Infernal Roses

Author: Melissa♡

Published: 2023

"Darling, I will bring the very heavens at your feet if you wish for it." A tattoo
of a flower appears on one's arm when they turn 21 years old, the closest
flower that represents their soulmate. Black roses appear on Lily's arm.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉... A twisted fairytale where the girl falls for the
misunderstood villain. Started: 13 April 2022 Completed: 24 June 2023

1: The Prince of Hell

To everyone who dreams of a villain who would burn down the world for
them, this book is for you <3

When Kim Taehyung was born, he had shaken the 3 realms. Heaven, hell,
and earth.

He was born so powerful that the sky had roared, lightning had flashed and
it had rained and thundered for 7 days straight on Earth; it had flooded
thousands of places. Volcanoes had erupted. The ocean had soared high
and swept away places with its waves. The mountain of heaven had been
impacted by an avalanche. The heavenly deities had prayed for everyone's
lives and mourned for the future for what was to come.

Kim Taehyung was born so powerful, that he had the power equivalent to
hundreds of thousands of gods and hundreds of thousands of demons in
the palm of his small hands.

His birth itself was so ominous and so forceful that he had filled dread in
not only the gods who ruled in heaven but also the demons of hell.
A new ruler of hell had arisen. He who would have the power to control all
the dead souls, who would wield all the ugly emotions that manifest with
death, who would control all the vile, ugly, and wretched things of the world,
who would bring temptation, deception, and death wherever he went.

Taehyung wasn't given birth. He was rather born splitting the earth and the
sky. The little baby had been found in the Eastern Mountain of the realm of
hell. The Eastern Mountain had erupted because of a sudden volcano and
had swept away settlement areas of demons with its hot lava. When the
King of Hell and his confidantes had gone to inspect the area, he had found
the situation devastating. The temperature there was so hot as if it could
burn hell itself.

But what had rendered the previous ruler speechless was the fact that a
large black rose had sprouted in that land out of nowhere, and in the middle
of the rose, there was a small baby, sleeping peacefully, despite the
scorching heat, despite the waves of magma all around him.

Taehyung had just turned 10 days old when he was crowned as the Crown
Prince of Hell.

The demons had rejoiced. Such, a powerful ruler was unheard of.

While the world had mourned because Kim Taehyung was nothing other
than the very symbol of destruction and death.

***

2: Different

Taehyung had just turned 4 years old when he had learned that he
was different from others.

A very young age for someone to even learn the concept of anything other
than childish tantrums and playfulness.
He had been running around the Palace, trying to flee from the governess
who came to teach him alphabets, numbers, history, and other things.

He didn't like sitting idly in one place for hours. His mind wouldn't even be
focused on the lessons with the way it would go wild every time, thinking
about anything but the lessons. He liked to play with Tan and run with him.

Tan was referred to as Cerberus by the others. But Taehyung liked to call
the hound, Tan. It was his only friend and frankly speaking, he found the
other name difficult to pronounce.

Today, as usual, he had fled away from his study chamber.

There was just something about the governess. She would always be so
pale whenever she was near him. If he moved even an inch, she would
flinch. He always felt scared around her, as if he was a ticking time bomb
just waiting to explode. Taehyung didn't like what he saw in her eyes.

Later, he learns that it was fear. Later, he will learn to wield it as his
strongest weapon.

Taehyung stopped short when he arrived at one corner. There was a

woman and two little kids just around his age, with her.

He hid behind the pillar and observed them quietly.

The woman giggled as she ruffled the hair of the two kids. A boy looked up
to her, eyes shining with joy, and called her "Mother".

"Mother. . ." Taehyung tested that foreign word on his tongue. He felt warm
looking at the trio and longing filled his bones. He realized that he also
wanted to have a mother. He also wanted someone to look at him, with
those bright eyes and ruffle his hair affectionately.

He quietly stepped out of the pillar and approached them. As soon as the
woman saw him, her face paled, turning white just like the governess.
Taehyung again felt as if he had done something wrong. He didn't like it.
He didn't like those fearful eyes.

The woman tugged her two kids and pulled them behind her. "Y-Your
Highness." She bowed. Seeing their mother, the two kids followed her suit
and bowed to him.

"What are you doing in the hallways, Your Highness? Isn't it time for your
lessons? " She inquired politely.
He felt ashamed to say that he had fled once again. Changing the topic, he
said, "I want to play with them."

The woman stared at him, looking alarmed. "Joon and Jimin have classes,
Your Highness. They need to attend it. You should also get back to your
study chamber."

"But Mama, lessons don't start till---", One of the boys was speaking but the
woman interrupted him sharply. "Quiet."

Before he could say another word, the woman hurried away with the kids,
as if it was suffocating to stay near Taehyung for some moments more.
Taehyung felt unhappy but didn't say anything else.

He stood there silently for some time. The governess found him after a
while. Before she had the chance to question him, he asked her. "Madam,
what is a mother?"

The governess froze hearing his question but answered slowly. "A mother
is someone who gives birth to you."

"Do I also have a mother?" Taehyung asked, blinking his eyes rapidly. Why
hadn't he seen his mother yet then?

"Your Highness. . ." The governess looked at him with pitiful eyes.

"I also want to have a mother," Taehyung said adamantly. For someone
like him; the revered Crown Prince of Hell, who had hundreds of maids and
servants to be at his beck and call. . . .it couldn't possibly be hard to find his
mother, right?

"Your Highness, how about we go to your chamber and prepare for your art
lesson? You love to paint, don't you? Also, if you behave nicely, I will ask
your father, His Majesty, to bring you your mother," She tried to change the
topic but he could see the deception. It was in plain sight.

"You are lying to me!" Taehyung yelled. The governess took a step back. It
was a futile attempt to try to deceive the future ruler of hell itself. Taehyung
could easily discern deception and ugly feelings even when he was just a
small kid. It was his innate power. An ability that he had been born with.

Taehyung felt hot tears threaten to spill out of his eyes. "Where is my
mother? Do not lie to me," He asked again.
"Your Highness, you don't . . . ." The governess stammered fearfully. ". . .
You-You don't have a mother."

"Why don't I have a m-mother?", His bottom lip trembled.

So, no one would ever look at him with those affectionate eyes. . .
.Taehyung felt so, so bitter. Bitterness and hurt engulfed his heart and
suddenly, he heard his governess scream.

He noticed the black shadows which were appearing, making him feel
confused. The shadows were all laughing, cackling at him. More and more
started appearing as if they were trying to swallow him whole. He shrank
back, flailing his arms, feeling suffocated.

"H-Help..." He muttered. But his governess was no longer there.

Taehyung fell to the ground with a loud thud, slipping into

unconsciousness.

***

Taehyung slowly blinked his eyes but his head hurt. He again closed his
eyes shut. There were voices around him. Someone was patting his head
slowly.

"Your Majesty, that was the first display of his power. . ." A voice said. "I
have never seen something like this. . .We know, His Highness is an
extraordinary child but he already has too much power in his hands. Today
he displayed his first power. He can control the souls of the dead, even
manipulate them to his beck and call. He can mold them and turn them to
his benefit in the future. This great power can be difficult to handle for his
age.. . .. The souls of the dead are resentful and hungry for vengeance. . .
.They can even engulf him if he is not careful. . ."

"I am glad the governess came to the Great Hall immediately. Otherwise, it
would have been too late." Another voice added.

A sigh. "What can we do to prevent such outbursts?"

"He needs to start training from tomorrow, Your Majesty. To wield such
high power, he needs to start learning from now."
"Very well. Hire the best masters for him. He will learn to wield his powers."

"Father." Taehyung croaked. His throat felt parched.

"You woke up, Taehyung?"

"Mmm." He didn't understand the other things and asked the question that
had been bugging him. "Father, where is my mother?"

He saw his father stiffen at the question.

"Taehyung. . .," He paused but slowly replied. ". . .You don't have a
mother."

Taehyung let out a whimper. "I-I also want to have a mother. Please."

Taehyung had begged for something for the first time in his life at the age
of four. He had also learned at the same age that someone as vile as him,
couldn't beg for something. If he wanted something, he had to seize it. He
could never beg. He would never beg.

"Taehyung. You are going to be the King of Hell in the future. Kings do not
show weaknesses. Kings do not cry. Quiet down." His father said sharply.

Taehyung felt his heart wither.

He took a deep breath but even that hurt. He quickly wiped away his tears
so that his father wouldn't scold him anymore.

"But m-mother----", Taehyung really wanted his mother. He had seen the
maids in the Palace hug their kids, carry them around and play with them.
He also wanted someone who would hug him at nights when it would get
too cold. He didn't want that large empty chamber which only reminded him
of the cold and chilly wind. He wanted someone to hug him, to be there for
him. . .

Taehyung had never received that affectionate love from anyone. He could
never expect that same type of love and care from his father, whom
everyone respected as the King of Hell. He would be lucky if he saw his
father more than twice a month.

"Taehyung. You are different. And this is the first thing you need to learn
about yourself. You are different. You weren't born by a mother like mere
mortals or even demons and gods. You were born shattering the earth and
the sky. Do you understand?"

"What's a mortal?", Taehyung asked. Taehyung knew about gods. His

father had always warned him to be wary of them.

"Humans who die after living for a couple of years."

"Are they nice?"Taehyung asked, blinking owlishly. "Will they play with me
if I ask?"

"They will meet you after they die."

But will they play with me? Taehyung wanted to ask again but he didn't,
fearing that his father would get furious again.

"Oh." Taehyung had another question. "What is to die?" But he forced it

down after an attendant came knocking on the door and his father patted
his head and told him goodbye. "Your training will start tomorrow. I will
leave now."

"Training for what?" Taehyung asked. Training meant more lessons and
lessons meant more headaches.

"Taehyung, you have seen the black throne on the Great Hall where I sit
every day, haven't you?" His father said.

"Yes."

"You are training to be capable enough to sit there someday," His father left
and Taehyung could only stare helplessly at his cloak before the door was
shut closed.

***

3: A flower that bloomed

"Two cups of Americano. Coming right up." Lily mutters cheerfully as she
walks to the kitchen to get the order.

"God, today's been hectic," Her friend slash co-worker, Yuna, lets out a
tired sigh.

"When is it ever not?", Lily smiles, as she starts making the order.

"Nothing could ever faze you anyway. My bones hurt." Yuna grumbles,
prompting a laugh from Lily.

"And today you are extra-cheery because you are finally turning twenty-
one. Even the customers can see the happiness radiating off you just by a
glance." She teases.

Lily feels her heart race. And the thought runs through her mind for the nth
time today. I am finally turning twenty-one.

I am finally turning twenty-one.

She had been waiting for this day since the day she knew what soulmates
meant. Since the day she knew that she would have a piece of her
soulmate once she turns twenty-one.

Soulmates. . .

Isn't it so beautiful that out of 7 billion individuals in this world, there is one
person who is destined to be with you?
There is one person who has been written by the fates for you. . . .only you.

Your other half who completes you. The missing puzzle piece to your heart.

Nothing could make her disheartened today. She had just waited for this
day for too long.

"Soulmates aren't shit anyway. Mine doesn't even do her laundry." Yuna
rolls her eyes but Lily knows she had done it fondly. Yuna has a girlfriend,
her soulmate whom she met just last year. A bright chrysanthemum flower
decorates her arm, the flower that represents her soulmate in the closest
possible way.

Lily stares at her own arms. They would have her soulmate's flowers after
tonight. She could hardly wait.

The bell hanging in the doorway chimes and another customer enters
inside. The man takes a seat near the window. Lily once again goes to take
the order.

"Welcome to Beans n' Coffee, Sir. What would you like to have?" She asks
politely.

"Espresso." The man mutters brusquely, without casting her another

glance.

Lily nods and gets back to the kitchen. She hands the order to Yuna and
takes the previous order. When she gets back to get the man's order, she
finds Yuna ready with the coffee but a frown is present on her face.
Lily follows Yuna's line of sight and she finds the earlier man smoking. The
"No smoking" sign stands right beside the man's table. An elderly woman,
sitting nearby, scrunches her nose, glancing at the man.

"Seriously, can people stop acting like they are blind? Smoking in a public
area. . . .The audacity," Yuna murmurs.

"I will go and ask him to put it out. Don't worry." Lily takes the order and
walks to the table.

She places the order in front of the man and begins politely, "Sir, sorry to
disturb you but smoking is prohibited here."

The man looks at her from head to toe, making her feel uncomfortable. He
keeps on smoking and then, blows a cloud of smoke. "So?"

"So, please put it out, "She again tries politely despite her patience already
running thin.

"Listen, girl, I am already in a shit mood. Don't piss me off more." The man
rolls his eyes.

"Sir, I am asking you----"

"Didn't you hear what I said?! I am in a shit mood," The man rages.
"If you still insist on smoking, then, please leave and smoke somewhere
else, Sir. Your shit mood doesn't account for your shit behavior." Lily
replies.

The man suddenly stands up from his seat and snarls. "What did you just
say?"

"Sir, I am requesting you----" The man suddenly grabs her wrist. His hold is
bruising and tight.

Her heart sinks.

No.

Not the wrist.

Not the wrist.

She finds herself unable to breathe.

Breathe, Lily. Breathe. Her mind chants.

"You asshole, get your hands off her!" Lily hears Yuna's voice and in the
next moment, the hold around her wrist loosens. She quickly cradles her
red wrist.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

There is commotion. She hears unclear voices. Someone pulls her.

"Hey, Lily. Breathe. It's okay. It's alright," Yuna soothingly murmurs.

She tries to nod. It's alright. I am okay. I am okay.

"Fucking asshole. Your wrist is red," Yuna mutters, looking at her with
concern. "There must be a first aid box. Let's apply some ointment, hm?"

Lily still cradles the wrist close to her chest. Yuna brings an ointment after a
while. She knows how this type of situation goes for Lily. It's always terrible.
Yuna leaves the ointment in her lap. Yuna is probably staring at her with
worry but Lily can't even bring herself to look up.

"Have some rest, okay?" Yuna leaves.

Lily breathes out a sigh. Her eyes sting with tears but she quickly blinks
them back.

She stares at the old scar around her wrist. Her chest again
tightens. Breathe.
The thing about scars is though the wound might heal with time, they keep
on reminding you of the pain, of the past. The pain lessens, indeed. But it's
never gone. . .

Her shift ends after two more hours. Yuna was worried but Lily tried to
show her that she was fine, though the girl probably didn't believe her at
all.

On her way home, she passes by a familiar florist shop. Her legs drag her
inside, though the exhaustion of the whole day is starting to take a toll on
her.

The old lady behind the counter, Mrs. Jung, smiles brightly as she sees
her. "Lily!"

"Mrs. Jung," Lily bows, returning the smile. Mrs. Jung is the owner of this
flower shop and Lily is very close to the woman. She helps out the old lady
time and again with her flowers.

Mrs. Jung frowns as she comes closer. "You look tired, sweetie. What
happened?"

"Nothing, Mrs. Jung."

"Now, now, do not lie to this old woman. Your smile looks so dim and I
know that my beautiful girl has the brightest smile in Seoul. You have been
excited for the whole week and today, you should be jumping with joy. After
all, you will have your soulmate's flowers tonight."
The thing had completely slipped off her mind from the incident in the cafe.
The thought of her soulmate manages to make her gloomy mood a bit
brighter.

"Just a shit customer," She mumbles. "Nothing to worry about, Mrs. Jung."

"Ah, hope he rots then. For making my child unhappy."

Lily chuckles. "Mrs. Jung, can I tend to your flowers today?" She requests.
Lily has always liked being close to flowers. They make her feel calm and
the inside turmoil in her mind desperately needs that right now.

"Ofcourse, dear."

Lily helps out the woman for the next hour. Both of them settle into an easy
rhythm. Lily asks as she waters the lilies. "Mrs. Jung, what do you think my
soulmate's flowers would be? Daffodils, tulips, carnations?"

The woman chuckles. "I couldn't possibly know, dear. And whatever
flowers may it be, I know that your soulmate would shower you with pure
love and devotion because that's what you deserve."

"What if my. . ." She wets her lips. ". . .What if my soulmate doesn't like me
when we finally meet?"

Lily has always been fearful of that possibility. There are times when she
has heard soulmates not being contented with one another, which naturally
causes a lot of pain for both of them. Going against fate's wish, after all,
always has consequences.

"How could they not like you, dear? You are everything that a person could
ever desire."

Mrs. Jung reassures her but her worries still don't fade away.

Her soulmate won't have to worry about Lily not liking them because Lily
has been in love with her soulmate ever since she knew what soulmates
were. Whoever they are, they are her only family in this world.

And maybe it's stupidity to feel this way already for a stranger and regard
them with so much importance, but for Lily, her soulmate has been her only
anchor and hope through countless harsh times. Her soulmate kept her
going. On cold nights when she found herself looking out the window of her
room, out of sheer loneliness, it was her soulmate's thoughts that kept her
warm.

Her soulmate. . . .Her only person.

"Lily, dear, perhaps you should quit your job in the café and just work for
me in the shop. Your hands truly have magic, child. The last batch of
flowers that you planted has thrived so well."

"I can still keep on helping you without working for you, Mrs. Jung. You
know I love the flowers."

"You do. Ah, I am getting too old. When I die, I will certainly leave this
flower shop to you."
"Now, why are you talking about dying? You still have so many years to live
and you need to meet my soulmate, too."

"Oh, I will meet your soulmate. Don't worry." Mrs. Jung lets out a sigh. ". . .
Yujin called me yesterday."

Lily pauses when she hears the name of Mrs. Jung's daughter. She lives in
Australia with her husband and children. "What did she say?"

"Same old thing. She wants me to sell the flower shop and move to
Australia." She again sighs. ". . . .We again had a fight."

Lily doesn't speak. She knows Mrs. Jung needs her own space right now.

"That girl never understands. . . I can never sell this flower shop. . .It's her
father's shop. . .The shop where he spent his whole life. . . His scent
still lingers here in these flowers even after he is gone. . . .How can I sell
him? How can I sell a part of my soul ?"

"You don't need to, Mrs. Jung. We will take care of this flower shop, okay?"

The woman nods, wiping her tears. "Oh Lily, your soulmate must have
done something great for them to have you."
After helping out Mrs. Jung, Lily walks back to her apartment with lightness
in her steps. It's a tiny little thing. But in the crowded, expensive city of
Seoul, it's the best that she can afford.

She eats some quick Ramen and cleans her dishes. The exhaustion from
the whole day soon creeps up on her. As soon as her head hits the pillow,
she drifts off to sleep.

Red.

Everywhere around her is red.

Lily gasps for air, but all she can feel is the scorching heat around her.

Someone pulls her outside.

Lily sees the silhouette of her mother, looking tired, so so tired. The side of
her head is bleeding. She limps on her leg, dragging Lily along the ground
with difficulty.

Something sharp is piercing Lily's wrist painfully, squeezing the breath out
of her lungs.
"M-Mama, m-my hand---" Lily tries to speak through the pain. The sharp
thing penetrates even deeper into her hand, as her mother keeps on
dragging Lily's body.

"S-Stay here, Lily---I will go get your father, " Her mother leaves her a few
laps far from the. . . . .burning car.

"M-Mama, d-don't go--Am scared." Tears pool in her eyes.

Her mother brushes her lips against her forehead. "I-I will return with Papa,
alright?"

Lily barely manages a nod. Her mother again limps back to the car which is
burning.

It hurts. Her hand hurts so badly.

and there's so much blood around her.

So much blood.

A loud explosion is heard after some mere seconds.

Her mama doesn't return back with her Papa. . .

Lily wakes up, gasping for air. She finds her cheeks wet with tears. She
brings her hand to wipe her tears but stops mid-way when her eyes land on
the scar on her wrist.

She feels a sharp tug of pain. Breathe, Lily. Breathe. It was what her
therapist always told her to do.

You are fine.

But how fine?

Even after 11 years after that accident, the pain has never left her. It's
always like this . . .nightmares following her every night and tormenting her
sleep. . .The nightmares disappear for some days and return again,
unannounced. She has still not learned how to not flinch, whenever
someone touches her wrist.

Even if their hold is loose around her wrist, it doesn't make it any better. . .
It reminds her of her mother pulling her hand, dragging her body on the
ground with difficulty. . .the glass shards digging into her wrist painfully. . .
She again brings her hand to wipe off her tears when she notices
something black on her arms.

Her heart stops against her chest.

My soulmate's flowers. . . . .

The realization dawns on her. With trembling hands, she pulls up the
sleeve of her sweater and finds her arm decorated with swirling patterns in
black ink.

Black Roses. . . .

Black as the darkest night.

She stares at the black roses that now decorate her right arm in awe, the
black-colored roses and her arm contrasting sharply.

She has never seen something so majestic. The roses are simply
breathtaking. Truthfully, it was never about the flowers. She had never
really cared what kind of flowers would appear in her arms. She had just
wanted something related to her soulmate. Her other half.

And even if the flower would have been a tiny dot or a speck, she would
have adored the flower same anyways. It was her soulmate's flower after
all. And nothing was more special to her than that.
You exist. She feels her eyes burn. She had someone in this
world. Someone who was hers. Someone who could be her family. That
thought itself made her want to burst into tears of happiness.

Seoul suddenly doesn't feel too lonely.

Her wrist is still red.

But she finds that it doesn't hurt anymore.

***

Taehyung is in hell.

Literally and figuratively.

The demons in the Western region had been creating troubles again.
Bunch of useless punks.

And then, Namjoon again got into trouble with another heavenly deity.
He again accidentally destroyed the roof of a deity's temple when he was
playing around in the mortal realm. The angels suspect that Namjoon
always does it intentionally but the man is just extremely clumsy for hell's
sake.
Taehyung had to pacify the matters again. The last time it had been quite
easy to solve the problem but this time, it wasn't since the deity was of
some important rank and was too proud.

And then there was the problem with himself too. He had been feeling so
antsy and on edge for a couple of days. He had never felt like this. . .
.feeling so out of his own skin.

Taehyung is exhausted and just wants to go and flee somewhere where no

one can find him.

He would have done that if it weren't for Park Jimin, his damn right-hand
man who wouldn't stop bursting him with messages and questions if he
didn't find him within a 5 m radius of hell.

Taehyung grumbles as he gets up from his bed, ready for a new day. He
had a pile of documents to go through and also a meeting with his officials.
Being the King of Hell should guarantee a relaxed life but no, he is stuck
with paper works that never end and making sure that no wretched soul
escapes the underworld.

Taehyung slowly takes off the outer silk robe that he had worn while
sleeping. He stares at the mirror and finds his hair in an utter mess. Jimin
will be barging into his chamber any minute now with his attendants.
Taehyung just wants to sleep but alas, he isn't blessed with such luxury.

The first thing he notices is something white.

Taehyung blinks his eyes. What in the hounds of hell is that?

He stares at it carefully.

His heart sinks inside his chest.

He rubs his eyes again. Maybe he is still dreaming?

A tattoo of a white Lily has sprouted on his left arm out of nowhere.

Taehyung blinks his eyes again. Then, he pinches himself. Hell, this is real.
Bloody real.

Taehyung is apparently not hallucinating. What a pity. If he had been

hallucinating, perhaps, he could have convinced everyone that he had
gone mad and wouldn't have to deal with all those terrible paper works.

Taehyung lets out a sigh. Now, he just has to know the name of this
motherfucker who decided to prank the king of hell. What a stupid prank,
seriously. He wonders if it's Seokjin. The other Prince of Hell has always
enjoyed pulling his leg. Oh, Taehyung will have his head.

Taehyung summons his power and tries to make the flowers disappear.

It doesn't go away.

He again tries. What in the hell is happening?

But, the Lily doesn't disappear, not even an inch.

Seriously, what kind of magic did Seokjin do?

Taehyung glares at the flowers. But, it doesn't vanish.

He glares some more. Nothing happens.

Nothing.

"Hells, help me. How lazy can he be? He always needs me to wake him
up." Jimin mutters under his breath. The man is followed by a line of
Taehyung's attendants.

"Taehyung, where the hell are you?! The meeting is in 30 minutes!" Jimin
barges inside the chamber only to find it in an utter mess.

There are papers, flower vases, cushions, pillows, and clothes strewn all
over the floor. And in the middle of the chaos, there is Taehyung,
aggressively using his powers.
He sends a ball of fire. It nearly hits Jimin but the man quickly dodges.
"What the fuck?! You woke up and chose violence today?!"

Taehyung doesn't answer. He sends another round of fire and it makes a

huge dent in the wall.

"Fuck! Taehyung! Stop it!" Jimin looks, shocked. "What the hell happened
here?! Did a hell quake occur in this place?!"

Jimin looks behind him. There is not a single servant in sight. They
probably ran away, seeing their King's madness.

"Jimin! Fuck! It's not going away!" Taehyung says, looking very irritated and
pissed.

Only, then, does Jimin notice the flower that has bloomed on Taehyung's
arms. He lets out a loud shriek.

Taehyung stares at him, unimpressed.

Taehyung is in hell.

****

4: The Prince of Darkness

"You have a soulmate! A soulmate! Taehyung!" Jimin shouts excitedly.

"Yoongi hyung, he has a soulmate!" Jimin is bursting with enthusiasm as

he engulfs Yoongi in a tight hug. The latter groans at that. Jimin couldn't
care less. He hugs Jungkook, too, who is standing right beside Yoongi.

"Wow, a soulmate." Jungkook breathes out, looking in awe. The two

princes immediately hastened to Taehyung's chamber after they heard
Jimin's loud shriek, fearing for Taehyung's life. Yeah, that's right because
when Jimin gets mad, even the King of Hell is no match.

Taehyung doesn't respond at all, keeping quiet.

"Everyone had already believed that you didn't have a soulmate! But the
person exists Taehyung! Oh my god, you need to search for them!" Jimin
squeals.

Taehyung was not supposed to have a soulmate. He had expected a flower

to bloom on his arm just like everyone else's after his coming of age.
Everyone had soulmates and Taehyung had been ecstatic to meet this
person. But a year passed, and more years passed but the flower never
appeared. It was only then he realized that the universe hadn't blessed him
with his soulmate. How could it even anyway? Taehyung, the vilest being in
the world, how could he even have a soulmate, right?

Everyone had naturally concluded that he would never have a soulmate.

Taehyung had believed.

He had learned to never hope. To never expect.

Hope, you see, is a terrible, terrible thing.

It hurts the most.

The Universe couldn't give him his mother and now, it couldn't give him a
soulmate too. He had learned that he was doomed to be eternally alone.

"I am not going to search for them," Taehyung said coldly.

Jimin froze. "Why?"

"I don't want a soulmate. I am better off without them."

Perhaps what Taehyung had really meant was---They are better off
without me.

"What? But that doesn't make sense! That's your soulmate, you dumbass---
"

"I don't want a soulmate, Jimin. That's final."

"Do I have to smack some sense into your head? It's not about wanting
them, you dumbass. One needs their soulmate---"

"Jimin, the fates can't decide if they want to toss someone my way or not
whenever they fucking please," Taehyung says sharply.

Jimin's eyes soften. He knows Taehyung and his pride. Taehyung had
waited centuries for his soulmate. He was ridiculed for years for not having
one. He was feared, yes. And respected because of the sheer power that
he had the ability to wield.
But behind the closed doors, hallways, and corridors, when the Lord wasn't
present in their sight, the people would talk. They would talk about Lord
Kim, and his powers and how he is the vilest being ever to have been
granted everything but nothing at the same time--- to not even have a
soulmate, because a Lord with so much evil running through his veins
would destroy his soulmate after all and so it was the universe's wish to not
grant him one.

The King of Hell

Lucifer

Satan

The Prince of Darkness

But no one--no one saw Taehyung beyond that. Beyond his list of
intimidating titles. No one saw him as someone who just wanted love and
affection, just like any being craves it instinctively. Someone who just
wanted a hand to hold on.

And Jimin fears--he fears that Taehyung, who has discarded every last bit
of hope, may never learn to hope again. Hope is a person's anchor. And
Taehyung, God Taehyung deserves to hope. He needs his soulmate more
than anyone.

"Don't tell anyone about this. I will find a way to remove these stupid
flowers." Taehyung huffs.
"Taehyung! God! You can't remove those flowers! You may be the King of
Hell but even you don't have such power!" Jimin yells at him but it's futile.

Taehyung marches inside the bathroom and bangs the door shut.

Jungkook and Yoongi sigh, staring at each other.

***

The officials are all waiting in the Great Hall for their Lord. The Great Hall of
hell is a structure that is renowned among all the realms. It's a place where
one must be if they want to seek an audience with the King of Hell. The
Great Hall has always been known for its opulence and magnificence. A
monument that has been around since the very existence of hell itself. It
has encompassed billions of years.

A huge black throne is present at the top of the stairs. A dark red carpet is
spread on the ground, creating the path for the King to his throne. Firelights
burn in several corners of the room. There are several pillars inside the
hall, decorated with various embellishments. The officials are seated in
their seats on either side of the Hall.

After minutes, there's a sound of soft tinkling.

"His Majesty, the King is approaching!" The herald announces loudly.

Taehyung appears, his gaze so frosty as if it could freeze hell itself.
Especially, today the air around the Lord seems uneasy. The officials stare
at one another uncomfortably. The silver trinkets that adorn his black boots
softly tinkle, the sound floating inside the hall. The Lord is clad in his black
robe and the rings on his fingers glimmer brightly. Tan, the beloved three-
headed hound of the Lord, follows him. A low snarl escapes from Tan's
mouth time and again, evoking fear in everyone inside the hall.

Taehyung walks down the carpet, making his way to his throne. After he is
seated on his throne, Tan sits obediently near the foot of the Lord, and the
meeting starts.

Park Jimin, the right-hand man of the Lord, stands by the side of the
throne, calling up names of people who have requested an audience with
the Lord.

It's the usual.

The demons complaining about this and that.

Taehyung gazes at the demons in front of him disinterestedly. His rings

glitter under the light of the fire.

"Your Majesty, I believe the heavenly realm is plotting against us once

again. They want to completely annihilate us," One of the demons speaks.
"Our settlement area was burned by them a week ago! We need justice,
Your Majesty!"

"Yes, my lord! You are the most powerful ruler hell has seen in ages! I
daresay we would even be victorious if we wage war against heaven! They
have been treating us as if we are the soles of their shoes! Someone needs
to punish them!" Another demon snarls.

Taehyung raises his eyebrow. He has ruled long enough to know that
demons are foolish, selfish creatures. No wonder they are called demons,
in the first place. If they had done something good, they wouldn't be here in
this miserable place, making Taehyung even more miserable.

He suppresses the urge to yawn. Jimin would have his head if he yawns.
Jimin says that it's necessary to have the support of all the officials and
they should take him seriously. If he yawns, then apparently, the officials
won't consider him a good ruler. Taehyung doesn't give a fuck about that.

Sometimes, he even wants to yawn, wanting to see how these dimwits

would react. If they take away his crown, wouldn't that be nice? No more
work, no more boring meetings. Taehyung could just sleep and eat all day.

But what Taehyung knows is these dimwits aren't so dim in their brains
because they know that there would be no ruler more powerful than
Taehyung in hell. They need him.

The demon keeps on speaking. What a loudmouth. "My lord, we need

justice! Our areas have been burned to dust! Please do something, my
lord! Teach those angels a lesson!"

"Wasn't it because you crossed the borders and created a settlement area
in their realm?" Taehyung stares at his rings. Pretty things. Taehyung has
always liked pretty, glimmering things.

"My lord--" The demon looks at him in shock.

"Do not lie to me. I can smell the air of deception around you. They burnt
your settlement area but rightfully so. I have given strict orders to everyone
not to create troubles with the heavenly realm. But did you obey me?"
Taehyung glares at the demon sharply. The rings adorning his long fingers
glitter brightly.

The demon looks terrified.

"You thought I would be so easily deceived by you just because you are my
kind?" Taehyung drawls and flicks his finger. At that motion, Jimin calls.
"Guards!"

"How do you wish to deal with him, my lord?", Jimin asks.

"Execute him and set an example. He who dares to lie to me will be

punished brutally."

The demon lets out a terrified wail. "Forgive me, my lord!" But it's futile. The
guards drag him out.

"Next," Jimin calls.

Taehyung needs a vacation.

***

After the end of the long day, Taehyung is finally inside the peace and quiet
of his chamber.
It doesn't last long.

The booming voice of Jimin rings outside his chamber.

"Taehyung!!!" The door to his chamber bursts open.

"Now what?" Taehyung sighs in irritation. "Learn to knock, will you?"

Taehyung pauses when he sees how terrified Jimin looks. He has never
seen him so agitated before. This is not good.

"It's Cerberus!" Jimin pants heavily.

"What happened to Tan?!" A flicker of worry arises in his heart. Tan is the
only thing that Taehyung has ever cared for. Good lord, if anything were to
happen to him, Taehyung swears upon hell itself that he would take the
flaming sword and destroy all realms.

"He---He has escaped!" Jimin exclaims.

Ridiculous.

"Why would Tan escape?!" Tan is so loyal that he has never left
Taehyung's side.

"I don't know! The caretakers said that the dog had been behaving
strangely for a couple of days. He always stands guard at the gates of hell
after the meeting but when the caretakers went to feed him today, the dog
had disappeared."

"Fuck! Where do you think he went?!" Taehyung needs to find his dog
soon. He doesn't want to deal with mortals and even more, he doesn't want
to deal with those uptight deities who would no doubt be up his ass if they
found a sniff related to his dog outside hell.

Jimin's gaze lands on his bare arm, the one where the Lily covers his arm
even more vividly than before.

"Fuck." Taehyung curses.

***

Lily stares at the dog behind her.

The dog has been following her since today morning. He has been staring
at her with those big puppy eyes and Lily doesn't find it in herself to send
him away.

"Who is your owner?" Lily asks the dog as if he would answer her. The dog
doesn't look like any street dog. He looks too clean, not a strand of fur out
of place. His fur looks too soft, too. The dog looks like one of those
expensive breeds that rich royals or millionaires own.

She gently pats the dog and he purrs under her touch. Her heart melts.
"Oh, cute little thing."
The door to the cafe opens and Yuna steps out, humming a song.

As soon as her eyes land on the monstrosity in front of Lily,

she jumps, exclaiming, "What the fuck is that thing ?!"

The dog's eyes blaze red at the sight of the newcomer.

Yuna lets out a horrified gasp. She quickly pulls Lily behind her, trying to
shield her. "Why are you petting a fucking beast?!"

The dog snarls at Yuna. Lily pulls Yuna behind her and goes forward to the
dog. "Look, you agitated him. He is harmless, Yuna."

"Are you out of your damn mind?! The thing has red eyes!"

"Maybe it's because of some genetic condition or he may have

conjunctivitis, no?"

"That dog doesn't look normal to me, Lily," Yuna trembles visibly.

"Ah, calm down, will you?" Lily again starts patting the dog gently. Yuna
can't believe her eyes. The damn beast immediately relaxes. He was about
to attack Yuna just two seconds ago.

Yuna is about to have a heart attack. The headline of tomorrow's

newspaper flashes in front of her eyes.

"Two women killed by a beast."

"Two women chopped on by a beast."

"Dead bodies of women found in front of a cafe. The culprit seems to be a
beast with red eyes."

She shudders thinking about it.

"Well, isn't he cute? He has been following me since morning. I wonder

who the owner is, "Lily chuckles. "I think he is lost."

"Are you kidding me?! That thing is anything but cute! Have you lost your
mind?! Shoo it right away!"

Lily clicks her tongue. "You are no fun."

"Seriously, Lily. He is gonna scare the customers away. If you wanna put
him somewhere, hide him behind the back door."

"Will do." Lily motions for the dog to follow her. The dog is extremely
intelligent and obediently follows her.

The dog sits at the back of the kitchen, attentively. He has been tamed
pretty well. He doesn't wreak any havoc but stays at his place, looking like
the boss of this place.

Lily chuckles silently at that thought.

The day is spent with Lily serving the tables, and going back and forth with
the orders. The cafe gets especially crowded during the evenings. Lily,
Yuna, and the other two co-workers barely have the time to breathe.

The entire day the dog stayed obediently near the back door. Lily gave him
some food but he didn't even sniff it. Perhaps he is sick.
After the long tiring day, she finally gets to the comfort of her apartment. As
expected, the dog follows her all the way home.

Lily can't explain it. But in some way, she feels a bond with the dog. She
has never seen the hound before in her life, yet he still feels very close to
her. Like he's something. . . .precious.

"Well, you must be hungry, sweetheart." She ruffles the soft hair of the dog.
The dog purrs like a cat, stretching his body. He looks around the
apartment and climbs on the sofa. Then, he sits there, looking
disinterested. Seriously, what kind of dog is this?

"Let me change first," With that, she leaves for her bedroom. Lily emerges
wearing just a huge baggy t-shirt. With the short-sleeved t-shirt, her tattoos
are on full display.

To her surprise, the dog again stares at her inquisitively. When his eyes
find the flowers in her arm, suddenly, he jumps from the sofa and pounces
on her, nearly tackling her to the floor. He starts barking loudly and starts
circling Lily, wagging his tail very enthusiastically. The dog seems. . .
.almost excited.

"You love my flowers?" Lily questions.

The dog wags his tail even faster as if he understands Lily's words.

"I love them, too," Lily stares at her new tattoos in awe. "Ok, you must be
really hungry, pup. I shall bring you food."
"I am gonna pull up a surprise for you." She places the dog food in the
bowl. The one she bought on her way home from a department store. She
places the bowl in front of him. "Tada."

"Well, why aren't you eating?"

The dog hasn't eaten a single piece of the dog food that Lily prepared for
him. He stares at the plate as if he finds the mere idea of eating that food. .
. . offending.

"I have nothing to offer than this, pup," Lily mutters. "Aren't you hungry?"

Well, Cerberus is hungry, alright but meager dog food isn't as good as raw
flesh. If only his father were with him right now. . . .

He sniffs the food once again and Lily swears, he looks like he is
shrugging. He inches back from the plate and again climbs on the sofa,
looking around the room time and again with a predatory gaze, as if he is
guarding something.

Lily sighs.

***
5: Soulmate

A loud voice booms in the Palace of Hell, one that sends the windows
rattling and cups of wine falling with the force of it.

Yoongi takes a low drag of his cigar. In front of him, Jungkook visibly
trembles.

"Hyung, did you hear that---" Jungkook eyes the door to the chamber
warily.

"Drink up, Kook," Yoongi raises the wine cup, sprawled on the chaise
lounge.

"Fuck, hyung, how can you be so relaxed----" There's another loud boom.
"Hyung! There's a fucking hell quake going on, I swear---"

"It's just Jimin." Yoongi closes his eyes, relishing the taste of the wine.
"Probably something about Taehyung. Watch him appear here in 5
seconds. Am gonna count."

3
"WHERE THE FUCK HAS TAEHYUNG GONE???!" The door to the
chamber bursts open and Jimin marches inside, looking very. . . .pissed.

Jungkook winces, covering his ears. Yoongi chuckles, "See, didn't even
take 5 seconds."

"What happened, hyung?" Jungkook asks.

"See for yourself! Ugh! What the hell should I do with him?! Good fucking
Lord." Jimin is seething.

Jungkook takes the parchment paper from Jimin and reads the content
inside it loudly.

"Going to take a stroll with Tan for some time. Take care of hell in my
absence. If you don't want to, that's even better. Hope I receive the good
news that I will be demoted from my position once I return back. See ya."

--Taehyung

"Where the hell should I start searching for him now?!" Jimin fumes. "Oh
god, how the fuck will I explain Taehyung's absence to the officials?!"

"Kook, pour some wine for our Jimin here, will you? Make him relax. All that
pacing is giving me a headache." Yoongi says.

Jimin glares daggers at Yoongi. "Good fucking hell, why is there not a
single reliable person in this hellhole?! Why am I stuck with all these
senseless morons?!"

"He will return within a few days. You know him, he gets bored of things
soon. Bet he followed Cerberus to the mortal realm. The mortal realm
doesn't have much to offer him. So chill. He will be back."
"And what will I say to the officials?" Jimin seems to calm down a bit.

"If anyone has questions, ask them to meet me. Certainly, they would love
to have a chat with Belphegor, wouldn't they?"

Jungkook snorts.

Jimin rolls his eyes. "Yeah, all their energy drained just in the hopes of
when the Lord opens his eyes from his 36 hours slumber."

***

It's at midnight when Lily is woken up by the sound of her dog barking. She
blinks her bleary eyes open. Outside her bedroom, Tan is barking so loudly
that Lily fears he will wake up the entire neighborhood.

She steps outside her door and finds the dog barking enthusiastically in
front of the door, wagging his tail furiously. His eyes are gleaming. . . .red.

"Pup, do you want to go out?"

The dog barks, staring at the door intently.

"Alright, we are going out, sweetheart. Please keep quiet."

The dog circles Lily as she walks to the door.

She shrugs on a jacket hanging near the doorway and pulls her door open.
-----Only to get shocked out of her wits when she finds a man right in front
of her door.

"Oh, what the fuck---" She clutches at her chest, her breathing suddenly
quick. "You scared me----"

The dog barks loudly and circles the man excitedly, wagging his tail
furiously. The stranger stares at the dog reprimandingly, causing his
excitement to vanish. Tan quickly sits down, tail drooped.

Lily's eyes meet the man's.

The corner of his lips quirks up to a smirk. "Glorious evening, is it not?"

That's when she goes silent and finally, registers the appearance of the
man.

He is dressed in black from head to toe. A black cloak drapes around his
form. His gaze looks disinterested, bored even. His whole countenance is
expressionless. But that's not the thing she notices first.

What she notices, what she feels is how her breathing spikes the moment
her eyes land on the man. . . . .What she feels is that feeling of whatever
storm in her heart being settled . . . .of coming home. . . . .Wherever it is. .
.What she feels is that instant longing and familiarity. . . .

Her mind goes quiet and her heart murmurs, "So, he is the one. . . .Our
soulmate. . . ."

Her soulmate stares at her with blazing intensity in those dark eyes of his.
Dark eyes. . .Despite his gaze making her feel as if she could be set into
flames right then and there, there's not a glimmer of warmth in them. . .
Those eyes look frighteningly empty. . . .and cold.
"It's midnight." Lily blurts out, sounding a bit breathless.

Stupid. Is that the first thing you say to your soulmate?

He raises his eyebrow.

"Uh, You said it's a glorious evening but it's actually midnight right now---
" Fuck. Lily can't stop her mouth when she gets nervous and she will
blabber anything and everything. Her soulmate must think she is so dumb.

"Well, I do not care." His voice is a deep, rich baritone. She could listen to it
all day and not even get tired. Is it even possible for humans to have such
a good voice?

The man smiles a smile that could make anyone shiver and asks, "Are you
searching for a roommate?"

***

Lily was not searching for a roommate.

But denying her soulmate of shelter when he had come knocking on her
door at midnight would be cruel of her. Yeah, especially not after he had
been kicked out of his house from what he has said.

He saunters inside as if he owns the place. His figure looms over the room.
Her tiny apartment suddenly feels too small in his presence.
The man looks like he has been raised under only opulence and luxury. He
looks like the King to some place. It's the way he carries himself. So
regally. She hopes he doesn't find her place too shabby.

She can't help but sneak glances at him.

He has some otherworldly beauty. She has never seen a man as beautiful
as him. His eyes are sharp and breathtaking and the way they bore into
you makes you feel like he is seeing right through your soul.

Alluring.

His beauty is so alluring that no one could ever resist that face.

He looks like a siren's call. . .and smells like sin.

Lily's heart rate spikes as he turns around. She immediately drops her gaze
down.

"I am hungry," He mutters.

"What would you like to have?" Lily asks immediately as if she could pull up
a five-star buffet for him right then and there. In fact, she just has two
ramen packets in her cupboard. She remembers her reality, eyes dimming
down. "I just have ramen."

He stares at her with curiosity. "And what is that?"

"You have never eaten Ramen?"

He shakes his head.

Jesus. He must be very rich. His outfit looks like its price is the cost of her
apartment or even more expensive than that.

"So, Ramen it is then."

After 10 minutes, there's a sizzling hot ramen bowl in front of Taehyung. He

gazes at the foreign thing inside the bowl. He has only ever had the
delectable food, prepared to perfection by the cooks in hell. One they
prepare by toiling for hours.

Seeing someone prepare something in just 10 minutes is something

entirely too uncommon for him. Is it even cooked?

Taehyung picks up his chopsticks. "The food looks acceptable." He nods at

Lily.

It earns a bright smile on her face.

Taehyung nods and takes a slurp.

Hounds of hell.

What is this thing? And why is it so good? His chefs need to try
harder. This is heavenly.

"Have it with some kimchi." She urges him. Taehyung again stares
inquisitively at the red-colored dish. He adds the kimchi with the ramen and
takes another slurp.

"This is---" He blinks his eyes and again, goes back to eating. "--This is
satisfactory."
"I am glad," Lily smiles. It's so endearing how he seems to get satisfied with
something as trivial as Ramen.

"You are from Korea, aren't you?" Lily asks him.

The man nods, still slurping the noodles. "Hm, yes I am a Korean but I
wasn't raised here."

Ah, that explains it.

"Where is your home? Sorry, I am asking too much. Only if you want to tell
me---"

Taehyung pauses.

"It is very far from Seoul." Taehyung murmurs.

He doesn't speak. Lily assumes he doesn't want to talk about it.

"They don't like me there. . . .," Taehyung adds quietly, so quietly that she
almost misses it.

Her soulmate mustn't like that place. Lily keeps in mind that she shouldn't
ask about it again.
Taehyung finishes the bowl in no time. After finishing, he looks up, only to
find her staring at him with those. . . .eyes. . . eyes which look kind?
Affectionate? He doesn't know. She immediately looks away as he stares
at her.

It does feel refreshing to have someone who doesn't demand anything from
him in the meantime.

"I have one last question."

"You have a lot of questions," Taehyung mutters. She ducks her head
down bashfully, cheeks reddening.

"Just one. What is your name?" She asks.

"Taehyung. Kim Taehyung."

"Taehyung," She mumbles in awe.

Taehyung.

She tests the name on her tongue again. . . .It feels so intimate. . . .Like
sharing your favorite playlist with another person. . .A name shouldn't
make her feel like this. . .like wanting to write poetries when she is no
wordsmith. . .like tracing the lines of that name on every inch of a canvas
when she is far from being an artist.

"I am Lily. Park Lily."

His eyebrows furrow for a moment, a little taken aback. But his face goes
blank once again in an instant.

"Another question if you don't mind." The human asks meekly, cheeks
reddening.

Taehyung has the urge to sigh loudly but he resists it. She provided him
with some good food and answering her questions is the least he can do.

"Ask away."

"He is your dog, isn't he?" Lily points her finger toward Tan, who is sitting
on the floor a bit far, looking incredibly miserable after Taehyung
reprimanded him with his gaze.

Taehyung glances at Tan. Well, thank god, at least Tan wasn't in his true
form. Tan's powers must have gotten subdued once he entered the mortal
realm. Unfortunately, Taehyung had to lock his powers away as well. His
powers are so ominous and extreme that any other supernatural being
within a 3 m radius can easily detect them. And he certainly doesn't want to
deal with any demons or gods or angels when he takes a nice vacation on
earth.

"He is." Taehyung answers. "His name is Tan."

"Well--" She fiddles with the hem of her sweatshirt. "---He looks sad after
you kinda scolded him. Could you please make him happy again?"
Taehyung is taken aback. Why would she even care?

"Tannie, come here." She calls the dog, beckoning him to come towards
her with her hands. Tan is intelligent. He immediately perks up and goes
towards her. He starts licking her hands, eliciting little giggles from her.

Taehyung watches, almost slack-jawed. That is Tan. Cerberus. The hound

which guards hell. The most precious pet of the king of hell.

The beast that evokes nightmares in every being, whether it be mortals or

immortals.

And here he is---licking the hands of a human and playing with her like he
is some normal dog. And Tannie---what the hell.

How could Tan's name be ruined like that?!

Tan's eyes gleam red. He doesn't understand how this human can be so
comfortable with a beast with red eyes.

She stares at Taehyung with bright big eyes, urging him to make peace
with his run-away dog. Only if she knew. . .

Tan stares at Taehyung, looking depressed.

Taehyung pats him lightly. "Don't ever run away like that, hmm? You gave
me quite a scare."

Tan immediately perks up and starts circling Taehyung with his tail wagging
excitedly. A smile slips on Taehyung's face. Well, everyone is indeed lucky.
If anything had happened to Tan, Taehyung would have destroyed
everything without a shred of remorse.

"Uhm, I have work tomorrow. So, I am off to sleep. Also, you can have the
bedroom. I will change the sheets for you." Taehyung nods.

The human walks out of the room with a pillow and blanket after some
minutes. Taehyung watches as she makes a place on the couch.

"You are sleeping on the couch?" He asks, mildly confused.

"Yeah, why?" She turns around.

Taehyung doesn't speak. She is being too kind to a stranger who had
intruded on her apartment in the middle of the night. Shouldn't it be him
who should be sleeping on the couch instead?

Kindness. . . .Ah, Kindness. . .That shit ruins people.

After living for centuries, he knows that. Especially, having kindness in such
a selfish and vain world. . .it's enough to destroy you.

"Goodnight," She mumbles.

"Night," Taehyung returns back for the sake of formality.

After turning off the lights, Taehyung walks in the direction of the bedroom.
Tan also took a station near the couch where the human was sleeping,
seeming reluctant to leave her. Taehyung doesn't know what to do. His dog
seems to have taken a liking for this human.

Taehyung doesn't make Tan leave. Tan has gotten attached to somebody
else except Taehyung himself for the first time. He has always been wary
of others except for Taehyung. So, him getting attached to a mortal in just a
few days is unusual. Taehyung also knows that it must be the soulmate
bond and his connection with the human that must be messing with Tan.
He will find a solution to be free soon. He will.

Taehyung pauses when he reaches in front of the door. His ears can still
detect sound at longer distances. So, the small whisper didn't go unnoticed
by him.

"Taehyung. . . His name is Taehyung. . .My soulmate."

He could almost hear her smile in that whisper.

Taehyung walks inside and closes the door shut.

He didn't know that someone could say his name with that much affection.
6: Cold

Cold. . .

Taehyung feels so cold.

Six-year-old Taehyung hugs his knees closer to his chest.

The cell feels extremely cold today. His teeth are chattering.

