyung

Jungkook, let me...

Their eyes meet. Jungkook’s face is pale, anguish in his gaze.

Jeon Jungkook

*whispers* If you fight for it… you fight for me.

Prince Taehyung

*stunned* …What?

The words hang heavy in the night. Guards raise their blades. Taehyung’s heart pounds.