Taehyung stares at the fire torch burning at one corner of the room intently,
as if it could pass some heat to his frozen body.

Taehyung wills himself to sleep but finds himself unable to.

Suddenly, there is a commotion outside.

No, they wouldn't have come to release him so early. It has just been 2
days since he has been here.

Taehyung hears a loud wail. The door to the opposite cell opens.

"Papa! I am sorry! Please don't leave me here! I am afraid of darkness,

Papa!"

The man locks the small boy inside. He must be around Taehyung's age,
too. The torchlight casts a yellow glow on the boy's face, highlighting his
chubby cheeks and tear-stricken face.
"Now, repent over your actions, Jimin. You have embarrassed me." The
man says gruffly. "I will send someone to fetch you tomorrow."

"Papa please---"

The man leaves. The boy keeps on sobbing, the sound of his hiccups
echoing against the walls.

"Hey," Taehyung calls after a while.

The boy jumps and frantically looks around. "Who--Who?"

"Me." Taehyung walks closer to the bars. "Stop crying."

The boy cries louder. "Rude!" He pouts, lips trembling.

"Crying will waste your energy. You need to preserve your energy."
Taehyung says. "You will feel hungry too soon if you keep on crying."

And there won't be any food. . .Taehyung doesn't add the last part. The
thought of food makes his stomach rumble but Taehyung quickly takes his
mind off it. If he keeps on thinking he is hungry, he will be even hungrier.

The boy's cries gradually subside.

"Why are you here?" Taehyung asks.

"I-I didn't know they were angels. I promise." Jimin sobs again. "They
looked so nice and I just wanted to play with them."

"Hmm. You shouldn't play with angels next time, okay? The elders get
really mad when they find out."
"O-okay. What is your name?" The boy asks.

"Taehyung. Yours?"

"Jimin. But you can call me Mimi." Jimin has inched closer to the bars now.
He doesn't look so terrified anymore. Good.

"Why are you here?" Jimin asks slowly.

"I failed to summon my powers," Taehyung lets out a sigh, hugging his
knees closer. "And I am here again."

The power of summoning the dead souls always drains all his energy and
he hates doing it. He hates how terrible it makes him feel. How utterly cold
it makes his body feel as if he were dead, too. The deads suck all the soul
and energy from him.

He thinks getting imprisoned in the cell without any food for some days is
better than the aftermath of summoning those awful souls.

"Again?" Jimin repeats, eyes wide. "H-How many times have you been
here? This place is not nice. . . ."

"4 times. I have been locked here for two days now. But don't worry. They
will come within the next three days, I believe. The maximum I have been
locked in is 5 days."

5 days without food or water.

5 days without seeing another person.

Jimin looks so sad as if he wants to start crying again. "Do they give you
food? A-Are you hungry?"
Hungry? Very much.

"No, they don't. But it's not that bad, really. You just need to stop crying and
preserve your energy well. I am not hungry at all." Taehyung forces a smile
to make Jimin calm.

" But you are such a small kid. What powers do you have?" Jimin asks.

"I don't know, too." Taehyung looks down at his hands. ". . .But they say
I have powers greater than any other being in centuries. . . ."

Yet, those powers don't do him any good.

"Wait, are you the Crown Prince?" Jimin asks, realization dawning on him.

"Yes, they call me that."

"My mother always told me to be careful if I were ever around you," Jimin
replies.

"Everyone is careful around me." Taehyung smiles. And in turn, he had

learned to be careful too. Careful about never asking for too much. Careful
enough to never expect anything from anyone.

"But you are nice!" Jimin gives a thumbs up. "You are really nice,
Taehyung-ah."

Taehyung lifts his head up, shocked.

Nice.
He had never been called nice before.

Powerful. Dangerous. Frightening. Vile. Yes.

But nice? He wonders what Jimin saw in him to call him nice. Taehyung is
the most terrible, vile being to have ever breathed as per what others say.

"I am sleepy," Jimin mutters, yawning.

"Then, sleep?"

"I can't sleep without my mama's lullaby."

"What's a lullaby?" Taehyung asks, blinking owlishly.

"You don't know what's a lullaby?"

"No."

Jimin smiles. "Don't worry! I will sing one for you! This one is my favorite!
My mama says I have a nice voice."

Jimin sings a beautiful song for Taehyung. Taehyung listens intently.

Jimin's voice is like the warmth he desperately needed.

Taehyung dozes off to sleep, without the thought of his hunger plaguing his
mind for the first time in days.

The next day, a person comes to fetch Jimin. He says goodbye to

Taehyung, leaving him in loneliness once again.

He didn't know time passed quickly when one had a companion but now he
is again forced to count the seconds.
At noon, suddenly, Taehyung hears a knock outside his cell.
He scrambles to his feet as he sees Jimin's familiar face.

Jimin slides something from under the cell and quickly flees away after
muttering a goodbye.

Taehyung notices the loaf of bread and a paper on top of it.

"I couldn't steal anything else from the kitchen without them noticing. I
hope it will take some hunger away. "

--Your friend Jimin

Taehyung blinks his eyes at the word.

Friend.

His friend.

A smile slips on Taehyung's face. He made a friend for the first time.
Maybe getting locked in the cell wasn't all too bad if he could make friends
that called him 'nice' and treated him with kindness.

Taehyung can't sleep.

Oh lord, this is far from being any vacation.

The sheets feel too rough. He is habituated to sleeping on silk sheets and
the room feels too small and congested. This bedroom isn't even half the
size of his bathroom in hell.

How do humans even live?

Taehyung stands up and breathes out a sigh. He notices the door at one
side of the room which opens to a small balcony.

Taehyung opens the door and steps outside. The gentle breeze brushes
past his face and he stares at the night sky, glimmering with stars.
There aren't such pretty stars in hell, Taehyung thinks.

Taehyung dozes off to sleep in the swing chair with a blanket of stars
enveloping him and thoughts of lilies. . . .white lilies. . .

The next day Taehyung wakes up to the sound of Tan barking loudly. He
blinks his eyes and yawns loudly. The sun rays are glaring at his face.
Taehyung looks around and he finds a blanket covering his shoulders. He
hadn't taken a blanket with him yesterday night. She must have left it.
Taehyung doesn't know what to feel.

Tan sits a few inches far from him, staring at him with bright eyes.
Taehyung stands up and walks to the kitchen with Tan following him. He
finds a breakfast tray set up on top of the kitchen counter. There are fruits,
biscuits, pancakes, and a glass of juice, all plated to perfection as if the
person had toiled hours to make them.

He finds a sticky note at the side of the tray.

Leaving for work! I bought the groceries today morning. Also, I have left
some food in the fridge. You seemed to have liked Ramen a lot too. So, I
have bought different varieties as well. And Tannie doesn't seem to like
dog food. What does he eat back home? Please feed him too. Feel free to
eat whatever you want to! >.<

-Lily

"She is. . . ." Taehyung trails off. . .too kind.

Especially too kind to someone like Taehyung who just knows how to
destroy anything on its path.

Taehyung cuts the pancakes with a knife and fork and takes a bite. It's
really good, oozing with the syrup. At least, earth has better food for him
during this vacation.

Taehyung searches for food for Tan in the fridge, too. He finds some raw
meat and gives it to Tan. Tan immediately chows down the meat.
Taehyung knows it's not enough for Tan.

"We will return to hell soon, okay? You can have as much meat as you
want to have then." Taehyung pats Tan's head lightly.

Tan steps back and stares at Taehyung, looking a bit sullen. Taehyung
immediately notices the change in his behavior.
"What? You don't want to return?"

Tan drops his gaze and shakes his head. Taehyung is shocked.

"This is not our home, though, Tan," Taehyung mutters slowly. "Hell is our
home. . .even though it's miserable and terrible. . .Us wretched beings are
doomed to be there."

Tan doesn't do anything after that. He climbs on the sofa where the human
slept last night and snuggles with the cushion.

The subtle scent of Lily lingers in the air.

***

Taking a walk on earth is a hassle.

There are people everywhere and Taehyung feels suffocated. Their gazes
linger at Taehyung making him feel as if he were right back in hell. How he
wishes no one would look at his way. . .

Tan follows Taehyung as he walks around aimlessly.

Taehyung feels a tug at his leg and he looks at Tan.

"What?"

Tan starts dragging Taehyung to some place. Taehyung complies because

it wasn't as if he was doing a better job.

After a couple of minutes, a cafe comes into Taehyung's vision.

"And why are we here, Tan? You won't find any meat here--- "

Taehyung is interrupted by the bell chiming. A familiar human comes out of

the cafe, carrying a bag of trash.

Taehyung curses under his breath. He should have known.

Tan immediately runs towards Lily.

"Oh, Tannie!" Lily exclaims as her eyes land on the dog. The dog starts
circling her, looking elated. Her gaze trails around and she finds Taehyung
bedecked in a three-piece suit, standing some inches far away.
Lily feels her heartbeat race at the sight of her soulmate. He looks so
ethereal. . .

"Tan led me here," Taehyung mumbles.

"Did you miss me?" Lily ruffles Tan's head, giggling. "You both can head
inside the cafe. I will throw this and be right back."

He wants to keep his distance from her as much as he can. But the
universe and his dog have to conspire against him.

At moments like these, Taehyung thinks of using his teleportation power

and vanishing right from the face of the earth.

***

"You mean that that three-piece suit hunk is your soulmate?!" Yuna stares
at Taehyung, sitting at the farthest corner of the cafe, and then Lily.

Lily smiles radiantly. She had told Yuna about the recent happenings and
then about Taehyung, earlier in the morning.

Taehyung attracts the attention of everyone in the cafe like a magnet. The
staff and the people sitting nearby all glance at Taehyung time and again.
Except for Yuna, no one knows that that's her soulmate whom they are
staring at brazenly.

"Well, at least he doesn't look like a thief," Yuna mutters. "You had me
scared when you told me that he turned up in the middle of the night and
you were roommates now."

Lily chuckles.

"Have you seen the handsome guy in that booth?!" A female co-worker
gushes, coming towards them.

"Yeah, we have eyes, too," Yuna answers.

"He is so handsome! Probably the most handsome man I have ever seen!
Look, everyone is staring at him!"
"He is wearing a three-piece suit in the middle of this hot summer.
Ofcourse, people would stare at him," Yuna says dryly.

"Yuna, I know you are smitten with Sunmi! But even you can't deny that he
is handsome!"

"I suppose."

"Has his order been taken?!" She asks, looking excited.

"No, still not," Lily replies.

"I will go!" She immediately heads toward Taehyung's table.

"That's your soulmate, you know. You could have gone." Yuna whispers to
Lily.

"No, it's fine."

"Doesn't a part of you feel possessive wanting to stake your claim on your
soulmate?"

Lily can't deny it. She does feel that. But she quickly tamps that feeling
down.

"He is my soulmate. But he is his own person. And he isn't mine. . ." Lily
mumbles. Not yet. . .

To belong to someone is something entirely too different.

Lily watches Taehyung's booth as she makes other customers' orders. Her
co-worker slides a note to Taehyung. Lily can't help but feel a bit upset
when she sees Taehyung take it. Besides Taehyung, Tan snarls at the
woman but even a dog as huge as Tan doesn't seem to deter the woman.
After an hour, Taehyung finally gets up to leave. He didn't order anything
except black coffee.

Lily follows him out of the cafe. Outside, Tan rubs his nose at Lily's hand.

"You are leaving?" Lily asks.

"Mmm."

"Return home safely, then." Lily is about to leave when she feels a hand
on her arm.

Taehyung's touch is electric. It sends tingles and goosebumps throughout

her body. Lily stares at him, her breath knocked out of her body. Her heart
thumps louder.

"This," Taehyung hands a paper to Lily. She takes it and she notices a
number scrawled on top of it. It was the note her co-worker gave to
Taehyung.

"I don't need it." Taehyung murmurs. "Come, let's go, Tan."

Lily stares at him leaving until he disappears down the street. A smile plays
on her face the entire time.

7: The Notebook

"Mrs. Jung," Lily enters the flower shop, calling the elderly woman.
"Ah dear~ Come, come!" Mrs. Jung smiles warmly. "You haven't been here
in days."

"I have been busy. I am so sorry."

"No need to say sorry, dear. If you are looking that happy, then something
big must have happened."

Lily bites her lip. A blush creeps on her cheeks.

"The flowers appeared, didn't they?" Mrs. Jung asks with a teasing glint in
her eyes.

Lily nods.

"What are they?" Mrs. Jung asks excitedly.

"I haven't shown them to anyone yet. I will show you. Wait a minute." Lily
pulls up the sleeve of her sweater.

Mrs. Jung's eyes grow wide when her eyes land on the vibrant color
of black roses. Lily doesn't notice that the woman's warm smile from before
also gradually dims down.

"Black roses. Aren't they so unique? And beautiful?" Lily asks, entranced
with the roses decorating her arms.

"They are, dear. . . They are. . .really unique. . ." Mrs. Jung trails off,
looking dazed.

"Mrs. Jung, what do black roses mean? You know everything about
flowers."
Black roses. . . .The flowers of death. . .

Mrs. Jung tries to laugh. "Ah, I couldn't possibly know, dear. I have never
seen any other person having black roses as their soulmate's flowers."

"Oh." Lily stares at the woman in concern. "Mrs. Jung, you look a bit pale.
Are you fine?"

"I-I am alright. Ah, you should also get home soon and rest, dear. I was
planning to close the shop early today. My old bones can't withstand the
entire stress of a day."

"You should take some more rest, please."

"I will. I will. Get home safely."

After that, Lily bids the old woman goodbye and leaves the shop.

Mrs. Jung watches as she sees Lily leave. She looks at the sky above. Oh
heavens, what did that child do to have such a terrible fate?

It's rare for black roses to exist.

And an even more rare occurrence to have black roses as your soulmate's
flowers.

Mrs. Jung has studied flowers and soulmates' connection with them
thoroughly.
Her husband had an entire library dedicated to the history of flowers and
the connection of soulmates with them.

There have been legends about the origin of these flowers. . .what kind of
flowers appeared on whom.

And the mention of black roses has occurred only once.

Black roses. . .

If what the legends say are true, then, there's only a single entity in all the
realms that could ever be represented by black roses.

The very symbol of darkness and death itself.

The King of Hell, Lord Kim Taehyung.

He was born from a wreath of black roses and he is the most powerful evil
to ever exist.

His powers are so evil that his name brings terror to every single being in
the universe, whether it be angels or demons.

Lily, that kind girl, couldn't possibly have the King of hell as her soulmate
right?

***

"This one's broth tastes better," Taehyung comments as he takes a sip of

the noodles soup. "But this one has better noodles."
Lily smiles as she stares at the man. He could be a ramen specialist with
how passionate he is about it.

"Well, which one do you think is better?" He asks, looking at her.

"Huh?" Crap. She was zoning out.

"Well, which one?" Taehyung raises his eyebrow.

"This one. This one." Lily takes a slurp and nearly chokes on it.

"My judgment is excellent, indeed." Taehyung gives a satisfied smirk.

"Are we going to talk about Ramen all night? Don't you want to sleep?" Lily
chuckles.

"I don't feel like sleeping at all. I have trouble sleeping if I am not at my
house." Taehyung says.

"Do you want to go for a late-night walk?" Lily asks. "To clear your mind?"

"That sounds nice. But no. There will be people staring at me." Taehyung
mumbles. He wants to escape those stares that make him feel alienated at
least when he is on earth.
"What if I tell you that there will be no one?" She asks with those bright,
innocent eyes.

Taehyung stares. Those eyes look so. . .safe and earnest. . . Just sincerity
brimming in those depths. And for someone like Taehyung who has just
seen deception and lies throughout his life---Those eyes seem so strange. .
.utterly strange.

It makes him feel like he could trust himself with her.

And what bullshit is that, isn't it?

Taehyung can never afford to be careless and he can never afford to trust
anyone. Not even his own shadow.

"Well, surprise me, then." Words escape his mouth before he can think.

***

There are no people and it feels like a breath of fresh air.

Silence lingers in the atmosphere and there is not a single soul in sight.

The road is completely desolate at this late hour. Taehyung feels the initial
suffocation from the day gradually release.

They walk slowly, side by side. Only the sound of their footsteps resonates.
"How do you feel now?" Lily asks, breaking the silence. "Better?"

"Better." Taehyung answers.

They arrive at a crosswalk. The traffic lights flicker occasionally at a

distance.

"I always wanted to recreate one movie scene." Lily smiles.

"Which movie?" Taehyung asks.

"The Notebook. Have you watched it?"

"No. But what scene was that?" Taehyung had been watching movies and
dramas all day. He had started with Titanic and found it stupid. Jack could
have been saved but no. Humans and their stupidity.

And then he had hovered to the region of k-dramas. Sappy but

entertaining. Some scenes had him throwing his popcorn at the TV while
some had kept him on edge. It was so entertaining how humans could
exaggerate each and everything.

"They lay down on the street and watch the traffic lights," Lily
chuckles. Also, they dance together in the street. Lily doesn't add that part.
"That sounds so stupid. What if a car comes and runs them over?"
Taehyung drawls. Humans and their foolishness will never fail to amaze
him. Not watching that movie, then.

"They die, I guess," Lily replies. " But I want to try, though. Should I?"

"If you want to get your clothes dirty, then be my guest." Taehyung huffs.

Lily smiles and without another word, she lays down in the middle of the
crosswalk. The traffic lights' colors flicker red, green, and yellow one by
one. It's too late at the night and this street has always been a secluded
one. So, there is no fear of any vehicles arriving at this hour.

It feels liberating, honestly. To just release your worries and fears for a
moment and just stay still, like this.

The roads of Seoul are always bustling with people and at this hour, with
no one, not a single soul in sight, it feels like they are the only people living
in this tiny little bubble.

Taehyung stares at her with surprise. "You really did it?"

"It feels nice. Perhaps you should try?"

"Really?"

"Really. I promise."
Taehyung stares at his suit and then at her. I think I will pass. He wants to
say that but his mouth betrays him. "Uhh. . .This had better be worth it."

He won't do this ever again. So, why not now?

Taehyung lays down on the street next to her. He stares at the traffic lights
and then at the stars twinkling in the sky.

"How does it feel?" Lily asks, turning to him.

Taehyung feels drawn to her eyes. Those eyes look brighter than any
stars glittering in the sky. The night sky of hell didn't have stars. Yes, it was
always dark in hell but bright and beautiful things like stars would
be tainted in such an evil place. So, perhaps, there were no stars or
moon there because brighter things like them didn't deserve to be in a
place like hell.

"Nothing too special. It's fine."

Taehyung hears her laugh. It sounds like the chime of bells.

"This is crazy," She says amidst laughing.

"It is. What if a car really comes?" Taehyung asks, amused. He won't die
but he can't say the same thing for the human.
"Just relax," She smiles. "I already told you. If a car comes, we die."

"Doesn't death scare you?" Taehyung asks. The traffic lights turn from red
to green.

"It does but at the same time, not really. Death is scary for people who
have something they regret. . .who have something they can't lose. .
.Regrets? Perhaps, I do have a few but I have nothing to lose." Lily
finishes.

"What about your parents? Your relatives?" Humans prioritize their

relationships and family over everything.

Taehyung sees her freeze. But then, she slowly answers.

"I have already lost my parents years ago. "

Oh.

Taehyung doesn't know what to say. Saying "I'm sorry" would be ironic
when he is the King of Hell and the entity who rules over all the dead.

And Taehyung--Lord, he doesn't know how to comfort others. Wait. Why

does he need to comfort her in the first place?

"Were they nice?" He asks instead.

"They were the best." She replies, looking at the stars. "It was the day of
my mother's birthday. And we were going to an amusement park upon my
insistence. They were singing a song. I don't remember it, though."

"It wasn't your fault," Taehyung speaks before he can think.

To live thinking that you are at fault for someone's death is worse than
death itself.

"I know. It wasn't my fault. But I did blame myself for a long time. One can't
really escape the 'What ifs', can they? But I understand now. Things like
fate are bigger than what a human could ever control."

"And my parents loved me. I am sure they would never want me to blame
myself for their death."

"They wouldn't," Taehyung mutters. Taehyung feels a sudden urge to

close the distance between their hands and just hold it. What in the hell?
From where did that thought come from?

"Thank you for listening." Lily smiles brightly. " I think we should get up
before we sleep here."

"Hmm."

They get up, wiping the dust off their clothes.

On their way back, they pass through a deserted area. Lily has always
hated this area because of the abandoned buildings. Several fights erupt
here now and then.
Taehyung looks relaxed, hands in his pockets and calmly walking.

They stop when a can comes rolling in front of them.

Shit, this was a bad idea.

Three huge men step out of the shadows. One of them is casually playing
with a knife. Another one has chains around his wrist.

Taehyung raises his eyebrow.

Lily wills herself to be strong, though she visibly shivers.

"Ah, visitors at this hour." One of the men drawls. The other one chuckles.

"They look rich, too. Especially the guy."

"Wearing a suit, hm? Looks expensive."

"Wonder how much we can sell it for."

Taehyung hadn't wanted trouble at all when he was spending his nice
vacation on earth. But look. Trouble follows him wherever he goes.

He wouldn't even need to use his power to crush these stupid measly
humans.

Taehyung sighs.

The men take a step closer to them. Taehyung cracks his knuckles and is
going to step forward when----

"Stop! Don't come closer!" Lily steps between them.

Taehyung's eyes widen. What?

The men laugh.

"Aw, how protective of this girl. You gonna save this guy?"
Taehyung blinks his eyes. The size of his human is half of these men. What
is she doing shielding him from them?

"Listen! We are super broke! In fact, we are surviving on Ramen only!" Lily
tries to pacify things.

And that isn't too much of a lie.

"How about you start haggling this dude for some then? He looks like he
has got all the fortune in the world." The men roll their eyes.

"Don't judge a book by its cover!" Lily stammers. "And uh. . . .He-He is
even more broke than me! That suit isn't even his!"

Taehyung's eyes nearly bulge out.

Why is she insulting him?!

Things would have been way peaceful if she would have just let him handle
the things.

But this is a good change, perhaps. It's amusing how she is trying to
protect Taehyung when the ones who need protection are these hooligans.

"Stop tattling, you bitch! Give us what you have!"

"I-I will give you everything. Just leave us alone," Lily says. "Wait a minute."

"Hurry the fuck up!"

Slowly, her hands make their way through her pockets. In a split second,
she pulls out a small bottle and quickly sprays the contents on the eyes of
the men.

The men immediately start screaming, rubbing their eyes through the
burning pain.

"AHHH! THIS BURNS!"

"FUCKING BITCH!"

"Come on!" Lily immediately pulls Taehyung's hand and they sprint from
there.

"What did you use back there?!" Taehyung asks, amidst running.

"Pepper spray!" Lily laughs.

They continue running until they finally reach outside their apartment block.
Only then, they realize that they were holding hands the entire time while
running.

"That was fun," Taehyung pants, gasping for breath.

A smile dawns on his face.

And Lily--as foolish as she is---almost swoons.

That smile. . .looks brighter than any sun or moon. It's also then she
realizes that her soulmate smiled at her for the first time.

Taehyung . . .His eyes always look so cold and empty. . .Lily had never
imagined that he would have such a warm smile.

"I am glad," Lily says.

The tension in the air suddenly thickens.

They continue staring at each other's eyes until Taehyung finally snaps out
of it.

"Let's head inside before they catch up."

"Yes, let's go." Lily immediately looks away from him.

"But pepper spray, hm. . .really smart," Taehyung mutters.

"I always carry one with me," Lily speaks, walking inside the building with
Taehyung. "Mrs. Jung insisted that I carry one because things could get
bad for a defenseless girl like me."

"Mrs. Jung?" Taehyung questions.

"Oh, you need to meet her! She is the only parent figure in my life. She
used to visit our orphanage with her husband and she took a liking to me.
She has been my supporter since then."

Taehyung nods. Lily opens the door to the apartment.

Tan comes into view, sporting a pout on his face. He looks betrayed.

"Ah, Tannie! We came from a short walk." Lily goes to hug Tan and his
dog doesn't even take notice of him but starts licking the human's hands.

It will never fail to surprise Taehyung how the human has completely
managed to tame a beast into a normal dog.

Tan whimpers.

"Aw, we would have taken you, too but you were napping." Lily ruffles the
fur of the sad dog.

"You need to stop spoiling him too much," Taehyung grumbles, settling in
front of the TV.

"It's the least that I am doing." Lily mumbles.

It's the least that I am doing.

Taehyung looks down at his hands. It's the least?

He and Tan have been deprived of even the smallest bit of affection. And
this sudden foreign care always manages to overwhelm him.
What will Tan do once he returns back to hell where he will again be
Cerberus, the feared beast of hell? What will Taehyung do?

You see, affection is such a poisonous thing. . .like a drug. . .If one has
never experienced it, it won't matter much. . .But once you get the taste of
it, it makes you crave for more. . .more and more. . .

And Taehyung can never ask for more.

8: Warm Hugs

Lily doesn't do grocery shopping often. She used to visit the department
store just two or three times in an entire month. After Taehyung has started
living with her, she has seen the face of the store's cashier more than the
manager who provides her salary at the end of the month.

The supplies deplete quickly. Taehyung loves eating and tasting food of all
varieties and Lily doesn't have it in herself to deny him anything.

Strawberries. . .

She finds strawberries in one stall while pushing her cart.

Taehyung likes strawberries.

She keeps a packet inside her cart even though the price makes her feel a
bit dizzy. It's alright. Anything to keep him happy.

And raw meat for Tannie.

Tannie doesn't eat dog food but eats raw flesh, instead. She can't have
him go hungry, too.

She gets to the meat area and quickly adds some to her cart.

Lily walks out of the store after paying for her items.

Her savings will soon be in the range of negative at this rate.

Maybe she should do some extra part-time job somewhere else? Yeah,
that sounds better. She should start job hunting.

Lily reaches home and finds Taehyung and Tan huddled around the
kitchen. Taehyung is munching on some cookies while Tan circles him,
playing around.

Lily unpacks her bags and starts storing the items in the fridge.

"Strawberries?" Taehyung perks up.

Her lips tug up to a smile. "Yes? You like them, don't you?"

Taehyung nods, eyes eagerly looking at the strawberries.

"Have it. It's for you. "

Taehyung takes the packet, beaming.

Lily would do anything for his happiness.

Taehyung settles in front of the T.V. with Tan while Lily sits on a chair at
the dining table. She starts skimming through newspapers in the search for
a job.

Her frustration increases when she doesn't find anything suitable.

"What are you searching for?" Taehyung asks, eating the strawberries.

"Nothing of importance." Lily smiles.

"Well, I want you to tell me even if it isn't important."

"Just an extra part-time job." She answers.

"Oh." Taehyung pauses. "Don't you already work at the cafe?"

"Yes, I do. But I have too much time to kill," She feigns a laugh.

Too much time to kill? She is always working 24/7.

Raw meat for Tan. Strawberries for him. Ramen packets. Juice bottles.
Chips to munch on when he is bored at home.

Taehyung knows that living on earth is expensive with the way humans
have monetized everything. And Seoul is an expensive city.

She is willing to work tirelessly for him even if he has never shown her an
ounce of affection.

Selfless. Foolishly selfless.

Taehyung needs to push her away before she gets too attached to him. He
is leaving after a week or so and he will never see her from then onwards.
He can find Odessa, the great witch of hell, and remove any sort of
connection with the human. Odessa has always been known among all the
realms for her exceptional power of changing the tides of fate. She will
certainly have a way.

Well, how should he start to push her away, then?

An idea appears in his mind.

"You are going to the cafe today, right?" Taehyung asks her.

"Yeah." Lily stares at him quizzically but he doesn't say anything further.

"Nothing." He shakes his head.

***

"Why is she all over your soulmate?" Yuna frowns, preparing a coffee
order.

Lily glances at the table where Taehyung is sitting. It is nearer to the

counter and the conversation between Taehyung and her co-worker is
perfectly audible to her ears.

"Why didn't you call me last time, Taehyung?" Her co-worker twirls her hair,
smiling brightly. "I gave you that note, didn't I?"

Lily tries not to look up and fixates her mind on preparing the orders but
still, she can't ignore their voices.
"I forgot where I left it," Taehyung smiles. He actually smiles and everyone
within a 3m radius, glancing at him, collectively swoons.

He has such a beautiful smile. . .

And he graces that smile so easily to her co-worker when Lily has never
received it before except once.

When they had gone out for that walk, had done something ridiculous like
laying down on the street, escaping those hooligans, and Taehyung had
smiled at her such a beautiful smile at the end that had made Lily hope that
perhaps, he could belong to her one day and she could belong to him . . . .
.Not in the way soulmates belong to each other. . .but in a way
where you just belong to them for being you. . .

It makes something bitter churn in her stomach but she immediately shrugs
it off. Don't think like this, Lily.

"So, I am here to see you again because I couldn't forget you," Taehyung
mutters, taking her hand.

Hearts are such fragile things, no? Even more fragile than glass.

Oh, how it breaks so easily---Lily thinks when she feels the first crack in her
heart.

She feels moisture prick the back of her eyes but she quickly blinks it
back. It doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt.
"You are making me blush. God."

"Why don't you tell her that he is your soulmate ?" Yuna rages beside her,
having heard everything. She is even more enraged than Lily.

Lily shakes her head, facing Yuna. Her back is turned to them. She doesn't
want to see them together.

She places her head on Yuna's shoulder as the first tears spill out.

Her soulmate likes someone else. . .

"Hey, Lily. You alright?" Yuna asks. "Fuck. That asshole. I am going to give
him a piece of my mind."

Lily grips Yuna's hand. "No. Don't. Please."

"Lily, he fucking doesn't deserve you at all," Yuna whispers.

Lily doesn't speak anything.

"God, Lily, he doesn't look at you like that."

"Like how?" She mumbles.

"Like you look at him, Lily. God, you know that you deserve better, right?
You deserve to be loved by your soulmate."

"I-It's okay," She wipes her tears and gives a shaky smile to Yuna. "He is
already the best thing that has ever happened to me. . .I couldn't ask for
more. . . I know-I know he doesn't love me. . .but it's fine. . .I can love for
the both of us. . . ."

And yet that love won't be enough.

Because love without the other person loving back is still half and
unrequited. It can never be whole.

What does she have to give to Taehyung anyway?

What does she even have that Taehyung could love?

Nothing.

So, how could she ever expect him to love her?

***
The plan is working successfully.

What luck that he found the previous woman here too.

She immediately latched onto him.

Taehyung receives glares from that one girl right beside his human.

His ears are perfectly audible to their conversation. He needs to know how
far he has pushed her away.

"God, Lily, he doesn't look at you like that." The girl mutters.

"Like how?" He hears the quiet voice of his soulmate.

"Like you look at him, Lily. God, you know that you deserve better, right?
You deserve to be loved by your soulmate."

And Taehyung can never give that love.

Monsters can't love. It would be foolish to expect that of him.

"I-It's okay," Her next words are shaky and painful. "He is already the best
thing that has ever happened to me. I couldn't ask for more. I know-I know
he doesn't love me. . .but it's fine. . .I can love for the both of us. . . ."
At those quivering words, Taehyung feels something inside him stir.
Something that had been dead for too long.

A thump. . .

His heart thumps against his chest for the first time in forever. That dead
part of him suddenly seemed to be alive, racing.

She turns around and Taehyung sees her red-rimmed eyes. Yet, she gives
a smile to her customer and nods at something.

He made her cry. . .

Taehyung feels rage shimmer inside him at himself. He feels the sudden
urge to destroy something. . . . to burn everything down to ashes.

"Where are you going?" He hears the voice of that woman from earlier.

He doesn't wait to hear anything and storms out of the cafe.

***

The door to the apartment opens.

Soft footsteps of Lily sound inside the room.

She sees Taehyung in front of the T.V, absentmindedly switching the
channels through the remote.

He is always quiet. But the silence today seems unnerving for some
reason.

Even Tannie is quiet. He quietly licks her fingers, welcoming her back
home.

"Did you eat, Taehyung?" Lily asks as she enters the kitchen with Tannie.
"If not, then, I brought dumplings and fish cake. The street food shop near
Mrs. Jung's shop sells the best ones. I would have brought Ttteokbokki, too
but you do not like spicy food too much---"

She quietens down as Taehyung gets up, facing her.

He has a blank expression on his face and he feels too distant. Just like he
felt when he had arrived here for the first time.

"Are you alright, Taehyung?" She asks, feeling worried now.

"Stop being too kind to me." He says.

"What?" Lily feels her heart sink. "Have-Have I done something wrong?"

"No, you haven't. And that is already wrong." Taehyung continues.

"I do not understand."

"You can stop wasting your time and your efforts on me because it would
be useless. Stop being too selfless. I do not deserve a shred of your
kindness and I assure you I won't be grateful to you for anything. You can't
make me feel guilty." Taehyung says bitterly.

Lily wets her lips and speaks slowly. "I am not treating you with kindness
because I want you indebted to me or even something terrible as to make
you feel guilty. I am treating you like how everyone deserves to be treated.
. .and-and I don't see anything wrong in that. . .I apologize if I have
offended you in any way---"

"And that is where you are already wrong! I am not like everyone! I am evil
and I am all things terrible and vile! And you shouldn't be treating me with
kindness!" Taehyung screams in frustration, parroting the words that
everyone has instilled in him since his childhood. Lily flinches.

"And this soulmate bond. . .and all this stupidity. I do not give a damn about
it. So, I suggest you stop hoping that anything could ever come from this.
Whatever it is, I do not need it. I do not want it." Taehyung says coldly.

I do not want you. That was what perhaps Taehyung really meant, she
thinks. Lily feels another crack in her heart.

"It's alright if you do not accept me. . . But whatever my feelings are. .
.You do not have the right to dictate them. Only, I have the power over my
feelings. . .If you can't be bothered with them, then it's fine with me. I don't
expect you to return those feelings." Lily replies quietly.
"You are in love with the idea of loving a soulmate. Not me. You will never
be able to love the real me." Taehyung proceeds. And why, oh why did that
thought hurt so much?

"But I could learn. . .I could learn to love the real you. . .if you show me."
Lily says, feeling her eyes sting.

Taehyung scoffs. "You will run away if you even catch a glimpse of that
side of mine."

Lily doesn't know what else to say. She suppresses the urge to cry. She
takes her eyes off Taehyung.

Tannie is sitting on the floor quietly, observing the fight. Tannie whimpers,
looking extremely sad. Lily feels sorry for him because she knows dogs can
absorb the negative energy of their owners.

"The-The food is getting cold. I am going out for a walk." Lily shrugs on a
jacket and leaves, eyes filled with unshed tears.

To have your worst fears realized is the worst thing.

Her soulmate hates her.

***
Red. . .

Lily is back there once again.

The scorching flames are all around her. . .

It feels too hot.

She can't breathe.

Blood. So much blood.

"Mama! Mama!" She calls but there's no reply.

She feels excruciating pain in her wrist.

It doesn't hurt. It doesn't hurt. She chants.

But it hurts so bad.

Hurts too much.

"I-I-" She can't even call for help.

It hurts.

Hurts like hell . . .

"Wake up!" She hears a voice. "It's just a nightmare! Wake up, Lily!"
She wakes up, gasping for breath. Tears cling to her lashes. Her blurry
gaze lands on Taehyung, who is in front of her looking panicked.

She pushes him off and shrinks further into the couch, hugging her knees
and trying to make herself as small as possible.

She cradles her wrist close to her chest, shivering.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung asks slowly.

Lily barely manages a nod.

"Is your wrist hurt?" Taehyung asks, a concerned frown on his face. "Let
me see."

She shakes her head, still shaking. "No-no, it's not."

"Show me," Taehyung still demands.

"I--"

Taehyung kneels in front of her and takes her hand slowly. His eyes land
on the scar on her wrist. Taehyung holds her hand
so gently and carefully that it stirs something deep inside her.
"How did you get this scar?" He whispers, his eyes fixed on it.

"From the a-accident." She manages to mumble.

Taehyung's fingers gently brush over the scar. Surprisingly, she doesn't
feel the urge to withdraw her hand. She would always flinch if anyone even
touched her wrist. But Taehyung makes her feel safe. . .safe in a way that
no one makes her feel.

"Was the nightmare about it, too?" Taehyung asks.

"Y-yeah." Her eyes sting with tears. For the first time, there is someone
with her after her nightmares. Someone who doesn't even want her. And
yet, to her, it means the world.

"Does it hurt?" He asks so softly that it makes her heart ache.

Does it hurt?

She doesn't know if he means the scar on her wrist. Or the accident. But it
makes tears appear in her eyes.

She presses her palm against her eyes, feeling too weak. Too vulnerable.
"It-It hurts. . . .Really hurts. "
Ah, isn't it so ironic how three small words can make her crumble apart?
She has been strong for too long. . .or at least pretending to be. Trying to
act like the past does not affect her. But it does. It still does. No matter
what.

"Do you need a hug?" Taehyung asks, hesitation written all over his face.
"My friend once said that hugging helps whenever you are sad. It's okay if
you don't---"

"Yes, please." Her voice cracks.

Taehyung engulfs her in a warm hug. Taehyung--He might look cold but
discovering the fact that his hugs are so, so warm is something truly
different.

And the dam breaks. She cries in his arms and he holds her through it all.
He holds her until her cries subside. He holds her.

Her heart which had been unsettled for so long finally calms down.

And home. . .

It feels like coming back home. . .to a place where you are always safe and
protected. . .where no worries in the world could possibly prevail. . .His
arms feel like home.
Taehyung doesn't speak anything else. He simply embraces her and sits
still . She didn't know that a simple hug was what she had been longing
for for so many years.

She had once thought that Taehyung looked like a siren's call.

Alluring but dangerous.

That call of a siren that leads people to their doom.

She had been wrong.

Because dangerous things couldn't make you feel safe. . .and Taehyung. .
.He made her feel safe. . . .too safe as if no worries in the world could touch
her.

***

9: Nightmares to take away

The loud sound of the whips echoes in the training hall.

Anyone around the hall visibly shivers as they hear the loud whipping.

"Why are you so stupid?!" Taehyung's master yells, eyes burning with fury
as he lands another whip on the back of the 14-year-old boy.

"You have still not learned how to twist those human souls when you have
the power to do it! Why can't you understand that we can make demons
from them?!"
Taehyung doesn't utter a sound of pain as he takes in all the relentless
whippings.

"Great Master! What are you doing?!" He hears his father's voice and
Taehyung immediately turns around, hope surging in his heart.

"Father." Taehyung bows with difficulty. The Great Master also bows to the
king.

" Good Lord. His whole back is bloody," His father mutters. "What are you
doing?! He is our Crown Prince!"

"And as the Crown Prince of Hell, he should know better to fulfill his
responsibilities. Your Majesty, you know that chaos will arise soon. The
turbulence is going to happen and it will cost us our entire demon race if we
aren't well prepared. Another war between heaven and hell is looming on
the horizon. Only, the Crown Prince has the ability to create demons by
twisting and manipulating the souls of humans. But he refuses to do so."

His father stares at him, frowning. "And why is that Taehyung?"

"I-I don't want to touch their souls, father. Souls are sacred things. And they
oughtn't to be touched---" Taehyung's eyes grow watery though he wills
himself to be strong.

"This is why I was whipping him! Why can't he get some sense into his
head?!" His master yells.

Taehyung was about to, alright.

He was about to create the demon and he knew how to do it, too.

He hated whips and lashes as much as he hated doing anything to those

souls.
But just one moment before he had converted it, he had glanced into the
life of that soul out of curiosity.

The life of that soul had flashed in front of his eyes.

When you look into the life of those souls, the most significant part of their
lives, the things they had held dear to their hearts and the things they had
hated, flashes at first.

And he had seen a smiling woman.

And a child.

He had seen the woman holding the baby for the first time after birth. She
was a single mother who had been abandoned by her family and her
husband.

Everything significant about her life and the things that she had truly loved
was related to her child.

Teaching her son his first words and her joyfully crying as he had said
"Mother" for the first time.

Playing in the playground together.

Buying the kid his favorite toys even if she didn't have the money for their
dinner that night.

Sending him to that summer camp which he had wanted to go to even if

she had to work day and night for the fees.
Loving her child devotedly.

The one thing that she had truly hated was one night.

The child, now a teenager, was arguing with his mother. And as much as
she loved him, her words came out "I didn't even mean to have you!"

And the son had rushed out of his home in anger.

The mother, now deeply regretful, had gone in search of her son even
though there was a storm raging outside.

That night even when she got hit by a car and died on the spot, the only
words that kept on tumbling out of her mouth were, "I-I am sorry, my son.
M-Mother loves you a lot."

And Taehyung had lost the courage to do anything. He knew he couldn't do

it. Turning her into a demon would mean ripping her off everything.

"I-I looked into her soul and she-she loved her child so much---" Taehyung
tries to make his father and his master understand but even he himself
hates how pathetic he sounds.

His father steps towards him, grabbing his chin.

"You are going to be the King of Hell, Taehyung and to be the King of Hell,
forget about compassion from this day onwards. No one will ever be
grateful to you for your kindness. No one. Because they will keep on
loathing your very existence even if you are nice or kind. It's not your task
to have sympathy for those souls. They are mere souls of the dead."
"But turning them to a demon would mean erasing their entire existence.
They will never be able to be reborn and have those things they had loved
again----" Taehyung pleads, his heart aching.

"Great Master." His father calls the man.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Continue your whipping until he learns his lesson."

And then his father leaves as Taehyung bares his back for another round of
whips.

He knew his father didn't love him at all. But he didn't know that the same
man could be cruel enough to punish him with something so brutal.

Never have kindness or compassion. It ruins you. He had learned that day.

***

"Hey, Lily. You alright?" Yuna asks, snapping her fingers.

She snaps out of her daze. "Huh? What were you saying?"
Yuna looks at her in concern. "Did that asshole bother you?"

"Who?" Lily blinks.

"Your idiot soulmate. Who else?" Yuna frowns, clearly pissed off because
of the incident in the cafe last time; Taehyung flirting with their co-worker in
front of Lily.

"Don't call him an asshole," Lily blurts out.

Yuna gapes at her. "Miss girl. He made you cry."

But he was there to hold her when she cried, too.

"He did. But he has his good and bad. . . ." She fiddles with the hem of her
shirt, looking down. "Taehyung can be kind at times. . . ."

"And you can't have that excuse for every time he hurts you. For a few kind
moments, you can't let him keep on hurting you," Yuna replies. "I am not
the best person to give relationship advice but Sunmi always says that
communication works like a charm. "

Lily chuckles. "Sunmi, the relationship counselor of all."

"That's why whenever Sunmi and I fight, she drags me along with her to
communicate until and unless we have our matters resolved." Yuna smiles
brightly. Lily could clearly see the love between the two soulmates.
She had once wished for a lovely relationship between her and her
soulmate just like Sunmi and Yuna but now, it was a far-fetched dream.
Yes, Taehyung had comforted her after her nightmares but he had also
clearly set his boundaries and shown his vehement disagreement towards
their bond.

He had rejected her.

She had still not told Yuna about it. She couldn't.

For her entire life, she had just wished for her soulmate. But her soulmate
didn't want her.

It was fine, really.

We can't force someone to like us, can we?

Even if Taehyung desires to leave her and not see her face again for the
rest of her life, she would accept it though it would break her.

It would hurt more to ask him to stay.

***
Lily strolls around the park after her work at the cafe, feeling drained. She
didn't want to go home. It was so awkward early in the morning and she
had fled from her apartment as quickly as possible. Taehyung had
witnessed her in such a vulnerable state and she didn't know how to
converse with him now. Pretending as if nothing had happened wasn't
going to work.

But eventually, she gets home. When she enters her apartment, she finds
Tannie right in front of the door.

Something feels off.

Tannie immediately circles her, looking desperate for some reason. It

makes worry rise in her heart.

"Tannie, where is Taehyung?" She asks. Tannie whines at the question

with eyes big and helpless.

"Taehyung," She calls him but there is no reply. "Taehyung."

He isn't in front of the TV. Has he gone out?

Tannie tugs her towards the bedroom. She knocks on the door and finds it
locked from the inside.

Suddenly, there is the sound of a loud crashing from inside which makes
her panic grow.
"Taehyung!" She bangs on the door. There is still no reply. Tannie
scratches the door with his nails, seeming desperate.

Something is so wrong.

Lily immediately rushes to get her bag, remembering the extra keys to her
apartment. She inserts the key to the bedroom with shaking hands and
pushes the door open.

She freezes.

Inside, she finds Taehyung sleeping on the bed, writhing. His face twists
horribly in a grimace, tormented by some nightmare.

But what shocks her the most is the things floating in her room. There are
cushions, photo frames, clothes, and pillows all flying inside the room.

Tan tries to rush toward Taehyung but he gets thrown back by some
power. There seems to be some protective barrier around Taehyung.

Sweat clings to Taehyung's forehead and he is whimpering in his sleep.

Though her heart hammers against her chest, Lily doesn't think further and
rushes toward him.

She closes her eyes and braces herself for the impact.

But by some miracle, she feels that barrier back away as she goes to
Taehyung's side.
"Taehyung--" She shakes him frantically. "Taehyung, It's just a
dream. Wake up, please."

"Taehyung, Wake up! Please!" The panic inside her rises as Taehyung
remains unresponsive.

"Taehyung, Please----" Her eyes water, seeing his pain.

Suddenly, Taehyung gasps, and his eyes flutter open.

It stops.

All the things floating in the room return back to their place.

"H-hurts. . . Hurts. . . ." Taehyung mumbles, looking so drained and

exhausted.

"You are okay. You are okay," Lily tries to soothe him, pressing her
forehead against his, trying to make him focus on her and not on whatever
pain that was troubling him.

Taehyung closes his eyes again, breathing slowly.

She finds his forehead burning hot. He is down with a fever.

"I will bring some medicine and water for you," She whispers, brushing
away his hair.

Tannie had already jumped on the bed as soon as Taehyung's nightmare

stopped. He nuzzles Taehyung's face lightly and curls up around him.
Taehyung doesn't even seem to notice that.

Lily finds the medicine in the first aid box. She also prepares water for
drinking. The next thing she does is get a washcloth and some cold water
in a large bowl.

She gets to the room and lightly shakes him. Taehyung's eyes again open.
She helps him sit up first. Taehyung looks delirious but he takes the
medicine with no question. His head again hits the back of the bed. Lily sits
on the edge of the bed and dips the washcloth in cold water. She wrings
out the extra water and places it on top of Taehyung's forehead.

Various thoughts run in her mind related to the incident before.

Lily isn't stupid. She had had suspicions before, too.

Tannie is a dog with huge red eyes and it was already unusual since he
seems to have no infections causing it. Then, Taehyung arriving here in the
middle of the night was the most strange of all. Seoul is a large city and
how would he even know her address? Seeing all the things floating in the
room today confirmed her suspicions. Taehyung wasn't a normal
human. There was more to him.

But she wouldn't interrogate him. It didn't matter who her soulmate was or
wasn't. If Taehyung told her himself, she would always listen. But she
wouldn't pry into him, invading his space.
Taehyung looks so peaceful when he is asleep. When he is awake, he
always seems like some weight is weighing down on him. But now like this,
he looks so calm.

She slowly runs her fingers through his hair. It had always looked so soft
and she had wanted to do it before as well.

God Lily, you shouldn't be taking advantage of his sick state. He would
definitely not like you running your hands through his hair if he was awake.

With that thought, she withdraws her hand, feeling guilty.

Taehyung stirs lightly and whispers groggily. "Do not stop. . . ."

She snaps to attention. "What? Taehyung, are you feeling better?"

He doesn't answer but murmurs slowly, eyes still closed. "Don't stop. .
.Your fingers in my hair. . . . .feels really nice."

Her heart swells with that feeling. . . . .that feeling that has continued
growing for the past days that she has been living with Taehyung. . .that
feeling that finds a beat of its own every time she is near Taehyung.

Lily continues running her fingers through his soft hair gently. Taehyung
visibly relaxes.
All of a sudden, Taehyung grabs her hand, amidst his sleepy state. His
long fingers slowly trace the scar on her wrist. He brings her hand closer to
his face and lightly brushes his lips against her scar.

Her heart starts hammering against her rib cage. With the way it's beating
so hard, Lily is shocked it hasn't leaped out yet.

"Mmm. . ." Taehyung hums in his sleep and it's ridiculously endearing.

She stays beside him the entire night, checking his fever and observing if
he gets another nightmare. Thankfully, he doesn't.

At some point, she dozes off to sleep on the chair beside the bed. The next
morning, she wakes up, her body feeling sore from sleeping in an
uncomfortable position. She touches Taehyung's forehead and finds it
cool.

"Taehyung," She calls him gently. "Taehyung."

"Hmm." He answers.

"Can you change your shirt? I will put it in the laundry for you," His clothes
were matted with sweat last night because of the fever. He must be feeling
uncomfortable.

"Help me out," Taehyung says, blinking his bleary eyes. He still looks
sleepy.
"U-Uh? Me?"

"Is there someone else here?" Taehyung quips.

Oh god, she has never undressed any person before.

"Okay. But are you fine with it?" She asks to make sure.

"Hm, yeah." He says. Taehyung sits up with his eyes still closed.

She pulls a clean white T-shirt from the closet and steps toward Taehyung.
Her hands slightly shake when she unbuttons the buttons of his shirt. Good
God, he is naked under his shirt. It's a relief that Taehyung's eyes are
closed because she must look so flustered right now.

She carefully takes his shirt off. As she does, her breath hitches when she
sees the tattoo of white lilies adorning his arm.

They are one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful sight she has
ever seen in her life.

The sun rays stream inside the room, somehow causing the white lilies
to glow in his arm. With Taehyung's dark hair and the lilies decorating his
sun-kissed skin, he looks bewitchingly beautiful. . .

And it makes her heart surge thinking that her soulmate has a part of her,
too.
"Shirt?" Taehyung rubs his sleepy eyes.

Snap out of it. She tells herself and pulls the T-shirt into him and Taehyung
obliges, allowing her to move him in any way.

But her hands freeze when her eyes land on the scars on his back. There
is not a single spot on Taehyung's back where there are no scars. There
are slashes, cuts, and whip marks everywhere.

Her heart aches at the sight.

Who had been so cruel to treat him like this?

It makes rage burn inside her. . . .a strange anger . . . .a palpable need to

inflict a hundred times worse pain on the person who had dared to touch
her soulmate. . . .

It is so unusual.

Lily shakes her head. She has never hurt a bug before. But why does she
feel the urge for a cold-blooded murder now?

She quickens her pace and after Taehyung is wearing the clean shirt, he
again falls back on the bed, too sleepy to fathom anything.
As she watches the slow rise and fall of his chest, there is only one
question in her mind.

Who are you, Taehyung?

Remember to vote and comment<333

A/N: Monsieur Kim Taehyung owning Paris like it's his city. He is the main
event wherever he goes.

10: The Palace of Heaven

The Palace of Heaven is one of the most famous structures that has ever
been made. Renowned in all the realms, it is a sacred place of angels,
gods, and goddesses. Heaven is a place desired by everyone, for it
supposedly holds bliss after death. It is a landmark of purity and goodwill,
for only people who have done good things could ever have a place here.

People spend their lifetimes, pleasing and praising the deities of heaven so
that they could have a position in heaven. . .so that they could be content
with the knowledge that their life had been meaningful, and thus, with their
good deeds, they earn a place here.

Aiden, one of the twelve Princes of Heaven, is standing on the terrace of

his palace, feeding the birds. Deep in thoughts, he is interrupted by the
sound of footsteps. He turns around and sees a maid.

She bows to him and mutters, "Your Highness, the Eleventh Prince has
come to visit you. He wishes for your company."

"Let him in," Aiden replies and the maid leaves. He is the eighth Prince of
Heaven. He and the eleventh Prince have always been close to each other.
They were raised together, after all.

In a place like heaven where only goodness supposedly exists, there is

also darkness and it isn't as rosy as what other people think.

With good, the bad exists.

The Heavenly Emperor is aged and he will go to retire into the mountains
soon enough. The throne of Heaven that will be left empty is coveted by the
twelve Princes of Heaven.

Aiden, as the Eighth Prince, also desires that place. There is no order or
pattern of receiving the throne. He who has accomplished extraordinary
feats will naturally get the crown.

The First Prince has already shown his determination to get the crown,
having the entire court fawn over him. It isn't difficult for him. After all, his
mother is the heavenly Empress.
The Second Prince is an excelled scholar.

The third Prince is a great warrior.

He could list the talents of all of his eleven brothers in one go.

But Aiden, he has nothing.

He has achieved nothing extra-ordinary that could impress the people. He

knows he isn't worthy of the crown yet and his days pass mulling over what
he could do to improve his status.

"Brother." He snaps to attention when he sees the eleventh Prince bowing

before him.

He returns the bow, smiling. "May I know why you have graced my humble
abode today, Eleventh Brother?"

Noah, the eleventh Prince, claims not to desire the throne and he is always
seen in the mortal realm, playing with the nymphs or the fairies. He lives his
life freely without any fear of judgment or criticism. Aiden wished he could
live like that.

"Brother, I heard that the Heavenly Emperor has plans of retiring to the
mountain within the next month." The Eleventh Prince replies grimly.
"What?! Who told you that?!" Aiden panics.

"Mother. She wants me to be one of the frontrunners for his position. I

already told her I wouldn't run for the crown." He huffs.

"Oh."

Aiden's mother had passed away years ago when he was just a small kid.
She was miserable in the palace from what he had heard. She had jumped
from the East Terrace which is a terrace from where if any gods or angels
jump, they will never be able to get back to heaven. They are doomed to be
in the mortal realm eternally. He still wonders why his mother had jumped
from there. . .why she hadn't cared enough to stay.

"Brother, you need to get the crown," Noah says, looking determined. "Our
mother also says the same thing. If I don't run for the crown, then you
should."

Noah's mother had raised Noah and Aiden together after his mother had
jumped from that terrace. The woman had always treated him kindly and he
would forever be grateful to her for it.

"Brother, I do not have any extraordinary achievements like the other

brothers and no guidance from anyone. What would I even do?" Aiden
sighs.

"And it's never too late to accomplish things." The Eleventh Prince gives a
glittery smile. He goes nearer to the edge of the terrace and watches the
Palace of Heaven in a distance. "A pretty bird came and told me that
the King of Hell has been frolicking in the mortal realm with a human."
Aiden scoffs. "The King of Hell? Kim Taehyung?"

"Hush. Don't say his name. He gives me terrors ." The eleventh Prince
chuckles.

"And who is this pretty bird?"

"Do you really want to know?" Noah winks.

Aiden raises his eyebrow.

Noah sighs, "One of the nymphs I have been playing with. She has an
extraordinary sense of smell. She felt the smell of the air change and
followed it to find the reason. The King of Hell had done his best to lock
away his powers but you know how hard it is. It can slip even if you are
really careful. She followed the smell and she discovered him."

"Based on a smell?" Aiden asks.

"He smells like sin, Brother. . .I have always heard everyone say that his
smell is intoxicating, addicting even. . . .a smell that can lure people to do
as he bids. . . Ofcourse the nymph would discover him."

"Who is this human? And the King of hell frolicking? That has never been
heard. It's extremely unusual of him."

"I don't know who the human is. I was shocked, too. After centuries, he has
finally shown his interest in someone for the first time. It's strange. I think
he is not there just for playing with some humans. He must have another
motive." Noah says. "If you disclose his motives and find out what he is
brewing, it would be an extraordinary feat itself. After all, no one has been
born to challenge the king of hell, Lord Kim Taehyung."

Aiden smiles. "I will go to the mortal realm."

"And I shall accompany you, brother. I need some fun."

***

Taehyung blinks his eyes open. He feels well rested after ages.

His bones feel lighter and wet. . .What??

Then, only he notices Tannie sleeping by his side, drooling on his face.

Oh lord.

"Tannie, You brat." Taehyung sighs, chuckling. Tannie wakes up and

immediately starts licking his face.

Taehyung stops. He called his dog Tannie.

Oh lord, the fever must have gotten to him.

Because Tannie?! No.

Taehyung sits up and stares at the T-shirt he is wearing. He hadn't worn

this one before. She must have changed it.

He didn't remember many things at all. Everything was really hazy.

But he remembered her shaking him out of his nightmare, putting some
cold cloth on his forehead and. . .nothing else really.

Wait, shaking him out of his nightmare? Shit.

His powers are never in control during his nightmares. Taehyung wills
himself to remember more. Then, he remembers the pieces of stuff flying
around as he had lost control over his powers.

Oh fuck, she saw it.

That means inevitable explanations.

Taehyung thinks of vanishing without a trace. But that means he would

have to cut his vacation short and he is not ready to face the officials and
most of all, Jimin yet.

Taehyung gets up and walks to the kitchen, churning up excuses in his

mind. But when he gets to the kitchen, he finds Lily busy, cooking
something. She is wearing an apron, hair tied up in a messy bun, and
stirring the pot with a ladle.
Taehyung glances at the clock. It's nearly afternoon and she is always at
the cafe by now.

"You don't have work today?" Taehyung asks.

Lily drops the ladle and jumps, looking caught.

"You scared me." She breathes a sigh of relief. "And why are you out of
bed? Are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah, I am feeling fine." He mutters. She is gonna ask now. She is gonna
ask about it.

"Really? Can you come here, please?"

Taehyung is momentarily taken aback but he still walks toward her.

She touches his forehead, making heat course throughout his body. He
feels warm all of a sudden.

Then, she retracts her hand. "Your fever is gone, it seems."

"Hm, is your shift starting later today?" Taehyung grabs an apple.

Lily smiles sheepishly, stirring the pot. "I asked for a leave. And I have
prepared congee for you. I asked a friend for the recipe. I heard it's good
to have it when you are sick. It nourishes the immune system. First, I will
place it in the bowl for you. Wait for it to cool down, though. And why are
you still standing? Go and sit somewhere. You are not supposed to stand--
"

Taehyung blinks his eyes, watching her ramble and fuss over him.
It makes something warm blossom in that cold heart of his.

He interrupts her. "Don't you have any questions about yesterday?"

The suspense is killing him. He would rather face the consequences now.

Lily pauses. "I would be lying if I said I didn't have any questions. But they
don't matter. It's up to you to tell me and whenever you are ready, I will be
there to listen. But I do have one question."

To say he is shocked would be an understatement. He had expected her to

just kick him out of her apartment. He coughs and says, "Ask it."

She looks up at him and whispers slowly, "Will you. . . hurt me?"

It doesn't take Taehyung even a second to answer. "No."

No.

He said with such resolution, despite knowing that he was capable of

hurting her. But something inside Taehyung makes him swear that he
would rather perish than ever hurt his human.

She smiles and the room feels brighter. "Then, I have nothing to ask."

She is so patient with him and Taehyung feels guilty.

Hell forbid, he feels guilty.

Kim Taehyung

The Prince of Darkness

The Devil Incarnate

The King of Hell

The Lord of all evil feels guilty. . .

"Why are you still being so kind to me?" Taehyung can't fathom the reason.

"Then, how should I treat you, Taehyung? Do tell me. Because if you want
me to treat you like shit, it's not happening." Lily turns her back to him and
Taehyung knows she is upset.

"I am sorry." Taehyung whispers.

Oh fuck, he is apologizing now?

To a human? What happened to the mighty king of hell?

Yoongi would fucking laugh at his face if he were here now.

"It's okay." She replies. "And why are you still standing?"

"Oh, I am sorry---"

"Stop apologizing." She interrupts him, looking exasperated. "And please

sit."

"Sorry," A laugh escapes his throat. Taehyung finds the situation

ridiculous.

Lily shakes her head, amused and Taehyung goes to sit on the sofa.

He plays a movie called "Cinderella" in the meantime. Taehyung always

has to watch something when he is eating. Lily brings a bowl of congee for
him and sits on the other couch. Tannie lays down beside her and she
caresses his head.

"Have courage and be kind. For where there is kindness there is goodness
and where there is goodness there is magic." Ella's mother says to her.

Taehyung watches, engrossed in the plot.

"Do you think where there is kindness there is goodness?" Taehyung asks
out of curiosity.
He has seen the atrocities committed by people. He has seen greediness
and vanity, people not hesitating to kill one another for power. He has seen
the cruelty of this world.

Kindness is taken advantage of.

The world is nothing but evil.

Lily glances at him. "Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"We live in a morally grey world, Taehyung. There's nothing as completely

black or white. Everything is grey. So, with good, bad will also exist."

"But if you are too kind, it will only come to bite you back. People exploit
kindness. They take and take and leave you with nothing." He reasons.

"Yeah, some do. But kindness. . .kindness is a choice. . . We can't stop

being kind to others just for the fear of being taken advantage of. The world
already has so much bad. I think I would like to give others the benefit of
doubt."

Taehyung isn't content with her argument but he chooses to stay quiet.

A comforting silence settles in the room and Taehyung's eyes again dart
back to the TV.
After the movie is over, he takes a nap on the sofa.

Later around 3 pm, he wakes up, suddenly feeling suffocated. It's always
like this. Whenever he is inside for too long, he remembers his days of
being confined in the cell as punishment. It always leaves him
feeling claustrophobic.

He truly needs some fresh air.

"I am going for a walk," Taehyung stands up. Lily is in front of him, writing
something.

"I will accompany you." She looks up.

"No, you don't need to trouble yourself."

"It's no trouble at all. Besides, what if you feel faint while walking? You
have just had a fever," Worry shines in her gaze, and Taehyung swallows a
lump in his throat.

"Okay." He nods.

Tan is curled up on the sofa, snoring lightly.

"He won't be happy," Lily stares at Tan.

"He will be fine." Taehyung shrugs. They lock the door and leave.

Taehyung feels a bit better when the cool breeze caresses his face. They
walk together, without any destination in mind. Taehyung doesn't know
where he is going but Lily follows him without any objections.

They arrive at a crosswalk. Many people are waiting for the traffic light to
turn red. After a while, the traffic light turns red and the people start
crossing the road.

Taehyung notices an old woman walking slowly. His sharp ears make out a
loud speeding sound.

His eyes widen when he sees a car coming at high speed from the left. It
doesn't seem like it's stopping. Fuck.

"Have courage and be kind. For where there is kindness there is goodness
and where there is goodness there is magic."

"Kindness is a choice."

Taehyung doesn't register what he does next. He rushes to the woman,

swoops her in his arms, and pulls her along with him. The car almost hits
them. He hears horrified gasps from the people. Taehyung lands on the
ground first and takes the impact of the fall. The old woman lands on top of
him.
Immediately, there is chaos. People scramble towards them. Taehyung
gets up, dusting his clothes off, and helps the old woman up.

"Seriously, what the fuck?! Who was that motherfucker who was speeding
like that!"

"Don't worry! I got the vehicle number, everyone! I will call the
Police." Somebody says.

"What a brave young man."

"Truly. So brave. Risking his own life to save another person's life."

"Are you hurt?" Taehyung asks the old woman.

The old woman shakes her head, looking shaken up. But she gives a
trembling smile to Taehyung and pats his shoulders. "Thank you, son. You
saved my life today."

Taehyung feels incredibly awkward, with the people swarming them. He

hears praises and compliments, with words no one has ever associated
him with.

"He is so kind."

"And look at that, god! He is handsome, too!"

"Clearly, a man with such a golden heart would have a handsome face,
too."

Taehyung can bet that he doesn't have a golden heart.

If it were some months before, he wouldn't have done what he had just
done now, thinking it was the wish of fate.

Yes, Taehyung knows the power of fate.

But he is Death and only, he has the power over all the dead.

Taehyung searches for Lily and finds her behind two women.

She has a proud smile on her face, eyes shining with joy. . .and
Taehyung's breath gets knocked out of his body.

She is proud of him.

Perhaps, this is what magic truly is.

"Where is your home? I will take you." Taehyung asks.

"It's nearby, son. Don't worry. I will be fine," The woman smiles warmly,
looking better now. "Thank you again for saving my life."

Taehyung shakes his head, feeling flustered. He walks towards Lily. All
eyes follow him.

"Let's go?" He asks, and he has the urge to hold her hand for some stupid
reason.

And as stupid as he is, he succumbs to that urge. He can't believe humans

and their stupidity has rubbed off on him.

He does it.

He holds her hand, the warmth of it making him feel grounded. She looks at
him, frozen and a slow smile blooms on her face.

"Let's go." She replies.

"Ofcourse, he would have a girlfriend!" Someone chimes from the crowd.

"Is it a crime for handsome men to remain single these days?" They sigh.

***

"That was amazing. I didn't even see the car coming. You were super fast--
-" Lily rambles in front of him, excitedly while Taehyung watches her, his
hands tucked inside his pockets.

"Wait, but, you took the impact of the fall. Are you hurt?" She steps closer
to him, brows knitted in concentration as she observes him for any sign of
injury. His breath catches in his throat.

What the hell is happening?

Taehyung again feels an urge. To pull her closer and---

What is wrong with him?

"No, I am not hurt." He answers, looking away.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am."
"That's good," She nods and they continue walking.

"Oh," Lily stops at one point.

"What is it?" Taehyung turns around.

"Mrs. Jung's shop is just right there. Do you want to go say hi?"

Taehyung doesn't want to honestly. But he knows that Mrs. Jung is

someone important to Lily. So, he agrees.

"Sure."

She gives a grateful smile and they enter the flower shop.

"Mrs. Jung, hello. " The bell chimes as Lily walks in first. Taehyung follows
her suit and enters the shop.

"Oh Lily! Come dear, I have been tending to some carnations," A voice
comes from the back of the shop.

"Uh. . .I have brought someone," Lily says, looking flushed.

"Who is it, dear?" Mrs. Jung chuckles warmly and comes to the front.
Taehyung steps forward.

"He is Taehyung." Lily introduces. "My sou--roommate."

Taehyung feels bitter but he understands her. He had himself told her that
he was in no need of a soulmate bond.

Taehyung notices how Mrs. Jung's face becomes pale and her smile
drops. She knows.

"Hello, Taehyung," Mrs. Jung forces a smile.

"Hello, Mrs. Jung."

"Lily, dear, we need to have coffee to chat, don't we? Why don't you go to
the cafe next door and order for three? I will talk with your roommate in the
meanwhile."

"Uh okay, will you be fine?" She asks Taehyung and he nods.

As soon as she leaves, Mrs. Jung's eyes turn cold but she gives a stiff bow
to Taehyung.

"Greetings Your Majesty."

Taehyung had known who she was the moment he had entered the shop.
Taehyung nods. The air around him becomes frigid as he regards her
coldly. "So, how did a flower nymph get so close to a human?"

She stiffens up but doesn't address his question.

"Lord Kim, I know you are her soulmate."

"And?" Taehyung raises his eyebrow. "I won't hesitate to kill you if you try
anything. Trust me."

"I know, my lord. Lily is a very kind girl. She has the heart of gold. She
doesn't deserve this." She shakes her head. "She doesn't deserve a life full
of misery."

"I know that." He whispers.

"Lily deserves brighter and sunny places, not a cold dark place like hell.
She deserves a soulmate, who isn't the source of everything evil and vile."

Taehyung knows. He knows. But fuck it still hurts.

He lets out a low chuckle. "You are brave for saying that to my face."

"I just wish to protect her, my lord."

A smirk appears on his face. "You didn't answer how a flower nymph like
you became close to a human. And not just any flower nymph. You have
served the heavens."

Her face turns pale. "I- my lord, I do not understand."

"What are you hiding?" Taehyung asks her, taking a step forward.

The woman takes a step back, eyes fearful.

"Is there something about Lily that I should know?"

"No-Nothing, my lord." Her face becomes impassive at once.

"Tsk. Tsk. I hate when people lie to me. Do you think I can't see through
your deception?" Taehyung's demeanor turns cold.

"My lord, I can assure you that I will never hurt Lily. I have vowed to protect
her till my last breath and I will. If I am ever the cause of her hurt, you can
kill me." The woman speaks, looking firm.

"That's better."

"My lord, will you take her to hell with you?" The woman asks, eyes
worried.
"No."

"But as your soulmate, she is the only rightful Queen of hell. How will you
answer your people?"

"I don't need to answer to anyone. And humans don't have any power to
rule a wretched place like hell," Taehyung mutters. He would never take
Lily to hell. She doesn't deserve to see the ugliness and misery of that dark
place.

"But she is not a hu---"

The bell again chimes.

"What a long line!" Lily arrives with three coffee cups. She passes one to
Mrs. Jung and the other to Taehyung.

Mrs. Jung smiles.

"What were you speaking about?" Lily asks, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Your roommate is quite interested in flowers," Mrs. Jung replies.

"Really? Taehyung?"

"I am," He answers, eyes glinting with mischief. "Particularly in Lilies. . ."

***

Your votes and comments keep an author alive <333

A/N: I can't wait to go to hell sksks. Uh- That came out wrong. I mean I
can't wait to write about the hell arc 🤣. Things are gonna get more fun.
What do y'all think Mrs. Jung is hiding?

11: To fall is to sin

Taehyung doesn't like the dark.

Yes, he is the Prince of Darkness and people have always associated him
with dark and devious things but he doesn't like the dark.

He has lived his entire life in hell, where only the cloak of darkness covers
the realm. There's nothing other than darkness and cold in hell. What a
wretched place it is. Not a single flower blooms in that place and not a
single moon or stars grace its sky.
But it is what Taehyung has known all his life.

He is used to shadows and darkness.

But lately, his days have been bright.

Brighter than Taehyung's life ever has been.

It's like you have been living in the shadows for your whole life and
someone has pushed you to light for the first time. It's somewhat
uncomfortable, but at the same time, he finds the light gentle and warm,
not harsh.

And the source of that light was her. . . . .his human.

Taehyung knows it's all for nothing.

Eventually, he will have to leave.

And he will never return back.

But, Taehyung, as selfish as he is, craves that warmth. Craves the light
that Lily brings into his life. Craves for her gentlest touches and affection.

He finds himself staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

It's too late at the night. Counting sheep wasn't working, unfortunately.

Taehyung's sharp ears detect a strange noise. One that can't be produced
by humans. He immediately becomes alert.

Lily is sleeping on the couch in the living room.

Before he can think, he throws the door open and rushes out of the
bedroom, his heart racing against his chest.

He was right.

In the living room, there are two suspicious-looking figures, covered in a

black cloak from head to toe.

He sees someone about to use his powers on Lily who is sleeping

obliviously.

Taehyung doesn't even think about the consequences of his actions as the
fierce urge to protect his soulmate grips him. He lets his powers ooze
out and there's a sudden bright flash in the room. The person gets thrown
back by his powers.

Taehyung immediately creates a protective barrier around Lily, which would

prevent her from being disturbed. Tan is wide awake now, snarling at the
two figures, his eyes glowing red in the darkness.
Taehyung summons the vengeful souls and makes them hold the two
figures in their clutches. His eyes are arctic cold, assessing the two
intruders.

Taehyung calmly steps toward them. Tan growls; the loud rumble enough
to wake up the lost souls in the night.

Every creature in the vicinity, who are aware of the ominous clouds
gathering in this very place, howls back.

Taehyung yanks the cloak of the figures.

They are demons.

"How dare you---" Taehyung enunciates each word slowly. "---How dare
you touch what is mine?"

The demons look at him horrified. They clearly didn't know.

They quickly fall to their knees.

"What were you both here for? If you don't spill out everything, I will make
sure your demise is incredibly painful," Taehyung glares at them.
"Your-Your Majesty! An anonymous person approached us yesterday! And
they said they needed that human--We didn't know she belonged to you,
Your Majesty!"

"And who is this anonymous person?" Taehyung raises his brow, anger
rising with every second.

"We do not know, my lord! They promised to offer us a good sacrificial

offering and we agreed! We never saw their face!"

Taehyung lets out a low chuckle, one that causes hairs to rise up on their
backs. "Do you know who that human is?"

The demons look terrified. "No, my lord---"

Taehyung grabs the chin of one of them, the one who had dared to take
her away from him. Taehyung lets the scorching heat of the magma flow
from his fingertips. The demon wails in pain, his chin burnt and
disintegrating to ashes.

"She is my soulmate. Your fated Queen of Hell---," Taehyung feels a wave

of anger so fierce, that it seems to consume him whole. " ---And you tried to
kidnap her for some mere sacrificial offering?"

"My lord---" The demons look at him, shocked. "---Forgive us, my lord!"

"And now since you have already laid your eyes on her, you will have to
perish."
"My lord!" The demons squirm to get away. "Have mercy, Your Majesty!"

Taehyung snaps his fingers. The vengeful souls immediately swallow the
two demons, hungry for more wrath and vengeance.

Tan calms down after everything returns to normal. He curls on the floor,
near Lily's couch, where she is sleeping.

Taehyung feels drained. He sighs, glancing at Lily.

Fuck. It's his fault.

She is not safe if she is with him.

Those demons discovered her. And why does this anonymous person
want Lily? Taehyung is certain no one in the three realms knows the
identity of his soulmate. Even Jimin, Yoongi, and Jungkook who know that
he has a soulmate do not know the identity of Lily.

Taehyung is certain someone saw him with her and they want to learn why
he is around a human.

It's his fault. Fuck.

Taehyung walks toward Lily, withdrawing the protective barrier around her.
He sits on the floor near her and watches her sleep peacefully.
"Forgive me," He whispers. "I have exposed you to danger. . . ."

Taehyung has always destroyed everything around him and he knows he

will destroy her, too. His hands are only capable of destruction. Evil follows
him wherever he goes.

Lily's eyes flutter open and she looks around, groggily. Her eyes land on
Taehyung, who is in front of her. All the sleep immediately leaves her and
she sits up.

"Taehyung, why are you here? Are you fine?" Her words come out in a
rush. "Are you hurt? Do you have a fever? Taehyung---"

"I am sorry. . . .," Taehyung is kneeling in front of her, eyes cast down.

What Lily will never know is Kim Taehyung, The Lord of Evil and the Sole
ruler of Hell knelt in front of someone (her) for the first time in his lifetime.

"Why are you sorry?" She breathes out, confused. "Taehyung--" She cups
his face gently and makes him look at her.

Taehyung's eyes flash with vulnerability and he looks so helpless.

Taehyung always carries an aura of power around him, as if he knows
everything behind everyone and nothing in the world could deter him. But
he looks so helpless, so different now that it makes her heart hurt. It's the
first time Lily has ever seen him like this.

"Taehyung, are you okay?"

"No . . . ," He mumbles. He sounds exhausted. "No, I am not. . ."

Taehyung knows she won't understand. She won't.

How the hell was he so reckless to let his powers exude out of him? In a
moment of panic, the only thing he had on his mind was to protect his
soulmate.

But now, every supernatural creature in this area knows it's him here. And
eventually, the news will spread to all realms if he doesn't leave now.

Taehyung can already feel it.

The souls are already silent. Every being is silent fearing for their lives.

"I am sorry . . . ." Taehyung again repeats.

She stays silent.

"Lily. . ." Her name slips from his mouth for the first time. Lily's head whips
up, her heart suddenly thumping too loudly in her chest.

That quiet whisper of her name makes her heart sing.

There are sweet melodies suddenly ringing in her ears when everything is
so silent.

"I am evil, Lily. . . .I am evil and I do not know how to protect you from me. .
.," Taehyung shakes his head, feeling helpless for the first time in his life.

I am evil and you have to run far away from me, where not even my
shadow can touch you.

I wish. . .I really wish I was not evil. . .

Lily gently intertwines her fingers with his. Taehyung stills.

"No, you are not. . .Not to me," She whispers.

Taehyung stares at her. He gets overwhelmed with that urge again- that
urge to just pull her closer and ---

He kisses her.

His lips meet hers and Taehyung feels the room glow brighter than
a thousand blazing suns when it's still too dark in the night. He feels her let
out a soft gasp of surprise against his lips. They stay like that, lips touching
each other's and breathing each other in.

The time stills.

Taehyung cups her face gently and angles his head to deepen the kiss.
Her hands curl around his hair and her lips move against his.

Perhaps, this is what falling feels like. . . Taehyung thinks.

This must be the reason why humans write the tales of love. . .This must be
why they write poetries on love. . . why they paint love. . . This must be why
they worship love. . . . and this must be the very reason, why they sacrifice
themselves for it. . .

She lets out a soft sound and Taehyung thinks it's the sweetest sound he
has ever listened to in centuries. Her scent shrouds him in an
intoxicating haze and Taehyung feels his control start to slip.

He pulls back, resting his forehead against hers. Their lips are mere inches
apart with tension thick and heavy in the atmosphere.

Taehyung slowly kisses her neck.

He rubs his nose against her neck and presses a lingering kiss on it.

He scents her, covering her in his scent. It would be enough warning for
any supernatural creature to stay far away from her.

His fingers touch her swollen lips and Taehyung pecks her lips again.

"Taehyung, you are not going to. . . . leave, right?" She asks softly, eyes
glittering in the darkness, the moonlight spilling on her skin.

She looks so beautiful that it aches his heart. His heart which had just
found a reason to beat for the first time in forever.
It would be the last time he would ever be able to touch her.

Taehyung doesn't answer. He presses a kiss on her inner wrist where the
scar is present.

He vows to himself that as long as the sun and moon remain in the sky,
Taehyung will not let another scar appear on his human. He would never
let anyone hurt her.

"I am sorry," He again mutters, and then, he waves his hand. She becomes
unconscious and goes pliant in his arms.

Taehyung carries her to the bedroom and lays her down on the bed gently.

He stares at her sleeping figure for a few more minutes. Then, he creates
an invisible protective barrier around her, one that can't be penetrated by
any being who intends to hurt her.

"Sweet dreams, my human," Taehyung whispers.

Taehyung walks out of the bedroom. He changes into his attire of hell, one
that he had worn for the first time when he had arrived on earth. The black
cloak drags on the ground.
Tan is outside the door, eyes gleaming red.

"Let's go, Tan. Our time here is over." Taehyung pats his dog's head.

Tan stares at the closed bedroom door for a few more minutes, eyes
dejected.

He looks up at Taehyung and noses his hands as if wanting to comfort

Taehyung.

To fall is to sin. . .

For vile creatures like him.

And Taehyung has already fallen.

They don't stay there for long.

Tan follows him as Taehyung returns to the depths of the underworld.

***
Please vote and comment<333

A/N: Do share your thoughts on the chapter <3 I was excited for this one
hehe

12: One step closer

"I heard her parents died in the accident."

"Really?"

"Yeah. My mama is the English teacher and the other teachers told her."

"She doesn't even speak to anyone."

Lily sits on the bench alone on the school playground. She swings her leg
back and forth wishing that the time would pass faster. Her eyes longingly
dart to the school playground where her classmates are playing. She hasn't
made any friends. Not when no one seems to want to come closer to her.

She stares at her bandaged hand, which still throbs even after months of
that accident. She looks up at the sky, wondering if her mama and papa
were happy when she wasn't. The sister in the orphanage always tries to
cheer her up but it's futile.

Her words do not come out. Her eyes start stinging with tears and her
throat closes up on itself when she tries to speak.

The nurse says it's because of the shock and it will get better soon. But she
doesn't know when.

A ball comes rolling in front of her and stops near her feet. Three of her
classmates stop and stare at her. She picks up the ball and walks to them.

But they immediately run away, not wanting to be in her presence.

"I heard she killed her parents."

"She doesn't have anyone. My mother said not to be near her."

"She was a curse to her family. What if she makes us unlucky too?"

"What if she kills us too?"

"She was bad luck to her parents."

The scene changes from the playground to the storage room of the high
school.
This time, Lily is sitting on the ground, slumped in one corner while there
are four other girls in front of her.

"Seriously, even seeing her face makes my whole day unlucky," A girl rolls
her eyes.

"Why don't you get lost from here, you bitch?!" Another one glares at her.

"Who told you that you can be at the cafeteria? Always looking so damn
pitiful. You fucking disgust me."

Lily doesn't utter a word. She knows they just want a reaction out of her.

Suddenly, someone grabs her wrist tightly.

A sharp pain shoots up her hand and it makes it worse because it's her
scarred wrist. She shrinks further back, trying to make herself as small as
possible.

"Don't--Don't touch my hand, please. . ." Her breathing comes short, eyes
burning with tears.

"What will you do, huh?" One girl lets out a laugh. She looks at the others
with an evil glint in her eyes. "Let's lock her up in the closet!"

Their eyes light up with glee.

Much to her protest, they drag her towards the closet at the back of the
storage room.

"Please--don't--"
They push her inside the closet and lock her up inside. Lily bangs at the
closet door, feeling suffocated, tears streaming down her face.

"You will die alone! You are so pathetic!"

"Everyone around her will eventually die!" They laugh.

"Everyone will leave you! You have no one!"

"Please! Please open the door!"

"Please! Don't do this! Please!"

Lily wakes up, breathing heavily. Her pillow is damp with sweat and tears
are clinging to her lashes. She gasps for breath and calms down when she
realizes she is inside her apartment. . . . safe.

What a nightmare.

You are safe, Lily. You are safe.

She still cradles her wrist close to her chest, to find some comfort.

"I am sorry."

She first remembers Taehyung's voice, repeatedly apologizing to her.

Why was he apologizing to her? And why is she on the bed and not on the
couch?

And then, he had kissed----

Oh.

She touches her lips. The warmth of his lips still lingers there.

Her face becomes warm.

But still, there is a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something isn't
right.

"Taehyung!" She gets up in a hurry and walks to the kitchen, calling him.
"Taehyung!"

There is no answer and she finds the apartment empty.

"Tannie!" She tries again. "Tannie, where are you?"

She calls for Tannie, hoping that the dog will appear from somewhere,
jumping and wagging his tail to lick her hands or to rub his nose in it.

"Taehyung!" She continues calling them. "Tannie!"

But they are gone without any trace.

As if they were never here.

"Perhaps, they have gone for a walk. . . Y-Yeah, that must be it." She
shakes her head. She is getting worried for nothing.

They will be here when she comes back. They will be.

She goes to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Taehyung. She will have to
leave for work soon, too.

She prepares Taehyung's favorite pancakes and slices the fruits. Then, she
plates everything neatly.

When she will return home, everything will be fine. They will be here.
She writes a note for Taehyung and pastes it on the fridge.

"Breakfast is ready. Have it once you return back. I will try to be home
early. Will buy your favorite peanut chips if I find them!"

--Lily

She gets ready In a hurry and leaves the apartment.

It's busy in the cafe as usual. The line of customers is never-ending but she
welcomes the distraction.

Her mind doesn't stop thinking about Taehyung and Tannie. And
she prays, prays desperately so that it isn't what she is thinking.

Yuna catches her staring into the space a few times and Lily has to
repeatedly tell her that everything is alright.

After her shift is over, she rushes back home but not before entering the
department store and buying Taehyung's favorite peanut chips.

She enters the password to her apartment. The door clicks open.

"I am home," She takes off her jacket and pauses when she sees the
apartment dark.
She turns on the switches and walks inside.

The apartment is silent and there's no one, just like how she had left it in
the morning.

She walks to the kitchen and finds the fruit and pancakes untouched.

Her eyes sting with tears.

She walks to the fridge and grabs the sticky note.

Taehyung is gone. . .

Tannie is gone. . .

They are gone. . .

It hurts.
She glances around the room, letting out a sigh and closing her eyes. A
drop of tear slides down her face. Taehyung's words ring in her ears.

"And this soulmate bond. . .and all this stupidity. I do not give a damn about
it. So, I suggest you stop hoping that anything could ever come from this.
Whatever it is, I do not need it. I do not want it."

Taehyung had given her a clear warning that day.

That he didn't want their bond. That he wouldn't accept her as his
soulmate.

And yet, she had believed like a fool that things could change.

Now, he is gone. . .

What hurts the most is he didn't even say goodbye. She would have never
stopped him because he didn't belong to her and he had a life of himself.

But he just left. . .abruptly.

Like everyone in her life always does.

Maybe there's something wrong with her.

She stares at the new packet of peanut chips. More tears stream down her
face when she remembers that she is allergic to peanuts and now there is
no one who is going to eat them.

It hurts. It hurts so much.

Every memory with Taehyung flashes in front of her eyes and it feels like
shards of broken glass are piercing her heart.

"Glorious evening, is it not?" Taehyung standing in front of her, a smirk

gracing his beautiful face outside the door to her apartment.

"Taehyung. Kim Taehyung." He had said his name for the first time and it
had felt like she had inched one step closer to that inevitable fall that would
come soon.

Taehyung laying down on the street next to her, watching the traffic lights
flicker with her.
"That was fun," Taehyung pants, catching his breath after they had
escaped those hooligans and he had smiled at her for the first time.

Again one step closer to that fall.

"Does it hurt?" He had asked softly.

"It-It hurts. . . .Really hurts."

Taehyung had held her until her cries had subsided after her nightmare.

One step closer to that fall.

Taehyung's long fingers slowly tracing the scar on her wrist and him
brushing his lips against her scar. . .

One step closer to that fall.

Taehyung saving that old woman and him standing in discomfort as others
showered him with praises, making her wonder how had he been treated
all his life to believing that he was evil for some reason when he had so
much goodness hidden in his heart.

One step closer to that fall.

Him holding her hand.

Again one step closer.

And Taehyung kissing her. . .

And she had fallen. . . .

The fall was coming. She knew it and she had let it claim her, own her as
she fell and she fell hard.
It was hard not to.

If only she had tried to stop her feelings for him early enough, things
wouldn't hurt more now.

He had kissed her. . .perhaps out of pity for her.

She would pity herself too.

Everyone in her life indeed leaves.

She gets to the bathroom, trying to act unfazed, trying to pretend that she is
fine.

All her life, she has only done pretending after all.

She sees Taehyung's toothbrush near the basin.

It hurts more.

She washes her face repeatedly, trying to will those tears to stop. But the
tears keep coming. . .keep on falling.
Sobs wrack her body and she slumps down on the bathroom floor, hugging
her knees.

Everyone leaves. Hadn't you expected that already?

"Doesn't hurt. Doesn't hurt." She tries to speak, wiping her tears.

But it hurts.

And damn does it hurt like hell.

***

The air in hell feels a bit different than in the past weeks.

It feels colder.

More sinister.

More familiar.
"Namjoon hyung, can you send our eagles to patrol the place? Something
feels strange," Jimin says, glancing out of the castle window.

"Will do," Namjoon whistles, and three regal eagles appear quickly near the
windowsill. Namjoon nods and they fly from there to survey the area.

A large number of crows suddenly flock near the castle out of nowhere,
cawing in their loud voice.

Jimin's eyes widen. "It's Taehyung! He has returned back!"

The crows always come to welcome the Lord of Death back to his domain
whenever he returns from somewhere.

Jimin immediately teleports from that place to the castle gates with
Namjoon in tow.

The other maids and servants also appear to welcome the lord back to his
castle. Jimin and Namjoon stay near the head of the large gates. The chilly
wind whips at their faces and it is incredibly foggy. Jimin and Namjoon
squint their eyes, searching Taehyung's silhouette.

The fog clears up.

Taehyung steps out. He is donned in a black cloak from head to toe, eyes
cold and face blank. The crows flap their wings vigorously, cawing louder
while the eagles swoop around him.

Jimin notes that he looks worse than when he had run away from hell.
Much to his relief, Tan follows Taehyung. The three-headed beast snarls at
the strangers who have gathered near the gates.
Taehyung stops when he reaches the front. He dismisses the others with a
wave of his hand. They bow and immediately leave, eager to not be in their
master's vicinity.

"And how was your stroll?" Jimin quips, albeit sarcastically.

The officials had ruined every waking moment of his day with questions
about when Taehyung was attending the court again and all. He had even
considered vanishing to the mortal realm himself.

"Am I demoted?" Taehyung asks, face impassive.

Jimin has the urge to tackle him on the floor. He lets out a loud sigh. "Hells,
give me strength."

"No, you aren't. Much to your disappointment," Namjoon says, eyes shining
with mirth.

"That's a pity." Taehyung murmurs, eyes still distant as if he is not here and
thinking about something else.

It makes Jimin a bit worried. He can sense something is wrong. He

glances at Namjoon who also shares puzzled looks with him.

"Taehyung, are you fine?" Jimin asks slowly.

"Jimin, I need to find Odessa. Right now." Taehyung finally speaks.

"What? And you think I can conjure up the Great witch of hell with a snap of
my fingers? Hells, Taehyung. No one knows where that woman lives,"
Jimin throws his hand in frustration. "And why do you need Odessa?"
Taehyung doesn't answer.

Taehyung directs his gaze at Namjoon.

"Namjoon, you know where Odessa is."

"Uh, I don't actually----" Namjoon scratches his head.

"It's urgent," Taehyung demands. Taehyung knows only Namjoon could

have an answer to the witch's location. Namjoon after all is one of the few
extraordinary disciples that the witch had personally chosen and trained.

Namjoon becomes silent. He thinks a few moments more. "I haven't seen
mistress in years. She keeps on changing her location. But I know a place
where she frequently stayed. I used to go there whenever I needed to
consult with her."

"And what is this place?"

Namjoon's face becomes solemn. "Taehyung, you aren't going to like it."

"Just tell me, Namjoon."

"A cave near the Devil Peak."

Taehyung sucks in a sharp breath. His fingers tremble slightly.

"No-- Taehyung! you aren't going to be anywhere near that mountain

again!" Jimin yells.
Taehyung inhales. "You shall lead the way for me. I need to meet Odessa."

"Are you sure?" Namjoon asks.

Taehyung nods.

"Taehyung, no! It's incredibly dangerous! If those souls even get a whiff of
your scent, they will go haywire---" Jimin protests.

"I have killed them once. And I can kill them once again, Jimin." Taehyung
speaks. "Don't worry."

***

Taehyung masks his scent carefully. The thought of going anywhere near
the Devil Peak isn't what he wants but he has no choice.

The Devil Peak is the most dangerous summit located in hell. It's home to
all the banished demons, souls, and devils. The place reeks of evil and it's
completely barren, save for the pile of bones and souls that have
accumulated there over the years.

No one has the guts to live near that place. The environment there is so
toxic that it can even suffocate the most extraordinary powers. Once you
get anywhere near the devil peak, your powers stop functioning.

Taehyung especially doesn't have fond memories related to that

place. Especially after what he had to do. . . .Those nightmares which still
haunt him to this day. . .

Namjoon leads him to the cave. The Devil Peak is some miles away but
Taehyung's ears keep on ringing with the voices of those souls, trying to
lure him to that hellhole. His powers are already weak.

"Taehyung, Mistress must be inside. A barrier is set up outside, though. I

can only assist you till here." Namjoon speaks.

Taehyung nods and he enters the cave.

It's dark inside. But the voices in his head grow louder.

"Look, he is back," A voice cackles in his ears.

"My and his smell. . . .intoxicating as ever. . .I can almost taste the wrath in
it," Another seductive voice speaks as if they are right next to him.

Taehyung's breathing gets heavy. Control, Taehyung. Control.

"Ah, he wasn't good to us back then. We shall keep him with us this time,"
Other voices titter.

It's just an illusion, Taehyung. It's just an illusion. Do not give in.

"Come with us, Taehyung. The world out there is so ugly and unkind. We
will keep you safe, darling."

"Darling, no one will care for you except us. Come with us, Taehyung."

"We will keep you safe, darling."

"You won't have to bear any pain. You won't be lonely if you will come with
us." There are voices surrounding him, ringing in his ears like a cacophony.

"Aren't you afraid of being lonely, darling?"

"They do not like you. Come with us, Taehyung."

"No. No." Taehyung grits out in pain.

"No one except us will care for you. No one will ever love evil creatures like
you, Taehyung. You are one of us. Come with us, darling."

"I am evil, Lily. . .I am evil and I do not know how to protect you from me. .
."

"No, you are not. . .Not to me," She had whispered.

The soft voice of Lily floats in his ears.

"You are okay. You are okay." The image of her waking him up from his
nightmare flashes in front of his eyes. He focuses on her voice and it gets
easier to breathe.

Taehyung takes a deep breath.

He realizes that the voices have gone away.

Taehyung opens his eyes and finds himself in front of a pond with crystal-
clear water.

And in the middle of the pond is Odessa, clad in a black gown, the crown of
golden snakes decorating her head.

She bows. "Greetings Your Majesty."

Taehyung nods. "Greetings Odessa."

"I wonder why you decided to grace my humble abode with your presence,
today." The corner of her lips lifts up.

"I won't beat around the bush, Odessa. I need your help."

"It would be an honor to be of use to you, my lord. What is it?"

Taehyung swallows a lump in his throat. "I need to break my soulmate
bond."

Her lips stretch to a grin. "Your human soulmate, no, my lord?"

Taehyung wouldn't even ask how she knew that because Odessa knows
everything.

"Yes."

"I understand, my lord. After all, you are a mighty king of hell and she is just
a mere mortal." She has a knowing glint in her eyes.

Taehyung doesn't respond. It isn't the reason after all. He has to do this so
that he can protect Lily from himself and from the evil that accompanies
him. It's something that he can't get rid of. His sin is his identity and will
forever be. He will never let it corrupt her.

"My lord, I can break your soulmate bond but it will require a huge sacrifice.
Will you agree with it?"

"What sacrifice?"

"I will say that later. But you know what this means, don't you? You will be
completely erased from your soulmate's life and she will forget you forever.
She won't be born in any lifetime where she will have you as her soulmate
for the eternity of time. Will you be able to forsake your soulmate? Give up
on her forever?"

Taehyung's heart hurts, even at the mere thought of it.

He will never see her again. . .

"I know," He breathes out, making his resolve stronger. He has to do this.

"My lord, do you know what barrier I put up outside my cave?" Odessa
smiles.

Taehyung doesn't speak.

"I put up the barrier of an illusion. It will unlock your deepest fears and
make you act on them. Do you remember whose voice pulled you out of
that illusion?" She asks knowingly.

It was Lily's voice.

"A voice as powerful as to pull you out of your deepest fears. A connection
written by the fates and stars. So, will you break your bond, my lord?"

Taehyung opens his mouth to speak. "I. . . ."

***

Your votes and comments keep this author alive and kicking <3

A/N: What do you think Taehyung will do? 👀

13: Get over your crush

"That's her," Noah says. His eyes are dark and Aiden notices that the air
around him was uneasy today for some reason.

Aiden's eyes land on a young woman, working in the cafe. They are safely
hidden from the eyes of the mortals with the help of their invisibility cloaks.

"Eighth Brother," Noah calls him.

"Yes, brother?"

"That human is important. She is very important to the King of Hell," He

says, his jaw clenched.

"How do you know that? Didn't you say she was just some human he was
frolicking with?"

"I asked help from two demons in order to get her in exchange for a
sacrificial offering to them," Noah says, looking tense.

Aiden's eyes go wide. "What the?! Are you hearing yourself, brother?!
Good God, you asked for help from demons?! Do you know we can get
banished from the heavens if this matter gets disclosed?!"

Heaven and hell had a clear line between them and it was a sin to breach
that line.

"No one will know," Noah mutters but his eyes are furious. "Do you know
what happened to those demons?"

"What?"

"They were eradicated completely. Not even a trace of them remains

behind. And you know who is the person who is the only one who knows
how to wipe out someone's entire existence without even leaving the
remains of their soul scattered."
A beat of silence.

"Kim Taehyung. . ." Aiden whispers.

"And look at this."

Noah sends a stream of his powers toward the human's direction. But as
soon as the blue flames touch the human, they die.

"Heavens, there is a protective barrier around her." Aiden breathes out. He

sends his own powers next. But the yellow flames immediately die, not
even touching a strand of her hair.

"She is clearly someone important to him. But we can't get through this
barrier. No one in any realm can get through this barrier. It's made
by him," Aiden speaks, agitated.

Him.

Kim Taehyung.

The Lord of Death.

He who summons every imaginable evil in the world.

"This confirms my suspicions. She must be someone incredibly evil to have
even the lord of evil protect her. We need to eradicate her to ensure that
the peace of the world isn't jeopardized." Noah speaks, looking determined.
"Maybe she is some evil creature who can amplify his powers."

Aiden nods. "It sounds reasonable. But what can we even do?"

"Brother," Noah gives a cold smile, looking at the human. "The barriers get
weak on every new moon day to replenish their energy. It's common in
both heaven and hell. Lucky for us, the new moon is just a week away."

"Brother. . . .what if we get in trouble, though?"

"Some sacrifices need to be made. For peace." Noah says.

Aiden nods. "For peace."

***

Taehyung is looking out of the window blankly. The territory of hell

stretches far and wide in front of his eyes. Darkness envelops the whole
place in the dead of the night. It's chillingly cold. Hell, either is too hot or too
cold. It has always lived in the extremities. Because evil thrives in the
extremes.
He rubs his eyes, feeling drained.

The conversation with Odessa keeps on replaying in his mind.

When the witch had asked him that question, for the first time, he had come
up with nothing.

Yes, Taehyung could keep her safe if he broke off his soulmate bond with
her and that was already the greatest advantage in this situation.

But. . .But he found himself. . . so unwilling. . .

She would forget him forever and she would never be born in any lifetime
as his soulmate.

Taehyung. . .Taehyung had just found her.

After centuries. . .

Had found the other half of his soul, had found the piece of his heart (no,
had found his heart), and to have everything torn from himself once again. .
.he couldn't bear it.
He was a selfish creature after all.

So, with a reply saying he needed time to think, he walked out of that cave.

And he had been thinking. . .and thinking and a war between his heart and
his mind had broken out.

Taehyung glances distastefully at the dinner that had been sent to his
chamber earlier. They had long gone cold. He hadn't even taken a bite.

He just remembered Ramen and kimchi and how she would look at him
with those eyes holding so much adoration as he rambled about some
noodles---

As if Taehyung were talking about the most interesting facts in the

universe.

Fuck. He needed this to stop.

Stop. Stop thinking about her.

But he wanted to go back to the mortal realm, to take a glimpse at her, to

ensure that his human was okay.
Tannie had been---Tan. It's Tan.

Tan had been sulking the entire day and from what he had heard from the
caretakers, he had refused to eat anything.

Even his dog was being absolutely helpful in this already terrible situation.

Jimin had given a stack of paperwork to him and he knew that he wouldn't
be able to get out of his study without finishing them anytime soon.
Taehyung sighs and starts going through some of them. The officials are
also unhappy from what he has heard. He doesn't give two shits about their
opinion.

There's a knock on the door.

"Enter," Taehyung says. The door opens and Yoongi strides inside the
chamber with relaxed steps, a smirk fitted on his lips.

He takes a seat on the chaise lounge without speaking anything and just
stares at Taehyung, the smirk still evident on his face. Taehyung raises his
eyebrow.

"So?" Yoongi drawls.

"So what?"
"Why are you always like this?" Yoongi rolls his eyes hard. "I had to bear
the constant nagging of those uptight officials and I couldn't even get a nice
sleep. So, you better be grateful and tell me the tea about what happened
in the mortal realm."

"Nothing. Nothing happened," Taehyung lies. "I had just gone there to find
Tan."

"As if," Yoongi huffs. "You were there for your soulmate. And I heard from
Jimin earlier that you went to find Odessa. So, I presume that's an ex-
soulmate with the way you were adamant about breaking your bond and
what not."

Taehyung doesn't answer.

Yoongi looks at him with mischief in his eyes. "Or you changed your mind?"

Fucking Yoongi.

"If you have so much time to kill, come and do this paperwork with me."
Taehyung glares. "And I haven't changed my mind. I will meet Odessa
again."

"Mind if I share my opinion?" Yoongi smirks.

"No."
Belphegor is known for giving others wild ideas that would ultimately result
in their destruction. Yoongi, as the sin of sloth, loves inhabiting the empty
idle minds of people and corrupting them. As if Taehyung doesn't know
how much fun Yoongi wants to have at his expense.

"Well, I am still giving it," He shrugs. "You aren't going back to Odessa
again, Taehyung. At least not to break the soulmate bond."

Taehyung's body tenses.

"If you are unsure about something, you never do it."

"Come and fucking help me if you have so much free time to read my
mind," Taehyung glares.

Yoongi lets out a laugh. "Why must I do the paperwork of a King when I am
not even one?"

Taehyung rolls his eyes. There is silence for a while.

"Taehyung, you seem. . . different, you know that?" Yoongi whispers. "You
fell."

Taehyung's whole body freezes.

"The first Lucifer fell from heaven. All the Lucifers are born to fall
anyway." Before Taehyung could fully register the weight of Yoongi's
words, he was gone.

***

"The next time I see him I will chop his dick off and feed it to dogs," Yuna
rages behind the kitchen counter.

Lily is curled up on the couch of Yuna and Sunmi's apartment, a pile of

tissues in front of her.

"Darling, you can be unbelievably violent at times. Christ," Sunmi clicks her
tongue, from the laundry room.

"The audacity of that asshole! He only hurt her!" Yuna grumbles. She
hands an ice-cream tub to Lily, who takes it sniffling.

"B-But why i-ice cream?" Lily sniffles, nose red but still takes a spoonful of
ice cream into her mouth.

"Heartbreaks and ice cream go side by side, you idiot," Yuna says.

"Darling, you are gonna make her cry again. Can you not? Make your voice
softer, will you?" Sunmi calls her out again.
"I am trying!" Yuna yells.

"Seems like I will be sharing this ice cream with you soon if I don't manage
to do as she tells," Yuna mutters.

Lily lets out a chuckle. But again her eyes water up with tears. She presses
the palm of her hand to her eyes, again feeling the urge to break down.

"I-I don't know why it's h-hurting so bad. We weren't even in a relationship,
to begin with. . ."

We were nothing.

And it was never going to change into something in the future.

The thought hurt more.

"A crush. You had a crush." Yuna mumbles.

"Crush?"

"Yeah, girl. But fret not! I have lots of ways to get over stupid crushes!"
"How?" Lily blinks her eyes.

"Honey, don't you dare make any catastrophic plans!" Sunmi again yells
from the laundry room.

"Have faith in me!" Yuna yells back.

"You need some booze and hot men! And this calls for clubbing!" Yuna
says, excitedly.

Lily shakes her head. "No no, I am a lightweight. I can't drink for the life of
me, Yuna."

"Trust me. It's gonna work. I am gonna glam you up."

"But----"

"Someone said clubbing!" Sunmi appears from the laundry room. "I am
totally down!"

"I know you!" Yuna giggles.

"Now, come on, darling. Let's get some drinks and hot men for you." They
both stand in front of her with a conspiratorial gleam in their eyes.

***
Sunmi and Yuna spend the entire afternoon, dolling her up. By the evening,
Lily is dressed in a black mini dress which she finds way too revealing, and
heels so high that she can't help but fall without taking two steps.

"Girl, in this household, we do anything but cry over men," Yuna crosses
her arms.

"And if you want to still cry, cry while looking pretty," Sunmi adds, flipping
her hair.

Crackheads. No wonder they are soulmates.

"Oh okay but I seriously can't walk---"

Before she can even protest, the excited couple is already hauling her
inside a cab and taking her to god knows where.

After a short drive, they arrive in front of a club. 'Static' is the name of the
club. The neon lights are glowing in the dark and there are already people
pouring into the club, ready to lose themselves in the bliss of the nightlife.

They show their cards to the bouncer and enter inside.

The music is so loud that Lily already feels an incoming headache. Hell.
There are people dancing, grinding themselves on each other, and drinking
with enthusiasm. It's crowded, to say the least. The smell of alcohol lingers
in the air.

Sunmi and Yuna drag her to the bar and order drinks.

"Cosmopolitan for three!" Sunmi orders, excitement hardly contained in her

bones.

The bartender serves them. Lily sits on the stool and takes a sip of the
drink.

Yuna and Sunmi chug their drinks down in seconds. She glances at the
couple in disbelief.

"Now, come on, dancing!"

"I will finish my drink and join," Lily says. "You both can go ahead."

"Don't forget what we are here for, Lily. For getting over your crush. Main
goal!" Yuna reminds her once again and the duo disappears into the crowd.

Lily slowly sips her drink. Get over your crush.

Live. You have to live, Lily.

You need to forget.

She finishes the drink in a shot, welcoming the burn in her throat.

"Hey." She calls the bartender. "Can I have a stronger drink?"

The bartender nods and soon, Lily is drinking a 'Dry Martini'. She orders
more even though she knows that she is going to regret this the next
morning.

"Hey, beautiful," Someone slides next to the stool near her.

Lily looks up and feels mildly uncomfortable. Talking with strangers, yeah
no.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing here alone?" The man smirks.

"What does it look like?" She shrugs, taking a sip of her drink. Ugh. Men
and their recycled lines.

"That you are too pretty to be drinking alone." He chuckles. "Can I buy a
drink for you?"

No, thank you. The words are on the tip of her tongue but then she
remembers Yuna's words. Get over your crush. Move on.
She looks at the man carefully. All she can see is someone who is
not Taehyung.

She lets out a sigh. Get a grip, Lily. Move on.

"Why not?" She tries. Maybe this wouldn't be too bad and free drinks are
always welcome.

The man orders a drink for her.

Lily feels as if someone is staring at her. She turns around but finds no one.
She tries to concentrate on the man in front of her but there's this
unshakable feeling of being stared at.

So strange.

She loses count of the drinks. She keeps on asking for more and feels that
desperate urge to just drink to oblivion and completely forget about
anything else. Especially him.

At one point, the man gets too close to her. Her whole world is spinning by
now. The man places his hand on her waist and comes closer to her. "How
about we get out of here, beautiful?"

Lily shakes her head, vision blurry, seeing two same men in front of her.
"No. No."
"Don't play too hard to get." The man's grip becomes tight and Lily tries to
push him off.

"Don't-Don't touch me---"

All of a sudden, the man gets thrown to the ground. Lily gapes at him.
Everyone's eyes land on her and the man. She looks around and finds no
one. She stares at her hand, blinking her eyes. "Huh, did I . . . .do that?"

"You---" The man stares at her, looking so pale as if he had just seen
his death. He scurries out of there in haste. Everyone resume what they
were doing.

"S-Superman?" She looks up to the ceiling and back to her drink, confused.

Lily feels her body grow warmer. It feels so hot.

Her cheeks are already pink from the alcohol.

In search of cool air, she staggers outside to the back of the club.

"Five fingers. . .Six fingers. . . Seven?" She counts her fingers. The ground
is spinning around her.

She bumps into a figure and yells, annoyed. "Jeez, look where you are
going!"
"But seven fingers. . .no seven. . .six." She mumbles in a daze, still fixated
on counting her fingers.

She tries to move but a hand snakes around her waist.

"Don't-Don't touch me! Otherwise, superman will come and throw ----", She
gazes up and her breath catches in her throat.

The man is all too familiar. But she can't remember his name right now for
the life of her.

He stares at her with those familiar deep dark eyes and Lily's body
grows warmer.

"You--You look like my crush !" She blinks.

He stares at her blankly but she sees his cheeks getting pink.

"Your cheeks are pink, too! Like mine!" She squishes his cheeks, giggling.
The man's cheeks burn to a shade of red.

She shakes her head. "But. . . . Yuna said to what? Oh, yes, Yuna said to.
. . get over stupid crushes!"

"Excuse me!" She tries to get out of his firm grasp. "L-Leave me! I-I am
serious! Superman will come---"
The man suddenly leans closer to her face. All the words die down in her
throat and her heart starts racing. She clutches her chest, trying to stop it.

"I-I am going to die!" Her eyes water up now and she starts wailing.

The man's expression grows puzzled but he asks in a hurry, looking

worried. "Why? What happened?"

"My---" She hiccups. She takes his hand and places it where her heart is
thumping loudly. "My heart is b-beating really hard!" She sniffles louder. "I-I
am going to dieeee!"

If the man's face wasn't red earlier, now his whole face is scarlet red. He
coughs, looking incredibly flustered. "No, you aren't going to die."

"I-I am!" She wails louder. "I will never get to see T-Tannie again!"

The man lets out a sigh and finally says in a tone of finality. "Enough of
your antics. Why did you even drink that much?"

"Crush-Crush. . . ." She shakes her head.

His hand comes to her cheek and he strokes it gently. "Let's get you
home, hm?"
She shakes her head vigorously. "No! No home! I need to get over my
crush!"

He pulls her against his chest and Lily stills. "Sssh."

The man's heart is beating loudly, matching her own rhythm.

Her vision swims for a minute and the next time, she opens her eyes, she
finds herself in her bedroom. The man is still holding her close.

"H-Home. . . But. . .how did we?" She looks around. "You are. .
.superman?"

"Sleep." He merely says and gently makes her lay down on the bed. Lily is
still rambling in her drunk daze.

"Need to get--get over my crush," She mumbles, her eyes closed. She
feels soft sheets on her body next.

The man takes her heels off and rubs her sore feet gently.

"Mmm. That feels nice." She murmurs. "Thank you, . . superman. . ."

She starts drifting in and out of consciousness. After a while, she feels soft
lips press on her forehead and hears a voice.
"Sweet dreams, my human."

She tries to chase after his warmth but the next time, she opens her eyes,
he is gone.

***

Please don't forget to vote and comment <333

A/N: Theories? What will happen next?

14: A wilted Lily

The following day, Lily wakes up, groaning in pain. Her head is throbbing
so bad. Oh, why did she have to drink that much?

She squints her eyes open. The sunlight glares at her from the window. Her
headache seems to get worse. As much as she wants to curl up in bed and
sleep for a thousand years, she gets up and walks to her bathroom.

She scans her face. She is wearing the same dress from yesterday which
is all rumpled from sleep. Her hair frankly resembles a bird's nest. She
groans and immediately starts brushing her teeth to get rid of the bad
stench of alcohol.

She throws on an oversized sweatshirt next. Her head is killing her and she
doesn't recall anything from yesterday after she started drinking those
satanic drinks.

She walks to the kitchen, yawning.

"You are awake?"

Lily jumps in shock, clutching her heart. "Fuck. Can you stop popping out of
nowhere?"

Yuna is in front of her with her hands on her hips. "You gave us quite the
fright yesterday, you idiot."

"What did I do? Oh my god, did I do anything embarrassing?"

"Well, I was going to ask you that. You literally vanished! Sunmi and I spent
at least an hour searching for you." Yuna mutters.

"Oops. Sorry. I don't recall anything." She smiles apologetically.

"Then we thought perhaps you found a hot guy and went with him but when
we came to your apartment, you were already here. Completely blacked
out." Yuna chuckles.
"Wait," Lily pauses. " Wait--I was already in the apartment?"

"Yeah, I wonder how you even found a cab in your drunk state. You gotta
give yourself more credit."

"I don't remember anything . . .Ugh," She groans and goes to open her
fridge.

"Hangover medicine and water are on the table," Yuna points out.

"Thanks," Lily beams and gulps it down.

"Well, I am off to the cafe. You look like you need some rest today. Do you
need me to cover your shift? I wouldn't mind." Yuna says.

"That would be amazing. You are a life savior, Yuna."

"Well, you owe me one. Rest up. Bye-bye!"

"Bye! And thank you!"

The door shuts closed, leaving Lily in silence once again.

***
It's the day of the new moon.

Lily walks home after completing her shift in the cafe. The days have been
going painfully slow but she has invested herself in work more than ever,
desperate for distraction. Her thoughts would roam to Taehyung whenever
she wasn't working. And, the apartment felt too lonely and silent.

Lily had been used to loneliness all her life.

But within a span of weeks, someone had knocked on her door, bringing
a whirlwind with him and life hadn't been the same.

It had been a new revelation how much someone's presence could give her
comfort.

But now, when she was returning back to her normal life (her life without
Taehyung), everything suddenly felt lacking. As if Taehyung had come to
fill up the void in her life and now that he was gone, her world was once
again empty and lacking in ways that only he could ever fill.

There is no moon in the sky and it's late and really dark. Usually, she
wouldn't stay out this late but Sunmi got sick and Yuna had to leave and
she volunteered to cover for her shift. The road is completely desolate and
yellow streetlights flicker a bit farther, washing the streets in their dim glow.

Then, she feels it.

She feels someone following her.

She grasps the pepper spray tighter in her pockets. She doesn't turn back
but increases her pace.

They follow her faster.

Don't be afraid. Don't be afraid.

She tries to give herself a boost of courage but it's futile.

She comes to a stop when a shadow looms in front of her.

Lily looks up and finds a man in front of her. She swallows the lump in her
throat. Her heart is beating deafeningly.

She turns around and finds another man behind her. They are both clad in
black cloaks and they are both incredibly tall. She notices the blue eyes of
one man while the other one has yellow eyes.

"Why are you following me?" She asks carefully. "Do you need any . .
.help?"

One man particularly looks at her furiously.

Did she run over his cat? Not that she remembers.

"Are you both perhaps into cosplay?" She rambles. " I-I am not interested.
So, if you would excuse---"

In a quick motion, she brings out her pepper spray but as soon as she
sprays it, the pepper and her pepper spray bottle disintegrate to ashes.

She takes a step back, suddenly realizing that she was in deep trouble.
Then, all of a sudden, a blue-colored rope snakes around her wrist out of
nowhere, tying her hands tightly.

"Who-Who are you? What do you want from me?" The fear is evident in her
voice.

"How are you related to him?" One of them asks coldly.

"Who?" She asks back, puzzled, squirming against the rope.

"Do not try to act oblivious. He has been living with you."

She freezes.

"Taehyung. . ? Is-Is he in any danger? Has something happened to

him?" She panics.
"Taehyung, huh?" The man smirks, raising his eyebrow. "On a first name
basis as well."

"What do you . . . . want?" She feels a chill run down her spine.

"Disclose your identity. Your real identity. Who are you and why the hell
have you been mingling with the King of Hell?"

". . . .King of Hell . . .?" Lily stares at them, confused.

She had seen Taehyung levitating stuff during his nightmare. But, King of
hell. . . .what?

"I-I don't know what you are talking about, " She says in desperation.

"You are fucking lying. You have a protective barrier around you and you
don't even know that?! And you are covered in his scent as well! Don't tell
me you didn't know he scented you as well," The man with the blue eyes
snarls. The other one with yellow eyes has been silent the whole time.

"What?! I promise I have no clue---" Lily tries to speak but the man raises
his hand, cutting her off.

"Eighth brother, she won't open her mouth."

The other silent man just stares at her. "What if she really doesn't know,
brother?"

"I don't know. I promise----"

"Are you jesting with me?!" The man snaps at his brother. "She is
associated with the Lord of Evil! And to have the Lord of Evil protect her,
she must be an evil creature herself! We will take her to the banishment
tower in the north. Let's see how she will not open her mouth."

Before Lily can protest, her vision darkens and she blacks out.

"Banishment tower? You mean the Ice tower, Noah?!" Aiden's eyes widen.

"There is only one banishment tower in the north of heaven, brother," Noah
says, looking mildly irritated.

"But she is a human. . . . You know not even immortals can survive there
after 24 hours without using their power."

"And that is what I exactly aim for. If she is a supernatural creature, she will
be forced to use her powers, then." Noah says calmly.

"But there is a high probability she will die from this, Noah! What if the King
of hell finds out? He has scented her, Noah. He has already put a warning.
If we still take her, then there might be irreparable consequences." Aiden
tries to reason.
"Brother, if you want to stabilize your footing for the crown, then you have
to do this," Noah's eyes are shining with steely determination.

Aiden goes silent. He glances at the unconscious human, feeling guilty for
some reason.

For the crown, he has to do this.

He prays that she is not innocent.

***

It's incredibly cold. . .

It's the first thing Lily registers when she opens her eyes. Her vision is still
blurry but once it regains its focus, she finds herself in an unknown place.

Her teeth are chattering and her body is shivering with cold uncontrollably.
She notices that the blue rope around her wrist had been replaced with
long iron chains that drag on the ground and are tied to the corner of the
room.
She is inside a cell of some sort. But the strangest thing is the entire floor is
made of ice. She inches closer to the bars, shivering and her mouth gapes
open as she sees the entire place.

She is on the topmost cell but there are hundreds of other cells down
below, filled with strange-looking creatures that could only appear in her
worst nightmare. Snow is falling slowly inside the place.

The entire place is made of ice and Lily has never felt this kind of cold ever
before.

Tears trail down her cheeks, as she feels so lost. Her hands are already
freezing and her breath is coming out in small puffs.

A sweet sultry voice floats in the air and she hears it. "They brought
someone new."

Lily inches closer to the bars, wanting to ask for help.

"Someone new?" All of a sudden, loud curious voices come from the cells.

"In the topmost cell." The sweet voice replies.

"In the topmost cell? Hell, and I thought I had been banished for the worst
crime." Someone laughs gruffly.
"The topmost cell is the coldest cell after all. . .My, what crime did they
do? Eating mortal's babies?" Someone chuckles creepily.

"Nah, you don't get banished to the coldest cell of the ice tower just for
eating some measly mortal's babies." Someone reasons. "Their sins must
be grave."

"Can someone hear me? Can anyone help, please!" Lily bangs on the bars,
feeling utterly helpless. The iron cuffs are hurting her wrist with how tight
they are.

"Oh my, did you hear that?" Someone laughs. "What an innocent voice. "

"Hehe. . .almost like she has been untouched by any evil."

"Tsk. Tsk. We are losing our focus here, everyone." The previous sweet
voice returns. "Can't you smell it?"

"Smell what?"

The sweet voice chuckles, the creepy sound echoing in the tower, "She
smells of sin. . . She is cloaked in the smell of Lord Kim . . ."

And all of a sudden, the voices start clamoring louder than they had ever
been. But fear lingers in every syllable that they speak. Lily even sees
some of the strange-looking creatures step back to the corner of their cells,
visibly panicked and scared.
She connects the dots and deduces that the Lord Kim they are talking
about is Taehyung.

What had she done?

And why was everyone so scared of Taehyung?

"But the most interesting thing is. . . .she is a human," The sultry voice
mutters.

"A human?!" Then, immediately, those creatures come closer to their cells
in desperation, looking like they want to claw those bars apart.

"I need her soul! I need to survive!"

"I need more power!"

"I have been living in this cold cell for centuries! I need her more!"

The voices get louder, ensuing chaos. Lily shrinks back in fear.
"Well, calm down, everyone. No one will get to devour her soul. After all,
she is going to die within the next 24 hours. Her soul will disintegrate to
nothingness."

Lily's heart stops.

"What . . .? But I haven't done anything! Please, help me !" She pleads,
panic rising inside her.

"Darling, you are held captive in the Ice Tower of the north. No one can
escape from here." The sweet voice chuckles. "The ice tower is
the banishment tower where criminals of heaven are banished. If you are
not a human, then, I suggest using your powers to survive. You won't be
able to escape but you will be able to survive, forced to count seconds
pathetically."

"But I-I did nothing. I-I don't even know what I am here for. "

Her hands are already frosty with icy snow slowly covering them. The
chains dig into her hands painfully but all she can think about is Taehyung.

She hopes he is not in any danger. . .

Then, she hears footsteps. She looks down from the bars and sees the
blue-eyed man from earlier.

He arrives and every creature snarls at him behind their bars.

"Way to ruin my entire fucking Day."

"Fucking uptight heavenly bullshitters."

The creatures spit out the words venomously.

The man floats up to her cell, looking unfazed. He remains in the air while
he assesses her. Lily notices that his brother is not there with him.

"So, you have still not revealed your true facade, have you?" The man
glares at her.

"I. .I... " Her breathing is coming out shorter from the cold. "I. . . really don't
know---"

"Well, fine, if you wish to die." Then, he waves his hand and the iron
chains in her hand are replaced by iron shackles with thorns.

She lets out a scream in pain as the thorns dig into her skin.
Her blood drips down slowly.

"I. . .I am saying the truth. . .Please. . ."

The man merely rolls his eyes. "You will open your mouth, soon." Saying
that he leaves.

"That sounded bloody painful. . ." Someone whispers after a while.

"Well, she has to prepare herself for the worst if she doesn't give them what
they want. . .The tortures will only get worse."

Lily breathes heavily, shivering in the cold and a pool of blood forming
around her.

She goes limp on the floor. Her vision becomes blurrier as she starts
drifting in and out of consciousness.

"Taehyung . . ."
She breathes out his name as if his name were a prayer. . .

"T-Taehyung . . .I-It hurts. . . ."

***

The window to Taehyung's study suddenly springs open, a blast of wind

hurling down the lamp and papers.

Taehyung feels a sudden ache in his heart.

He walks to the window and stares outside. Dark ominous clouds are
hovering in the sky of hell. Taehyung sees the lightning flash and hears the
roar of thunder.

The creatures of the night howl somewhere in a distance.

Then, Taehyung himself hears the loud roar of Tan, seeming to shake hell
itself.

An unfamiliar feeling floods his heart.

But it's a feeling that he is well acquainted with at the same time.

Fear.

The one he instills in other people.

Taehyung immediately rushes out of his study. Outside, he sees Jimin

walking towards his way with a fire torch in his hand.

"Did you hear that?" Jimin asks, looking anxious. "It's the first time I have
ever seen such an agitated roar from Cerberus."

"Something is wrong," Taehyung mumbles and he teleports to Tan's place.

When Taehyung reaches the gates of hell, he stops in his steps when he
sees Tan growling with a feral look in his eyes. The guards who are
responsible for his care are all panicking, carrying fire torches with them,
trying to calm him down. Jimin also appears, looking shocked.

This was not Tan. Nor was this Tannie.

This was Cerberus. The feared beast of hell.

The beast that evokes nightmares in every mortal and immortal.

And beasts protect what's theirs with a force unlike no other.

Cerberus roars, eyes glinting with feral rage, baring his fangs at the guards
surrounding him. He pounces on one of them and claws them apart,
digging out bone and flesh. A gruesome sight.

"Tan! Calm down!" Taehyung growls.

The beast doesn't stop. He is still too agitated, ready to pounce on anyone.

Taehyung signals the guards to back off.

Taehyung stares at Tan with steely eyes. "Calm down, Tan."

Tan's predatory gaze softens, upon recognizing his master's voice. But the
feral rage is still there.
"What happened, Tan? What has got you so anxious?" Taehyung murmurs
in a soft voice.

Tan slowly inches closer. The three-headed beast is almost at an equal

height as Taehyung. He slowly nudges Taehyung's hand.

Tan flips his paws, holding out his paw for Taehyung.

Taehyung's eyes widen.

"If you miss her too much, then you can look at this flower of Lily. It will
remind you of her," Taehyung had picked up a Lily and had given it to Tan,
as they were returning to hell.

Taehyung's hands tremble as Tan drops a wilted flower of Lily in his hand.
Remember to vote and comment <333

A/N: Do share your thought on the chapter :)

15: Death

It's the new moon day.

It's the only thought running haywire in Taehyung's mind as he rushes to

the mortal realm.

How could he have forgotten?

On the new moon day, all the barriers become weak, leaving the creature
vulnerable to possible danger.

He teleports to her apartment in Seoul and finds it empty. He doesn't even

care about hiding his powers because of the desperation to find his
soulmate.
He then goes to the cafe where she works and finds it closed. Taehyung
searches every single place where her scent lingers.

But it's futile. Because Lily is nowhere to be found.

His heart is palpitating so hard, fear gripping him.

It's scary.

Taehyung has never been scared in the face of anything.

"Taehyung," Jimin appears. "I employed our best shadow guards but she is
nowhere to be found."

Fuck.

"I can't find her, Jimin--- I don't know where she is or who could have taken
her. . ." He says in frustration, tugging at his hair.

They stand in silence for a few minutes.

Time is slipping.
Taehyung, as an immortal, had always considered time as something
trivial. After all, his existence was endless like time itself. But as he stood
here today, searching for his soulmate who was slipping out of his hands
slowly, he felt helpless.

Lost.

Taehyung had never known any weaknesses. He wasn't the one to kneel in
front of anyone or anything. He prided himself over that fact. Over the span
of centuries, as he saw mortals on earth falling in love, even gods, angels,
and sometimes demons, too, he had thought they were stupid for giving
themselves up for self-destruction. Love was a wretched, wretched thing.

But when he had kissed her for the first time and felt the room glow brighter
than a thousand blazing suns, he had finally realized why, why they
couldn't help but succumb to the force that love is.

And Taehyung had thought, had actually pondered that if love were a
mistake, he would commit it again and again like a fool if that meant he
could see that smile forever.

"There is only one route left," Taehyung murmurs.

"What route?" Jimin asks.

"I am going to summon the souls. In the mortal realm."

"What---" Jimin's eyes widen. " But you know that it's a crime to summon
souls of the earth. . . Everyone will know about it. . . You will land in a lot of
trouble, Taehyung."

"I do not care about what troubles might come knocking on my way. If I
have to do this to find her, I will," Taehyung's eyes glint with fury and
conviction. "---They have taken what's dear to me . . . .When I find them,
they will have to repay even if it means I have to burn myself to make their
pyre."

Jimin doesn't try to stop him, knowing that he wouldn't be able to talk
Taehyung out of it.

Taehyung doesn't wait.

He closes his eyes, concentrating on summoning the souls. The crows caw
in the dead of the night, flapping their wings and appearing in the deserted
area from all directions. Shadows appear from every corner, swirling
around Taehyung. After a while, his body starts feeling colder as power
oozes from his fingertips and entire body, luring the souls. The deserted
area glows brighter with the fiery red color, calling the souls toward him and
attracting the attention of every possible supernatural creature, whether
they be from heaven or hell.
Taehyung knew the consequences of summoning souls of the earth. He
couldn't summon them discretely. Everyone would be aware.

The souls heed his call and one by one, they appear in that area, till the
place is brimming with them, creating a commotion.

"I have a question to ask everyone, " Taehyung's deep voice resonates.

The clamoring of the souls goes silent. "What can we help you with, Your
Majesty?", One of them asks.

"Who had seen her before she disappeared?" Taehyung draws an image of
Lily engraved into his memory, and lets it appear on a canvas. All the souls
immediately stare at the painting, seemingly entranced.

"Beautiful." They murmur among themselves. Taehyung's jaw clenches.

"Never seen her," One by one, they whisper.

Taehyung's frustration steadily increases. There is not a single answer he

had wanted.

Then, suddenly, Taehyung notices a shaking soul of a child in the middle of

the crowd.
"You." Taehyung points out. All the other souls clear up to the sides,
leaving the soul in the middle.

"Why are you shaking? Are you afraid?" Taehyung asks, making his voice
softer.

"Answer him, lad, and fucking quit quivering!" One of the souls laughs,
looking arrogant. Still so arrogant after death, eh?

Taehyung's cold gaze lands on him. "Did I ask you to speak?"

"You do not speak when it's not your turn," The soul quivers under his
frosty gaze.

"Quit quivering," Taehyung snaps his fingers and that soul disintegrates.
Taehyung doesn't feel remorseful knowing that he erased a soul's
existence forever. The other souls take a step back, threatened.

Taehyung's gaze returns to the shaking soul of the child.

"I-I have seen her, m-my lord." The child answers.

"Where?" Finally something.

"I-I stay near the East side road and I am familiar with the area that I
inhabit. . .I-I felt something strange with my surroundings hours ago. . .and
saw her . . ," He gulps. " . . .I could smell your scent on her. . .but then, two
shadows emerged out of nowhere and stopped her. . .I hid behind. . . They
probably didn't notice my energy because it's small."

"Who were those two shadows?" The chill in Taehyung's voice

was frightening and every soul felt tremors run down their spine.

"B-Blue eyes. . .one of them and the other had yellow ones. . .They were
from heaven. . . It was clear because of the energy they were exuding. . . I
didn't want to get in trouble. . .So, I left immediately. That's all I know. . ."

The heavens dared to take her. They dared to take someone who had
been clearly branded by him.

Taehyung is shaking with rage but he forces himself to calm down.

"Jimin." Taehyung calls and Jimin steps out from the shadows. "Make sure
to reward this soul well. "

"Leave." Taehyung waves his hand and everything snaps back to normal.
Taehyung slumps down on the floor, breathing heavily, feeling the chill.
Summoning souls has always been extremely draining. He has to let those
hungry wandering souls feed on his own energy, leaving him utterly devoid.

"Taehyung, are you okay?" Jimin comes to help him up, worried.

"I am okay," Taehyung rasps.

"Send a letter to the heavens." As much as Taehyung fucking wanted to,

he couldn't barge inside heaven.

***

Something is squeezing her throat tightly.

It's getting harder to breathe.

Lily feels like she is drowning in an ice-cold ocean. She flails her arms in
desperation, shivering against the cold, calling a name.
"Taehyung."

"Taehyung. It hurts."

She jolts up, gasping for breath. There is so much blood around her and
excruciating pain shoots up in her hands. Her blurry vision lands on the
blue-eyed man who is floating in the air outside her cell.

She doesn't even try to defend herself this time. She knows he isn't going
to believe her.

"Time is ticking," The man murmurs. "After some hours, you would be
dead."

"It. . .It didn't cross. . .your mind even once that I might be. . . innocent, did
it?", Lily's voice quivers because of the pain.

The man scoffs. "Then what were you doing with the King of hell?"

Lily doesn't reply.

If she is dying, then she would rather not drag Taehyung into more
problems.

He lets out a chuckle and glares at her. "And you are back to being silent.
You won't open your mouth if it's about him."

An electric shock suddenly goes up her spine and she lets out a scream in
pain. She blinks the tears back, breathing raggedly.

The man in front of her just smiles coldly.

"You know what? Even if you are supposedly innocent, I wouldn't feel a
shred of remorse for killing you," The man says.

"Look at that hypocrite. He is supposed to be from heaven but he is worse

than a demon," Someone chuckles from below.

"Who was that?!" With blue eyes blazing with fury, the man barks.
Immediately, silence falls on the whole tower.
He immediately finds the voice and punishes the creature inside the cell
with burning electric volts.

"How dare you compare me to a demon, you lowlife?" The man glares. The
creature goes limp after a few minutes, going unconscious.

After he is satisfied with his display of power, he again floats up to the

topmost cell.

"What have I done . . .so bad?" Lily asks, completely drained of her energy.

"You are the first person he has shown interest in his entire lifetime. The
vilest evil who prevails in the world showed interest in a human. Doesn't
that sound so unusual? Perhaps, you have some key to making him
stronger than he already is. That's why you need to die. "

No, he is just my soulmate.

And Taehyung, the vilest evil? Even if he was, Taehyung would have to
come second because this man would clearly be on top.

Taehyung had left her, rejecting their soulmate bond. He had brutally told
her that he was in no need of a soulmate bond. Had called it stupidity.

Perhaps, this would be for the best.

She hopes he can find the soulmate he wanted and needed. . . even if it
wasn't her. . .

"What has Taehyung done?" She whispers, in a daze.

"Let me tell you a story," The man mutters, smirking.

"Long ago, a child was born in a black rose, born

so ominous and powerful that he was crowned as the Crown Prince of
Hell within 10 days of his birth."

Black roses? My tattoo. . .My soulmate's flowers. . .

They are Taehyung's flowers. It makes sense.

"That child was Kim Taehyung. He has powers greater than any celestial
being in this Universe. He is also the vilest of them all. Known as the Lord
of Evil and the Prince of Darkness, evil follows him wherever he goes. He
was born evil."

Lily listens quietly.

"But even after having such great powers, he was a greedy creature. And
thus, in search of more power, do you know where he went?" He sneers.

"The Devil Peak. He went to the Devil Peak which is the most malicious
place that exists in the entire Universe. No powers work in that place. And
every 1000 years, a great battle occurs in that place. A battle for powers
among the evil. Not a single person before him had ever emerged
victorious from that Peak."

"But despite being the crown Prince of hell and already having so much
power, he went to that peak. He went there and fought 100,000 vengeful
demons, devils, and wretched souls for 15 continuous years. Each demon
there is stronger than the other. And when he killed the last demon, the sky
and the land announced him as the 'Lord of Evil', for he stood tall beneath
the mountain of evil that he had created. He was declared by the oracle as
the 'King of Hell' on the same day. Volcanoes had erupted, and there was
rain and thunder everywhere for 7 continuous days. Not a single place was
left untouched by destruction."

"So, I do not want another being that he can use to be even a greater evil
and disrupt the peace of this world." The man grits out.

Lily doesn't know what to believe. Especially she knows one should never
jump to conclusions without hearing both sides.

Perhaps, yes, Taehyung had gone there and achieved whatever he wanted
to.

But Lily had seen Taehyung's kindness and that soft heart of his that was
tucked away hidden inside.
How can one man who supposedly had only evil in his blood talk so
passionately about something simple like Ramen, watch 'Cinderella',
ramble about Rose's stupidity in Titanic, recreate the scene of a movie with
her, hug her out of her nightmare, care so much for Tannie, and save an
old woman without any hesitance?

The man stares at her, assessing her reaction.

She shakes her head, forcing out words. "Maybe, he had to be evil
because he had no choice but to be one. But you--you are evil by choice."

The man's eyes burn with rage. "You are already corrupted by evil."

Another bolt of electricity runs up her spine. It continues, till even

breathing hurts.

Black spots appear in her vision and she knows she can't get through this.

All along her life, she had never really asked for much. Asking too much
meant getting greedy. And so, she had always learned to make herself
content with what was given to her. But after Taehyung had appeared in
her life, she had wished for more for the first time, not even knowing if she
deserved it.
She had wished for his love.

His warmth.

And it had hurt when he had left. Because she had hoped that he
would stay despite knowing that she had nothing to offer him.

And then that lesson had again knocked her hard, that one shouldn't ask
for more.

As Lily feels her eyes slowly close, she wishes for one last thing and prays
that God gave her the privilege to have one last wish.

I wish that Taehyung's nightmares will stop, that he won't be punished with
those awful whips that scar his body, and that he will be happy wherever he
is. . . .
She had loved her soulmate and she would continue loving him in silence.

The world around her goes black.

***

"The Heavenly Emperor called for an emergency meeting!"

"Do you know why?"

"I don't know."

"This can't be good."

Every celestial being of the heavens rushes to the Palace of Heaven,

looking anxious.
Aiden also sits on his seat but Noah is nowhere to be found. Even if Noah
is absent from the meeting, it wouldn't matter much because he has never
really cared about them. As one of the youngest children, he has always
been showered with love and pampered by everyone.

After a while, the Heavenly Emperor arrives. Everyone gets up from their
seats and pays respects to him.

The Emperor settles down on his throne and murmurs, "Thank you
everyone for arriving here on short notice. Today, we experienced
something extremely unusual. Someone has greatly sinned and broken the
law."

Aiden feels his heart beat harder. Oh my god, is this about him and Noah?
Do they know that they took her to the ice tower?

"Today, during the dead of the night, the King of Hell summoned souls of
the mortal realm."

Everyone lets out a collective gasp and they start whispering with each
other.

"But it is a sin to summon souls of the mortal realm!"

"He can only summon the souls which are already in hell!"
"What is he plotting?!"

"This will surely bring a disaster!"

The Emperor raises his hand and everyone falls silent.

"His sin will be dealt with later. The cosmos will declare if he is to be
punished or not. This is not the most alarming matter. This letter is."

Everyone's eyes fall on the parchment paper in the hands of an assistant.

"This letter was sent by hell just some moments ago. Read it out to them."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The assistant bows.

"The Heavens have dared to take something precious of mine. I have

never considered breaching the line between heaven and hell. But clearly,
the peace from my side has been disregarded. If my soulmate has shed
even a drop of blood, then prepare to face my true wrath. The wrath that
the Devil Peak fears. If you do not want any casualties, return an answer
within an hour. I won't hesitate to destroy any obstacle that arrives on my
way."

---Kim Taehyung, His Majesty, The King of Hell

Aiden pales with every word said aloud. Inside the hall, every other
celestial being visibly shivers, panic apparent on their face. Noah, we have
made a big mistake.

"The Lord of Evil has a soulmate?"

"Who might be this cursed person. . ."

"It's so unusual that his soulmate appeared after centuries. I thought

he wasn't even supposed to have one."
"So, you have heard everything but our main concern is we haven't taken
anything from the King of Hell. And not his soulmate, for sure." The
heavenly Emperor says, frowning.

"Your Majesty, this is clearly a plot set up by hell in order to start a war!"
One of them stands up, looking enraged.

"That is plausible. But the King of Hell has always been peaceful. It wasn't
expected after the Devil Peak. But he isn't the one to start wars for fun."

"But for his soulmate, he will, " A goddess gets up. "If we do not give him
an appropriate answer soon."

"If he is so certain that the heavens must have taken his soulmate, then he
must have a reason to believe so. Then, one of us here must have taken
her. Who is it?" The Emperor's eyes roam over the crowd.

The color drains from Aiden's face. And Noah is not here. But he knows he
has to reveal it now before there are grave consequences of their actions.

Aiden stands up. All the eyes draw towards him.

The Emperor's gaze lands on him.

"Eighth Prince, do you have anything to say?"

"It was me," Aiden says, gulping. "I took her."

"You took her?!" The Emperor rages, eyes furious. Aiden breaks out in a
cold sweat because the Emperor has never lost his cool before. "What
were you thinking, heavens?!"

"I. . . .I had noticed that the King of Hell was uncharacteristically around a
human. . . I-I was suspicious that this was one of his ploys to increase his
powers after what happened in the Devil Peak. . . and then, I abducted her
and now she is banished in the ice-ice tower." Aiden finishes. "I-I was not
aware that she was his soulmate."

He wouldn't drag Noah to this problem. After all, Noah had joined him just
to help him get the crown.

"How many hours has it been, Eighth Prince?"

"2 more hours left to. . .become 24 hours. . .", Aiden swallows thickly.

Everyone inhales a sharp breath.

"She is as good as dead, then. . .No humans can survive the cold of the ice
tower without any powers."

"This is unforgivable, Eighth Prince! Because of your tactless decision, the

peace of the world will be destroyed by him and he wouldn't even be wrong
to do so on his part! I hope you are ready to bear the consequences of your
actions." The Emperor says, looking disappointed.

Aiden bows. ". . .I am ready, Your Majesty."

"You are detained in your Palace until your punishment is decided."

Aiden nods.

"His mother jumped from the East Terrace and now, he has done this."

"What devil possessed him to do so is unbeknownst to me."

"If only he had an ideal father. . .After his father went to the mortal realm
and fell for a mere--"

"Ssh. Don't even mention him."

"His mother didn't deserve it. She was a proud goddess and after her
husband did such a disgraceful act, her reputation was tainted."

"That whole family is cursed. They will bring the heavens to doom."
Someone huffs.

"And now, we have to face the wrath of the King of Hell."

Aiden ignores everyone's jabs and remarks. He returns to his Palace and
stays in the dark. He stares at the painting of his mother, hanging over the
wall. Aiden had never seen his father. No one talked about him and he
didn't inquire, as well. But he knew his father was the reason why his
mother had jumped from that terrace.

"I am so lonely, mother. . .," Aiden whispers.

He knows he will get punished for his actions. He will get banished from the
heavens. The initial thought had been torturing but now as he mulled over
it, it didn't sound so terrible. He will finally be free from these expectations.
Yes, the others will scorn him but hadn't they been ridiculing him over the
years already?

If he is banished to earth as a human, perhaps, he might find his mother

there.

"Mother. . .if I get reborn as a human, please take me as your son. . .I-I
don't want to feel lonely anymore," Aiden whispers, feeling his eyes sting,
looking at the painting of his smiling mother.

***

An air-splitting roar shakes the entire heavens.

The celestial beings are all gathered in front of the Palace of Heaven. Their
eyes widen in shock.

"What was that roar?" They shiver.

Immediately, a bunch of guards comes rushing.

"Your Majesty! The-The beast of hell is in front of the gates of heaven!"

"What---But I have sent a letter to the King of Hell saying this matter will be
sorted with care!" The Heavenly Emperor rages.

"Your Majesty, we do not have any great power to tame the beast of hell.
Please send help, Your Majesty. The beast is going berserk." The guards
plead.

"Why aren't any of the Princes moving?" Some other deities whisper. The
Princes stare at each other, looking red.

"I mean, it's the best to stay here. No one can tame Cerberus except his
own master. So, if they don't want to end up being completely ravaged,
they should stay put," A goddess says.

"It's embarrassing for us," Muffled whispers keep on coming.

The Heavenly Emperor, himself, heads to the gates of heaven, seeing that
none of the Princes were inclined to move. Everyone else follows.

When they reach the gates of heaven, everyone lets out a gasp of shock
upon seeing the destruction there. Pillars have been demolished and
wrecked completely. There are limp bodies of guards. Cerberus, the three-
headed beast of hell, roars in the middle, surrounded by guards pointing
their weapons at him.

The Heavenly Emperor raises his hand to punish the beast but before that,
a voice rumbles.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Kim Taehyung's voice sounds, sending
chills to everyone's back. He appears donned in his black cloak, which
flutters in the wind, eyes blank. His appearance looks so out of contrast in
the heavens.

"Kim, I sent you a letter." The Emperor says.

"And I got it."He replies, calmly.

"Then what does this mean?" The Emperor looks at him with fury.

"That the time is up. I never asked for your permission to take back what is
mine. I merely gave you a warning at first. ," He drawls lazily.

"You said there would be no casualties."

Taehyung lets out a low chuckle but his eyes are dark with cold fury. "Yes, I
said that. But I also said that if any obstacle appears in my way, I won't
hesitate to destroy it. Now, move out of my way if you want this to be
peaceful."

"Kim."
"Take a step back. Do not test me," Taehyung says, infuriated. "And I
promise you, if she has been harmed, trust me there's going to be more
than some fucking casualties."

The Heavenly Emperor hesitates but takes a step back and signals the
guards to back off.

Cerberus immediately sets off, following the scent of Lily. Taehyung enters
the heavens and follows Cerberus. He had an inkling where they had kept
her in the heavens. It better fucking not be the ice tower.

But as Tan inches closer to the Ice Tower in the north, he feels his fury
steadily rise.

But more than fury, he can't help but feel that something isn't right. His
heart feels empty, as if someone has torn it apart and left a gaping void
there.

Taehyung steps into the Ice Tower. Tan lets out a loud growl, giving a
warning.

It's silent there.

Taehyung's eyes fall on hundreds of prisoners of heaven. They all back
away to their cells as they see him.

"Where is she?" He asks no one in particular. "A new human has been
brought here."

Taehyung sees the color drain from their faces.

"T-The t-topmost cell, m-my lord," A creature stutters out.

Something isn't right.

Taehyung can't help but fall victim to that fear again. That fear is now at its
peak.

Taehyung floats up to the topmost cell.

But he staggers back when his eyes fall on the gruesome sight. He feels
dizziness hit him hard and pain clamps down on his chest.

Taehyung stops breathing.

Blood.

There is so much blood around her.

Her hands are all smeared in blood.

Taehyung's heart beats hard against his chest, seeing the shackles with
thorns, digging into her lovely hands. The hands which Taehyung held.

But the worst thing is that she is lying all unconscious on the cold floor of
ice.
Taehyung can't feel her--He can't feel her breathe.

He destroys the bars and enters inside, making those wretched shackles
disappear.

He takes her in his arms and Taehyung shivers.

Her body is so cold and her lips are tinged blue.

"Lily--" Taehyung shakes her, tortured. "Lily, don't scare me. Please. Fuck--
Open your eyes."

But his human remains unresponsive.

Taehyung can't feel her breathe. She isn't breathing.

And there is no heartbeat.

The person who had made his heart thump for the first time had no
heartbeat.

Taehyung feels so much pain. He had never learned of such pain even
when he was whipped, even when he was at the Devil peak.

Cerberus roars below, feeling the grief of his master.

A drop of tear slides down his eye.

Taehyung lets out a wretched scream and the ice in the ice tower cracks.

The scream is so painful, sending echoes of it in all the realms.

"Please, I have just found you. Don't you dare leave me. You can't," His
tears continue to fall as he holds her body close to his chest.

"Wake up, Lily. Please. I am sorry. I am so sorry."

But she wasn't waking up and Taehyung would never see her bright smile
again.

He would never have someone who would tell him that he wasn't evil, at
least not to them. . .

"Taehyung! Taehyung!" Jimin appears. He sees Tan's eyes to the topmost

cell and floats up.
Jimin becomes disoriented upon seeing the bloody scene. "T-Taehyung. .
."

Taehyung is staring at the wall in a daze. He isn't responding.

"She isn't breathing, Jimin. . .," Taehyung whispers.

Jimin had never seen Taehyung cry once in his lifetime. But now, seeing
his eyes shimmer with hurt and tears, Jimin feels worried and even more
scared. Scared of what Taehyung will commit now.

"We will take her to our healers, Taehyung. Come on, there will be a way."
Jimin says slowly, trying to pull him out of his trance. Jimin doesn't dare to
approach closer to the cell. Taehyung's powers are slowly rippling from his
body as he loses control over his state.

Taehyung's lip quivers. "She-She is dead, Jimin. . ."

Jimin takes a step back, color drained from his face. "What. . ."

"She is dead." Taehyung whispers, looking so out of it. As if he weren't

even present here now.

Then, Taehyung's eyes gleam red. His whole body trembles with rage. He
looks at everyone below and unlocks them from their cells with a snap of
his fingers. The creatures immediately rush out of their cells, relishing their
newfound freedom.

"Who did this to her?" His cold voice echoes in the tower.

Everyone shudders at the cold in his voice.

"He-He had blue eyes. A cruel motherfucker. Even brutally punished one of
our brothers," A creature squeaks out.

"He is the Eleventh Prince. I had seen him during my trial in the heavens."
Someone mentions.
Taehyung memorizes that title. But its already burned in his mind.

"I have set y'all free," Taehyung commands. "Go. Go and burn. Burn
everything."

"Every single place that you will see. Tear it apart. Burn it down to ashes.
Wreak havoc in such a way that the Devil Peak will tremble."

"As your wish, my lord." The creatures bow and leave the ice tower.

Taehyung carries Lily's body in his arms and floats downwards. Tan
nudges the cold body of his human, and lets out a whimper,
looking devastated.

Tan lets out another growl and the ice tower shakes.

"Demolish the Ice Tower, Jimin." Taehyung's eyes stare blankly. "I don't
want to see this place ever again."
Jimin nods.

He walks out of there, carrying Lily's body. Tan follows him, eyes glinting
with feral rage.

Each step that Taehyung takes makes all the flowers, and trees in the
heavens wither.

The green grasses die, turning brown, swept with dullness.

The Emperor's eyes land on the departing figure of the King of Hell from
the terrace of his Palace. The celestial beings all stare, looking shocked.

"Pray for the world." The Emperor whispers, closing his eyes.

Because this was only the beginning of the destruction that Taehyung
would bring.
For his dead soulmate.

***

Please vote and comment<3

A/N: This was long, phew. By the way, I did tell you all that someone was
going to die 😔😔

16: I need you

"Taehyung. "

"Taehyung. Withdraw your shield. Please."

"Taehyung, she needs treatment," Jimin pleads. Namjoon and Jungkook

are desperately using their powers to get through Taehyung's shield while
he sits motionless on the ground, holding his soulmate.
Taehyung had stepped inside hell, carrying his dead human, eyes red with
rage, leaving a burning wake of destruction behind his path. Then, he
collapsed on the ground, looking so drained, his eyes not even burning red,
just empty. He just held her body close, as he stared into a distance. A
protective shield came around him, such that no one could disturb him
while he mourned for what he had lost.

"Taehyung." They call but he remains unresponsive.

"How is he holding up?" A new voice arrives.

"Grand Master," Hope surges inside Jimin as he recognizes the familiar

voice. Namjoon and Jungkook also bow to the newcomer, one of the
revered and most talented masters of hell, Jung Hoseok, renowned as
the Grand Master of Hell.

"Master, hadn't you gone to meditate in the mountains?" Jungkook asks.

"I had. But then, I felt the earth tremble beneath me today and I knew that it
was Taehyung." His expression becomes grim.

"Please ask him to release his shield. He is in shock and isn't listening to
anyone."

Out of all the masters that hell had, Hoseok was the kindest one and liked
by everyone. Because of that very reason, he was Taehyung's favorite
master too, and he respected him a lot. The man had been the only kind
mentor who wouldn't whip him if he did any mistakes.
"Taehyung. Withdraw the shield." Hoseok asks softly but there's still the
firm commanding tone of a mentor hidden in it.

Taehyung recognizes the familiar voice of his master.

He hesitantly looks around and finds the man standing behind his shield.

Something breaks inside Taehyung.

He withdraws his shield and his helpless gaze falls on his master. His
hands drenched in his soulmate's blood tremble.

No one dares to come closer to Taehyung. His powers are still dancing in
waves around him. One step closer to him could threaten him and he might
snap.

"Master, Please save her . . .," Taehyung begs.

Jung Hoseok had never seen his disciple, Taehyung, beg once in his
lifetime.

He had never begged for anything. If he wanted something, he would

achieve it by hook or crook even if there were a thousand obstacles in his
way. He was headstrong and never settled for less. He was born to take, to
make his own path because no one would create that for him.
Hoseok had once asked Taehyung. "Isn't it difficult to live like this?"

It was winter and hell was receiving the coldest day of the year. "Like how,
master?" Taehyung had replied.

"Isn't it difficult to always be strong?"

Taehyung hadn't said anything for some moments. But then, he had broken
his silence, smiling an empty smile. "If I am weak, will they pity me?"

Hoseok knew the answer and Taehyung knew it too.

"They won't. They loathe me and only if I am strong, I can protect myself. I
can protect myself from the fear that I instill upon them."

"And when you feel that it's too difficult to always be strong and to keep a
nonchalant upfront one day?"

"I fear that day," Taehyung merely replied.

But it was a powerful admission because Taehyung had never learned to

fear anything in his life.

He was fear.
"Master, have you ever heard of the story of a child who was hated by
everyone in his village?" Taehyung asked.

"No. I do not excel in literature, Taehyung," Hoseok smiled. "Well, what

happened to him?"

"He just wanted to be embraced by them," Taehyung whispered, looking at

the dark clouds of hell. "So, he burned down the village to feel their
warmth. . ."

A beat of silence.

"I am that child, master."

"Please, save her. . .," Taehyung's eyes were brimming with tears, looking
so wounded as if he was the one who was going through her pain.
Hoseok knew Taehyung feared himself right now for he had become what
he never wanted to be in his worst nightmare.

Someone who had a weakness.

Taehyung had always been an expert in hiding his weaknesses. He never

let the world catch a glimpse of it because weaknesses made one pay a
heavy price. It made Taehyung renowned in the realms as the lord who
was so strong that fear feared him.

When you are in a position like his, it's necessary. Because Taehyung who
was born from black roses, the very symbol of death and destruction, would
never be pitied nor sympathized by anyone. Everyone would assume him
to be vile. He was the evil that was born to taint the world. And if he had a
weakness, those who wanted him gone would strike that opportunity and
ruin him.

But Hoseok had always thought that weaknesses were necessary to make
a person even stronger. Because the breath of an injured lion is even more
dangerous than his roar.

"I am death. I-I am death, aren't I?" Taehyung asks broken beyond repair.
"But I-I. . . .I don't need her life. . . She-She can't do this to me. . .Please . .
. .T-Tell me what should I do." Tears run down his cheeks, looking so
anguished.

Everyone knew how to handle Taehyung's rage because it was something

they knew but they had never learned how to handle Taehyung's sorrow for
he never showed it.

Taehyung had never grieved over anyone or anything. Even when the
previous ruler of Hell, Taehyung's foster father had passed away because
of fatal damage to his soul, Taehyung never let any emotion grace his stoic
face.

And now seeing him like this looking so tortured and heartbroken, they
didn't know how to respond.

"The healers are waiting for her, Taehyung." Hoseok's soothing voice floats
in the air. "Let's take her for treatment. We don't want to lose more time, do
we?"

"And I promise you. I will try my best to bring her back to you."

Silence ensues for a while.

Then, Taehyung nods. He stands up, carrying his soulmate's body once
again.
"This way," Jimin leads the way for him and Taehyung follows him. His
master follows closely.

They stop in front of a chamber and find the healers waiting inside.
Taehyung gently lays her down on the bed and takes a step back.

The healers rush forward and Hoseok orders for the medicines to be
brought.

Taehyung walks out of the chamber, staring at his hands coated in the red
blood of his soulmate.

His eyes burn red once again.

"Get me the map of all the realms, Jimin. "

They robbed him of the single good thing in his miserable life.

He will destroy everything that they own until they will feel his pain.

Jimin nods. He knows what the map will be for.

Taehyung was ready to unleash his wrath.

***

For the next following weeks, adversity breathes in all the realms.

Not a single place is left untouched by destruction.

Kim Taehyung's menacing powers cover all the realms like a heavy cloak.

Even, the sun hides under the wrath of the 'Lord of Evil' as he brings rain,
thunder, floods, tsunamis, volcanoes, and every disaster possible in
his grief.

It's terrifying.

Everyone knew that the Lord of Evil had great powers and everyone spoke
of it behind closed doors but they truly never knew the intensity of his
powers--of his wrath.

As Kim Taehyung drowns the world with his rage, all the celestial beings
are left helpless. Meetings after meetings occur in the Heavens to bring out
the solution to quell his wrath, but it's useless.
"Your Majesty, this is devastating. The world will end if this doesn't stop
soon," A God voices out his opinion in the close circle meeting of high-
ranking deities.

The Heavenly Emperor seemed like he had aged a couple of 100 years just
in a span of these weeks.

"What can we even do? His rage is unlike any other. It's not within our
control," Another deity lets out a sigh.

"And after he let those creatures of the ice tower escape, there is no
helping this situation. The creatures cherish their freedom the most and the
King of Hell provided them their freedom back. They will repay the debt
with their loyalty."

"I never thought the situation would get this serious," Someone scoffs. "He
is going to such lengths for a human?"

"A human who is his soulmate and who is dead because of the heavens.
Let's not forget that," A goddess fires back and the person goes silent.

The goddess of love gazes at everyone, a graceful smile on her lips. "When
a devil falls in love, it's the most hauntingly beautiful thing ever, for he will
go to the depths of hell for her. Kim Taehyung is setting the world on fire
but he will never let a flame touch his soulmate."

"Indeed. The world can only be saved if his soulmate will breathe
again." The Heavenly Emperor sighs.
"But that is impossible. She was clearly dead."

"Yes, she wasn't breathing and she had no heartbeat but. . .but her soul
was still there," The Emperor speaks. "I don't think the King of Hell knows
that."

"Her soul was still there---? But a dead human's soul will get disintegrated
as soon as they die in the Ice Tower unless. . ."

"Unless she is not a human." The Emperor finishes. All the other deities fall
silent.

"Your Majesty, the King of Hell has only mastered the souls of the dead.
But only you have the reach to the souls of the living. I think it's best if you
go to hell and check up on her personally before it's too late." The deities
speak.

"Check up on her? Good heavens, it would already be a great feat if the

King of Hell lets anyone from the heavens into the perimeter of hell after
this incident. He won't give the permission." Someone mumbles.

"But if he wants to save his soulmate, then he will have to."

"Oh, he will." The goddess of love smiles, looking too calm and collected
than anyone inside the room.

"You are enjoying this too much, aren't you?" Someone quips.
"I am. After all, a great tale of love has appeared after centuries. . .The tale
of how the devil fell."

***

Taehyung hasn't moved an inch.

He hasn't moved an inch from the chair inside this chamber for the past
weeks.

His eyes remain focused on his human who lies unconscious (dead) on the
bed. The whole chamber is filled with the suffocating smell of medicine but
even then, Taehyung doesn't move.

The best healers of hell are brought daily. They shiver under Taehyung's
empty cold eyes and try their best to save the lord's soulmate but it's futile.

The dead can't be brought back to life.

It's a law that everyone knows and everyone abides by.

And Taehyung knows it, he knows that all too well.

But he clings to every last bit of hope with all his might.

His soulmate taught him how to love and hope. The two things that
Taehyung believes are the most wretched things in the world. The two
things that Taehyung had believed he was never capable of feeling.

Hope and love, together, are self-destructive.

Taehyung--He is an immortal but hell knows, he has died a thousand

deaths over the past weeks.

He clings onto that hope desperately and the bitter, bitter taste of
disappointment leaves a foul taste on his tongue and he destroys some
more.

He keeps the destruction going.

He wants the world to burn.

To burn until there's nothing left.

Because that's how Taehyung feels as he stares at the dead body of his
soulmate. He is burning inside and he is utterly void.

"Doesn't death scare you?" He had asked her once.

"It does but at the same time, not really. Death is scary for people who
have something they regret. . .who have something they can't lose. .
.Regrets? Perhaps, I do have a few but I have nothing to lose." She had
replied.

Taehyung understood now what she had meant.

He had for the first time found death scary.

He had finally understood why people were so scared of death, of him.

Because he had come to realize that he had a lot to lose. Her.

He couldn't lose her.

All along his life, he had built these high walls around himself. It started
when he was young. Watching the fear lingering in people's eyes even
when he had done nothing made him feel so alienated and different. He
had been slowly stripped off every bit of happiness and kindness in his
bones till he was nothing but evil as they had assumed.

But Lily saw him.

She didn't see him as someone who had only evil running in his veins.

She saw him as just Taehyung.

She made him feel accepted.

She brought out the good in him and made him believe that he wasn't
capable of only destruction.

And those walls had crumbled in a way that he could never build them up
again.
The fire torch is burning in the corner of the chamber, casting a dim glow.
Taehyung remains seated in the chair by her bedside, watching her. Her
face and lips are still pale. There was no change.

He slowly took her hand, feeling its cold seep into his own.

"Are you angry at me?" He whispered.

"I know you are but you will never say that," Taehyung traces the scar in
her hand. "Because you are selfless. Too selfless for your own good."

The healers had been able to heal the wounds caused by those thorn
shackles but for some reason, the scar that she had gotten from her
accident had remained.

"But I am selfish. I am selfish and I need you. . . ."

"Before I met you, my life had no purpose. I was merely existing, tired of
the darkness, tired of being evil. . .But you made my life brighter and now I
can't live without your light. I refuse to."

"If you do not wake up, I will continue turning this world upside down for
you. So, you need to wake up and ask me to stop. Do you hear me?" A
drop of his tear fell on her hand. Taehyung placed a soft kiss on her
knuckles.
He closed his eyes and let out a sigh.

It was so hard.

So hard to stay calm when she was lying lifeless and Taehyung could do
nothing.

He had never hated himself so bad. If only he had the power to breathe life
to someone. . . .It was once again a cruel reminder that Taehyung was only
capable of bringing death wherever he went.

His thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in," Taehyung orders.

The door opens and Jimin enters inside with an envelope in his hand.

"The heavenly Emperor has sent a letter, Taehyung," Jimin says.

Taehyung stiffens up.

"Burn it." He replies.

"The messenger said that it is extremely important."

"I couldn't care less."

"I knew you would say that but I read the letter. He has said that he might
have a way to save her. He asked your permission to enter hell and
examine her."

"I am not letting them near her again." Taehyung seethes.

"Taehyung, if you want her alive, you have to do this. The healers have no
capability to bring her back to life."

Taehyung clenches his fist and breathes deeply for a couple of seconds.
He hates it that Jimin is right.

He glances at Lily on the bed.

If she can live, Taehyung will do anything.

"Grant him access." Taehyung orders. "If he doesn't have anything useful, I
will make him pay."

****
Remember to vote and comment<333

A/N: I was unwell, so this chapter came out a bit late. Thank you for
reading. Your theories have been very interesting to read. I kinda imagine
the castle of hell to be like this.

17: The Demi-Goddess

The door to Aiden's study suddenly springs open.

Aiden looks up, surprised, putting down his book. No one had been in his
Palace to serve him after he had been detained.

He stands up when he sees the face of Noah's mother.

"Greetings, Madam Yang," Aiden bows.

"Greetings Eighth Prince," The woman nods.

"Madam Yang, no one is supposed to be here right now. I have been

detained. Please leave before anyone sees you."

"I am aware. I just had some questions to ask," She says. "Aiden,
was Noah involved in this?"

Aiden's mouth goes dry. He doesn't answer for a few moments.

"Your expression says that he was involved, too." The woman lets out a
sigh. "I told him not to create any troubles."

"Has Noah returned?"

"No, he has disappeared completely. I am assuming you both decided to

spy on the King of Hell so that you would obtain information about him and
gain merits in the court."

"Yes. His Majesty is yet to choose his heir and the situation is competitive,"
Aiden smiles bitterly. "But no worries. I am out of the race now."

"Why did you both decide to do something so foolish?" The woman frowns,
shaking her head.

She steps closer to his desk and her expression turns into
something strange, something that Aiden had never seen before on her
kind face. "Aiden, your brother did this for you."
Aiden couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at the tone of her voice.

He had always thought that Madam Yang was the epitome of kindness.
She was a low-ranking deity who had married the God of Water. He had
heard that it had caused huge chaos in the heavens initially but everyone
had gotten over it after a while, seeing that she was kind and sincere.

"I am aware, Madam. So, I am taking the whole blame." Aiden feels his
stomach churning.

The woman starts weeping all of a sudden.

"That's right. You have always been a good child." She looks up at him with
teary eyes. "In all these years, I have always treated you like my own son.
And Noah has been a good brother to you."

Good brother? A brother who didn't even care enough about him and
vanished completely to let him clean his mess.

"I know, madam," Aiden answers. "I will take the whole responsibility. You
do not need to worry."

"Aiden, but what if the King of hell comes to know that Noah was the one
who actually killed his soulmate?"

"That won't happen," Aiden breathes out. "I won't tell another breathing soul
that Noah was involved. Do not worry."
"My sweet child," She pats his head lightly.

Aiden forces a smile. "Please leave before anyone sees you. Otherwise,
you will get in trouble."

The woman gives a last smile and leaves.

Aiden breathes out a sigh, his chest constricting in pain.

To be betrayed by his own people; his brother and the woman he had
respected as his own mother, is something he had not expected.

"Aiden, but what if the King of hell comes to know that Noah was the one
who actually killed his soulmate?"

Madam Yang had come to ask her if Noah was involved but she already
knew that Noah had killed the lord's soulmate. She had just merely come to
make him silent by guilt-tripping him. Noah tells everything to his mother.
Aiden was certain his brother was hiding with the help of Madam Yang.

He had seen this coming but it still hurt. Blood is after all thicker than water.

He had just never thought that Madam Yang would also abandon him.

This would be his last favor to them.

He just wished for his punishment to arrive soon. He was too tired of the
heavens and their hypocrisy.

***

"Welcome to hell, Your Majesty," Jimin bows to the Heavenly Emperor out
of formality. As the right-hand man of the King of Hell, all the duties related
to hell had fallen into his shoulders after Taehyung had completely closed
off. Jimin was furious at the heavens for what they had done but he couldn't
act rashly. Taehyung was making them all suffer. Also, disrespecting the
Emperor of heaven wasn't going to do anything in this situation.

"The King of Hell didn't come outside to welcome you. I hope you do not
take it to heart," Jimin murmurs.

"Not at all. I understand," The man replies. He looks around and his
eyebrows furrow. "Where is Cerberus? Isn't he supposed to guard the
gates of hell?"

"The least of his concern right now is some useless souls that might
escape. He has taken his station outside our lord's soulmate's chamber. He
refuses to leave." Jimin answers, leading the way for the Emperor as he
follows Jimin.

Soon, they stop outside the chamber. As expected, the beast obediently
sits in front of the door, as if he hadn't wrecked the entire heavens some
weeks ago.

Cerberus's eyes blaze red with fury upon recognizing the smell of the
heavens. He snarls lowly but then, glances at the closed door, his
expression drooping. But still, the rage is evident in his eyes.
The Emperor understands that the beast had simply restrained himself
from attacking him because he didn't want to create any noise and disturb
his lord's soulmate.

Who was this human who had such a firm grip on both the Lord of Hell and
his beast?

Jimin knocks on the door. "Taehyung, you have a visitor."

The door opens and Taehyung is in front of them. He doesn't look good.
That's the first thing the Emperor registers. Actually, this might be the worst
state that the King of Hell had ever been in. He was always so utterly
unfazed. But now, with his eyes red-rimmed and stormy, exhaustion was
clearly written on his face.

Destroying the world wasn't easy after all.

The atmosphere turns frigid as Taehyung's cold gaze falls upon the
Heavenly Emperor. He doesn't acknowledge him and returns back inside
the chamber.

Jimin motions the Emperor to step inside and leaves. The Emperor enters
the chamber and is instantly hit by the strong smell of medicines. Taehyung
is sitting on the chair in the corner of the room, hidden in the dark.

"Kim."
Taehyung doesn't respond.

"I want you to leave the chamber while I examine her," The Heavenly
Emperor says.

A cold smirk graces Taehyung's lips. "You are mistaken if you think I will
leave her alone with you. What torture do the heavens want to inflict upon
her this time?"

"I have no such intentions. You are being difficult."

"I am being difficult?!" Taehyung snarls. "Your people killed her . . . ." He
breathes heavily, a split second of vulnerability crossing his face before a
blank mask covers it again. "They killed her and you want me to be fucking
fine with it?!"

"I do not want this to go terrible."

"Then, you will have to examine her in my presence." Taehyung shrugs.

The Emperor sighs. "Fine. I will examine her in your presence if this is what
you wish. I just have a request."
Taehyung laughs. "Aren't the people of heavens selfless deities who never
ask for anything in return? Then, why are you requesting something from
me in exchange?"

"Listen first. If your soulmate lives again, then, you will stop
this destruction and chaos at once. Free your hold on all the five elements.
Leave the Sun. The mortal realm needs it."

"I couldn't care less about anyone else." Taehyung stares at him coldly.
"And the condition remains that is if she lives. . ."

"Then, it is agreed. If she lives, you will stop this catastrophe at once."

Taehyung murmurs. "Do not worry. I will stop my destruction. But those
who inflicted hurt upon her, will not escape. I will have them writhing in pain
until they ask me to give them a quick death and you will step back and not
do anything."

"But there are better ways for justice---"

"That was not up for discussion. Now do what you are here for."

The Heavenly Emperor's eyes fall on the human. Her complexion is pale
and he can feel the chill just by looking at her.

He takes her wrist and examines her pulse.

No pulse as expected.
But her soul is still there. He can feel it but it's being blocked. Blocked by
something. . .

His eyes fall on the scar on her wrist. It's a long scar, indicating that
something had dug into her hand pretty painfully.

Why does the scar look familiar?

He inspects it for a few seconds more. His eyes widen in surprise as

realization dawns on him.

That scar could only be left by the Flame of the East, the famous
sword that was once possessed by the previous God of Fire.

This scar is the one blocking her soul from disintegrating. The Emperor
draws out his blade from the air and is ready to plunge it into that scar
when he is suddenly held back.

"What the hell are you doing?" Taehyung clutches his collar, ready to
strangle him to death. "I should have known. It was my mistake."

"I apologize for startling you," The Emperor answers calmly. "But I don't
think you noticed this."

"What?"

"The scar on her wrist."

Taehyung doesn't loosen his hold. "She had it from her accident."

The Emperor breathes out. "The scar on her wrist is not a scar from some
accident. It's a scar that was made by the Flame of the East, the sword of
the previous God of Fire. It is acting as a seal, protecting her soul."

"What? But why would he do this to her?" Taehyung steps back,

bewildered.

"I do not know."

Suddenly, Taehyung remembers an important point.

Mrs. Jung, the flower nymph, must know for sure.

Taehyung's eyes glint with a newfound determination. "I think I know the
person who will have our answers."

***

The door to the chamber bursts open and Mrs. Jung is dragged inside by
the shadow guards that Taehyung had sent. The Heavenly Emperor sits on
the chaise lounge. He glances at Taehyung in confusion.

"What are you all doing dragging an old woman like--" Her words die down
when she sees the two most important figures in all the realms.
"Greetings Your Majesties," She immediately bows, looking down.

"We have summoned you here because you might have the answers to our
question." Taehyung replies.

"About what?" Then, her eyes land on the bed where Lily is lying
unconscious. The color drains from the woman's face and she rushes
toward her, holding her hand.

"What happened to Lily?!" Mrs. Jung asks, looking frantic. "Oh my lord, Lily.
. .What happened to you?"

Tears fall from the woman's eyes as she shakes her head. "I have failed
you. I have failed your parents."

"Did you do this to her?!" The woman glares at Taehyung with anger.

"It wasn't me." Taehyung simply replies.

The woman stares at him in disbelief. "I do not believe---"

The Heavenly Emperor breaks his silence. "It wasn't him, Madam. The
heavens are guilty of it."

Mrs. Jung stares at them, puzzled.

"I can explain later but first tell me, how did she get that scar on her wrist?"
The Emperor asks.
The woman pales and she hesitantly looks around. "It-It was from her
accident."

"Now, please do not lie in front of our faces. That scar is from the Flame of
East. I recognize it. If you tell the truth, we might have a way to save her."

"Then, promise me that you won't let any harm come to this child anymore."
Mrs. Jung pleads.

"I promise."

The woman sniffles before starting. "I was a flower nymph at the Palace of
the God of Fire. The God of Fire had always been a kind individual despite
his fierce countenance. He always treated his people fairly. He got married
to the Goddess of Light, who was one of the most famous high-ranking
Goddesses during that time. She also had a strong family background
because her father was the Commander of Heavens. It was a political
marriage but they respected each other. But then, the God of Fire was sent
on a mission in the mortal realm where he fell for a human, Lily's mother."

"He fell head over heels in love with her such that he even forgot that he
had a wife to return back to in the heavens. The heavens have a rule that
no deity is allowed to fall in love with a mortal. But he was ready to forsake
everything for the human and he married her. All throughout this time, our
mistress was pregnant with a child. If I am not wrong, that child's name was
Aiden. Master's act was deemed disgraceful because he already had a
Goddess for a wife and a child. "

"But the Goddess of Light never truly resented him for what he had done.
Our mistress was a proud Goddess and she didn't need any man."

"It was a crime to fall in love with a mortal but it wasn't that much of a
heinous crime. Things hit the end when our mistress jumped from the East
Terrace. I still do not believe that our mistress jumped from there on her
own will. . ."

"What do you mean?" The Heavenly Emperor asks, frowning.

"I was close to our mistress. She was a woman with a strong will and she
wanted to train her son to be an Emperor. Naturally, the others weren't
happy about it because she wasn't deterred by the cheating scandal of her
husband. And the Goddess had the strongest family to back her up. . . . . It
was a given that she could train her son alone to climb the throne."

"So you mean someone conspired against her and pushed her from the
terrace?" Taehyung chuckles. "My. . . I had thought that everyone
had pure hearts in the heavens."

The woman simply nods. "Her family was enraged after their daughter's
death and they blamed Master for it. I had thought that everything was
suspicious and went to the mortal realm to warn our Master. But it was
already too late. When I reached there, everything was burning. The
Commander's family has extraordinary warriors and they had severely
injured Master. And I saw a little girl, a bit farther from the site of the
accident, with a huge gash on her wrist that could only be made by
Master's sword."

"Master used the last bits of his power and entrusted me with his mortal
child. He asked me to not let her be discovered by anyone because if they
found out about Lily, they would kill her, too. That scar on her wrist is a
seal, suppressing her powers. Lily is not a human. . .She is a demi-
goddess. . ."

Taehyung feels his heart stop. His human was a demi-goddess?

"A demi-goddess hasn't been seen in centuries," The Emperor mutters. "I
need to open up her seal. Her powers will bring her back to life."
The Emperor uses his blade, piercing the scar on her wrist.

Suddenly, there's a bright flash in the room.

Golden blood slowly oozes out of that scar.

And lights start glowing around Lily.

Taehyung watches mystified, as the color slowly rises to his soulmate's

pale cheeks and her lips gain their natural color.

But light burns out and the room is left dark again.

"What happened?"

"She is brought back from death. Her soul was protected by that seal. But. .
.she is still hanging between life and death. I am not aware of what is
happening but it seems like her soul is waiting for something else. . .It
doesn't want to rise awake now." The Emperor answers.

Taehyung's heart falls.

So, she was still going to lay unconscious like this. . .

But it was still something.

Maybe Lily will come back after she finds what she has been waiting for.

He will wait for her till the eternity of time.

"My lords, I am really worried for Lily. She is one of the first demi-
goddesses seen after millennia. Demi-goddesses have always been
famous for their extraordinary beauty that can easily throw the world into
chaos. There have been many incidents in history related to this. Wars
have broken out as men battled amongst each other, coveting their beauty.
It was one of the reasons why the rule was made because the birth of
demi-gods and demi-goddesses threw off the balance in the world between
Gods and humans. I am afraid people with evil intentions might trouble
her."

"Then, they will have to get through me first." Taehyung's eyes glint in the
darkness. "As long as I am breathing, they won't be able to touch even a
strand of her hair."

If they even think about laying their hands on her, Taehyung will make sure
they will not have their hands again.

Mrs. Jung nods, looking a bit calmer.

"And I will have the case investigated. I also feel that there was something
more behind the Goddess of Light's death." The Heavenly Emperor
murmurs.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Mrs. Jung bows. "I would be extremely grateful
if my mistress gets justice."

***

"My lord, I have examined her. Her soul also needs to rejuvenate." Odessa
had been summoned to the palace by Taehyung and she had just finished
checking up on Lily.

"Is there anything we can do?" Taehyung asks.

"Ghost Azolla. The fern has exceptional capabilities to nourish one's soul. It
would be beneficial to her condition."

"If I am not wrong, the fern only grows in the Devil Peak." Hoseok raises his
eyebrow.
"Yes, Grand Master."

Taehyung's lips press into a tight line.

"The fern looks silver in color. One can easily spot it. It grows near the lake
of the Dead. It's just that one needs to enter the Devil Peak to obtain this
fern because it gets nourishment from the energy there. It only grows in the
Devil Peak."

"I will go." Taehyung immediately answers.

"No, you are not going to the Devil Peak, Taehyung." Hoseok stares at him
in disapproval.

"I am going, Master."

"I will go instead of you," Hoseok says.

"No, you have to stay here and look after her," Taehyung makes his
decision. "I am useless here and I haven't been able to do anything. If
anything happens, you need to protect her."

"But Taehyung, the souls will try to trap you again," Hoseok warns, looking
worried.

Taehyung shakes his head. "They won't be able to. I will return back."
"But how will you subdue them without your powers? No powers work in
the Devil Peak."

"This is why I am going. I may not be able to use my powers but I am

skilled in combat. They won't be able to take that away from me."
Taehyung mutters.

"I can't stop you, can I?"

"I have to do this for her," Taehyung whispers. "If I don't return back,
please take care of her for me."

Taehyung casts a final glance at her face and leaves.

***

Taehyung steps inside the territory of the Devil Peak.

Fog covers the area, making it difficult to make out his surroundings. He
grabs the hilt of his sword tighter and walks further. The wind howls around
him but except that, silence hangs heavy in the atmosphere. The Devil
Peak is always eerily silent. The peak has the ability to make every
immortal feel like a vulnerable mortal who has no idea of any dangers
lurking in their way.

Taehyung has come to the Devil Peak before. He was trapped here for 15
years after all. This place and he have a long history. But despite that, the
landscape in front of him is unfamiliar. That's the thing about this peak. It
constantly keeps on changing its form.

The fog clears up and all of a sudden, Taehyung stumbles to a pitch-black

place. He looks back and the foggy area just behind him is no more visible,
replaced by darkness.

Then, the voices hit him.

"Oh my, he is back," The voices snicker.

Not this again.

These voices belong to none other than the Aoroi, the sister spirits who
rule the Devil Peak. No one knows of their origin except the tale that they
had died too young and became extremely vengeful after their death. How
many of these sister spirits are present is also unknown. They are clever in
deceiving and are a true menace.

"Oh, how I have missed him."

"We were friends for 15 years, darling. But you completely abandoned us
once you were able to get out of here. You never came to greet us again,
tsk tsk."

"We weren't friends. And we will never be." Taehyung grits out. There is
just darkness around him and he can't make out anyone's silhouette.
"My, your pride. . .as impeccable as ever. I loved your pride the most,
darling." Another voice comes.

"Well, it's lovely to see that you are still so unyielding. You always want to
have your way in everything, darling. No surprise you were the first one to
escape from here." They chuckle.

"But this time it won't be as easy as before." They creepily laugh and
suddenly, the air around him shifts.

Taehyung immediately dodges the attack sent from the darkness. He uses
his sword, listening to the movements and detecting their attacks. This
technique was taught to him by the Grand Master. The Grand Master would
have him blindfolded and he would have to parry with him just from the
sound of his opponent's movement.

The fight continues for a long while. All of a sudden, Taehyung is kicked in
his back by an invisible force. The scenery changes and finally, he
stumbles into a new place.

It's not dark here. Just gloomy.

Taehyung's feet crunch the bones on the ground. The entire place is
littered with them.

Ghost Azolla.
It is found near the lake of the dead. Seeing the bones, the lake must be
quite near.

Taehyung pauses in his tracks when his eyes land on a ghoul, dragging its
feet and approaching him. He inhales a sharp breath when he sees that the
ghoul is not alone but accompanied by hundreds behind it.

When he had been here before, he had killed ghouls, too. The complete
destruction of their heads is the way to eradicate them.

Taehyung fights them off, slashing their heads as they keep on pouring
consistently. Sweat trickles down his forehead and his arms feel strained
from the constant battle. But his exhaustion doesn't deter him.

He needs to get that fern. He needs to save Lily.

"Aha darling, it's a sight to see you like this."

"Struggling." They giggle.

"But don't worry, we have a lot of surprises for you on your way. You want
to save her so badly, don't you?"

"What was her name, mmm?"

"Oh, Lily! Yes."

Taehyung feels hot rage shimmer in his veins. "Keep her name out of
your fucking mouth."

"Rude. I feel so offended." They have the audacity to sound upset.

"Going to such lengths for a person who might not even wake up again? I
didn't peg you to be the foolish type."

"You know dear. . .You are struggling compared to the last time. Do you
know why?"

"Enlighten me," Taehyung glares, slashing another ghoul.

"The ones who can get out of the Devil Peak unscathed are the ones who
do not have any fear. . . . . The ones who can defeat fear itself. . . . You
gave us a nice surprise years ago."

"But this time, oh my sweet Taehyung, this time. . . you have a fear." They
laugh, sounding extremely amused.
"And your fear tastes so, so sweet."

"But these Ghouls are no match to your powers. Actually, no creatures in

the Devil Peak would be. You have fought them all before, darling and you
know their weak points. I don't like seeing boring fights whose victory is
already decided."

"But this time I know your fear and I can't wait anymore. I wanted to wait to
give you your last gift. But I just want to see you writhing in pain sooner. "

"Thank me for this, darling."

The Ghouls suddenly disappear.

Taehyung pauses, breathing heavily. He looks around and nothing

appears for a few moments.

But then, his heart drops to his feet when he sees Lily standing in front of
him.
***

Please vote and comment <3

A/N: Btw, this book isn't heavily inspired by the Seven deadly sins and
greek mythology. Indeed, I have included some characters and there are
some references but I wanted to create my own universe. So, the readers
do not need to have complete knowledge of them. And Lily is a demi-
goddess :) Some of you had already guessed it hehe. Thank you for
reading! Any theories on what happens next?

18: The Bird of Flames

Lily smiles at him and her soft voice rings in his ears. "Taehyung."

Taehyung feels his heart constrict in pain. He had been wanting to see her
like this for weeks.

"Taehyung, I have been waiting for you."

"Come, take my hand. I will lead you out of here," She inches closer,
looking so full of life.

Taehyung would follow his Lily to the deepest, darkest dregs of hell.

But this was not his human.

His eyes burn with unshed tears at that realization. Will Lily ever stand in
front of him like this again?

He had come here with the purpose of seeing her awake again, like this.

But this was not his human. She was waiting for him somewhere else. . .
.waiting for him to return to her.

"Why aren't you taking my hand, Taehyung?" A sob escapes from her.
"You are leaving me again."
"You left me alone and they killed me. . .They killed me, Taehyung !" She
screams. "You are being selfish again!"

Taehyung takes a step back, feeling her words prick him like thorns.

"You are being so selfish, Taehyung." She continues to weep.

Taehyung doesn't utter a word, feeling his own heart tear apart.

His human would never call him selfish.

"Taehyung! They are coming to take me, Taehyung! Save me! Please!"
Black shadows appear all of a sudden, pulling her. Taehyung becomes
alarmed.

He rushes forward, ready to protect her when he stops. No, this was an
illusion. This was just a clone of Lily.

His Lily was waiting for him back in that chamber. He couldn't yield to this.

Her expression breaks and she stares at him with glassy eyes, looking so
real.
"Taehyung, you killed me. . .You killed me, Taehyung." Lily looks at him
with empty eyes and Taehyung's heart aches.

The shadows pull her back to darkness while Lily struggles against them.
Taehyung just stands there, tortured.

The Aoroi chuckle after everything goes silent.

"My, Taehyung. . .That didn't seem easy to you at all. Your weakness is a
sight to see."

"But still. . you were able to get through it. Hmph, this disappoints me."

"Because you are wrong. If she is my only weakness, then she is also
my strength. Her soul still calls to mine and her soul isn't here but is waiting
for me back in hell." Taehyung whispers.

"Well, lovely for you. Now, get through this, darling. Kill her."

Taehyung looks around and suddenly, six clones of Lily come out of the
shadows, carrying swords. They circle him slowly, their eyes completely
black. They rush towards him and Taehyung fights them off with his own
sword.
But the thing is, his attack isn't having any effect on them. The sword
merely cuts through their bodies as if they are air and does no harm to
them.

He continues fighting but it's of no use. One of them manages to sneak an

attack on Taehyung and injures his arm. Blood drips out slowly. Taehyung
doesn't let out a wince. He has suffered worse. But he might lose a lot of
blood because he doesn't have any powers to heal himself right now.

"Darling, I will make this easy for you." Their voice comes and suddenly, a
fire torch is dropped in front of Taehyung's feet.

Taehyung doesn't take it, certain that it must be a trick of theirs.

"They are afraid of fire, Taehyung. The only way to kill them completely is
to burn them."

Indeed, the clones stop, their eyes staring at the burning fire torch in fear.

"But?" Taehyung asks, rolling his eyes. These sister spirits will stop at
nothing to make him suffer.
"Smart of you." They cackle.

"But when you burn them, they will let out the most heart-wrenching
screams ever. Will you be able to hear the screams of your Lily? The
screams that she let out in pain when she was being tortured in the Ice
Tower?"

Taehyung feels his heart sink.

"It pleases me to know that her screams right now will haunt you
forever." They giggle.

"So, burn. Burn her. Only by burning her, you will get that fern."

He has to do this if he wants to return back to her. Taehyung takes the fire
torch, his hands trembling slightly.

Lily looks at him, eyes wide in terror. "No, Taehyung. Don't do this."

"Please!" She begs. "Taehyung, no!"

The flames touch her body and true to the Aoroi's words, she lets out
a blood-curdling scream. The scream is so painful, echoing in the entire
peak. It continues until the clone keeps on burning and is turned to ashes
right in front of his eyes.

Taehyung staggers back, dropping the torch, feeling like he had

been burnt instead.

It's terrifying.

His heart pounds against his chest erratically. He stares at his shaking
hands, feeling utterly disgusted with himself. Knowing that these were her
screams when she was being tortured in that tower makes him sick to his
stomach. It feels like he is the one torturing her instead. They are just Lily's
clones but they look too much like her, making him feel nauseous about
hurting them even more.

The mere thought of him hurting his human makes his stomach turn.
Tightness clamps down hard on his chest and Taehyung vomits out blood.

The Aoroi laugh. "My, my. . .You can feel her pain, can't you? But darling,
come on, you have to burn five more before they kill you instead."
Taehyung feels like he would rather die than hear those screams again.

He wipes off the blood from his mouth. The five clones of Lily circle him,
ready to attack. The fire torch is burning a few inches far from him but
Taehyung makes no effort to grab it.

Blood is still oozing from his arm and after just vomiting blood, Taehyung
feels weak than ever.

"Kill him, darlings. I can't believe that his mere human soulmate will be the
end of the mighty King of Hell, Lord Kim Taehyung. This is lovely." The
Aoroi chuckle sinisterly.

Suddenly, the entire sky becomes scorching red.

Taehyung gazes up and sees a large fiery bird flapping its wings and
circling the sky of the Devil Peak, painting the whole sky red.
Taehyung stares at the bird, shocked. He has seen this bird before only in
the books. Throughout his entire lifetime, he had never seen this bird exist.

The legendary Phoenix.

Of all the winged creatures, none is so mystical or beautiful as the Bird of

Flames, the legendary Phoenix. Its feathers are composed entirely of fire
and its body is mostly dark orange, red and crimson. These mystical birds
can control any amount of heat. They can incinerate anything and anyone
with a single touch.

The most intriguing fact about these birds is their ability to resurrect
themselves. No one has ever seen a Phoenix die. Even when these birds
come to death, they turn to ashes and get reborn from it.

These majestic birds are worshipped in all the realms as the symbol of
rebirth and immortality.

With a shrill cry, the Phoenix swoops down with the speed of
light, breathing fire. The clones vanish, immediately turning to ashes. The
majestic bird flutters its wings, flying in front of Taehyung as if shielding him
from any harm.
"What is this?!" The Aoroi sound enraged. Taehyung even detects the hint
of fear in their voice.

"Kim Taehyung, you even managed to tame the Bird of Flames?!"

The Phoenix looks around, sending streams of fire.

"You may have won this time but it doesn't matter, darling. One of our sister
spirits who had been held captive in the Ice Tower returned back to us.
Thanks to you. She also mentioned quite a few interesting things."

"The Eleventh Prince has told everything to your soulmate. Your time here
in the Devil Peak, your greed for more power. . . .I bet she is disgusted with
you. She will never accept you. . . Remember this, darling. At the end of the
day, we are the only ones who will accept you because you are made of
evil, just like us."

Taehyung flinches. If he sees disgust and fear in her eyes regarded to him,
Taehyung won't be able to live.

"Goodbye, for now, darling." The voices chuckle and disappear.

Taehyung stares as the Phoenix again flies up to the sky, soaring high
above him. Taehyung should steer far away from the bird. After all, they
can incinerate anything to ashes. But surprisingly, he doesn't sense any
hostility from it. On the contrary, the bird had even protected him.

Why did this bird arrive here to save him?

"Thank You for saving my life," Taehyung says, grateful.

The Phoenix tilts its head slightly in his direction as if its bowing and with
another shrill cry, it flaps its wings and flies away from the Devil Peak,
washing the whole sky in fire wherever it goes.

Taehyung continues his journey to the lake of the dead. He needs to get
that fern and leave this place as soon as possible.

***
Lily had always had these dreams of a fiery flying bird since she was a
small child.

She had mentioned her dreams to her father excitedly once. He had smiled
and said that this bird must be her spirit guardian and would protect her.

Lily didn't know what a spirit guardian was. The bird was just really pretty.

Cold chills her bones.

Cold. So cold.

Everything is dark around her and Lily can neither see nor hear anything.

Is she dead? Where is this place?

"So cold," Lily rubs her hands, trying to feel a spark of warmth.

"Mother."

A voice calls her. She frantically looks around, trying to search for the
source.

"I have been waiting for you."

"Come to me." She whispers in a trance.

All of a sudden, the bird from her dreams flies towards her, its whole body
made of fire. Lily watches, entranced. Slowly, she touches it and warmth
washes over her cold body. "You are mine," She murmurs, her voice
coming firm as she feels a missing part of her heart slot back into its place.
Her heart feels a sudden pain and a name flashes in front of her eyes.

"Taehyung."

"Taehyung. He is in pain." She whispers, her heart feeling incredibly

restless, as she caresses the lovely wings of the bird.

But she can't escape this darkness. There seems to be no way out.

"Protect him." She murmurs and the bird presses its head with hers. It flaps
its wings and flies away, leaving her in darkness.

But this time, the darkness is accompanied by a sense of comfort.

Taehyung will be protected.

Lily wakes up, suddenly, gasping for air. Perspiration is running down her
forehead. Her blurry vision takes some time to focus on its surroundings as
she sits up, clutching the sheets tightly. She takes deep breaths for some
moments, trying to calm herself. Then, she sees a dimly lit chamber. Fire is
crackling in the fireplace, which is in the corner of the chamber, keeping the
whole place warm. There are couches around and a small tea table. She is
on the soft bed, its cushions and sheets entirely made of luxurious silk.
There are herbs and some liquid with a pungent smell on the table by her
bedside.

Where is this place?

There is no one in the room. The last thing she remembers is the incidents
in the ice tower and nothing else.

Had Taehyung saved her? Was this his place?

She gets up from her bed, her legs feeling incredibly numb. She stares at
her attire in confusion, wondering who had changed it. She is wearing a
floor-length white satin dress, its fabric incredibly soft on her skin.
She walks closer to the window of the chamber and looks out.

The entire place is plunged into darkness and she can't make out anything.

Then, all of a sudden, she hears a shrill cry, a cry so loud that tears the
night apart.

The familiar cry from her dreams makes something jolt inside her.

Immediately, a large bird arrives in the sky, flapping its fiery wings.

Mother. I have been waiting for you.

You are mine.

Suddenly, there are loud voices clamoring, and people shrieking, ensuing
chaos.

Arrows fly up to the sky but as soon as it touches the bird, they all
disintegrate to ashes.

Lily feels a strange but strong connection with the bird and the urge
to protect it overcomes her entire senses. The bird is calling her, pulling her
entire being to it.

She feels dizzy all of a sudden and there's just a sentence repeating in her
head, as she stares at the bird.

She is mine. They can't hurt her.

She rushes out of that chamber. The hallway is empty and she runs
mindlessly, the instinct to just protect overwhelmingly strong. When she
reaches the main hall, servants and maids are running around. The entire
place is thrown into chaos and no one notices the lord's soulmate as she
runs towards the main entrance.

Outside, there is a flight of stairs and below the stairs, there are hundreds
of soldiers in formation, ready to attack the predator soaring up in the skies.

The bird's burning eyes land on her and instantly, she feels a strange
sense of comfort wash in her. It tries to fly closer to her but arrows and
other spearheads are aimed at the sky instantly, trying to push it farther
from the castle.

Jimin's eyes harden as he observes the mystical creature. It appeared out

of nowhere in the sky of hell and Taehyung isn't present in the castle right
now. The Grand Master stands beside him, looking up at the bird,
undoubtedly a Phoenix.

"Protect the castle with everything! We have to be strong and face this
predator until His Majesty arrives!" Jimin commands. The soldiers heed his
words, their jaws locked tight as they gaze up at the unknown bird.
Jimin's eyes widen in shock when he notices Taehyung's soulmate
standing on top of the stairs, in front of the main entrance.

"Master! She is awake!" Jimin yells, pointing towards the stairs.

Hoseok looks at the human in shock. "Why is she outside?! Good Lord!"

The phoenix tries to fly towards the human. Jimin orders in a loud voice,
panicking. "Everyone, protect the Queen! If she is harmed, His Majesty will
have everyone's head!"

Everyone looks up, spellbound, at the woman standing on top of a flight of

stairs. A white satin gown clings to her body and her entire appearance
stands out in the darkness. Her hair falls down in soft waves and the more
they watch, the more they contemplate that her beauty could rival
even Aphrodite's.

Everyone had heard of the human soulmate of their lord but no one had
seen her. They stare in confusion. A human isn't supposed to have such
a striking beauty that even the darkness around her can't dull.

Their lord's soulmate's beauty far outmatched even the most beautiful
goddesses of this era. She could be easily mistaken for a Goddess. A
beauty like that. . .No wonder the King of Hell was burning the world for
her.

They focus back on the task at hand, to keep the predator at bay. Arrows
rain in the sky, looking like a meteor shower.

"Halt." A soft but firm voice floats in the air, making everyone pause in their
tracks.

They all freeze when they see fire flickering in the depths of their Queen's
eyes. Fire burning just like the Phoenix's. . .

"Do not harm her. She is mine. . .," She commands, heavy breaths coming
from her, as her eyes keep on flickering in their natural color and the color
of fire.

"Ask everyone to step to the sides, Jimin," The Grand Master instructs,
staring at the strange sight.

"Master, but--"
"Do it now. She is clearly protective of that Phoenix. It's hers. If that bird
is harmed, she won't hesitate to kill," Hoseok orders in urgency.

Hoseok had thought that Taehyung's soulmate was a normal human. But if
his suspicions are true, then they have been gravely wrong.

His soulmate is anything but a normal human.

By the looks of it, she is definitely the 'Mother of Phoenix'.

The Mother of Phoenix, or as they also say, the Queen of Phoenix. . . . .In
the ancient lores, these people were the only blessed ones who held sole
command over these fiery ancient birds, the legendary Phoenixes. The
Phoenix protected their mother with everything that they had.
They lived and breathed for their mother and protected them with a
vengeance.
"Everyone! Step aside!" Jimin orders.

Lily slowly climbs down the stairs, looking hypnotized, her eyes burning
with the color of fire. The Phoenix swoops down below and lands on the
ground. The entire sky is painted in scorching red color.

Lily steps closer to the bird and slowly extends her hand.

Jimin is held back by Hoseok as he tries to stop her. "But if she touches it,
she will be burnt to ashes---"

Hoseok shakes his head and asks him to just watch.

The Phoenix trills, looking at the extended hand. Then, slowly it bows,
placing its head below her palm.

"You are mine," Lily's eyes water, her entire being flooded with an instinct,
that instinct to just protect what's hers. "You are mine and I have been
waiting for you."
The bird steps closer, covering her with its majestic fiery wings, but the fire
doesn't even touch her skin, let alone burn.

The bird caresses her cheek with its head with such tenderness, like a child
caressing its mother's cheeks, watching her like she is his world.

"You are mine."

***

Please vote and comment <333

A/N: This chapter was fun to write. And well, our girl Lily was beautiful
before too but now that her seal is broken, the demigoddess glow is
working like a charm. Do share your thoughts on this chapter! Btw the
picture of the Phoenix is at the beginning of the chapter. And the picture of
Lily's dress in this chapter is below.

19: If You will have me

Lily is back in the chamber where she had woken up. She paces around
the room, feeling utterly confused. What the hell is happening to her?

The strange connection with that bird had completely hypnotized her. She
feels so out of her skin but at the same time, it feels real. Destined. As if
she was supposed to meet that bird.

The protective instinct inside her has still not gone away, making her feel
anxious. It feels like she woke up being a completely new person.

A man had approached her and her bird and had respectfully asked her to
return to her chamber to prevent any relapse since she had just woken up.
She hadn't wanted to part with her bird and after the man assured her that
there was an open garden in front of her chamber where the bird could
stay, she obliged. She needed the time to think as well.

She vaguely remembers the words of that blue-eyed man who had taken
her to that tower. Just the thought of that place makes her bones chill. He
had said that Taehyung was the King of Hell, something about him being
the Lord of Evil, him being born from a black rose.

Is this place hell?

Honestly, it doesn't look that bad.

And she hadn't noticed before but all her senses were heightened now.
She could even hear the people talking outside. What had happened to
her?

Everything is making her head ache terribly. She can't even tune out their
voices.

"---His Majesty is smitten with his soulmate. I can see why." A soft voice of
a woman speaks. Lily's eyebrows furrow. She assumes that the woman is
in the kitchen because the clanking of dishes and the sizzling of the pan
accompany her voice.

"You really think that?," Another woman huffs. They must be maids. Lily
feels bad for eavesdropping on their conversation but she can't help it right
now. Everything is too loud and clear in her ears as if they are talking right
in front of her.

"Ofcourse. If he wasn't in love with her, why would he go to such lengths for
her? He is burning the world for her."
"Don't be silly. You have let yourself be swept away by those fairytales. The
lord is not capable of loving anyone. The heavens took his soulmate, a
person who had been claimed by him, and even tortured her. They
offended him to such an extent. If he had stayed quiet, the other demons
would act out thinking that the lord is weak. This all show of destroying the
world is nothing but a mere display of his power. He doesn't love her. He is
just obligated to save her."

Lily feels her heart wither.

What was she expecting anyway?

That Taehyung would love her?

It was such a ridiculous notion. She felt her eyes sting. After all this time,
she was still hoping like the fool she was. Taehyung had left her without a
word. Wasn't that enough proof of his rejection?

He wanted nothing to do with her. He was compelled to save her because

as the maids said, the heavens had offended him by taking his soulmate.

She quickly wipes away the tears and just as she is about to move closer to
the window, the door of her chamber bursts open.

Her heart stops beating altogether when her eyes lock on the man who
never failed to leave her thoughts.
***

Taehyung had just returned from the Devil Peak after retrieving the Ghost
Azolla with Tan in tow when he caught sight of Jimin and his master right in
front of the gates of the castle. He had found the sudden appearance of the
heaps of arrows on the ground strange and was about to question Jimin but
Jimin had beat him to it.

After narrating the whole event that the Phoenix had appeared there, that
Lily had woken up, and she had some connection with the Phoenix, he had
all but abandoned that fern to his master and had teleported in front of her
chamber, his heart beating too hard.

Afraid that she would slip off his hands again and would be unconscious,
Taehyung forced open the door, the fear too fierce.

And just like that, he stopped breathing as his eyes fell on her, standing in
front of the window, the fire crackling in the fireplace casting a
warm glow on her face.

No, it wasn't the fire.

She was glowing herself.

Hell had never had any stars or moon lighting up its night sky but Taehyung
thought, right now, the fates had blessed this wretched place with a star, for
she was glowing even in the darkness against all odds.
Taehyung watches, stupefied, all the breath knocked out of his body.

Lily is silently staring at him. And Taehyung notices how her eyes are red-
rimmed as if she had just been crying.

Who dared to make her cry? Taehyung feels rage flooding his veins.

(Wasn't it simply astounding how the Lord of all dark and devious things
had fallen so hard that he couldn't even bear the thought of tears in his
soulmate's eyes without making him want to flood the whole world?)

"You left. . . ." She is the first one to break the silence looming heavily in
the room.

Taehyung blinks, confused. He steps inside and the door shuts closed
behind him.

Her lips tremble as she whispers brokenly. "Y-You left without even saying
goodbye."
Oh.

She had suffered so much after he had left her to keep her safe from him.
She had been tortured in that Ice Tower and had almost died if not for the
seal protecting her soul, but instead of saying anything about it, she looked
so heartbroken, telling that he had left her as if him leaving her had
been far more painful than anything.

It had been painful for him, too, beyond any words could explain.

Taehyung steps closer, trying to reach out to her but she steps back,
putting distance between them.

Taehyung takes a step back, trying not to flinch because of the hurt.

The Aoroi said that she knows everything about the Devil Peak and him.
She is disgusted with him. . .Taehyung should have known. After knowing
his real identity, she would ofcourse feel the need to stay far away from
him. Taehyung understands her.

He feels his own eyes burn. Feeling too drained, he turns around, ready to
leave so that she wouldn't have to force herself to stay in his presence for
more but then, her voice stops him.
"Am I just some obligation to you. . .?" Her voice quivers.

Taehyung turns around and finds her eyes filled with tears. "You left--You
left without even telling me and now you are only here because of some
obligation you have to fulfill since I am your s-soulmate. . ."

Taehyung shakes his head. "That's not true. Not at all."

"Then, what is? W-Why did you leave then? You--You could have at least
said goodbye--", She answers, tears trailing down her cheeks. "I-I would
have never stopped you, Taehyung. . . Do I bother you so much that you
can't even bear to stay here for a few moments more?"

Taehyung's heart breaks and before he can stop himself, he pulls her in his
arms. He holds her close to his heart and she whimpers but stays,
clutching his shirt tightly, without any resistance.

"I am sorry. I am so sorry for leaving," Taehyung murmurs his apologies

softly, kissing her forehead. He holds her, as her tears wet his shirt. He
holds her. He would never stop holding her from now on.

Taehyung knew his fault in leaving her but that obligation part was
someone else's doing. He lifts her chin and gazes into her eyes.
"Sweetheart, who told you that you are just some obligation to me?"

She looks down bashfully, guilt on her face. "I-I . . I overheard. My hearing
is too sensitive right now."

Taehyung suppresses the urge to let out a loud sigh. Goddamnit. It must be
the maids. They were going to be the death of him.

"You are not just some obligation to me. Do you understand?" Taehyung
enunciates each word slowly.

"Then, what am I to you?" She asks but then, hesitation flickers on her
face. "Sorry, forget I asked----"

Taehyung pulls her closer by her waist, pressing his forehead against
hers. "You are my world. My everything."
"And I am yours as long as the sun burns in the sky, as long as the moon
shines in the night, and until the oceans run dry. I am yours. . . if you will
have me. . ." Taehyung mutters each word with conviction.

"Will you have me?" Taehyung whispers, holding her hand, waiting for her
answer. He gazes into her warm brown eyes, which always reflect light in
such a mesmerizing way that Taehyung can't help but be drawn to their
depths.

There is something even more beautiful about saying that you belong to
someone rather than saying they belong to you. The sheer knowledge of
giving that power to that significant someone over you is
so special and intimate in ways that no sane mind can truly fathom.

"Then, you are mine. . .," Lily breathes out. "And I am yours as you are
mine."

Taehyung stands still with a bated breath as Lily raises her head and
closes the distance between their lips. Their lips slowly glide against each
other in the dead of the night. The fire torch in the corner of the room casts
the shadows of two silhouettes on the wall, who had found each other after
so long. Taehyung pulls her closer, the urge to eradicate any distance
between them, so compelling. Slowly, he moves her closer to the
wall, drowning her soft, alluring sounds in his own mouth.

They pull back, their heavy breaths echoing in the silent room. Not being
able to resist the sight of her swollen lips, Taehyung kisses her again,
letting out a groan as her hands gently tug at his hair.
"Taehyung--" Lily grasps his arms tightly, as Taehyung breathes against
her neck, sending chills down her spine.

" You are so beautiful, sweetheart." Taehyung murmurs kissing the length
of her neck as she bares herself more.

Then, all of a sudden, Taehyung pulls back, burnt. Lily stares at him with
wide eyes, as her gaze falls on Taehyung's hand, a small part of it, burnt.
Her gaze flits back to her trembling hands in shock.

"What-What---" She pushes herself back to the wall, terror clear in her
eyes.

Taehyung should have known. Now that Lily's seal has been broken, her
powers as a demigoddess would appear abruptly since she hasn't learned
to wield her powers yet.

The burn on Taehyung's arm quickly heals and he steps closer to her but
Lily stops him. "Do not come any closer!"

"Lily---"

"I-I hurt you. I burnt you--" Lily trembles, her eyes filled with tears. "--What
is happening, Taehyung? I-I can't hurt you."
"It's alright, sweetheart," Taehyung says, trying to get closer but Lily shakes
her head.

"No, it's not! I hurt you--" She whimpers but Taehyung takes her in his arms
again despite her protests.

He gazes into her eyes and murmurs, "Fire runs in your veins, darling."

Lily looks at him, still shaking.

"You are the daughter of the God of Fire. The first demigoddess who has
been seen after millennia.The mother of Phoenix. Fire lives and breathes in
you, darling." Taehyung says, his eyes flickering red and dark.

"A demigoddess. . .?" Lily looks at him with hesitance, her hands trying not
to touch Taehyung in fear of harming him.
"Your father was a God and your mother was a human. Golden blood runs
in you. You haven't learned to wield your powers yet. So, they will appear
when you are feeling intense emotions," Taehyung presses a kiss to her
hands, pulling them up close. "And I do not care if you burn me with your
fire. I am all yours to burn or to keep."

"I know you are puzzled but your questions shall be answered soon. I will
take you to earth to meet Mrs. Jung."

"Mrs. Jung?" Lily stares at him, even more confused.

"She is a flower nymph and she was entrusted by your father to protect
you."

"My father was. . . a God. . ." Lily mumbles, looking dazed. "Is-Is he still
alive?"

"No, unfortunately not. I will take you to the heavens if you want to see
more of your father's life as a God."

Lily smiles a small smile. "Aren't you the King of hell? Do they even allow
the people of the underworld to go there?"

"No, they don't. At least not without a good reason." Taehyung answers.
"But I will bring the very heavens at your feet if you wish for it."
There is not a shred of doubt or lie in his words.

If Lily wishes for the world, he will win it for her.

It's in this way that vile creatures like him live. They only know the
extremes. They wreak havoc in the world with an intensity that makes
everyone shiver at the mention of their names.

And by God, if they love---they love with an intensity that could put the
greatest of lovers to shame.

Taehyung slowly kisses her again, but this time, he can feel her fear, not
wanting to harm him. Taehyung places her arms around his neck and
deepens the kiss, not afraid of her fire.

A knock on the door interrupts them. Taehyung pulls back, frustrated. Lily
stares at the door, eyes wide.

"Who is it?" Taehyung snaps, irritated.

"My lord, there's an emergency!" Someone squeaks out.

Lily pulls away from him, much to his disappointment, and answers softly.
"Come inside."

The door opens and the servant bows. "My lord and my lady, I apologize
for interrupting but the gardens are in peril right now!"

"What happened?" Taehyung asks, discontented at having been

interrupted.

"Uh-Uhm, Cerberus and the Phoenix are fighting-- Please come to save the
situation, Your Majesty!" The servant panics.

On cue, there is a sound of a loud crashing. The servant winces.

"Come." Taehyung pulls Lily's hand and leads her out of the chamber.

They reach the gardens in no time. A crowd has gathered, keeping a safe
distance from the fighting bird and beast. They clear out their way,
murmuring greetings upon seeing Taehyung and Lily.

The three-headed beast is baring its fangs, growling at the bird. The proud
phoenix hovers above him, taunting him. Cerberus jumps, trying to grasp
its fiery wings, his eyes blazing red with fury. Lily notices that the Phoenix
hasn't done anything to harm Cerberus till now, merely having fun teasing
him.
As soon as the Phoenix detects her mother's presence, she trills, flying
towards her. Cerberus turns around, chasing her.

Lily steps closer, her eyes widening in recognition. "Is that Tannie?"

"Tannie?" She asks slowly.

The red color of Tan's eyes settles to its normal color as soon as his eyes
land on the loving human, and to everyone's surprise (except
Taehyung's), he lunges toward her, wagging his tail, eyes puppy-like.

Tan licks her face as he comes closer to her, seeming too elated. People
had never thought that they would live to see the day when Cerberus would
act like a normal dog and not the ferocious beast he was.

"Tannie is three-headed in his real form," Taehyung mentions.

Lily beams as she caresses Tannie's face. "That's even better. More for me
to love."

The phoenix hovers above them, unhappy that her enemy was taking too
much time from her mother. Lily instantly feels the discontent from her side
and chuckles.
It seemed like she had just become a mother to two attention-seeking kids.

"You both need to be best friends," Lily says, her eyes darting between
Tannie and the phoenix.

They immediately understand her words being the intelligent creatures that
they are. They turn away from each other, huffing.

"I am serious," Lily says, her hands on her hips. The scene is quite funny
to the watchful eyes, seeing a woman of less than half the size of two
mighty beasts, reprimanding them.

Taehyung wraps his arms around her from behind, unable to resist his
endearing soulmate. He smiles, staring at her. "Best friends, hm? They are
hardly tolerating each other."

The others slowly leave the garden, not wanting to be spectators of such
an affectionate moment between their lord and lady.

"They will learn to. See, we became friends, too."

Taehyung frowns. "Take your words back. I am not your

friend, sweetheart."

"Why? You don't wanna be my friend?"

"No. Because friends do not kiss each other like this---" Lily covers his
mouth with her hands before he can kiss her again.
"Taehyung, there are people here!" Her eyes go wide, cheeks warming.

"There's no one." Taehyung smirks. "What is the Phoenix's name?"

"She doesn't have one, yet."

"Well, what do you want to name her?" Taehyung asks.

"Me?" Lily blinks. "Can I name her?"

"Ofcourse, sweetheart. She is yours."

Lily stares at the beautiful fiery bird for a few seconds more, a rush of
protectiveness washing over her.

The Mother of Phoenix. Right.

"Sirius." She whispers. "Sirius. The brightest star in the sky."

"A fitting name," Taehyung murmurs, smiling.

The Phoenix hovers above them, flapping its majestic wings.

"She likes the name," Lily watches, fond.

"You can communicate with her?"

"Not verbally. But I instantly know her emotions. We are connected."

"Had you ever wondered before what hell looked like?" Taehyung
questions.

"I thought it would have hot molten lava flowing everywhere and demons
cooking humans," Lily chuckles.

"Would you like to stay here. . . .with me. . .?" Taehyung whispers.

If Lily wants to leave, he would let her go.

"You are here. Where else would I go?" She answers, her eyes sparkling.
Taehyung smiles so enchantingly that Lily feels herself falling all over
again. "Then, would you care for a tour, my Queen? "

"I quite like the sound of that," Lily answers, smiling.

***

Please vote and comment <3

A/N: This was one fluffy chapter lol. But don't worry, a lot of fluff coming
forward and it's going to be Tae being majorly whipped for his soulmate.
Also, I know y'all wanna see Noah dead. Have some patience hehe. What
are your favorite moments between Taehyung and Lily till now? Do share
your thoughts<33 Love y'all!

20: Chaos in the heavens

"And this is my bedroom. Well, technically, it's ours now," Taehyung opens
the door to the chamber. Lily steps inside, her eyes taking everything in
awe. Taehyung had shown her so many places in the large castle that she
had already forgotten most of them by now. There were so many hallways
and corridors with each and everything polished in gold. No luxury on earth
could ever compare to hell's splendor. It was truly otherworldly.

"This is beautiful," Lily murmurs, afraid of touching anything. They looked

too expensive, alright.

"Wait--" She does a double take, pausing in her steps. "--This will
be our bedroom?"

Taehyung steps closer to her, with a sly smirk on his face, "Unless you
don't want to share a room with your husband."

"Wait a minute--" She holds up her hand. "Husband? The last time I
checked I am perfectly unmarried."

But she couldn't help but love the sound of that. Taehyung . . .her
husband.
"You are already my Queen. My soulmate. It's only a matter of time for me
to marry you," Taehyung takes her hand. "But I would be an arse to not ask
you properly."

Lily chuckles. "Well, then, I will be waiting for the surprise."

Taehyung's arms wrap around her waist. He had seen her eyes sparkle
with joy in a place, where no beings truly want to be. She had accepted
him. She had said that she would stay with him despite knowing that he
was the evil incarnate.

Taehyung had never thought that a day would come when someone
would stay with him willingly.

He had never thought that anyone would choose him.

It was maddening.

The things he would do for her. . . He had never felt something like this
before. He had never known he could feel this intensely for someone.

Everyone had always been fearful of him throughout their lives, even when
he had not done anything. Because they were afraid of the
mere possibility of his wrath, his rage. Taehyung had thought it was all for
naught because he liked his peace over anything else. He hated engaging
in useless brawls.
But now he knew.

Now he knew why no soul ever attempted to offend him of their own
volition.

Because when it came to her. . . Taehyung would raze cities and burn the
world to the ground willingly.

If he had to destroy the world for this single person, he would without
thinking twice.

And this is why evil ran in his veins---for Taehyung, he didn't give
a damn about the greater good and he could hardly care less for anyone
else. He was the very symbol of evil and he proved it well.

He was the monster they had created, even when he didn't want to be one.

But he would be a monster willingly if that meant he could protect her, have
her.
It was amazing. The ways of fate. They had given a vile creature like
himself something to care for. Something to love. Something to cherish.

After this, for centuries to come, the people would weave the tales of him
and his love for this particular demi-goddess, saying how the fates
were so, so foolish to give him a soulmate.

(Because if the world feared Taehyung's wrath, they would fear

Taehyung's love even more.)

***

Blue eyes.

Chilling blue eyes.

Lily whimpers because of the pain, the shackles with thorns digging into her
skin so painfully, that she couldn't breathe.

"Don't! Please---"
She pleads but the man stares at her coldly, as the burning electric volts
course through her body.

She breathes heavily, shivering against the cold. "I-I don't know...anything."

"You know everything about him! Why were you with him?!" The man
glares.

Even now, she knew that this man only wanted to hurt Taehyung. Her
Taehyung.

"No---You can't hurt him---" She grits out painfully. "Taehyung---"

The scene suddenly changes and Taehyung is standing at the edge of a

cliff. His eyes are empty and---

Taehyung. . .his back is bleeding. . .

Taehyung smiles ruefully.

Lily shakes her head. "No, Taehyung. Please---"

And just as she moves to pull him towards her, Taehyung falls from the
cliff.
"No! Taehyung!"

Lily wakes up, screaming.

She breathes heavily, wiping away the tears trailing down her cheeks.
Taehyung is immediately by her side at once, a dim lamp glowing in the
room with a snap of his fingers.

She welcomes his warmth desperately as he wraps his arms around her.

"Sssh. It was just a nightmare. I am here," Taehyung rubs his hands

soothingly on her back, trying to comfort her. "I am here, sweetheart."

She frantically looks at him, still shivering. Taehyung. . .He is here and he
is safe.

They stay in silence for some moments, basking in each other's warmth.

"How bad was it?" Taehyung whispers after a while.

The fragments of her dream hover in her mind and she hugs him
tighter. They can't hurt him. . .

"Bad. It was really bad," She mumbles. If anyone took Taehyung away from
her, she wouldn't be able to bear it.

"Sorry for waking you up," She apologizes quietly, feeling too exhausted.

Taehyung lifts her chin up and his dark eyes meet hers. "You shouldn't be
the one apologizing. I have been intending to ask you a question."

"What is it?" Lily inquires.

"Darling, who was the one who hurt you?" Taehyung asks, and his eyes
flicker red.

Lily doesn't speak anything for a moment, contemplating whether to tell him
or not. But she knew that she had to tell him. She had to eradicate that man
who could possibly harm Taehyung.
"The Ice Tower. Who was the one who dared to torture you?" Taehyung
asks, though he already knows the answer, though he already knows
where that fucker was hiding right now. From the very moment, Taehyung
knew who the bastard was that had harmed his human, he had him trailed.

"Blue--Blue eyes. He had blue eyes," Lily says, holding him tighter. "He-He
was. . . terrible, Taehyung. . ."

"You don't have to worry about him anymore. I will see to it that he gets
the punishment he deserves," Taehyung places a light kiss on her temple.

"No." Then, to his surprise, Lily looks up at him, her eyes glittering in the
darkness with fire.

"Bring him to me. . .," Lily murmurs, the vengeance inside her fueling the
fire.

She was never the person who hurt even a bug willingly. But with this new
identity of hers, something dangerous seems to have unlocked. She
felt anger burn inside her at the mere thought of someone harming her
Taehyung. . .someone taking away what was hers. . .It made her want to
brutally kill those people who had the audacity to even think about harming
him.
 "Bring him here. " She surprises herself when she says the next words. "I
want to see him beg for his life."

Taehyung bites back a smile. Ah, seems like his little soulmate is also a tad
bit bloodthirsty like him.

"Sirius isn't happy. " Lily feels the discontent from her Phoenix. "He hurt her
mother and she wants revenge."

"Do not worry. I will bring him to your feet, darling," Taehyung mutters, his
own eyes shining red as he gazes into her breathtakingly fiery eyes.

***

"I have a sister?" Aiden blinks. He stares at the Heavenly Emperor in front
of him, confused.

Earlier, he had thought that the Emperor had summoned him for his
punishment but he had been wrong. The Emperor had then told him
everything about his mother and his father, his father's fault for marrying a
human, and how the woman Noah and he had abducted was his half-sister,
a demi-goddess.
"I have a family. . .? Of my own ?" Aiden asks hesitantly.

"Why do you say it like that, Aiden? Like the entire heavens have wronged
you. You have always been treated like a family by the other eleven
Princes." The Emperor murmurs, frowning.

Oh, you wouldn't know.

Aiden thinks bitterly. No one here had truly treated him like they were his
own. For the other eleven Princes, he was just a competitor for the throne.
He had thought that Madam Yang and Noah were different but they had
disappointed him the most.

His mother's side of the family was indeed a venerable commander's

family. But they had given up on him after his mother's death. They didn't
want anything to do with him because he still had his father's blood running
in his veins.

He had grown up without a family to call his own.

But now he had a sister. . .

A sister who had almost died because of him.

Aiden feels shame and guilt.

"You do not blame your sister for what happened to your mother?" The
Emperor asks, looking at him intently.
"Why would I even blame her?" Aiden answers. "Perhaps, I do blame my
father. But my sister had nothing to do with the incident."

"You want to meet her?"

"I do not think she will fancy seeing me and seeing as she is the King of
hell's soulmate, I doubt he would want me around her. But I am indeed
curious when my punishment is coming," Aiden questions.

"Why are you eager for your punishment, Eighth Prince?" The Emperor
asks.

"I am no longer a Prince and I do not deserve that title. I am willing to repay
for my sins."

"Well, we have received a letter from hell. The King of hell is arriving
tomorrow. For the punishment."

Aiden feels fear but at the same time relief. He was done here.

"I understand," Aiden nods and leaves.

***

Kim Taehyung saunters inside heaven at a leisurely pace, seeming too

bored. His three-headed hound, Cerberus follows him, snarling at the
strangers on the way.

The Lord of Hell, after all, cherishes the beast like it is his most prized
possession. For every deity and even demons, the weapons that they
would choose were most of the time swords. But Kim Taehyung carried his
weapon in the form of a beast.

Cerberus was more lethal than any sword could ever be.

Taehyung walks inside the Palace of Heaven, dismissing the herald who
was about to announce his arrival. It was not like anyone here wouldn't
know him.

There is a crowd of deities, angels, and every other celestial being present
in the Palace today. It was the day of the punishment and everyone was
fearful of how the King of hell was going to punish the Prince of heaven.

"Punishments are long overdue," Taehyung drawls, as he steps inside the

palace, a devilish smirk on his face.

The entire place falls to silence as their eyes land on their nightmare.

"Kim." The heavenly Emperor merely mutters from his throne, nodding.

Taehyung nods back, the smirk never leaving his face.

"You seem elated today. I wonder what's the reason," The Emperor points
out dryly.
"I just love chaos. Thought it was included in that book of yours kept in the
heavens. Oh, what was it called?" Taehyung makes a show of thinking
hard. "Ah, got it. . .A Guide to the Evil named Kim Taehyung."

And by the way, that book is very real. He isn't joking. The heavens love
him, after all.

The Emperor doesn't entertain him with a snarky remark. Taehyung would
have loved that. The people of the heavens are so boring that they even
put the corpses in the Devil Peak to shame.

Everyone watches as Taehyung pats the huge beast beside him and
Cerberus sits down. Taehyung settles on top of Cerberus's body, patting
his head, his eyes glinting with a promise of what was to come.

Kim Taehyung was really the devil incarnate.

Here, he was in the heavens which contained people who loathed even the
land he walked on, and he was sitting on top of his beast like it was his
throne. They would think he was the King here, too.

"Well, hurry up. I have to return to my wife and I do not like to make her
wait," Taehyung says, nonchalantly.
"Wife. . .?!" Shocked voices follow.

"When did he even marry?!"

"Wasn't he burning the world just some days ago?'

The others murmur among themselves, baffled.

"Wife? When did you marry, Kim?" The Emperor asks, mirroring everyone's
confusion.

A smile slips on Taehyung's face as he thinks of his lovely soulmate.

Unfortunately, for people who had never seen the lord of Evil smile, an
involuntary chill crawls up their spine.

"I have yet to marry her, indeed. But hasn't the news caught on to heaven
yet? That the King of hell has finally found his Queen. Hm, I wonder why. .
.You all are surprisingly quick to tattle when Namjoon unintentionally
destroys just some roof of your temple." Taehyung smiles dazzlingly.

"Namjoon? That man." Someone huffs.

"I don't want him anywhere near me or my temple, good lord."

"He does it intentionally, every time! I tell you!"

"Don't divert from the topic. He said he found a Queen!"

"Who? That human? She has no power to rule that place."

"It will last for just a few days. Wait and watch."

"The people of hell worship power over anything. How will they even accept
a weakling as their Queen?"

Oh, they couldn't be more mistaken about his sweet, sweet Lily.

It seems like the Heavenly Emperor hasn't told anyone that his human is
actually a demigoddess. Taehyung is glad. He can witness the chaos
firsthand when the news drops.

"Silence," The Emperor raises his hand, and everyone stops whispering
amongst one another. "Bring him in."

Taehyung waits patiently and two guards come inside with a man. His
hands are tied up in chains and they drag on the ground as he is brought
and left in the center of the hall. The Prince regards everyone with empty
eyes.

"The Eighth Prince, Aiden, is the culprit of the incident in the Ice tower.
Since the heavens have wronged you, we are letting you handle this matter
personally. Punish him how you deem as appropriate," The Emperor says.

Everyone feels pity for the Eighth Prince for a moment. He was dead and
his death was sitting right in front of him.

Taehyung's face darkens more and more. He scrutinizes the Prince's face
carefully and clicks his tongue in annoyance.

"Do not piss me off by sending a scapegoat," Taehyung's eyes gleam red.

"What are you talking about, Kim? He confessed his crime that day."

"You think I am foolish? I know who was the one who dared to harm her,"
Taehyung's eyes roam on the crowd. He stops and smirks, staring at
Madam Yang's face which has gone deathly pale. Aha, that woman. .
.That woman is a true snake among this crowd. He had done nice research
on the Eleventh Prince's family as well and had heard pretty interesting
things. . .the things no one in the heavens would dare to believe.
"Honourable Goddesses," Taehyung addresses too calmly. "I would like to
ask a question."

If only he weren't made of sin. . .Each and every Goddes wonder.

Kim Taehyung was so tempting, reminding everyone that he was made of

sin through and through. He had the most dazzling face in all the realms,
his beauty surpassing even Adonis who was worshipped as the God of
Beauty.

"I wonder which God has the most striking blue eyes in the heavens,"
Taehyung smiles, making everyone swoon internally.

"Your Majesty, please do not drag others into the mess I have created. I am
willing to receive my---" Aiden interrupts.

"It would be in your best interest to shut up," Taehyung gazes at him coldly.
"I do not entertain being interrupted. I am letting this slide because you are
her half-brother, whether I like it or not."

"You share her blood and her blood is precious to me. I haven't forgotten
that you were also involved in this. I am only keeping you alive for her. My
human has found her only family after all these years. The moment she
says she doesn't want to have anything to do with you, I will have
fun disposing of you as well. Do not be so stupid to speak out of your turn
next time."
For Taehyung, Lily would always be his human. Indeed, she was now a
demi-goddess, the Mother of Phoenix and he loved every part of her all the
same. But she had been his human first, the one he had fallen in love with.

"I apologize, Your Majesty," Aiden speaks.

"Sharing her blood? What?"

"Who is he talking about?"

"So, which God?" Taehyung raises his eyebrow.

A Goddess stands up, looking proud to have been the one to answer his
question. "There is only one God who has the most striking blue eyes in all
the realms. Ofcourse, the son of the God of Water, Noah. The Eleventh
Prince."

"Thank you for your co-operation. Now, bring the real culprit in, " Taehyung
orders.
Taehyung flicks his hand, and two shadow guards of his come inside,
dragging the familiar Prince. He had been roughened up quite a bit but
Taehyung was going to start the real punishment only in front of Lily.

Gasps of surprise arise in the crowd.

"What does this mean?! How can you treat the Prince of heavens like that--
--" The Emperor stands up, enraged.

"Tsk. Tsk. Stupidity won't help you rule the heavens. My advice to the
upcoming Emperor," Taehyung says.

"Noah! Son!" Madam Yang comes down, crying hysterically. "My son didn't
do anything! Aiden has already confessed!"

Tan growls at her and the woman takes a step back, frightened.

"Keep your theatrics to the minimum, will you?" Taehyung glares at her.
But then, he smiles. He takes a step closer to her. The woman backs down,
looking alarmed.

"Hmm, I want to know something." Taehyung hums. "Was the Goddess of

Light's face also frightened like yours right now when you pushed her from
the East Terrace?"

Aiden's head whips up, his heart sinking. "M-mother. . ."

"What--What are you talking about?" The woman looks around, looking
very afraid.

"Ah, do I really need to remind you how you murdered her? Your hands are
coated in her blood," Taehyung tuts, grinning. He was planning to make
this trip short but this is taking way too long.

"Madam. . ." Aiden stares at the woman, looking so betrayed.

"Aiden, he is lying! He is a liar! Don't believe him! I didn't----" Madam Yang

suddenly stiffens up, as she chokes up on her own words, clutching her
throat tightly, an invisible force gripping her neck.

"Call me a liar once again and I will rip your tongue off," Taehyung drawls.
"Do not forget who you are talking to. Know your fucking place."

"Release her right now, Kim! We can discuss the matters peacefully!" The
Emperor demands.
Taehyung shrugs, looking at him straight in the eye. "I don't want to."

"You are in the heavens right now!"

"Please, I know. These tacky decorations in this hall clearly don't belong to
hell." Taehyung smirks. "And she should have been more careful. Hasn't
she read that book of mine yet? 'Step on Kim Taehyung's feet and he will
cut yours off.' I am merely living up to my name."

"Can you elaborate on what she did?" Taehyung turns around and finds
Aiden, looking at him with his jaw clenched. He had thought that the boy
didn't have a spine. Seems like he had been wrong.

Taehyung lets out an exaggerated sigh as he finds everyone looking at him

expectantly for an explanation.

"Oh, dear. I have to explain now, no?" He rolls his eyes. "Well, our Madam
Yang here used the perfect opportunity to kill the Goddess of Light when
things were messy between her and the God of Fire after he fell in love with
a mortal. Like that, she cleverly eradicated both deities with her scheme,
seeing as the God of Fire was also killed shortly after by the Goddess's
family. And with that, she removed another Prince from the battle for the
crown, making the same goddess's son her little puppet. Evil. I must
applaud."
Taehyung gazes at the woman, still clutching her neck, struggling. He grins
but then, his gaze becomes dark. "I really wouldn't have cared about who
or who you didn't push. But because of you, my human had to grow up
alone. Because of your scheme, she had to go through countless
nightmares alone. I will have fun settling your debts to her."

Aiden stares with teary eyes at the woman he had given the same rank as
his mother. "Madam. . .why would you?"

"Kim Taehyung!" A voice booms in the hall and all of a sudden, a sword
comes flying in his way. Taehyung dodges, his eyes falling on the God of
Water, dearest husband of dearest Madam Yang.

Taehyung releases his invisible grip on the woman's throat and she falls to
the ground, choking, face blue.

Man, he was really up for some good ol' murder. Way to ruin his fun.

"This is taking way too long, isn't it?" Taehyung rolls his eyes.
"How dare you accuse my wife of something so vicious and my son of----"

"You have clearly mistaken me for someone who gives a shit. Well, the
joke's on you, I don't and I will accuse whoever I want to." Taehyung
shrugs.

"I am going to kill you! You---"

Taehyung looks at him up and down. "Can you, though?

The God of Water again hurls his sword toward Taehyung. Taehyung again
dodges, turning to the left. "You are really pissing me off now."

"I will have your head today, you evil creature----"

But then his words are cut off when an ear-splitting cry tears apart the
whole heavens.
***

Please vote and comment<333

A/N: Taehyung is so chaotic in this chapter lol. I have always wanted to

write a villain as the main character type of story. Btw, what do you love the
most about Taehyung in this story?

21: The wrath of the Goddess

Everyone cranes their neck to see what had created that ear-splitting cry.
They stare at the entrance of the hall and after a while, a large majestic
bird, lands in front, lighting up the whole palace with its fire.

Everyone stands up from their seats, gaping at the sight. Even the Emperor
looks lost for words.
"The Bird of Flames. . . ."

"It's the Phoenix!"

"My God. . .I am seeing them for the first time in my life."

"I didn't even think they existed! How is this bird here right now?!"

They all stay still, hearts at their throat and their eyes widen even more as
Kim Taehyung approaches the bird.

Taehyung frowns, and says softly, "Sirius, why are you here? You should
be at hell to protect your mother."

Sirius turns away, huffing, looking like she didn't want to be here as well.

That bird was damn proud and didn't listen to anyone but her mother. Lily
definitely sent her here because it had been quite late.

His ever-worrying soulmate. Taehyung's heart warms at the thought.

"Where-Where did you get the Phoenix from?" The Emperor asks, looking
speechless. Everyone in the hall is.

Phoenixes are legendary, mystical beings.

One of the most powerful winged creatures ever. These birds could
incinerate anything to ashes and they could turn the tides of even the most
helpless situations.

Phoenix meant power and power is worshipped everywhere.

'"Oh, she isn't mine." Taehyung smiles. "She belongs to my darling

wife who is unhappy right now at having been delayed."

"Your wife?? That demi-goddess---Is she the Mother of Phoenix?" The

Emperor asks, looking shocked.

"Mother of Phoenix?!"
"Goodness."

"My God--why did the fates give the most abominable creature such a
powerful soulmate?!"

"Accurate. " Taehyung adds. "I am taking my leave now and I will truly give
him the punishment he deserves. Trust me on that," Taehyung snaps his
fingers and the shadow guards appear to drag the beaten down Noah.

"Kim Taehyung! Stop right there!" The God of water lunges his sword at the
man but the Phoenix suddenly breathes out fire, her flames touching the
sword and incinerating it to ashes.

Taehyung whistles and walks out of the palace with Cerberus in tow,
looking in a much better mood than he had arrived. The Phoenix again
soars up high in the sky, following him back to hell.

Kim Taehyung came and left plunging the entire heavens into chaos.

Truly, destruction followed wherever he went.

***

The Shadowfall Arena is brimming with demons, devils, and every possible
supernatural creature present in hell. The Arena has vast ground and it has
always been used for competitions and punishing the worst criminals of
hell. The Shadowfall arena is rarely used but when it is used, almost every
beings crowd there to have fun as spectators.

Taehyung sits on his throne, atop a flight of stairs. Cerberus sits near his
feet obediently but his low snarl sends shivers down everyone's spine time
and again.

Today, everyone has heard of a particular Prince of heaven who is going to

be punished by their lord. Heaven and hell have never been friends, they
hate each other. So, it was all the more reason to show up to have fun
watching someone from the heavens get finally punished.

Everyone has heard of the heinous crime of that Prince. He had almost
killed their lord's soulmate and their King's rage had been so fierce that he
had gone on a mad spree, destroying everything in his path.

Kim Taehyung had always been known as the strongest and

the vilest creature breathing in the three realms. His powers
were greater than any being in centuries. But everyone also knew of the
fact that he was idle. Perhaps it was because of the confidence he had
over his powers that he already knew he harbored since the
lord never went out of his way to prove anyone anything. He had always
been pretty peaceful. He hated to have his energy wasted more than
anything.
But this soulmate of his---Who exactly was she to have such power over
Kim Taehyung to make him finally lose his calm?

Some said that she was a human. Some said she was a Goddess for her
beauty was unlike any mere human's. Some said she was a Demi-
Goddess. And the rumors had gotten so far-fetched that some were even
weaving the tales of her being the Mother of Phoenix--Yeah, right.

Phoenixes didn't even exist. It was just getting ridiculous now. They were
demons, not fools.

It had also been another reason to show up in the Shadowfall Arena, for
they knew that this would be the first appearance of their Queen in the
public. With the way their King had been protecting her, they doubted they
would have another opportunity to catch a glimpse of her again.

Suddenly, everyone becomes alert when the entrance gates of the arena
slowly creak open, creating a loud noise. Immediately, silence falls on the
whole arena. The large entrance gate had sculptures of two panthers on
either side, seeming like they were ready to pounce on each other. And the
gates were only used by the royals.

The King had already arrived. Only, the Queen was left.

Everyone squints their eyes to see who had arrived.

A figure steps out from the shadow, followed by something

that's burning above her.
They collectively become speechless as their gaze falls on a woman.

And not just any woman--hells forbid, that would be an insult to

the Goddess, a fairy --? Whatever she is. But no way, was she a human.

She glowed in the Arena, the black gown clinging to her curves, mimicking
their lord's black attire. A golden necklace adorned her neck and the gold
body chains went around her body, highlighting her beauty. The attire was
simple, nothing too extravagant. But she managed to have even the most
renowned casanovas in the crowd star-struck as if they had never seen a
beautiful maiden before.

Their lord's soulmate was beautiful---utterly beautiful.

It was speculated years ago that if Kim Taehyung were to ever have a
soulmate, the person would be a monster as he was. They would have to
be utterly vile and horrid to have the fates pair them up with the 'Lord of
Evil'.
 But good lord, their lord's soulmate was far, far from horrid. Even calling
her beautiful wouldn't do justice to her beauty. She had a kind
of magnetic beauty that just pulled you in and the more you looked,
the lovelier she would get. This was the beauty for which people
would wage wars. Wars for women after all were not unheard of. Helen,
the greek demi-goddess, who was once regarded as the most beautiful
woman, had been the reason for the Trojan war.

The black roses that swirled in her arms were the ultimate proof that she
was indeed their Queen and their lord's soulmate. Those black roses were
the very symbol of her status, of her power, for no one in all the realms
would not recognize those roses.

They were the flowers of death.

The flowers of Kim Taehyung.

And if everyone hadn't been staring a bit too much already, they were
surely staring now as the fiery bird flying above her lets out a shrill cry and
swoops up to the sky, painting the whole sky red for her mother.

Hells, this is a revelation--So, the Phoenix exists?

And the Mother of Phoenix as well?

All of a sudden, a loud growl reverberates in the entire arena. Everyone's

gaze snaps up to the source, Cerberus whose eyes are gleaming red. The
King is patting his head, but the darkness on his face said that he was
undoubtedly pissed.

Everyone looks away from the Goddess, in the fear of evoking their lord's
wrath. If they wanted their eyes intact, they should keep them to
themselves.

She climbs up the flight of stairs and when she reaches the top, she smiles,
eyes crinkling up with joy.

Which sane mind could even conjure up a smile in the presence of the Lord
of Evil is unbeknownst to everyone.

And the lord who had just seemed like all the clouds in hell had gathered
above him, their same lord smiles back at her----Smiles! As if he had not
been contemplating mass murder just now.
But that simple smile manages to speak of the devotion of their lord to his
soulmate--That smile is frightening.

(Because everyone knows that Kim Taehyung would make the world cry if
that meant he could have her smile.)

He lightly taps on his lap, a mischievous smirk gracing his lips.

She raises her brow, tilting her head a bit, but she counters his smirk with a
challenge of her own.

The breathtaking Goddess settles into their lord's lap, bringing her arms
around his neck, falling into his lap so naturally, as if she never sat
anywhere else. Taehyung, frightening and vile, to the eyes of others,
watches his darling soulmate with such devoutness that could even make
the God of love weep. To the world, he was merciless, but for her, he was
hers. Tender and loving.

To the eyes of any spectators, the scene in front of them looks straight out
of a painting. Kim Taehyung, the King of hell, the Lord of all dark and
devious things, seated on his throne, his hand wrapped around his Queen's
waist, sitting on his lap. The three-headed beast, Cerberus, sitting near the
throne, eyes blazing red and a majestic Phoenix fluttering its wings just
behind the throne, like a shield.

It's powerful.

They can almost feel the electricity thrumming in the air.

"Begin," Taehyung orders, his tender eyes replaced by steely ones.

Immediately, a bunch of guards comes, dragging a Prince, who had been

roughened up a bit but nothing too bad. They force him down to his knees
but he stares at everyone haughtily, with an air of pride around him.

The demons in the crowd go feral, hissing at the unmistakable person of

the heavens.

Taehyung draws circles on her hands, as he gazes coldly at the Prince.

Then, he looks at Lily, concerned for her. "Sweetheart, you don't have to
see this if you don't want to."
Lily has been staring at the Prince, eyes empty and face blank. "You didn't
roughen him up too bad. Good. I want to see everything."

Taehyung feels his smirk grow. Something was clearly messed up in his
head because he shouldn't be feeling this happy at the thought of torturing
someone.

"Any last words?" An authority from hell asks, who is in front of Noah, the
Eleventh Prince.

The Prince grins, staring at Lily and blood trickles down his mouth. "I
should have made sure that you were killed that day. Should have waited
for your soul to disintegrate into nothingness."

Taehyung immediately feels anger surging up his veins. But Lily gently taps
his hand, calming him down.

"I knew that you harbored something incredibly evil to have him protect
you. Now, you are here being the whore of the King of hell. I don't regret
anything I did. But the one thing, I truly regret is not killing you." Noah
speaks, eyes gleaming with insanity.
"How dare you talk to her like that!---" It happens in a blur. Taehyung
releases his grip on her waist and leaves her on the throne. The next thing
Lily sees is Taehyung gripping the Prince's neck tightly, eyes gleaming with
rage.

The Prince's eyes roll back, as he claws at Taehyung's hand but Taehyung
is too furious to let this slide. He would have this bastard killed right now.

The audience cheers loudly, excited.

"Taehyung." Her soft voice snaps him out of his frenzy.

"I will kill him right now, Lily." Taehyung makes his grip tighter, anger
consuming him whole.

"Taehyung. Release him." She says.

Taehyung groans and tosses him on the floor like a ragdoll and his red
eyes meet Lily's, who is now seated on the throne. The throne suits her
incredibly well.

"I don't want you to go easy on him. That would be too kind of you," Lily
murmurs, her eyes flickering with fire.

Now, that wasn't what the others were expecting.

She looked like a vulnerable Goddess but what she had just said made
everyone rethink. How unpredictable. Had they really underestimated her
bloodthirst?

"How do you wish to deal with him, darling ?" Taehyung smirks.

"Start off easy. The shackles in his hands. . .replace them with thorny ones.
If they are poisonous, that's even better. And the servants told that
the Shadowfall Arena also trains lions. I suppose you have one or two here
right now?"

Taehyung likes the sound of this. "Of course, we have the best of them
here."
They weren't ordinary Lions. They were raised with the help of magic and
had powers far greater than a normal lion.

"Then, release the lion and have him fight it off," Lily orders. "But that would
still not be enough to kill him. After all, he is the Eleventh Prince of heaven."

Noah looks pale and pale by the minute, eyes bulging.

"What else, darling?" Taehyung asks, grinning.

"Then, use burning electric volts. He has a special preference for them."
Lily smiles, but everyone gets chills from it. "His skin should burn till the
point he can't feel them. I want him to writhe in pain."

Everyone looks shocked, to say the least. They had thought the Queen
was just going to be a harmless beauty. But good lord, they had been so
wrong. This was sheer madness!
Even the lord looks a bit surprised.

"And," Lily caresses Cerberus's head as he leans into her.

"There's more?!" The demons are by no means compassionate creatures

but even their blood was running cold from the fear now.

"What else, sweetheart?" Taehyung asks lovingly, and everyone looks

flabbergasted. Their lord is looking at his soulmate so fondly as if she had
just been demanding some insignificant jewelry and not just an entire body
on a platter.

"If he still survives at the end of it all, Sirius will take care of him. She has
been wanting to play with him and which mother would deny her child of
such a harmless wish?" She smiles nonchalantly as if she had just been
discussing the Sunday weather with her husband.

Damn.

No one had been expecting this. Even Taehyung hadn't.

The final round with Sirius was the ultimate death. Getting incinerated to
dust by the Phoenix's flames.

Everyone gulps. The fates truly knew how to create a match made in hell.

Taehyung waves his hand. "You heard your Queen. Proceed."

The other demons let out excited cries while some of the few who are less
morally crooked frown. An old official stands up. "Your Majesty,
compassion is a must for a ruler. I know we are from hell but still, we
depend on our rulers and we live on your mercy. I am aware he has
wronged you but isn't this a bit too cruel?"

"And who are you to disrespect your Queen's demands?" Taehyung rages.

Lily shakes her head and Taehyung quietens down diligently.

She had the King wrapped around her finger, good lord.
"I am all for kindness," Lily smiles, but then her eyes breathe fire. "But to
only those who deserve it. The man in front of us has done nothing to
deserve it."

The man shuts up and the punishment proceeds. Taehyung sits back on
the throne, effortlessly picking her up and placing her on his lap once
again.

Noah lets out a scream as the shadow guards hold him tightly while
encasing his wrist in the shackles with thorns. The poisonous thorns dig
into his wrist, making a pool of blood form below him. Then, the lion is
released.

The magical lion, lured by the smell of blood, circles him. Noah manages to
fight it off with whatever powers he could use, tumbling and rolling on the
sandy ground. The lion claws at his back and the demons howl when he
lets out an ear-piercing scream.

Taehyung can feel her discomfort. Though she had managed to keep up a
ruthless upfront, he could sense that she was tense.

Taehyung gently draws circles on her palm, trying to distract her but she
doesn't look away once from the scene.
The first round ends with Noah's one arm completely mauled off.

Then, the burning electric volts arrive.

"I remember how you burned me with those electric volts even when I was
telling you that I was innocent. Enjoy the taste of your own medicine," Lily
mutters calmly.

"No! Fucking hell no!" Noah screams. "J-Just give me a---quick death--"
He begs, breathing heavily.

"I am afraid you do not deserve it, Your Highness." Her eyes are so cold,
no hint of any emotion lingering in those depths.

The wrath of the Goddess was on par with her soulmate's.

The electric volts continue until Noah's skin is completely burnt. He falls to
the ground in a heap.
"Is he dead?" Lily asks.

"No. He is still breathing." Taehyung answers.

"That's a pity," She says. "Well, he has entertained everyone today and I
suppose, he can finally die now."

"Sirius." She calls and the Phoenix hovers above her.

"You wanted to avenge your mother, didn't you? Go ahead. He is all yours
now." She commands and the Phoenix flies towards Noah.

Noah doesn't even get up. He was already half-dead. Sirius breathes out
fire and the eleventh Prince finally turns to ashes under the Phoenix's
flames.

"Marvelous! That was one of the best things I have ever seen!"
"True that! Today was so fun!" The spectators rejoice.

Lily stands up and everyone becomes silent, now with fear.

She was ruthless and no one would ever want to be the subject of her ire
after today.

"Collect his ashes," She orders. "And hand them to the heavens. I suppose
they would want to give their beloved prince a proper burial."

She turns around and whispers to Taehyung quietly. "I want to go home."

Home. Taehyung had never thought that the empty dark castle could ever
be his home. Had never thought that someone could associate that dark
place with home.

But Lily was his home and he would go wherever she went.
He gives a small smile. "Let's go home, sweetheart."

He wraps his arm around her waist and they walk out of the arena, followed
by Cerberus and Sirius.

The crowd cheers loudly, rejoicing. "All hail the King! All hail the Queen!"

***

Lily rushes to their chamber as soon as they arrive back at their Palace.
She gets inside the bathroom and pukes, feeling utterly sick to her
stomach.

Immediately, she feels Taehyung behind her. He gently rubs his hand on
her back and collects her hair up, letting her vomit some more.

She feels slightly better after she has puked the contents inside her
stomach. Taehyung helps her wash up and without saying a word, he picks
her up and carries her to their bed.

"I told you that you didn't need to watch it, right?" Taehyung whispers,
caressing her cheeks. "Sweetheart, I love your kindness and your
compassion. You don't need to be something that you don't want to be."
Lily shakes her head. "It was necessary, Taehyung."

She touches his cheek, her eyes sorrowful in the darkness. "I had to
be ruthless because everyone knows that I am your weakness. Hell
worships power. I have heard countless conversations floating around the
palace. They all think that I will destroy you because I am your only
weakness. They wouldn't accept a weakling. They think that I am your
weak and vulnerable soulmate. And they will attempt to get to you through
me. I do not want that."

She swallows the lump in her throat. "I will not have anyone harm you. .
. Even if it means that I have to be something that I am not, I will do it."

(Love is such a strange, strange thing. It could make the mightiest of men
fall, could bend even the strongest ones to its will, and could taint the souls
of even the purest hearts to do as it bids.)

"You will be painted as a monster. People would look at you only with fear.
Everyone would loathe you," Taehyung whispers.

"Then, I will willingly be a monster. You are mine, Taehyung . . . and no one
has the right to take away what's mine."
Her fiery eyes make him breathless. As the 'Mother of Phoenix', it was
natural for Lily to feel possessive over what belonged to her.
Taehyung revels in that thought, that thought of him being hers.

Taehyung kisses her forehead, holding her close to his erratically beating
heart.

"You might be my Achille's heel, sweetheart but you are also my strength.
They know that I would burn the world for you. No one will dare to touch
you again."

"And you are not weak. You are strong. You are blessed with the divine
power to control fire. You have Sirius to protect you. You have me. You
have Tannie. If you just say the word, darling, the world would be under
your feet." Taehyung whispers with ferocity.

Lily raises her head and she presses her lips against Taehyung's. Their lips
move together slowly, at an unhurried pace, savoring the feel of each other.
But as the kiss deepens, it turns more hungry and more frenzied. Taehyung
lowers her down on the bed, hovering above her.

She grasps his arm and stares into his eyes. "You said that you would burn
the world for me."
"I would." Taehyung breathes out without hesitation.

A beat of silence.

"I would do the same for you, Taehyung."

***

Please vote and comment<3

A/N: So, the Shadowfall arena scene was inspired by this Hades and
Persephone picture. Share your thoughts on the chapter please<3 I also
asked before if there should be smut in 'Infernal Roses'. I am still
considering it because as much as I love reading smut, I have not practiced
writing them yet. So if I do write one, it wouldn't be too explicit. Hope you
enjoyed the chapter<3

22: The Bringer of Death

A name has been creating a buzz in all the realms for the past weeks.

The Queen of Hell

The Bringer of Death, Lily.

Kim Taehyung who is proclaimed as 'Death' in all the realms has a

soulmate who is called the 'Bringer of Death".

Rumors say that wherever the 'Bringer of Death' appears, the Lord of
Evil would be right by her side.

It is a fitting name.
And wasn't it a big coincidence how Lilies are the flowers used in funerals?

The King of Hell and his soulmate had been linked since forever.

"My lord, she is ruthless," A messenger murmurs. "What happened in the

Shadowfall Arena has left everything shaken."

The Heavenly Emperor has a pensive look on his face. The deities around
him also look serious.

"This is an important matter." A deity breaks the silence. "These two

individuals are very powerful and the peace of the world pretty much hangs
in their words. No being should be allowed to have that much power."

"You are right. If his soulmate wishes for the world, then Kim Taehyung will
stop at nothing to have it under her feet." He says, looking distressed. "And
she just so happens to love a cold-blooded murder. Wonderful."

The sarcasm didn't go unnoticed.

"And not only Kim Taehyung. . .The bringer of death is blessed with the
divine control of fire and she is the 'Mother of Phoenix'. She might as well
be the most powerful demi-goddess that has ever breathed." A goddess
mutters.

"The devotion of creatures like them is extreme. Their devotion to each

other will make them raze cities and burn the world to dust if they get the
slightest hint that their mate is in danger."

"The peace of the world is vulnerable now more than ever."

"Leave them be," The Goddess of love speaks up. "I know for a fact that if
they will not be threatened, they will live peacefully without causing any
harm to the world."

"But still, they have too much power---"

"They do. But the cosmos decided to bless them with that power. We do
not have any right to question it." She answers.

"What should we do, then? We just wait for one of them to snap?! Don't
forget what Kim Taehyung did just some weeks ago!" A deity asks bitterly.

"Keep that bitterness hidden. You are from the heavens," A female enters
inside the room and everyone stands up in recognition. "And we all know
the real reason why everyone is advocating for world peace all of a sudden.
It is because you can't bear to see someone from hell more powerful than
you."
"Greetings Your Highness," Except the Emperor, everyone bows to the
Goddess. She nods in acknowledgment.

The heavens are renowned to have twelve princes coveting the throne, well
eleven now after Noah's death. But not everyone is aware of the fact that
they also have a Princess, high-goddess Selene.

These princes all belong to separate families in the heavens. Each

prestigious family houses a different power. When the time for ascension
will come, the most powerful of them will ascend as the Emperor of the
heavens.

High-goddess Selene is most of the time away from the heavens so that
she can practice her skills in solitude. She is one of the most powerful
goddesses in the heavens.

Selene bows to the Emperor. "Greetings Your Majesty."

"Selene, that's no way to talk with your people." The Emperor frowns.

"But aren't I right, Your Majesty?" Selene asks with a light smirk on her lips.
"Lord Kim has been a thorn in everyone's eyes despite being pretty
peaceful. And now, he has finally gotten a soulmate and everyone wants
to snatch even that from him? Don't blame the lion for pouncing on you
when you willingly go to its den."

"Your Highness, why are you defending hell right now?! You are the
princess of the heavens! Have you forgotten that?!" The other celestial
beings complain.
"It would have been better if I had forgotten. Has anyone of you cared
enough to check up on the Eighth Prince after what was disclosed?!" She
asks, infuriated.

Everyone becomes silent. They had completely forgotten about the Eighth
Prince with their attention on the Phoenix.

"Have some shame. Before you go on preaching about wanting to protect

the world, have some sympathy for your own people!" She snaps and
before anyone can speak, she walks out of the room.

"She is furious," Someone whispers.

"Well, what gave it away, Sherlock ?" Another God taunts and in return, he
receives a glare.

"Seems like you have been watching too much nonsense on earth."

"Well, at least they are entertaining!" They start to bicker while the others
sigh.

"The Princess has always had affection for the Eighth Prince. It's a pity he
doesn't see that," A goddess whispers.

"Maybe I should give him a love potion. He is so oblivious that it's hurting
my heart." The Goddess of Love mutters, letting out a dramatic sigh.

Everyone stares at her, unimpressed.

***

When Selene enters the palace of the Eighth Prince, everything is silent.
She had played around these same halls when she was a kid with Aiden
and the other Princes. Aiden had always been the quieter one, the most
mature one as well.

He would stay for hours in one place, too shy to try playing with the other
Princes and she would drag him to play with them.

After they grew up, though everyone was still close, there was a wall
starting to form between them. . .all because of the crown.

Selene stops when she sees him sitting on a couch in his hall, staring at
the painting of his mother, his back turned to her. The moon casts a soft
glow on the prince's face. He looks impassive as he stares at the painting
unblinkingly. It squeezes her heart. Aiden had never seen her as more than
a friend but she had loved him since the Goddess of love had given them
their first lessons on love.

"Aiden," Her voice interrupts the silence and Aiden turns around, face
blank.

"Oh. I didn't hear you, Selene," Aiden gives a small strained smile. "When
did you return to the heavens?"

"Just earlier," She clenches her fist. " I heard. . . About Madam Yang and
Noah. . ."
Aiden lets out a sigh.

"She has been imprisoned, Aiden. . .and Noah is. . ."

"Dead." He mutters, turning his back again on her.

"Aiden. . ."

"She. . .pushed my mother from that terrace. . .My-My mother who never
saw me as I grew up. She couldn't raise me, couldn't see me become taller
than her. . .I wonder how she would have nagged me. Perhaps she would
have pulled me by my ear and demanded me to go to my classes. . . When
I would get sick, perhaps she would have stayed by my side and sang me
songs to chase the nightmares away. . .I could never see her lively smile. .
. I don't think the painting does justice to her smile. . .My mother's smile
would have been warmer than the sun."

"She can never return here again to me. . .all because of someone's
selfishness. Only I remember her. No one else cares," His voice is laced in
pain and he wipes his tears away quietly.

"And Noah. . .He betrayed me but I-I grew up with him. . .I treated him as
my own brother and knowing his terrible end. . ." He rubs his eyes, looking
drained.

"You don't have to feel bad for him. He brought it upon himself."
"How do you do it, Selene?" His tired voice floats in the air.

"What, Aiden?" She asks softly, wanting to take away all of his hurt right
now. But it was a pity she couldn't.

She had loved him since she had known about love.

How many years had gone by of this ridiculous pining?

But she couldn't help it.

Even the Gods were as vulnerable as mortals when it came to love.

There had been a debate once in the heavens. The question had been
"What is the most powerful thing in the world?"

There had been many answers. Water, air, fire, thunder, and many more.
Some had even said Kim Taehyung, the Lord of Evil.

Aiden who had always been a bookworm had answered. "Love."

The other Princes had laughed at his face and she had stared as his
cheeks dusted pink but he remained firm in his answer.

The Emperor had then asked, with a curious look. "Why do you think so,
Aiden?"

"Love is capable of building something as well as destroying it. It has the

power of both creation and destruction."

The Goddess of love had been really pleased with his answer. She
remembers.

The emperor had again asked. "Don't you think the Lord of Evil is the most
powerful? He fought in the Devil Peak for 15 years. He emerged out
vanquishing 100,000 demons and wretched souls."

Aiden had simply shaken his head. "In the face of love, even the devil
will fall."

What a beautiful answer he had given.

"How do you remain so detached? How do you not feel? I wish-- I wish I
couldn't feel anything right now." Aiden whispers, pained.
But she had felt for him—fell for him for centuries.

Had left the heavens just so that she could move on from him. Turns out it
had been incredibly futile.

Would a day come when he would finally see her?

Aiden was the light, the Sun. But she had always been a moon, who would
have to be contented with little fragments of his warmth.

"One day. . . One day you will wake up and it won't hurt anymore." She
replies, wanting to close the distance between them and hug him, but she
remains in her own place.

Would a day come where it won't feel like oceans were stretched between
them even if they were so near?
Surely, enough, one day, he will wake up and would be able to move past
this betrayal and pain.

And sure enough, one day, she will also stop looking at him, knowing that
he will never look back.

(Oh, isn't it love when you can't stop looking at someone despite knowing
that they will never look back at you?)

***

Back in hell, Lily is greeted by a bright girl early in the morning.

She learns that the girl, Emily, is 14 years old and will be her lady in waiting
or her personal maid from that day onwards. She had wondered why
Taehyung hadn't given her an older maid but she had an inkling why. The
older ones loved gossiping and Taehyung detested them.
Emily is cheerful and smart, rambling about anything and everything while
she tends to Lily's hair.

Her fingers glide over the jewelry that Taehyung had picked out for her. He
had left an entire jewelry collection in their closet. They were so exquisite
that she had never seen anything like that before. She smiles thinking
about their earlier conversation.

"Taehyung! This is madness! Who wears this much jewelry?" She

exclaimed.

He merely chuckled, bringing his arms around her. "You are the Mother of
Phoenix, darling. And in the mortal realm, the Phoenix represents the
Empress, especially in Chinese cultures. You are my Queen and it would
only be right to shower you with the luxury you deserve."

"You know, I am quite mad at you right now."

"Why?" Taehyung asked, worry flickering in those mischievous eyes.

"You were ripping off me when we were on earth. Do you even like
Ramen?"

"Of course I do!" Taehyung blurted out, looking offended. "I love Ramen
very much. Perhaps even more than you!"
"And you shall be taking the couch tonight." She feigned a glare, crossing
her arms.

"Sorry," Taehyung laughed, bringing her to his arms again. "I didn't mean it
at all. I am taking my words back, sweetheart."

And then, his hot breath fanned her face making her heart beat erratically.
"And you know that I can't sleep without my wife."

"I wonder who that lady is considering there are no married women in your
vicinity right now."

Taehyung brushed his nose against her gently, smiling so beautifully,

looking truly, genuinely happy. Happiness looked so good on him. "Not yet.
But soon."

Warmth spread over her cheeks. "But Taehyung, I am serious. This is too
much--"

"Hush now. And just so you know, even the most expensive diamonds or
jewelry in the world can't compare to a finger of yours." Taehyung had
whispered so softly and she had melted into a puddle. Damn him.

"And if it will make you feel better, I will pick out jewelry for you every day. It
can be one of our little routines."

She smiled from ear to ear. "Our little routine, hm?"

"You better get used to it, sweetheart."

"Uhm, my lady--" Emily's voice snaps her out of her trance.

"Yes? Sorry, I zoned out." She mutters sheepishly.

"You have a mark on your neck. Oh dear, it seems like a bee has stung
you. It looks red," Emily asks, looking concerned.

Lily's eyes snap towards the vanity mirror and her eyes widen when she
sees the glaring red mark on her neck.

Oh. Oh.

"Ah," She chuckles nervously. "Yes-yes, seems like a bee."

It was your lord.

"I will come with the ointment soon. Please wait, my lady!" Emily rushes out
of the chamber before she can stop the girl.

She sighs but a smile creeps on her face as she remembers last night.

Taehyung kisses her hard, their tongues intertwining, his scent intoxicating
her. He was sin and she was the sinner. He pulls back, staring at her with a
hooded gaze. His long fingers trail on the gold body chain and Lily shivers
under his touch.

"When you appeared wearing this dress, darling--," His breath fans her
neck. "--I was just imagining how good you would look without this."

"Taehyung---" She murmurs, her body warming under his scorching gaze.
There is a deep urge within her waiting to be satiated, a hunger only he
could fulfill.

His warm lips skim over her jaw and then, he places a slow kiss on her
neck, sucking the skin there. "Wouldn't you love wearing my marks,
sweetheart?"

She nods, her eyes raking over the perfection that her soulmate is. How
had she gotten so lucky?

"Words, sweetheart," Taehyung demands.

"I-I would love it," She whispers, her breath getting heavier as Taehyung's
hands roam around her body, mapping every part.

He tugs at her black gown and it slips off, exposing her breasts. She feels
the cold air on them and shivers. It's hard not to feel self-conscious as his
gaze unravels her. But this is Taehyung and she knows that she has
nothing to fear.

"Fuck. You are so beautiful, darling." The devotion in Taehyung's deep,

dark eyes makes her heart thud louder against her chest.

"May I?" He asks gently.

"Yes." That's all it takes before Taehyung is kissing the valley between her
breasts and her back arches, trying desperately to feel some friction
between them, to satiate the urge that's throbbing between her legs.

Taehyung's hands keep her hips down, as his mouth latches onto her
breast, eliciting moans from her.

His hands continue their quest and the hunger inside her grows, only the
sound of her breathy moans and his heavy breaths filling the room.

His lips again claim hers, their tongues mingling. He licks the seams of her
lips and moans into her mouth.
Taehyung's fingers brush against the tattoo on her arm. He pauses, staring
at the black roses, and kisses them slowly, teasingly. Then, his lips trail to
the scar on her wrist, eyes taking in everything as if he was memorizing
every inch of her body.

He places searing kisses between her shoulder and collarbones and then
she feels his hands slipping between the folds of her dress, dangerously
nearing her intimate part. She is unprepared as she lets out a gasp when
his fingers enter her.

Good lord. Why does that feel so good?

Taehyung bunches the dress above her hips and god, his fingers----

"Does it feel good, darling?" His lips travel to her ear, hot breath warming
up her face.

"Y-Yes," She chokes out as pleasure shoots up her body.

"Do you want more, sweetheart?" His voice holds a teasing lilt. And
truthfully speaking, she has already forgotten where or even who she is
right now. And then, she feels his hot breath in between her legs.

"Taehyung. . . Oh, fuck----" Her hands clench the bed sheets as his mouth
places a kiss on her core.

"Eyes on me, darling." With his sinful, dark eyes, he tastes her. Heat
spreads under her skin and she feels herself soaring higher.

Taehyung never breaks eye contact with her and her hands seem to have
found a mind of their own as they tug into his hair while her legs wrap
around his neck as he continues savoring every drop with his sinful tongue.

He takes his time, worshipping her body. For Taehyung, she would forever
be the sole object that he would worship.

Shockwaves grip her body as she writhes under him, finally finding that
release as she comes undone. She slumps against the soft cushions,
feeling completely spent.

Taehyung pushes back the strands of her hair with a soft smile on his face,
collecting her in his arms. "I got you, sweetheart."

His forehead presses to hers, the cold air of hell barely cooling the heat
between them. She feels her own smile stretch widely. "You, Kim
Taehyung, are going to be the death of me someday."
After Emily brings her the ointment and brushes makeup on the mark to
hide it, she continues dressing her up. Lily stares at the pearl chains that
Taehyung had picked out for her today.

"Do you know where this Pearl chain is from, my lady?" Emily asks, smiling
brightly as she helps her to put on the pearls.

"No," Lily shakes her head, staring at the exquisite pearl chain that now
decorates her neck.

"Well, this is a very famous piece. These pearls were retrieved from the
Southern Sea that lies between heaven and hell. It's a tricky place
and there were talks about a sea monster that lived at the bottom of that
sea that guarded this precious pearl. I heard from others that our lord's
father, the previous ruler, had gotten into a brawl with our lord. And the lord
had left hell, enraged. But after a few weeks, he appeared back in hell with
these pearls. Apparently, the sea monster had pissed off our lord when he
was taking a nap on the shore, by soaking him from head to toe with water.
Then, he dove into the sea, killed the monster, and brought those pearls
back to hell. They are the most precious pearls in all the realms."
Lily brushes her fingers on the pearls. For Taehyung to give her something
as priceless as this. . .

"Sweetheart, are you ready? We will have to leave now," Taehyung enters
the chamber. Lily turns around immediately, a wide smile instantly
blooming on her face.

"Yes, just now. I am ready to leave," They were going to meet Mrs. Jung
today on earth and she also needed to get back to her friends. Taehyung
had also said he had someone important to introduce her to.

"How do I look?" She asks, brushing away the creases of her dress.

"Absolutely breathtaking," Taehyung murmurs, gazing at her.

"Emily--" Lily turns around and finds her looking down, her face deathly
pale. It always managed to surprise her how the very presence of
Taehyung could evoke so much fear in people. He was always so tender to
her. But she couldn't really blame the poor girl. Taehyung did have a scary
reputation.

"You are dismissed, Emily. Thank you for helping me out," Lily says.

"It was my pleasure, my lady. Please don't thank me. I will take my leave,"
She bows to her and Taehyung and immediately scurries out of the
chamber as if Cerberus was hot on her tails.
Taehyung was absolutely nonchalant. He really was used to this, wasn't
he?

"Taehyung, what is the story behind these pearls?" She asks in order to
distract him, as they walk hand in hand out of the chamber

"So, you heard the great tale of my bravery?" Taehyung smirks.

"Yes. Killing a sea monster, hm?"

"Actually, the story is a bit exaggerated. I had left hell to get those pearls in
the order of my father. The heavens were also coveting it and he wanted to
have his hands on them. He asked me to get those pearls and if not, the
gates of hell would be closed for me . . . I had no choice but to fight that
monster and bring those pearls for him. . ." Taehyung answers, but his
voice drops lower and lower, his face turning frosty.

"He wasn't a. . . good father, was he?" She whispers. "How many times did
he ask you to do such things and let the others paint you as a villain?"

Taehyung's jaw tightens and he looks away. "Plenty of times, sweetheart.

But it's not a tale for today."

Taehyung's eyes had looked so distant just now. It was evident that
whatever had happened with his father still affected him.

"So, who is this important person that we are meeting?" She asks,
changing the subject.
"When you were unconscious for weeks after I brought you back from the
Ice Tower, it was clear that your friends on earth would have been worried
for you. And I know you wouldn't have liked that. So, I asked a favor from
this Prince and had him shapeshift into you in the meantime."

"I was getting worried over that. Thank You," She beams and kisses his
cheek. "So, who is he?"

"He is Kim Seokjin. One of the Princes of hell. The sin of Lust."

***

Please vote and comment<333

Selene: The goddess of moon

A/N: So, they haven't done the deed yet *winks*. I didn't want to make it
too explicit. And this is my first time attempting it, so please be kind. Please
share your thoughts on the chapter and if you have any feedback, I will
gladly welcome it. And well, a new character Selene has been introduced,
too. This character is for all of my readers whose love is unrequited (maybe
your author had one too hehe) Have a good day/night<3

23: Slow dancing

After taking one glance at Kim Seokjin, Lily immediately understands why
this man is called the sin of lust.

His eyes held mischief in them but they glinted with a sharp light. He held
an enchanting allure, like all the other Princes of hell. But something about
him was different from the other sins. His eyes were hypnotizing and one
look at them, and you felt like you were drowning in some lustful haze.

Taehyung had introduced her to Yoongi, the sin of sloth before. The Prince
had given her a nod of approval with a devious smirk after he learned of
what she had done in the Shadowfall Arena. And then, there was
Jungkook, the sin of gluttony, the other Prince of hell. She certainly hadn't
expected a man, with his cheeks red, chowing down Ramen from 6 ramen
cups. Apparently, after Taehyung had returned to hell he had mentioned
that Ramen was the most delicious thing ever, and then, Jungkook had
rushed to earth and after taking a slurp, he had found his one true love.
Of all the things she had expected, finding Ramen in hell was definitely not
one of them.

And there was Jimin, Taehyung's right-hand man. The man was stressed
and frustrated the whole time. He was ranting about officials and the
meetings, and he was panicking. She had felt sympathy for him and had
known immediately that the man was a perfectionist and a control freak and
was in desperate need of a vacation.

There was also Namjoon, Jimin's brother, and Taehyung had said that he
was the most intelligent person in hell. Namjoon's scholarly capabilities
were comparable to the most intelligent scholars in the heavens. He was
one of the few disciples of the Great Witch of hell and was a trusted advisor
of Taehyung.

After that, she met Jung Hoseok, the Grand Master of hell. He always had
a bright smile on his face and he had been helping her with training her
powers. It had been a few days since she had started.

"Greetings, my lady," Seokjin murmurs, giving a bow.

"Greetings, Your Highness." She nods. Emily had taught her some basic
etiquette for greeting other people. And the one thing, she had been told by
the other helping maids was that the Queen didn't bow to others.

Seokjin takes her hand and places a kiss on top of it, his eyes glinting with
mirth as Taehyung stands by her side, shooting daggers at him with his
eyes.
"I have heard many things about you in the past weeks," Seokjin drawls.
"And one of them was the rumors about your beauty. After having the
honor to meet you, suffice to say, the rumors did not do justice to your
beauty at all."

"I am flattered, Your Highness." She supplies, vaguely confused. She

certainly hadn't been expecting this. Seokjin was brave to say that in front
of Taehyung.

"And if you want your eyes intact, do not stray them elsewhere," Taehyung
throws him a dark look. If looks could kill, Seokjin would already be 6 feet
under.

"Taehyung!" She admonishes, feeling heat creep up to her cheeks. "Don't

be rude."

He pays no heed to her words and snakes his arm around her waist
possessively.

Seokjin just chuckles. "Do not think of me as a creep, my lady. I just love
pulling his leg."

"I can see that," She smiles. "I heard from Taehyung that you helped me
back on earth. Thank you for that. I wouldn't know how to explain my
disappearance to my friends otherwise."

"I would say It was my pleasure --But it wasn't. Ah, My bones hurt from
working back there on earth. I couldn't even use my powers for fear of
being discovered by anyone. And can you please tell me why the hell
humans love drinking coffee so much?! That shit is just bitter! And then,
please, the worst part is the shitty customers! I was this close to dumping
coffee on some of them. And this trip also made me come to the grand
conclusion that I can't tolerate humans. Honestly, I am glad it's over."
Seokjin whines.

"You have grown old. That's why your bones hurt from some work,"
Taehyung supplies dryly.

"Take it fucking back, you ungrateful moron! I am just some centuries old!
Thank you very much!" Seokjin glares, looking pissed.

She laughs. "Alright, let's not fight, please. It was a pleasure meeting you,
Your Highness."

"I share the same sentiment. But let me not hold you up anymore. I believe
you have matters to address on earth."

She nods and after exchanging goodbyes with Seokjin, Taehyung and her
proceed to earth. Their first stop is at Mrs. Jung's flower shop.

She feels nostalgic upon seeing the flower shop where she had spent
countless hours tending to flowers. How had her entire world changed so
much in such a little time?

Now, she was a demi-goddess. A mother to a Phoenix. And lately, The

Bringer of Death.
The whispers go around in the hallways and corridors about 'The Bringer
of Death.' That she is the beloved soulmate of Lord Kim Taehyung, the
King of hell, the entity who rules over all the dead. Kim Taehyung is known
in all the realms for his ominous powers. And naturally, everyone is curious
about his soulmate.

Those who caught a glimpse of her in the Shadowfall Arena speak of the
bewitching beauty of the Queen of hell. But more than her beauty, they talk
about her ruthlessness and her cruelty. That she entertains violence and
blood just like her soulmate. That fire dances in her eyes and it could burn
anyone to ashes just from one look.

And they say that wherever she is, Kim Taehyung is present.

She brings death wherever she goes.

As expected of the 'Queen of Dead'.

Standing in front of the shop wearing a casual floral dress like any other
time when she had been living on earth, she feels odd, like wearing old
clothes that don't fit her anymore.

"Good evening, Mrs. Jung." She calls and enters inside, the bell on the
door chiming in the process. Taehyung had said he would stay near and
this was a conversation she should be having alone.

"Lily. . .? Is that you?" A hesitant voice comes and Mrs. Jung emerges from
the back of the shop, holding tulips in her hand.
What if she looks at her differently after knowing what she has done, what
she has become?

But the old woman smiles warmly instead and her eyes well up.

She didn't know she had just been craving a warm smile after the looks of
fear that the others throw in her way now.

"Oh, it's really you." The woman's lips tremble, and her eyes are shining
with tears now.

"You do not hate me?" She whispers. "For what I have done?"

She had ordered a person to be killed in the most gruesome way and
words about it would float in the Palace all the time.

But she didn't regret it.

An eye for an eye. She was beginning to understand this.

Taehyung was one of the few good things that life had blessed her with.
And she knew how much others loathed him for just existing. If she had
to protect Taehyung, then she would kill a thousand more men like that.

"I have heard. The news does travel fast. . . ." She murmurs. "But I can
never hate you, dear. You have been my child for 11 years since my
master entrusted me to you. Your kindness and your innocence were
something that I loved about you. At the same time, it also made me scared
for you. The world is a cruel place, child, especially to those who are weak.
You have made me assured that you are capable of fending for yourself. .
.that you will not let anyone trample over you."

"Fire was buried inside you for many years. I had feared that the flame
would be extinguished without ever escaping its seal. But I am glad that
now you know you are made of fire. You live and breathe in it."

"You have to be ready for whatever hurdles life throws at you next. There
will be people, so powerful, who will want to tear you down, who will want to
possess you, claim you. But you must know that you are a Phoenix, born to
fly freely."

Acceptance.

She sees acceptance and pride in her eyes.

With teary eyes, she hugs the woman. "Thank you. Thank you for looking
after me."

Mrs. Jung pats her head lightly, smiling. And for the next hour, she and
Mrs. Jung tend to the flowers. The simple activity manages to give her a
sense of normalcy in all this chaos. Mrs. Jung proceeds to tell the entire
story, of her father and her mother, about the Goddess of Light, and about
her half-brother Aiden. Aiden is the only blood family that she has in this
world. The Eighth Prince.
"Do me a favor, dear." Mrs. Jung mutters. " Please be kind towards that
child. I know he has wronged you before but he has no one in this world
except you. After being betrayed by the two closest people in his life, I
doubt he will recover from that blow anytime soon."

"I will meet him," She nods. "I am sure Taehyung can arrange something."

Mrs. Jung smiles. "Oh, he surely will. He is so smitten with you that if you
ask for a burning star, I am afraid he would go to all lengths to retrieve it for
you."

She lets out a content sigh. "I am glad there is someone who loves you like
how you deserve to be loved."

Lily feels her heart go warm. When she steps out of the shop, night has
already crept in. The next stop is a restaurant. Yuna and Sunmi would be
waiting for her here.

The smell of grilled meat and beer wafts through the restaurant. The
sizzling of pans, the waiters rushing, and people barking orders, are all too
familiar. . Yuna and Sunmi are already seated by a table near the window,
bickering while they are grilling meat.

"I am here!" She rushes to the table, a wide smile on her face. Her friends
beam at her sight.

Here, she is no Queen of hell, no demi-goddess, and no Bringer of Death.

She is just Lily, a 21-year-old girl, hanging out with her friends after a long
day of work.
"You are late! I was about to gobble this all up!" Yuna grumbles. "I am so
hungry I could eat for us all!"

"And I was trying to stop her, of course. No fun without you," Sunmi
chimes.

A smile takes over her face. She had truly missed her friends.

"Let's eat, then!" And they spend the next hour, eating, drinking, and
laughing.

"You know I have been wondering why you suddenly asked us for a night
out. I am suspicious, girl. Spill your beans right now," Yuna narrows her
eyes, her cheeks slightly flushed due to the beer.

"Can't a girl want to hang out with her friends now and them?" Lily
mumbles, and hurriedly picks up a slice of meat into her mouth so as not to
speak. She feels hesitant and doesn't know how to say it.

"Well, I suppose. But I am intuitive, you know and I feel that something is
off."

Outside, some dogs are barking. A man lets out a loud laugh at another
table. A car wheezes past the window, disappearing down the streets.

"I am going away."

She blurts out and the next moment, there is pin-drop silence over their
table.

"What---?!" Yuna stands up, gaping. Sunmi looks shocked as her.

"I am going away, guys. . . I got a job offer abroad. . .and I have always
wanted to make a new start," She says, feeling bad about lying to her
friends. But she couldn't tell them about hell and well, everything. Yuna
would send her to a mental hospital if she tells the truth.

But she has always wanted to make a new start. That was true, indeed.

"Wait a minute, I am loading right now," Yuna chugs down her beer.

"Are you serious? 100%?" Sunmi asks next.

She nods.

"But your whole life is here. Your apartment, your friends, Mrs. Jung, the
flower shop, the cafe---Have you made up your mind?"

"Yes," She says, waiting for either of them to explode.

"How far?" Yuna asks quietly and she sees tears in her friend's eyes. Yuna
had always been her best friend, the girl who stood up for her against her
high-school bullies, who understood her fears, and her nightmares. Even
before Sunmi came into their lives.
"Far." She mumbles, feeling her own eyes sting.

"Seriously, this doesn't work like this--- Can't you see I am trying so hard
not to cry in front of my grilled meat! This sucks!" Yuna sniffles.

"If it makes you feel better, I will buy you another plate." She chuckles.

". . .I know you have always wanted to start somewhere new and leave the
past behind. . ." Yuna mumbles and takes a deep breath. "Well, just call us
now and then when you are not too busy. Otherwise, the next time you
show up in front of me, I will stab you with my fork!"

"Noted," She laughs. "Are you sure you both are not angry at me?"

"Actually, I am quite mad. The only thing that could help you is another
order of chicken---" Yuna goes quiet when Sunmi raises her brow. Sunmi
puts on a smile and directs her gaze at Lily.

"Why would we be angry at you, silly?" Sunmi squeezes her hand gently. "
It's your life and your decisions. Of course, we will miss you. But you know
what they say, spread your wings."

"I will. Thank you, guys." She mumbles, grateful for having such good
friends.

She manages to make Yuna less mad after another plate of fried chicken.
After saying goodbyes to Sunmi and Yuna, Lily rushes outside. It had
gotten quite late.
She turns around a corner, looking frantically for Taehyung. He wouldn't
have left without her.

Then, she suddenly bumps into a figure. A hand steadily holds her and she
feels at ease once again.

"I suppose everything went well?" Taehyung asks.

"Yes, I am glad." She answers, relieved.

"Care for a walk, sweetheart ?"

"Now?" She asks. "Don't we need to return home?"

"It won't take much time. I promise." Taehyung smiles and takes her hand.

They stroll down the streets together. A comforting silence hangs over
them. The streets are desolate by now and the occasional chirping of the
crickets interrupts the quiet. It reminds her of that time when she had taken
a late-night walk with Taehyung.

As they walk farther, her eyes widen in surprise, realizing they had reached
the place where they had laid down on the crosswalk once, watching the
traffic lights flicker. The Notebook scene.

Taehyung's voice pulls her out of her thoughts.

"I always wanted to recreate one movie scene." He says, smiling
mischievously.

She pauses. Those words are very familiar. Because she had told them to
him that night.

"Well, what movie is it?" She asks, her heart starting to beat faster.

"The Notebook," Taehyung whispers and pulls her closer to him. "You
wanna dance with me?"

She feels her smile grow and asks in surprise. "You watched that movie?"

"Wasn't the reply I was hoping for. But yes, I did watch that movie."
Taehyung says, eyes shining in the dark. "It was. . .stupidly nice. . ."

Lily laughs. "You cried while watching that, didn't you?"

Taehyung looks at her in disbelief. "I didn't!"

"Yes, you definitely did." Lily giggles more, watching Taehyung's ears grow
red.

"I didn't! Tannie's promise, I didn't!" Taehyung denies.

"Oh my god, how can you bring up our sweet child in the middle of your
lies?" Lily feigns a gasp, having fun watching Taehyung get all worked up.

"I am not lying, sweetheart---" Then, he narrows his gaze at her. "You are
having fun messing with me, aren't you?"

She stands on her tiptoes and places a peck on his lips. "It's so easy to
mess with you."

Taehyung doesn't let her pull back. Instead, he holds her in her place and
deepens the kiss. With him, whether it be heaven, hell, or earth, time
always seems to stop, like they are the only people living in this world.

They break the kiss and Lily smiles against his lips. "Ask me again if I want
to dance with you and I will say yes."

Taehyung grins softly, repeating the line from the movie. "You wanna
dance with me?"

"Sure. Now?" She asks as Allie does in the movie.

"Mmm."

"You are not supposed to dance in the street." She replies, playing her role.

"You are supposed to dance in the street." Taehyung retorts back and
twirls her around.
 She grins, as he takes her hand and slides his other hand around her
waist, pulling her so close that no distance is left between their body. Then,
they slowly start swaying side by side.

"But we don't have any music," She mumbles against his lips. His soft
breath tickles her skin gently.

"Well, we will make some," Taehyung whispers and hums softly, slow
dancing with her in the street with no care for the world.

There is no music except Taehyung's occasional humming but it feels like a

soft melody is playing in the air, that only they can hear.

She places her head on his chest, feeling blissful.

"This is awfully romantic of you," She can't stop herself from smiling too
hard.

"Whatever I do is always romantic, sweetheart." Taehyung quips.

"Hmm, I guess. True," She murmurs.

"You love slow dancing?" He asks next.

"Only with you," She replies honestly.

"Then, I will have to organize a ball and give you the complete experience,"
Taehyung mutters. "I want to dance with you on a ball, twirling you around
in your gown while the orchestra plays in the background and the world
around us melts away."

"A ball?" She looks up. "Taehyung, I am happy to dance with you like this."

"Well, I want you to experience your first ball. And besides, it would be your
first ball as the Queen. Also, I suppose you would want to meet your half-
brother. I can invite him to this ball."

"You would?" She asks. She knows Taehyung hardly has any good
feelings for anyone related to the heavens. So, it means a lot that he is
putting his hatred aside just for her.

"I know you want to meet him, sweetheart. And whatever you want, I will
get it for you."

(Kim Taehyung's love is his unyielding devotion. An earth-shattering

devotion that won't hesitate to cross oceans and lands for his love. That
won't bend down in front of anyone except her.)

She kisses him again, taking her time, showing instead of putting her
feelings into words. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
***

"Hell is organizing the grandest ball of the year to celebrate our Queen. On
the occasion of this grand event, she wishes to meet with her half-brother,
the Eighth Prince of the heavens. She would be elated if her brother
decided to join her on this joyful occasion. His venerable status as the
Prince of heaven will be respected and he will be treated with utmost
regard. Hell gladly welcomes the Eighth Prince," The messenger of hell
finishes reading the scroll.

All the celestial beings of the heavens are gathered in the hall for the news
from hell. Eyes full of envy and awe fall in the direction of the Eighth Prince,
who is sitting in his seat, looking uncomfortable at the attention.

The Eighth Prince had no powerful connections till some weeks ago. His
closest relatives had long since abandoned him. But now, he had suddenly
the Queen of hell as his sister. If he manages to get her support, then, he
would have the support of the King of hell, seeing as Lord Kim dotes on his
soulmate a lot.

To have the Bringer of Death and the Mother of Phoenix's support. . .the
other princes were now glancing at each other disgruntled by the sudden
new prospects for their brother.

"Eighth Prince, do you wish to go or not?" The Emperor asks.

Aiden stands up and bows. "I would love to meet my sister, Your Majesty."
"Then, it is decided. You shall attend the ball."

A deity stands up and with sarcasm in his voice, says. "Your Majesty, I
think we should send a companion with the Eighth Prince, considering the
behavior from hell towards heaven has been far from satisfactory lately."

"Right! What if another Prince's ashes gets sent back again?" The whispers
grow.

"True. True." The others affirm.

"That would be disrespectful to my sister's trust, Your Majesty. She has

gone out of her way to invite me and I am already grateful for it," Aiden
murmurs thoughtfully.

"Quite the contrary, my lord," The messenger from hell smiles, his fangs
glittering. "The Queen has said that if you have friends to accompany you
to the ball, that would be even better, considering it would be your first time
there and she wants you to be comfortable."

The others immediately become silent, fuming inwardly.

"Who do you wish to take, Eighth Prince?" The Emperor asks.

The other Princes and some Goddesses throw meaningful glances at him.
"I think I would be better off alone---" Aiden is cut off.

"How about sending High-Goddess Selene with him, Your Majesty?" The
Goddess of love interrupts. Selene's head whips up.

"She is a mature person and will assist the prince well. Besides, I have
heard hell is blessed in architecture. Our Princess would love to bask under
such a glorious sight."

"High-goddess Selene, do you wish to go?" The Emperor inquires.

Selene looks around, her heart racing against her chest. She stands up,
her hands suddenly clammy with sweat. "If only the Eighth Prince is
comfortable."

Aiden glances at her and gives a small smile. "You would be the best
companion I could think of, Selene."

"A date, moron. She is your date." Selene flushes as she hears the
Goddess of love whisper quietly by her side.

"Then, it is decided. Eighth Prince Aiden and high-goddess Selene will be

representing the heavens in the ball organized by hell. They will be sending
our best regards to the King and Queen of hell."
***

Remember to vote and comment<333

A/N: Personally, what would you love to see more in 'Infernal roses'? Any
specific moments? Share your thoughts, please >.<

24: Hello Brother

Once in a blue moon

The monster becomes weak

The monster becomes weak

His back bloody and carved

In places where there were supposed to be wings

The monster will be slain

And the hero shall arise

And The world will be mine

Rightfully mine

A cold wind blows in the dark room. From the window, the moonlight spills
inside the place. A person sings a poem in the shadows, the melody
haunting and bringing chills in the backs of the others present. His eyes
glitter in the dark dangerously.

The creepy poem isn't the scary part. What's scary about him is how he
keeps singing the verse as he carves out the wings of a dead bird with his
knife.

His hands are covered in blood and he grins as the moonlight spills on his
face.

"Master," A person from the shadows steps forward. "We have news."

"Did you bring me her portrait?" He asks.

"Yes, master. "

"Show me."
The person snaps his fingers and two guards step out of the shadows,
carrying a long scroll. They quickly undo the scroll and the moonlight spills
on the face of the painting. The man pauses his work and casts a long,
long glance at the figure.

"Beautiful. Utterly beautiful. The moon would pale in comparison to her

beauty," The man stands up from his chair, tossing away the dead bird.
With his bloody hands, he touches the face of the painting. "Fit to be
a Queen."

He lets out a chuckle. "Tsk. Tsk. Kim Taehyung. Always one lucky fucker."

"Master. Do you plan on taking her?"

"Ah, not now. First, I will have to finish our long overdue plan. I have been
waiting for years for this." He glances at the feathers of the bird pooling on
the floor. "Kim Taehyung's downfall."

"Master, but Kim Taehyung isn't alone now. He has her. She commands a
phoenix, my lord."

"And?"

"He is protected. More than he has ever been," The servant mutters.

The person lightly pats the cheeks of his good servant. "Do you think that
will stop me?"

The servant looks down, quivering. "No, my lord."

"Bring me another bird." He orders, playing with the knife.

"Once in a blue moon

The monster becomes weak

The monster becomes weak"

His voice continues to echo in the dark.

***

"Taehyung. Hells, help me! I have a lot of work to do! Why have you called
me?!" Jimin yells, walking inside Taehyung's study chamber.

He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Yoongi, Jungkook, Grand Master
Hoseok, Seokjin, and Namjoon present inside along with Taehyung.
Basically, everyone is here.

"Close the door," Jungkook immediately says, sipping his banana milk.

Along with Ramen, he had found banana milk back on earth and had
brought cartons of them back to hell. His chamber was basically brimming
with Ramen and banana milk. Jimin has the urge to sigh at the boy's
unhealthy obsession.

"Why are we all here?" He asks, closing the door.

"It should be perfect." Taehyung is saying absentmindedly, his eyes fixed

on some large boxes spread on the table.
Jimin steps closer and lets out a gasp of shock."What the fuck?! Did you
decide to bring the whole royal treasury here today?!"

On the table, there are hundreds of rings; diamonds, gold, silver, platinum,
sapphire, and ruby each more priceless than the other.

What a good day it is to be in hell.

He glances at his brother Namjoon in confusion. "Is this what I am thinking

this is?"

Namjoon nods. "Taehyung is choosing a ring for proposing."

Jimin understands. Then, truly speaking, they were going to be here

for hours.

Because this was Taehyung choosing a ring for Lily.

The man was whipped and didn't even try to hide it anymore.

"Why is nothing good here?" Taehyung glares at the rings as if wanting to

hurl everything away. Everyone knows, for a fact, that one ring on this table
could feed off the next four generations of a family living on earth.

"How about this one?" Yoongi asks, looking bored to death.

"Too yellow."
"It's made of gold for a reason. Lord, give me strength." Yoongi takes a
deep breath.

"This ruby ring?" Jimin picks up another one.

"Too red." Taehyung answers.

Jimin counts to ten in his head. The method always works when he doesn't
want to bury anyone from his anger.

This continues for the next hour and they still haven't come up with any
ring. Well, Taehyung hasn't.

"Any ring from here is extraordinary and priceless. What the hell do you
want?" Seokjin finally snaps.

"There is nothing here that's nice." Taehyung says. "It should be perfect.
It's going to be my sweetheart's ring."

Yoongi acts like he is gagging at one corner.

"You lovesick fool." Seokjin rolls his eyes. "Go and slay a dragon and bring
the ring from there then."

Taehyung halts, thinking as if he had a sudden epiphany. "Right. Dragons

guard treasures after all."

"I was fucking joking!"Seokjin screams.

"Don't you dare go to create troubles with dragons now!" Jimin seethes.
"One Phoenix is already enough! I don't want this entire palace in flames!"

Taehyung shrugs nonchalantly. Jimin dedicates himself even more to

finding a good ring because, with Taehyung's madness, he wouldn't be
surprised if this man goes to slay a dragon just to bring a ring for his
soulmate. Good lord.

"I am out." Yoongi is the first one to leave. "I need a drink."

"Yeah, this is going to take another month." Jungkook follows him.

Seokjin points his finger and warns. "Don't go to find any troubles with
dragons. I am leaving, too."

Namjoon is next. "I think there's a book in the library about rings. I will
search that for you?" It comes more like a question than a statement. Jimin
stifles a laugh. His brother can't lie for the life of him.

Master Hoseok gives a kind smile. "Taehyung, Lily would love anything you
give to her. Don't worry too much." He leaves after that.

Jimin knows master must be happy inside because, after years of being an
emotionless wall, Taehyung had finally found his happiness, a reason
to hope.

And though his love held an extremity unlike any other, it was
so him. Taehyung lived like that.

After the endless sufferings and betrayals Taehyung has suffered, Jimin is
happy that the fates gave Taehyung this.

Jimin is left inside with Taehyung in his study. He finally speaks up about
the matter that had been on his head for days. "The blue moon is
approaching. . . ."

Taehyung freezes next, dropping the ring he was holding. It clatters on the
ground. The temperature in the room drops a few degrees.
"It's the first blue moon in this century. It's going to be powerful," Jimin
mutters. "I have already prepared everything."

"Lily shouldn't know anything," Taehyung says with finality in his tone.

"Wouldn't it be better to tell her?"

"No, I am not ready to open that can of worms yet."

Jimin nods. He hopes everything would go smoothly.

***

Aiden takes a deep breath, his eyes roaming around the lavish parlor in
hell. He had just arrived in the Palace some moments ago and had been
escorted inside this place to wait for his sister. His heart is beating hard,
and his palms are clammy with sweat. He is painfully nervous. Selene
seems comfortable though, looking around the place in awe.

He sneaks a glance at her, oddly finding comfort in her presence. Her soft
hair falls down in curls and she is wearing a light gown, white in color,
embroidered with flowers. Her face is always serene like the moon,
reminding him of her divinity.

There is a large window that overlooks outside; hell doesn't offer any
beautiful sights like the heavens. It doesn't have any colorful birds flying, no
sweet music playing in the air except the occasional cawing of crows, no
ponds with lotus flowers, and a cool breeze. It's daytime and the sun is
scorching hot outside, another example of how even the sun is cruel here
and the air harsh. The gardens don't have natural flowers or green trees.
They are made with magic and only remain temporarily.
Hell lives to tell the sins it holds. The danger that lurks here in every corner.
In some way, it has its own beauty. Haunting.

But the palace makes up for the lack of any beautiful gardens or ponds.
The heat from outside dulls down inside, surprisingly bestowing cool air.
The ceilings are high, and the floor is so shiny as if it's polished in gold. The
walls and doors are carved with beautiful flowers and vines that twirl
around, luring the spectators, and beckoning them to come closer. Inside
the parlor, a large chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There is a piano
decorated in one corner. There are several chaise lounges and soft sofas
placed inside the room with a tea table in the middle.

"Don't worry. It will go well," Selene says across him but it doesn't make the
nervousness go away.

He wants to hold something, someone's hand preferably, to steady him, to

support him through this but he can't ask Selene that. He can never ask her
that. Selene is his friend. And hand holding has always felt very intimate to
him.

"Thank you, Emily," A familiar voice rings in his ears and a woman steps
inside the parlor, followed by a young girl.

He stands up, his heart is heavy as she stands in front of him.

The shame and guilt hit him all at once upon remembering her face when
Noah and he had first taken her to the ice tower.

An emerald necklace decorates her neck and even with one glance at it, he
can say that it is a priceless piece. Rumors had been floating in the
heavens that the King of hell was on a quest for the most priceless pieces
of jewelry. And that the merchants were so thrilled that they had been
traveling far and wide to go to hell to show the Lord their most prized
possessions. The Lord had paid generously from what he had heard.

He understands now. It is for her.

No one doubts the lengths that the King of hell would go to for his
soulmate. Some jewelry was nothing for him.

She looks like the same person but at the same time, the energy around
her is very different from before.

An innocent mortal then. But a deadly Goddess now.

"Hello, Brother," His sister smiles, finally breaking the silence.

***

Familiar yellow eyes gaze up at Lily. She had seen his eyes for the first
time that night.

She should have felt rage, perhaps. But no, that's far from what she feels.
The person standing in front of her is her brother. The only family that is left
in this world for her.

"Hello brother," Her brother doesn't respond to her greeting, looking very
still. A woman is standing in the room, too. Taehyung had said that a
goddess would be joining her brother on this trip. Apparently, she is also
the princess of the heavens.

Lily notices how the Goddess assesses her carefully and then, she
scrutinizes Emily who follows her, as if searching for any signs of danger.
When she doesn't find any, her body relaxes and she throws a concerned
look at her brother. Oh?

Lily had been training from morning to night, intent on controlling her
powers. This was for her. For Sirius. For Taehyung. For Tannie. They were
her home, a family that she had been blessed with and she didn't want to
ruin it because of her vulnerability.

Her mentor had said that in every situation, first, she needs to assess her
surroundings and immediately think of what she can use to her benefit if
any danger comes around. What she had discovered was, how people's
expressions and their gaze could easily give away their intentions. The
Goddess wasn't the only one searching for any danger but she was also
assessing them. They were from the heavens and although her brother
shared her blood, his identity as a God couldn't be overlooked. Trust is
difficult to gain.

The palace of hell had been thrumming with the energy of visitors for the
past days, everyone arriving in order to attend the ball taking place in two
days. Taehyung had said it was the first time hell had been livelier.

There was an area behind the large Palace which had a dome-shaped
transparent roof that would open up to the sky. The structure was
supported by pillars, that had vines twirling around it and was the only
place where no people would go. Taehyung had shown it to her. During her
breaks, she would go there and find Sirius. Sirius would caress her neck
with her head and they would spend their time in peace, her going through
a book while caressing the wings of her daughter.

Sometimes, Taehyung would join them. He would lay his head in her lap,
and play with her hair, trying to distract her from reading. Tannie would also
join Taehyung and they would have to soon separate Sirius and him from
fighting and possibly destroying the place.
The Goddess in front of her has lovely grey eyes, her silver-black hair
flowing around her in waves. She bows to Lily. "Greetings Your Majesty. I
am Selene. Aiden's friend."

"Greetings Princess Selene," She smiles. "How was your trip?"

"Comfortable. The Palace is lovely." She answers. "Your Majesty, can I

borrow your personal maid for some time?"

"Of course. Emily," Emily steps forward. "Please assist the princess."

They walk out of the parlor leaving her alone with her brother. Selene is
smart. She left to give privacy to her and her brother.

Aiden's head hangs low. "I am sorry," It's the first thing Aiden blurts out. "I
am sorry for everything I did, Your Majesty."

"What can you do to make up for what you have done?" She asks next.

"Anything you ask of me." Aiden doesn't look at her.

"Then, let bygones be bygones, and call me sister from now onwards." Her
lips stretch to a smile as Aiden looks up at her in disbelief.

"I do not deserve---" Aiden shakes his head vehemently. He is her older
brother. Instead, he is acting like a younger brother being reprimanded by
his sister.

"Hush. You are being stubborn." She finally takes a seat and motions for
Aiden to sit down. He hesitantly sinks down into his couch after a few
moments.

"You look like father," Aiden mumbles next.

He had asked some servants to dig up his father's old portraits. His sister
was indeed their father's daughter. She was blessed with fire, their
father's power while he resembled his mother instead. He was his
mother's son. He had inherited her powers, being the light in the darkness.
But for some time now, he had been feeling far from bright. In fact, he was
shrouded in the dark.

"I . . .I honestly don't know what to say, Aiden. I am sorry for her death . . ."
She whispers. "And I know I am asking too much of you when you might
hate my guts. I am left as evidence of a mess. If I were you, I would hate
our father. . .He wasn't there for you. . .and though he was nice and kind to
my mother and me, he should have never abandoned you both."

(Their father was a God but even the Gods make mistakes.)

"I do not hate you at all," Aiden shakes his head. "You are not to blame in
this. I will never blame you for our father's decisions. I will never come to
like him because I have no memories of him. He wasn't there for me. But
you said let bygones be bygones. So, we should both let go of the painful
past and move on. We were both left orphans and now, I have finally found
my only family. A second chance and I want to have this."

"I want to have this, too." The next moment, she embraces him. He
freezes, as if he doesn't know what to do next but slowly hugs her back.
She grins as she gets back to her seat. "You know, Taehyung is worried to
meet you."

Aiden's face pales. "Why would the King of hell be worried to meet me?"

"Because apparently, you need to ask the girl's family in order to court their
daughter. And since I have only you, he is going to seek approval from
you."

Aiden looks even more scared now. "Please ask him not to."

"Why?" Lily laughs.

"Because he will threaten me into getting that approval."

His sister chuckles as if it's a very amusing matter and not a situation about
life and death. "That's very Taehyung." She looks fond as she talks about
him.

She glances at him with curiosity now. "Brother, what is the matter with you
and princess Selene?"

"Us? What do you mean?" Aiden asks, confused.

Lily gives him a knowing look. What is she thinking?

"Is she your soulmate?" Her question catches him off-guard.

"No. What made you think that?" Aiden asks. A sad smile graces his
face. "I am not supposed to have a soulmate, sister."

"What? Why?" Lily asks, her eyes widening.

"It is a fact known only by the heavens. When I was in my mother's womb,
the healers said that I wasn't going to make it and after me, my mother
could never have a child again. She wanted to have me in the midst of the
loneliness plaguing her. The heavens can be a cruel, cold place amidst the
never-ending conspiracy and battle for the crown. So, she begged
the cosmos to let me live. The cosmos are the superior entity, above all
gods, deities, or demons. They punish you for your misdeeds. And they
also grant you something in return for something. My mother gave away
half her lifespan and my fate of ever having a soulmate to let me live. I can
live without my soulmate because I would never see them. But my mother
could never live without me."

"Does Selene have a soulmate?" Lily asks.

"I think she hasn't found hers yet."

"Oh." Lily thinks upon the protective gaze of Selene on Aiden. Aiden
couldn't have a soulmate. And Selene hadn't found her soulmate yet. The
flowers should have appeared if they were soulmates. . .What if Selene
was that soulmate who had been given up?

Only time would tell.

***

Please vote and comment<333

A/N: What is your theory about this new enemy? Do share your thoughts<3
Thank you for reading :)

25: My Daughters
It's the day of the Ball.

Every interior of hell is lit up with thousands of lights. The huge chandeliers
hang down the ceiling, lighted by candles. The hall is like a never-ending
maze, with pillars decorated with embellishments supporting the grand
structure. The sweet aroma of flowers emanates in the air, crafted by
extraordinary flower nymphs. The ballroom is crowded with guests, some
tasting a morsel of delicious cake, some already dancing on the floor,
others clanking glasses and sipping the delectable wine. The ball is
attended by demons, devils, witches, mystical beings, and other powerful
creatures of hell, prattling on and looking frighteningly too much
like mortals.

A ball filled with magic and mystical creatures that only the books would
talk about.

Nothing gives away the fact that there could be a deadly creature roaming
in your vicinity. Someone could end up being murdered on this very floor
and no one would bat an eye. Instead, they would cheer (sigh, typical
demons).

But then this is not a normal ball. And certainly, there was no need to fear
any murder tonight.

This is a ball thrown by the King of Hell for his beloved soulmate. To
celebrate his Queen.

And everyone knows that if they happen to create any troubles here, they
wouldn't live to see another day at Kim Taehyung's hands. No sane
creature would stir up any problem here if they didn't want to be
demolished. This concerned the King of Hell's beloved, and everyone
knows he would burn down hell itself if it came to her.

(She is loved by a devil who loves her more than hell itself.)

Kim Taehyung stands in one corner, talking with one of the Princes of hell,
Seokjin. The lord's eyes are dark, they always are. Like a predator looking
for his prey. Too cautious and vigilant.

A fair maiden arrives inside the ballroom, drawing the attention of

everyone. The woman strides toward the direction of the King of Hell who is
still talking with Prince Seokjin. The others part their way for her, looking
amazed.

She looks around haughtily. Even the air around her is proud. No one had
been expecting her to latch onto the King all of a sudden.

Taehyung frowns, turning around. The others glance at them, wondering

who this brave woman is to latch onto Kim Taehyung of all people.

Taehyung glares at the woman, upon finding she isn't the woman he had
been waiting for. That doesn't deter her. The unfamiliar woman stares at
him seductively.

"Get the fuck off me. Who the hell are you?" Taehyung growls, annoyance
seeping into his tone.

The woman takes a step back, looking intimidated, but still holds the edge
of his cloak. Taehyung is itching to murder her. No one touches any part of
him except Lily.
"Don't---Don't you remember me? I am Duke Jang's daughter," She
mumbles, blushing.

"And?" He glares at the foolish girl. Taehyung vaguely remembers a man

named Duke Jang. He never gives a damn about any officials. So, it isn't a
surprise he doesn't exactly know who the man is.

"You are very handsome, my lord. I have always admired you," Taehyung
doesn't know how the hell it concerns him.

What a brave lady. Everyone thinks, impressed. To have the guts to

confess in front of Kim Taehyung.

"That woman," Someone from the crowd chuckles, whispering to their

friend. "--definitely has a few screws loose in her head."

"Who doesn't know that Kim Taehyung is a taken man in all the realms?"
The others snicker.

"Oh, she definitely knows. But can't you see the air of pride around her? No
one has ever said 'no' to her before."

"What should I do about it?" Taehyung asks, very, very confused. Oh lord,
he really doesn't want to deal with any senseless people today.

"My lord, can I have a moment of privacy with you?" The insane woman
asks and actually tugs his cloak. Beside him, Seokjin snickers, having fun
at Taehyung's expense.
"Listen lady---" Taehyung is cut off at the next moment.

"Now now, dear, haven't you been taught not to touch what's not yours?" A
frosty voice floats in the air and Taehyung immediately knows who has
arrived.

He looks up and his breath gets knocked out of his body.

Everyone parts their ways for her, bowing to her. Several gasps of surprise,
awe, and fear follow in the crowd, everyone getting enthralled by the
beauty and presence of the woman. Her hair is pulled up into a bun, a
messy strand falling making Taehyung want to tuck it behind her ear. A
beautiful pearl choker necklace goes around her neck (the same necklace
that Taehyung had chosen for her this morning after searching for an hour;
Taehyung has routines to follow and he doesn't fancy negligence,
especially when it comes to his Lily). The red gown with a fitted bodice
flows down, and Taehyung can already imagine twirling her around in this.
He loves it.

A crown sits on top of her head. This one is a golden crown, and
Taehyung had intentionally chosen it for her. He can sense the curiosity in
others' gazes, regarding why Lily doesn't have the traditional Crown yet.

The Crown of the Queen of Hell. Famous in all realms as the "Crown of
Doom".

The traditional Crown of the Queen is one that has been kept safely under
wraps for centuries, hidden from anyone's eyes after the death of the late
Queen.
Taehyung remembers the previous Queen, the woman who he had never
conversed with more than a handful of times. From their brief
conversations, he had come to one conclusion that the woman hated his
guts. After she went on a mad frenzy one year for some reason he is still
not aware of, she was found dead in her chamber with her crown inches far
from her, splattered in blood. It was said that she had taken her life after
some conflict with his late foster father.

The crown is known as the "Crown of Doom" still now. It was polished
anew and had been cleaned and hidden in the royal vault since then. The
Crown possesses energy and powers that only moves in tandem with the
blood of a Queen. But Taehyung doesn't want to give such
a malicious crown to Lily, one that has seen bloodshed. She deserves
better than that.

The black roses tattooed on her skin don't actually convey that she is his
but rather that, he belongs to her.

Taehyung has learned to distinguish the lilt of her voice and know her
mood. It's something he enjoys learning. To learn something about
someone from the slightest scrunch of their eyebrows, the tone of their
voice, and their expression; it's pleasing to learn someone like that. In an
intimate way that only you can learn.

Right now. She is livid.

(The spectators watch in great astonishment as the Lord who looked ready
for murder just now, looks like all the lights in the hall have traveled to his
eyes as they brighten up upon seeing his Queen.)
And my, what a beauty the Queen is. She is the beauty for whom Kim
Taehyung had once turned the world upside down.

Wars. . .she would bring wars.

Duke Jang's daughter gulps, upon seeing the Goddess. Fire flickers in
Lily's eyes as her eyes linger down where the woman is still
holding Taehyung's cloak. Her Taehyung's cloak. The woman hastily
removes her hand, looking scared.

Lily steps forward and pats the woman's cheek lightly. "Good. You learn
quickly. "

The woman still throws a longing look Taehyung's way. Lily doesn't like it
one bit. This one needs to learn her lesson.

"Have you heard about me, dear?" She asks, smiling.

"Y-Yes, Y-Your Majesty." The woman stutters.

"And you still dared to touch him?" Lily raises her brow and chuckles. "Then
you haven't heard enough."

"I--I--"
Lily raises her finger which effectively shuts the woman up. "I am a mother,
dear. A mother to a Phoenix. A creature. Have you heard about the
mothers? The ones who rule such creatures," She asks, still patting her
cheek. "The one thing you must know about them is that they are very
possessive. . . . .And if you touch what's theirs, you will get burnt."

The threat rings loud and clear.

"I would hate to burn your pretty face, dear." Lily smiles, but then her gaze
becomes cold. "So, the next time you try to touch him, remember my
words. My threat will be very real then."

Then, she turns around, dismissing the woman with a wave of her hand.
The woman immediately scurries away, looking terrified.

Taehyung stares at her, his gaze holding so

much fascination and adoration as if she bears all
the stars and constellations in her eyes (like she hadn't threatened
someone with death just now). Taehyung doesn't mind it at all. Rather, he
loves it. He loves her stark honesty and he loves how she can call
him hers. He loves belonging to this Goddess and he would die for her.

The others watch them, eyes quite bulging.

"Darling," Taehyung pulls her into his arms and whispers in her ear. "You
know that you don't have to worry about anyone else."

"Sometimes, a small warning now and then does a nice job," She flicks the
imaginary dust on Taehyung's shoulder. "I hate to share like you. You know
how I am."
"Forget about it," Taehyung murmurs, taking her hand. "You
look breathtaking, sweetheart."

A blush dusts her cheeks, a shy smile blooming on her face that
Taehyung loves and everything is alright once again. "You too, my lord."

The others understand now why Kim Taehyung adores his soulmate with
such intensity.

Even after being aware of the darkness and the evil he harbors, she looks
at him like he is the Sun. Like he is made of all the brightest things in the
world.

"My lady, will you do me the honor of a dance?" Taehyung asks next,
tipping his head low.

(And Isn't it the most strange (glorious) sight ever?

Kim Taehyung, who commands all the evil and vile things of the world, the
ruler of Hell, the entity who made the Devil Peak tremble with his wrath
once, who always stands tall and proud, who was crowned as the Crown
Prince of Hell when he was just 10 days old, the man who was birthed with
so much power that could make even the strongest forces kneel in front of
him; bowing his head to his soulmate? The only person in front of whom he
would ever bow.)

"Gladly, my lord," She takes his hand, granting him a breathtaking smile.
The orchestra starts playing a new set of music. Taehyung whisks Lily
away to the dance floor where the others are already dancing. He slides his
hand on her waist and she places her hand on his shoulder, eliminating any
distance between them.

And for the rest of the night, Taehyung twirls her around, a radiant smile
blooming on her face, so, so contagious. The others watch with admiration
and envy at the couple, dancing on the floor like everyone around them has
disappeared. Lord Taehyung staring at his beloved's face with a soft look
on his face, like she holds all the light in the room. The same Lord who
always used to carry a blank, emotionless visage, now looking at his
soulmate with such a breathtaking intensity that could make the God of
love weep.

After hours, Lily finally retreats to the corner of the hall, trying to catch her
breath, her feet aching in protest with all the dancing she had done with
Taehyung tonight. They had spent the better half of the night, dancing, a
laugh escaping her now and then whenever Taehyung dipped her, her
blood rushing with the shrill excitement to be dancing with him. Taehyung
was agile, light in his steps, as if it took him no effort at all, and had led her
with such precision and fluidity, that she had all but forgotten about
everything, drunk in the blissful haze that he drowns her in.

"Seems like I will have to organize a ball every day for my beautiful
beloved, seeing as she loves dancing very much," A smirk had been on
Taehyung's face, his voice teasing, leaving her utterly flushed.

"Only with you, Taehyung," She had beamed, thinking about when she had
felt this much happy. "Only with you."

Taehyung is off talking with Jimin now as she enjoys a delicious chocolate
truffle. She pauses when she sees Selene standing in a corner, looking
rather lonely. She walks toward her, following her gaze, and finds it fixated
on her brother who is swarmed with a bunch of ladies.

"Princess Selene," She calls.

Selene looks up, startled, and hastily greets her. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Hadn't I asked you to call me Lily?"

Selene gives a small smile. "And I had asked you to just call me Selene."

"Touché. So, how is your evening going?" Lily asks.

"The ball is magnificent. I have been standing here, observing the majestic
architecture. I have always had a fascination for grand Palaces."

"And my brother is also included in this majestic sight, I suppose?" She

quips teasingly and Selene looks away flushing.

"Have you danced yet?" She asks.

"I did have some offers but I declined," Selene answers.

"My brother is just a bit oblivious--Wait a minute, I will call him," Lily stops
when Selene grabs her hand, shaking her head.
"He is busy," Selene mumbles.

"He isn't. He is just helpless and needs an escape from them," Aiden is
helplessly trying to escape the crowd of ladies around him, looking pained.
Aiden's identity as a God of the heavens doesn't seem to deter his crowd of
admirers. In front of a handsome man, every eye seemed to turn blind.

Selene is quiet. But then, she speaks slowly, "Aiden has always been a
kind person. . .He understands everyone. . .Did he tell you he can never
have a soulmate?"

"He did," Lily admits, "But rather than attaching so much importance to the
traditional concept, wouldn't you be happy if he chose you for
being you and not because the fates chose you for him."

Selene murmurs. "I would but he is the Sun and I am the moon. . .Both
can't exist together in the same sky at the same time. . .He would never
choose me."

"You know, I envy you and Lord Kim," Selene continues, a wistful smile on
her face. "He would choose you. Always. Despite everything, he would
choose you."

They are interrupted when Aiden comes, rushing towards them, looking
panicked.

"Please save me," Aiden practically begs.

Lily chuckles. "Enjoying the attention, brother?"

"Good heavens, far from it. " Aiden responds, wary eyes darting for any
potential admirers. "I need to be on the dance floor before they catch me
again."

Then, as if he has been struck with a realization, he holds his hand toward
Selene and asks, "Selene, would you please grant me this dance?"

Selene freezes, looking astonished.

"Just one dance, please. Save me," He pleads.

Ouch. Lily needs to teach some tact to this foolish brother of hers. How
can he ask for a lady's hand for a dance after confessing that he just needs
it to save himself? And of all the people, Selene; The woman who actually
has feelings for him.

But Selene just gives a content smile, one that reflects her yearning as if
her wish all night has just been fulfilled by one simple request. She takes
his hand. "You can always count on me to save you, Aiden."

(How can the moon ever have the heart to reject the warmth of her sun,
knowing that she has to be contented with little fragments of his light for
eternity?)
***

The ball comes to an end later, deep into the night. The guests retreat to
the comfort of their bedrooms, after wishing her and Taehyung their best
regards. The excitement of the night has dulled down, leaving behind bone-
aching exhaustion.

But Lily frowns, her insides feeling weirdly strange. Something is off. Her
senses feel highly alert.

It feels like her skin is crawling, something inside her wanting to be

released.

Taehyung notices the odd look on her face and he stares at her intently.

"Sirius. Sirius is calling me," Lily says, growing anxious.

Without any word, Taehyung takes her hand and leads her away from the
hall to the back gardens. As soon as she steps outside, Sirius swoops
down from the sky. She holds her gaze on Sirius for a few seconds and
says, "She is asking me to follow her."

Taehyung nods and within minutes, he is present in front of her with a black
majestic horse. Taehyung climbs on it first and just as she attempts to
climb herself up through the stirrup, Taehyung pulls her up by her waist and
lays her atop the horse in front of him, as if it took him no effort to pick her
up at all.
"You-You didn't need to---" She squeaks out, feeling mortified. She was
definitely heavy, especially with the added weight of the gown.

"Allow me, sweetheart," Taehyung whispers, grabbing the reins. Her back
presses against his chest and she feels warm and that sense of comfort
knowing that Taehyung is always with her.

Sirius flies to the sky. Following the fiery light, she gives off, they follow her,
the hooves of the horse thudding into the ground, their surroundings
blurring past them.

As they grow closer and closer, Lily feels her anxiety double. She can't help
but feel distressed. Her heart is thudding painfully against her chest. She
feels like she is going to throw up.

"Darling, why is she flying to the Devil Peak?" Taehyung asks. Lily notices
how his hands have gone cold.

The Devil Peak. She has heard things about it and from what little she
knows, she is aware that this is the last place they are supposed to be in
right now. She also knows Taehyung hates this place.

"Taehyung, if she flies inside the peak, let me go. I will enter the territory
alone," She squeezes his hand gently.

"Never," The answer is immediate. Taehyung's grip on her hand tightens. "I
will never allow you to go inside that wretched place alone."
"Sirius will protect me."

"I know. But my heart won't rest easy," Taehyung murmurs. "I will always
be right behind you wherever you go, sweetheart."

"Always?"

"Always," Taehyung says, his eyes glinting with a promise, and it's like this-
-so simple and so easy with him. How he can always manage to comfort
her even in situations like this where everything could go gravely wrong.

But it's a relief when Sirius stops a few meters far from the territory of the
peak. Sirius hovers above a dead tree, waiting for her. Taehyung jumps
down first and then, he again carries her by her waist and safely plants her
feet on the ground.

All of a sudden, she gets hit with a bout of dizziness and grips Taehyung's
arm tightly to steady herself. Taehyung holds her close, looking at her in
concern. Voices flit through her ears and she cradles her head, feeling
an intense headache.

Mother.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?"

"Taehyung. . .", She gasps for air, her chest getting tight. ". . .Step
back. Please."

Taehyung doesn't let her go.

"Please." She pleads again this time. Her control is steadily slipping from
her hands, and something inside her is fighting to be released. She can't
trust herself to not hurt Taehyung when she is like this.

Taehyung loosens his hold on her when he sees how her eyes have
completely transformed into fiery slits like Sirius's. She steps forward. Sirius
hovers above a fresh patch of soil in front of the dead tree. It looks like it
had just been dug out and covered. The last bit of the semblance of reality
slips away as she kneels on the ground.

She starts digging out the earth, desperate to find something. What?

Her question is soon answered when she feels a smooth, hard texture.
She removes the soil from the surface quickly. Her breath stutters when the
light cast by Sirius's wings spills on a large reddish-orange egg.

Mother.

Tears well up in her eyes as she cradles the egg close to her chest. But
then, she finds another streak of color covered by the soil. She removes
the soil again and finds another two reddish-orange eggs hidden inside.

Her chest feels heavy and she swallows the lump present in her throat.
Sisters.

Sirius voices out. The eggs of Phoenix which have been hidden here for
thousands of years.

Lily cradles the three eggs close to her heart. She feels anguish and pain,
the crippling feeling echoing inside her, devastated at not finding them
earlier. But at the same time, it is accompanied by happiness. Drops of her
tears fall on the smooth, large eggs, and just like that, the eggs
start glowing. The eggs glow with fire, anyone else would have been easily
burnt by the burning hot temperature.

She observes, hypnotized by the spell-bounding phenomenon.

Then, she hears a small crack.

She gazes down in shock. Other cracks follow. Hot molten lava oozes out
of the eggs but the fire doesn't burn her.

And slowly but steadily, three fiery heads emerge out of the eggs.
Despite just having escaped the confines of the hard shell, the creatures
are alert, their wise eyes darting around their surroundings. Their entire
body is made of fire, pointing out why they are called the bird of flames.

Upon finding the eyes of their mother, they let out a small trill. It's the
loveliest sound Lily has ever heard in her life.

One of the baby Phoenixes climbs to her arm, wobbling a bit, another one
crawls to her shoulder and she holds the last one in her hands gently.

She turns around and Taehyung is there, a few feet far, watching her,
looking in awe.

Tears glitter in her eyes and her skin glows against the fire but Taehyung
thinks she has never looked more beautiful than this.

"Who are they, darling ?" Taehyung asks, his eyes holding reverence.

Her reply is quiet but firm. "They are mine. My daughters."

***

Please vote and comment<333

A/N: Picture of a baby Phoenix. And we have three more babies in the
gang lmao. So, this is a total last-minute editing and my eyes are so bleary
right now. If you find any mistakes, please point them out. Do share your
thoughts on chapter<3 Enjoy your day/night.

26: The Monster Was Born

Taehyung stares as Lily cradles the three baby Phoenixes in her arms, her
eyes holding breath-taking adoration. The sun's rays stream inside through
the open window. The breeze blowing gently whips at her hair. Lily is
smiling down at her three daughters and she looks so beautiful, the sun
lighting up her whole face that Taehyung pauses to stare. His heart beats
louder against his chest.

"Darling," He calls and Lily looks up, her whole face brightening up even
more. Taehyung still can't get used to someone feeling happy in his
presence.
Lily hadn't wanted to take her newborn daughters to the Palace. She had
said that the time wasn't right for them to be declared to the world. She was
right. The phoenixes needed to grow more powerful. There would be
thousands of people coveting their power. Taehyung knows for a fact that
many people have been wanting Sirius for themselves.

So, Taehyung had taken her through an underground passage to a hide-

out. This secluded little cottage was hidden deep in the woods of hell. The
cottage has been forged with the power of invisibility. Once the door gets
locked from the inside, the cottage disappears as if it had never been there.
Likewise, no one really ventured to the woods because it had thick thorny
hedges and if one didn't know how to get through it, they would die an
untimely death. A perfect place for Lily to take care of her daughters for
now.

"Taehyung, can you please come here?" Taehyung sits down beside her
and Lily gives one of the baby birds to him. Taehyung takes the bird gently,
careful not to hurt the newborn. The birds, though their feathers are
crimson-colored resembling the fire within them are yet to grow up to
summon their powers. At the rate these birds grow, Taehyung is sure they
will grow up to their full maturity within days.

"I thought of names," Lily says, giddy with excitement.

"And what did you think?" Taehyung asks.

"This little one is Andromeda. One of the nearest galaxies to Earth. She
was also a princess in greek mythology," She caresses their heads gently.
"And her name is Artemis. The Goddess of the hunt."

"Beautiful names," Taehyung replies and holds out the baby bird in his
hand. "And hers?"
"I want you to name her," Lily mumbles.

"Me?" Taehyung asks, surprised. To name a powerful creature such as a

Phoenix is an honor beyond words.

"Of course. Because of you, I have been united with them. If you hadn't
come into my life, I would have never met them," Lily murmurs quietly.

Taehyung smiles. He smiles a lot in her presence. "I am honored, darling."

He pauses, thinking for some seconds, and lifts the baby bird, gazing into
those fiery depths. "Her name will be Athena, the Goddess of War."

Lily's lips curve to a smile and Taehyung feels like he is falling all over. He
is always drawn to her like a magnet, unable to look away from her for even
a second.

Taehyung feels the weight of the ring in his pocket. The ring feels like it is
poking and digging into his skin. He had been keeping it there and had
been waiting for the right moment. Lily stares at him with those big, bright
eyes and his heartbeat again picks up.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" Lily asks. The baby birds are now
wobbling on the floor, looking thoughtful, huddling around each other, and
chirping as if they are talking with each other. It's an endearing sight.

"That you look extremely beautiful," Taehyung says, playing with her
fingers. He is granted a flush decorating her lovely cheeks. Taehyung
wants to see that flush on her cheeks forever.
He ignores the weight of the ring. Not now.

"Sweetheart, I have to go away for some time," Taehyung says next, taking
her by surprise.

"Where are you going?" She asks, her smile dropping.

"I have some problems to take care of regarding some demons. There has
been some uproar in an area," Taehyung lies. He hates lying to her but he
doesn't have a choice, especially not now when Lily has to take care of her
daughters.

"How long?"

"A bit more than a week," Taehyung answers. "I have informed Jimin. You
can trust him. He won't tell another living soul about this and he is
incredibly cautious. He will be here when I am gone."

Lily looks up at him, her voice hopeful. "Taehyung, you will return back to
me, right?"

"Of course sweetheart, I will return so quickly that you wouldn't even notice
that I was gone," Taehyung promises and there is no lie in his words this
time.

"Come back to me in one piece. If you get hurt, I am going to be really mad
at you." Lily whispers and she tugs him towards her, pulling his head closer
and mashing her lips to his. Taehyung holds her gently, taking his time to
savor the taste of her lips. Like a thirsty man seeking solace in an oasis
that he has stumbled upon in the dry desert. His tongue intertwines with
hers, as he explores the recesses of her mouth, their skin tingling and
abuzz with flame. Lily's hand tugs at his hair, messing it up. Finally, after a
while, Taehyung pulls back, licking the seams of her lips.

Lily looks so beautiful, her lips swollen with the kiss, her breathing heavy
from the kiss. Taehyung traces her bottom lip with his thumb. She flushes
under his gaze and then suddenly, they remember where the hell they are.

Their eyes dart to the baby Phoenixes in front of them, now standing still,
looking silent and judging. Lily turns red even more. Even, Taehyung feels
embarrassed, getting reprimanded by their gazes.

Oh, well.

***

Taehyung breathes heavily. The cold is already starting to get to him. This
isn't good.

The sound of metal chains being dragged on the floor comes, the scratchy
sound making his ears hurt. Jimin stands before him holding the metal
chains.

"Hurry up," Taehyung murmurs, looking down.

The blue moon always reminds him of what he truly is.

A monster. Even if he tends to forget it whenever he is around her.

Jimin's eyes are sorrowful but Taehyung doesn't want any pity. Taehyung
holds out his hand and Jimin starts binding his hands with the heavy
chains. Taehyung feels the lump in his throat grow.

He has already taken off his shirt. The fabric will burn him even more later.
The cell is dark and there are no windows. They were specially made like
this, for him, for every blue moon.

This place is called "The Lair of Death". An underground dungeon that has
a special cell. If any creature has been confined here, it's almost impossible
to escape from it. The dungeon is like a vast maze. Taehyung knows its
layout by heart. His father ---Taehyung feels bitter at having to call that man
his father, but it's stuck in his mind like a loop. The man raised him for
years and old habits tend to die hard. Even if Taehyung wants nothing to
do with him. His father had shown this dungeon to him. They have
hundreds of other dungeons in hell. And he had made Taehyung learn the
layout of every one of these dungeons except this one. The Lair of Death is
a special case since this dungeon is made for him. His father had made it
for him. And Taehyung had learned to escape from here by himself.

When he is bound with the heavy chains in such a way that he won't be
able to escape their confines, Taehyung finally relaxes a bit.

The blue moon is after four days but he already feels impossibly weak.

"Take care of her," Taehyung whispers. "I will come back."

Every tales talk about how the hero comes to chain the monster and slay
him.

But what everyone doesn't know is in the tale of this monster, he chains
himself.

***

Taehyung had always loved flying.

Of all the powers he had been born with, he loved his wings the most. He
loved to fly under the canopy of the sky, his black majestic wings flying
regally. Taehyung used to think he could catch stars if he flew closer to the
sky.

Hell didn't have any stars. The infernal place hardly had anything that
Taehyung liked.

So, he would go to the mortal realm. To see the stars. He would fly under
the northern lights in Alaska. They were insanely beautiful. So beautiful that
Taehyung would be rendered speechless every time.

Taehyung hadn't found his soulmate yet even after his coming of age. And
the whispers were starting to get to him. They said he was born with no
soulmate because he had so much evil in his veins that the fates didn't
bless him with one.
It had hurt. More than he would admit.

Because Taehyung hadn't chosen this life. He hadn't chosen to be born

evil.

Taehyung had been waiting for his soulmate for years. Though everyone
said otherwise, he hadn't stopped hoping.

Taehyung would gaze at the Aurora borealis, the dancing wave of lights
that were so captivating, and the stars in the sky and he would think that
his soulmate must be even more beautiful than them. That their eyes would
be bright like the stars, they would be even warmer than the sun, and they
would love Taehyung. Just him.

No one has ever loved him. His soulmate would, wouldn't they?

He hated to be in hell more than anything. Great Master and his father
would always assign him some ridiculous tasks that Taehyung had no
interest in. He liked escaping them as much as possible. Grand Master
Hoseok was the only kind master that he had but he would be rarely
around, busy practicing his skills in the seclusion of mountains.

Last month, he had to fetch the pearls from the Southern Sea. His father
had harshly commanded him that if he couldn't fetch those pearls, he
shouldn't show his face in hell again.

Where else would he go?

Where else would they accept monsters like him if not hell?

So, he went to the Southern sea and reluctantly dove into it. He found the
sea monster in no time but Taehyung didn't have the heart to kill it.

Kindness. His father always said that his kindness would ruin him one day.

The monster was pissed at him for intruding into his lair. But after a series
of fights, Taehyung managed to calm it down and the monster seeing that it
wouldn't be able to kill him, stroke a deal with him. The monster would let
Taehyung have the pearls and Taehyung would leave it alive. But,
Taehyung had felt bad for taking the monster's pearls. So, he left a ruby
ring in its hands, one that had been formed under molten lava. Taehyung
had wanted a challenge one day and went to retrieve it from the Eastern
mountains. The monster was more than happy and Taehyung left the sea
with the pearls.

"Father! I brought the pearls!" Taehyung marches down the Great Hall,
gasping for breath. He was still drenched and had hurried to the meeting
hall as soon as possible.

There were officials gathered in the hall, who stood up upon seeing him.
His father was seated on the black throne. They all glance at Taehyung
with faces impressed or fearful.

"Inspect them," His father commands his assistant. The man takes the
pearls from Taehyung who is shivering from the cold. The sea was
incredibly cold at the bottom. There are gashes of wounds on his arm,
blood making his white shirt red. He hadn't had the time to treat them yet.
"They are very real, my lord. The most precious pearls in all the realms are
in your possession now," The assistant smiles, satisfied. "The heavens will
be fuming."

Elated whispers go around in the crowd. But his father doesn't look happy.
Taehyung looks down, wondering what he had done wrong this time.

"You can leave for your chambers, Crown Prince. You are dismissed," His
father orders, and Taehyung turns around to leave.

Taehyung doesn't receive any questions about his well-being. He doesn't

get asked if the monster had been too cruel to him. He doesn't get asked if
the sea had been too cold. He doesn't get asked if it hurt.

He doesn't expect anyone to. Maybe Jimin would have asked him but
Jimin's mother hates it when they are together. This time she has sent
Jimin to another place for his training, but the main reason is to just keep
him far from Taehyung.

All the people in hell either fear or worship him.

They don't care about him. They only care about what he can do for them.
What more powers does the boy born from black roses have? He is just an
object of fascination for them. And one day, if he becomes useless, they
will discard him.

Taehyung enters his chambers. He caresses his wings. Taehyung can hide
them with his powers but he likes having them out. They make him feel
warm.
He changes into some dry clothes. A knock sounds on the door.

"Come in," Taehyung murmurs.

A maid enters inside with her head low. Taehyung can see that she is
shaking. Poor thing. She holds a tray in her hand which has a bowl on it
that has some strange liquid.

"Your Highness, His Majesty sent a warm broth for you. He said that you
must have been cold from your trip," The maid says.

"What?" Taehyung's eyes widen in shock. "F-Father sent this?"

His father?

"Yes, my lord." The maid answers.

Taehyung's heart swells with what must be happiness. His father has never
gone out of his way to care for him. A warm broth for Taehyung? Maybe his
father has started to care for him.

"Put it down. You may leave," Taehyung dismisses her. He eyes the liquid
and feels warm inside.

His father sent it for him. His father acknowledged him. He thought of
Taehyung as something other than a powerful slave for the first time. He
would go to any sea to fetch anything as his father wishes if it means he
can care for Taehyung even a bit.
Taehyung drinks all the broth. He doesn't waste even a drop.

***

Taehyung wakes up inside a dark cell and not his chamber. He looks
around, feeling dizzy. There's an ear-splitting headache pounding his head
and his back--his back hurts.

Why does his whole body hurt so much?

A whimper of pain escapes his lips. He has never felt this much pain
before.

Taehyung looks around himself and finds a puddle of blood around him.
Taehyung feels impossibly dizzy. His back--why does his back hurt so
much?

A cough escapes him and it makes pain shoot up. Blood drips out from his
mouth. Taehyung wipes it slowly, feeling bewildered.

His shaky hands make their way through his back. Where are his wings?

Where are his wings?

Tears of panic and fear fall from his eyes. Where are my wings? Where are
my wings? He screams internally.

He can't even manage to let out a sound with the way his body is hurting as
if he has been stabbed a thousand times.

What he is able to feel is not his warm wings but bloody gashes of wounds
as if someone had carved them out from his body.

This time--he lets out an excruciatingly painful scream, which sends its
echoes into the dark cell.

After some minutes, Taehyung hears footsteps. He is hysterical now, the

only question screaming at him. Where are my wings?

He recognizes the familiar face in front of him. Father.

Taehyung scrambles nearer to the bars but he nearly topples over from
how weak he feels.

"Father," Taehyung pleads, tears gushing out of his eyes. He had never
permitted himself to cry before. But now he can't help it. Where are his
wings?

"Father, where are my wings, father?" Taehyung begs, crying. "Where are
my wings? I need my wings back, please. I have been a good child, Father.
Please. "
"I -I want to see the n-northern lights and the stars again, f-father. P-
Please, tell me where are my wings," His voice quivers in pain and he
knows it's a sight his father hates. But he can't bring himself to care right
now. "Please, father."

His father gives a cold, cynical smile. That smile would haunt Taehyung
forever.

"Taehyung, . . .I cut them off." His father whispers.

Taehyung falls back, eyes blankly gazing at the man. The pain gets
worse. Had he heard it right? "N-No. . .You. . .W-Why would you?"

"You are my obedient little slave. And lately, your powers have been
growing so much, that you will be able to surpass me soon at this rate. So,
I cut your wings off, son. Hell worships power and that throne has always
been mine."

The broth. The sudden caring. So, it had all been a betrayal.

"T-The broth. . ." Taehyung lets out a whimper.

His father's smile grows even more pleased.

Taehyung has never hated himself so badly. Because of this stupidity, this
stupidity of his that makes him crave, crave even the slightest bit of
affection and care has damned him, ruined him to hell.
" . . .I-I have been good, father. . .I-I would never have dared to dream
about that throne," Taehyung presses his hands to his eyes, feeling so
weak. "Why would you cut my wings. . .You could have ripped me off my
powers and I would have happily obliged. . . W-Why would you cut my
wings?"

The only parts that he loved about himself. . .Why would he cut it off?

Though they were black wings, a reminder of the darkness he harbored,

Taehyung loved his wings. He had seen stars because of them and oh,
how pretty they were.

He had imagined his soulmate, thinking that if he remained stubborn

enough, one day the fates would get tired and grant him his wish.

Why would they take away his wings?

"Cutting off your wings would take away one-fourth of your powers. I still
have a lot of use for you, son. I wouldn't want to make my obedient soldier
completely useless." The man in front of him sounds contented. "Great
Master's suggestion was good."

Taehyung feels numb.

"And I made this special dungeon for you, son. You don't know its layout
yet. So, don't even think about escaping," His father says, grinning.
"Collect yourself. You will be released after a few days." And then, the man
is gone.

Taehyung sits there for days, his back bloody and his wings gone. Forever.

On the fourth day, he manages to escape, using whatever remnants of his

powers that's left. He cracks the layout by himself and the effort of his
escape nearly kills him. He doesn't know where he is going but his body
aches so much, blood still dripping from the wounds that have reopened.
He just knows he wants to be far from hell, far from this wretched place that
has taken away the one thing he loved.

He is hysterical, his eyes red-rimmed with tears and darting all around,
hoping to get far away.

Can anyone save him, please?

A voice.

Like a beacon of hope, he hears a voice.

"Darling, who hurt you?" Someone says softly. It's the softest sound he has
ever heard.
"Oh, you sweet thing, you have been hurt so bad." They speak with
remorse in their voices.

"Come with us, Taehyung. The world out there is so ugly and unkind. We
will keep you safe, darling."

"No one will care for you except us. You won't have to bear any pain. You
won't be lonely if you will come with us." They speak, and Taehyung feels
hope.

"You-You will save me?" Taehyung manages to mumble out through his
parched throat.

"Of course, dear, come with us."

Taehyung manages to follow the voice but in his hazy and weakened state,
he fails to recognize the territory of the Devil Peak. He fails to remember
the cunning schemes of the Aoroi who have lured people to this death trap
and feasted on their souls mercilessly.

It's too late when Taehyung realizes it.

The Aoroi let out a cackle. "Your companions shall be joining you soon,
Taehyung. The Battle of Evil will start now."

Taehyung knows what happens now. The portal behind him has vanished.
This is a game, one in which he can emerge out as victorious if only he
manages to kill every single soul who has arrived here for this battle.
100, 000 demons, devils, ghouls, the worst of the creatures that reside in
hell.

A drop of tear falls down his eyes and he lets out a hysterical chuckle. He
laughs, laughs at this insanity, this madness, these betrayals that follow
him everywhere, he laughs at the death of his wings which are now lost
forever. He laughs at his stupidity. He laughs at his foolishness. He laughs
at his hope, that he could ever have something good. He laughs at himself
for forgetting his damned place, for forgetting that he is evil by blood, and
for hoping that one day, things could change.

He laughs.

Then, all of a sudden, his eyes glimmer red. Hot rage shimmers in his
veins, rage so potent that it seems like it wants to consume him whole. His
eyes burn red in the darkness.

Taehyung had never truly been a monster.

But that day, a monster was born.

Taehyung, the boy who was born from black roses.

Taehyung who learned he was different when he was four.

Taehyung who would be kept starved and locked in a cold cell for days if
he failed to summon his powers.

Taehyung who would be whipped and beaten till his back bled if he didn't
do as instructed.

Taehyung whose wings were carved out of his body.

Taehyung who would envision his soulmate in the stars and the aurora.

Taehyung, that naive and that stupid, stupid boy.

That boy was dead today.

And instead of him, a monster was born.

And after 15 years of being trapped inside the Devil Peak, the monster
named Kim Taehyung refused to die and stood atop the mountain of evil
that he had slain, ruling above all as the greatest evil. Declared by the
oracle on the same day as the rightful 'King of Hell'. Hell worships power
and the greatest of all runs in his veins.

Kim Taehyung, the Lord of Evil was born that day.

***

"The monster isn't born but created."

Please vote and comment<33

A/N: I am taking a break from writing for some time since I am suffering
from a huge writer's block. I don't know when I will update and I desperately
need to catch up on my studies. I have a huge exam coming up in some
months which will basically decide my entire career. But I hope to be back
soon after this block is over. Thank you for reading! Share your thoughts on
Taehyung's back story, please. Love y'all and stay safe <33

27: The True Heir

A hood covers Taehyung's face, his long cloak dragging on the floor as he
makes his way through the familiar corridors where he had spent his entire
childhood. A wry smile curves his lips. This place will never change. Even
after 15 years, it manages to torment Taehyung in a way that he hadn't
known possible.

The hallways are desolate and Taehyung knows the reason why. The war
between heaven and hell occurred in the years when he was gone and
from what he has heard, his father has been gravely injured. Taehyung
ought to pay his father a visit as his obedient son, oughtn't he?

Taehyung stops outside his father's chambers. There are guards stationed
outside. Pests. This is going to be fun.

The guards cautiously watch the man in the hood, taking their swords out
from their hilts. They point their swords at the newcomer. "Who the hell are
you?! And how dare you appear like this in front of our King's living
quarters?!"

There is a ghost of a smile on the man's lips, one which makes everyone's
skin crawl from fear.
Something about this man. The air is so heavy around him. Dark, evil, and
sinister.

It leaves an ominous feeling in the pits of their stomach.

"How dare I?" The man chuckles lowly and drops his hood down from his
face.

Everyone freezes at the sight of the man, their eyes bulging in trepidation
and shock.

"Y-Your Highness . . .!"

"After 15 years----H-How? W-Weren't you dead?"

It had long spread in hell that the powerful Crown Prince of hell had
disappeared after last being spotted near the Devil Peak. Everyone had
said he had gone for the battle of evil, to seek more powers and his greed
would eventually be the cause of his death.

After 15 years, no one had expected the same man to be standing right in
front of them. But there was something so different about him. The Crown
Prince before had a distinctive light in his eyes, a softness to his features
despite his ominous powers. He had never gone out of his way to harm
anyone for fun.

But this man--This man had no light in his eyes. They were murky depths of
black, emptiness, and void. There was no softness in his features.
Everything about him was sharp. The steely glint in his eyes, a jaw that
could cut stones. Something about his aura said that if he wanted
something, he would get it by burning everything down in his path.

"Move out of my way," Taehyung commands sharply.

The guards detect the blaring sounds of danger. "I am afraid we can't let
you in, Your Highness. His Majesty is in a weak state and is resting."

"And do you think I give a fuck about that? Move out of my way before my
patience runs thin," Taehyung drawls, raising his brow. "And my patience
has never been remarkable."

"Your Highness, what is wrong with you showing up here all of a sudden?!
Are you trying to rebel or----" One of the guards chokes on his own words.
He claws at his throat in desperation which seems to have some invisible
death grip tormenting him. His eyes roll back and his whole face starts
turning blue. In front of them, Kim Taehyung stands, watching the man, his
eyes now burning red.

"I told you to move out of my way," Taehyung murmurs and suddenly, the
guard's neck is snapped in a sickening crunch with just a snap of
Taehyung's fingers. The body of the dead guard hits the ground.

The others stare at him now with renewed fear.

"Anyone else interested to pay Death a nice visit?" Taehyung grins. "I am
just here to meet father. I have missed him. There's no need for any
hostility, right?"
"Y-Yes, my lord! Please go in!" The other guards scramble out of his way
and Taehyung steps inside the chamber.

"Also, spread in hell that the former Crown Prince of hell, now the Lord of
Evil, Kim Taehyung has returned back. Everyone must know. Especially
the Great Master." Taehyung orders, smiling nonchalantly.

"Yes-Yes, my lord!"

"As you command, Your Highness!"

Taehyung closes the door behind him, cracking his neck and fingers.

On the bed, his father is sleeping, his whole face has a deathly pallor, in
no such state that a ruler should be in. Especially not of hell.

His eyes open as if he sensed the change in the air around him.

"Greetings father."

His father's eyes go so wide that even Taehyung hadn't been anticipating
such an excited reaction. Oh, his father had been missing him a lot.

"Aren't you elated to see me, father?" Taehyung casually sits on the chaise
lounge in the room while his father's face grows even paler.
"H-How. . . ? Y-You?" The man stutters, gaping like a pathetic fool, his
whole body trembling with fear.

"I have come back to take what's rightfully mine, father." Taehyung smirks.
"My throne."

"Don't you fucking dare, you traitor! After disappearing for years, you dare
to show up to take what's mine?!" The man screams with new energy.

Taehyung laughs.

He laughs so hard, clutching his stomach, tears appearing in his eyes. He

claps his hands slowly. "My, you still haven't changed. "

"And take what's yours?" Taehyung looks at the man from up to down.
"Don't jest with me like that."

"What madness is this, Taehyung?!"

"Hell worships power, doesn't it? And you are in such a pathetic state right
now. Do you think they are waiting for you to take the throne back?"
Taehyung mutters, smiling. "No. They are searching for a new ruler. You
are discarded. You are no longer in use. Hell has been mine since I was
born. It was mine 15 years ago and it's still mine."

The man starts shaking, his face showing signs of anger and most of all,
fear.
The calm that Taehyung had been emanating till now snaps, replaced with
a look of vengeance and bloodthirst.

"Do you know where I have been these 15 years? Do you know what I
have done to survive?!" Taehyung asks the man who had ruined everything
that had once belonged to him.

"I am here, vanquishing 100,000 evils, father. The Devil Peak which feasts
on everything evil was forced to let me go. Do you know why? " Taehyung
asks, the corner of his lips quirking up.

"I became so evil, the greatest evil of all that even the Devil Peak became
incapable to feast on my soul. Even the Peak of evil can't stomach the
wrath and the vileness that runs in my blood."

"You took away my wings once, father. I begged in front of you, cried, and
pleaded. But did you once listen to my pain?" Taehyung grits out. "No. You
didn't. So, I am here to settle my debts. I am here to take away your soul
and my throne."

"T-Taehyung, No! No! Please!"

Taehyung grins. "You would whip me every time if I showed even an ounce
of weakness. You are so pathetic right now. Don't you feel any shame?"

"But fear not father, I have always been a generous son. I will take care of
everything. Like I always have."

***
For the next few weeks, everyone observes how the Crown Prince who
disappeared for 15 years, tends to his sick father diligently.

The man survived the Devil Peak, eradicating 100,000 evils and he is
blessed by the oracle to rule. Everyone whispers that Kim Taehyung is the
most powerful existence to have ever breathed in all the realms. Especially
after his return from the Devil Peak.

But he isn't inclined to rule right away, it seems. Since he is found in his
father's chambers all day. The healers have been saying that the Crown
Prince is exhibiting extraordinary filial piety by being with his father through
his hard time. They even say that he even brews the medicines of his
father by himself and that, he has been giving his father a medicinal soup
prepared from a herb found only inside the Devil Peak.

(Oh, but what no one knows is how the same soup is poisoned with the
soul-degenerating Ivy that's only found in the Devil Peak. The extraordinary
quality of this herb is that it goes undetected by any poison testing devices.
And it steadily degenerates the soul of an immortal until it is disintegrated.
The person feels their entire body burning with pain throughout this whole
time. They experience terrible hallucinations, their speech disappears and
they exhibit signs of insanity soon after. Taehyung, as the generous son he
is, feeds his father the soup thrice a day.)

But alas, even after the Crown Prince's hard efforts, the King passes away,
his state so grim in his last moments that everyone says he had been
possessed by madness.

And somehow the Great Master has also disappeared. Everyone wonders
why. He was seen with Lord Kim Taehyung last, welcoming him back
home, and the Lord had been elated to see his old master. But, well it
doesn't really matter since the Great Master was a tyrant on his own, and
rumors say he was seeking the crown for himself.
But that crown only belongs to Kim Taehyung.

It was meant for him the day he was born from a black rose. How powerful
had he been that even the boiling hot magma of the volcano had been
unable to touch him?

Hell wakes up to rejoice in a new rule under the feet of Kim Taehyung, the
King of Hell and the Lord of Evil.

***

"Good heavens, what happened in the devil peak?" The people whisper
every now and then, their eyes darting back and forth, fearing that the
nightmare incarnate, the Lord of Evil would appear in front of them for just
even mentioning him.

"They say the devil sold his soul to survive. That's what happened."

***
A monster lets out a scream. The sound of heavy iron chains rattling comes
from the cage, followed by heavy breathing. The atmosphere is sullen and
thick with tension, and the smell of death cloaks this place.

The Lair of Death.

Red eyes glimmer in the cage. Taehyung, bound by heavy chains, lets out
another scream in pain. His whole back hurts.

Even after years since that night, he is still here.

In the same cage.

With his back bloody and his wings carved out.

Nothing has changed.

The blue moon releases the most primal form of a creature. Taehyung's
natural (primal) form--the one with wings, was torn away from him in the
cruelest way possible. So, it's no surprise that he is the weakest in this
form.

His whole body burns with pain as if someone has been pouring molten hot
coal on an open wound. His entire back is reminiscent of the time when his
wings had been ripped out. Huge gashes mar his back, signs of his wings
being torn away mercilessly.
Taehyung is forced to remember that night on every blue moon. The night
when he lost everything. His wings, his sanity, his light, his heart, his soul.

And as if it hadn't already been enough, he was lured into the death trap of
the Aoroi and was forced to battle for his life for 15 years in the Devil Peak.

The monster in the Devil Peak----sometimes, Taehyung finds it difficult to

associate himself with that very monster, though it was him. It still is him.

Taehyung had nothing to lose when he was trapped there.

That's why the Aoroi said he had no fear when he had been left to struggle
for his life there.

Someone who has nothing to lose is the most dangerous creation ever.

A wry laugh escapes him. All the realms have woven the tale of how he
went to the Devil Peak for the battle of evil willingly, to gain more powers.
That he is such a selfish and greedy creature and he would step over
anyone to fulfill his ambition.

But no one has ever cared to know beyond that. No one has ever cared to
ask how he survived that hellhole.

Is it selfish of him to want to live?

To not want to die a vain death out of the hands of those who had betrayed
him?
Taehyung forced himself to stay alive so that he could never give the
satisfaction to the Aoroi of feasting on his soul. He would die anywhere but
not at the hands of those who had turned on him in his
most vulnerable moment.

Every time it feels like he is gambling with Death himself in these moments.

He hasn't seen the northern lights since then. He never had the courage to
go back. It would only remind him of all the things he has lost.

He remembers the face of Lily, that bright face as if the entire sun was
beaming down at her. That lovely smile, that blush on her cheeks that she
grants only to him, her laugh like bells chiming whenever Sirius and Tan
get into another brawl, her anger, her possessiveness---Taehyung feels
that breathing comes easier when he thinks about her.

He will live. Just some more pain. Some more days. And he will return back
to her.

Suddenly, a piece of eerie music starts playing in the air. The music echoes
in the maze-like dungeon, prompting a frown on Taehyung's face. What?

And then, a voice comes.

Once in a blue moon

The monster becomes weak

The monster becomes weak

His back bloody and carved

In places where there were supposed to be wings

The monster will be slain

And the hero shall arise

And the world will be mine

Rightfully mine

Footsteps come closer to the cage, singing the same tune. The light from
the fire torch falls on the person's face. Taehyung freezes when his eyes
fall on the newcomer.

A spitting image of his--father.

"Greetings Your Majesty," The man hums, smiling.

"How the hell did you get here?!" Taehyung snarls but he receives his
answer soon when another person steps out from the shadows, carrying a
piece of paper. The one which must contain the layout of this dungeon.

Taehyung chuckles, even forgetting about his pain and bleeding back
momentarily. This situation is just amusing. Ah, the ghosts of the past.
But the man doesn't seem to enjoy his humor because the next moment,
he hurls a dagger at Taehyung that lodges into his shoulder. Taehyung's
eyes glimmer red, as the monster inside him, thrashes against the chains
to be let out and have his revenge.

Taehyung shakes his head, breathing harshly, his eye color snapping back
to normal. He grins lazily, murmuring. "The son of the previous King. . .The
true heir. . .Aren't you?"

It isn't a question but a statement. Taehyung is smart enough to deduce.

His father had a son? Apparently. But no one had ever known.

"Don't you ever associate me with that man," The man spits, his face
contorting in disgust.

That's a common thing they seem to share. Hatred towards the previous
King.

Taehyung notices how the face of the man is deathly pale as if he has no
blood in his body. His eyes are sharp, lethal, and green in color.

"Why have you shown up after all these years?" Taehyung asks.

"To take back what has rightfully been mine." The man claims.
Taehyung laughs through his pain. "You are truly the son of your father.
Both of you are pretty delusional."

"And you say that the throne is yours? But you are showing up here like
a coward when I am chained and weak. Don't you have even a bit of faith
in yourself?"

Upon his words, the man's servant draws out his dagger, ready to hurl it at
him to keep his mouth shut.

"Uh oh, you might not want to do that. My darling will hate it if I return back
to her with more scars. You want to live to see another day, don't you?"
Taehyung asks, gritting his teeth to keep his tone steady from the pain
that's burning his body right now.

The servant stops, his eyes darting to his master, seeking for permission.
His master stops him with a motion of his hands.

"Kim Taehyung, you took away everything that was supposed to belong to
me. My throne, my status, my power, everything. But now I will enjoy taking
everything from you. Your Kingdom will be mine and I will rule over
everyone."

Taehyung lets out a gasp. "Damn, why didn't you come sooner? Tsk tsk, if
you had formally met me, I would have even considered leaving everything
to you. Good luck with that. Do tell me if you enjoy the duties. I sure as hell
don't. They bore me to death."

Taehyung has the urge to laugh when the servant looks visibly
bewildered. Oh, he was certainly not expecting that from
Taehyung. Maybe a more passionate reaction? Hm. But the man who is
the new addition to his enemies list (he has lost count of them), his face
remains unmoving.

"You will leave everything to me?" The man laughs. "No. I will take them
away from you. And your Queen will also be mine. Mine."

Taehyung's blood shimmers with rage anew that he wants to bury the man
in front of him alive. If only he wasn't chained.

Take away his entire Kingdom? Taehyung wouldn't bat his eye.

But not Lily--Never Lily. Taehyung will cut his tongue off for daring to talk
about her.

"Ah, that anger. So, she really means a lot to you? Hm. I will have a lot of
fun taking her away from you then." The man taunts condescendingly.

"But first, let's take you somewhere else better, Your Majesty," The man
says and throws a blade in his direction. A strange silver blade with an
unnatural gleam.

Taehyung's vision instantly goes blurry, blood dripping from his mouth. He
slowly descends into unconsciousness.
"Come back to me in one piece. If you get hurt, I am going to be really mad
at you."

Oh, Lily is going to be so mad at him.

***

Lily watches her three daughters, huddling and chirping in the room. The
baby Phoenixes have been growing quickly. While they could fit in her palm
before, now they have grown to almost her knees. Their feathers have
been growing more crimson and they occasionally breathe out fire. She
had feared that this little cottage would be burned to dust by the time
Taehyung came back but since this place was forged with magic, the
incinerated items are immediately replaced with new ones.

Andromeda and Artemis are the troublesome duos. They fly around the
entire room, knocking down lamps and glasses, and even she has a hard
time controlling them. With the way they mischievously breathe out embers
of fire, burning down things, it's like they are almost teasing their mother.

On the other hand, Athena is almost quiet and not so mischievous. She
mostly lays in Lily's lap, and the other times, she joins her two sisters in
wreaking havoc. Lily had noticed how Athena was close to Taehyung, too.
She liked Taehyung. When he was with her, he had cradled Athena in his
arms the whole time when she was busy with the other two. The two had
grown close just in a matter of some days. It was also the reason why she
had asked him to name her.

Taehyung.
She sighs and gazes out of the window. When is he returning to her? It has
just been a few days but it feels like eons have passed. She misses his
presence and his warmth more than anything.

Sirius flies above the cottage sky time and again during the day. But her
daughter doesn't wait around much so as not to create any suspicions.
Jimin has been dropping by to check in every day, bringing supplies of food
and other necessities.

She fiddles with the necklace that Taehyung had last left on her neck. A
beautiful heart-shaped piece.

She can't help but feel that something is wrong.

She had been feeling restless since the moment Taehyung had left but she
had just pushed the thoughts away, thinking that she was overreacting. But
the ominousness in the pit of her stomach intensifies, clamoring loudly.

Wrong. Something is so wrong.

Taehyung.

Sensing her fear and worry, the Phoenixes immediately become alert, their
wise eyes narrowing into slits, searching the room for any signs of danger.
Athena flies to her lap, snuggling closer to her, trying to comfort her.

The door of the cottage opens and Lily becomes alert. Footsteps follow and
she recognizes it's Jimin. The door to the room opens and Jimin steps
inside. The Phoenixes still remain tense. They had never been comfortable
in anyone else's presence other than her and Taehyung.

Jimin gives her a warm smile but it immediately turns into a frown. "Is
everything alright, Lily? You look tense," He asks.

"Taehyung. . ." She whispers. "I need to see Taehyung. Now."

Jimin's face pales. "But he is gone for the---"

"Taehyung hasn't gone to pacify any uproar. I know that. He lied to me. But
I had let it go, thinking that it must be something important. I don't care
anymore. I-I need to see him," Her eyes well up with tears as she holds the
necklace tightly, feeling like her heart is being ripped apart. "S-Something is
wrong. H-He is in pain."

"But Taehyung had strictly asked me not to bring you there," Jimin says
with an apologetic look. "Taehyung will kill me if I bring you there."

"Not if I kill him first. He lied to me and if he has gotten hurt, lord help me---"

Jimin wisely chooses to stay quiet. Well, Taehyung is fucked.

"So, will you take me to him?" Lily asks, but Jimin knows there's no room
for any discussion. The Phoenixes watch him with alert eyes, saying that
one wrong move from his side wouldn't end well for him. That was an
order. And he has to follow it.
"As you wish, my lady." He bows.

***

Please vote and comment<3

A/N: So, I am back after more than two weeks. The updates are going to be
slow from now onwards until my exams are over. I hope everyone will
understand. And thank you so much for showering this book with so much
love and support. Also, please do share your theories. What do you feel
about this new enemy?

28: The Queen of Hell

You should see me in a crown

Your silence is my favorite sound
Watch me make 'em bow
One by one by one
One by one by one

---You should see me in a Crown

Jimin leads Lily through the long maze-like dungeon. The place is
incredibly cold and enveloped in darkness, their path only lit up by the fire
torch that Jimin is carrying. The dingy narrow walls of the dungeon with its
never-ending passage make one feel like they have stepped into some
unknown monster's lair. The entire place is confusing. Without the layout
Jimin is holding, Lily is certain they would be lost and trapped here for
ages.

"Why is Taehyung here?" She mumbles out, swallowing the lump in her
throat. Her entire being feels restless, some string tugging at her heart.

Jimin's voice cracks as he mutters, "Every blue moon. . .Taehyung is

forced to chain himself in this dungeon. The blue moon releases the
most primal form of a creature and Taehyung is the weakest in this form.
His-His wings were ripped out of his body by the previous King because his
powers had been growing steadily and the King was afraid that Taehyung
would surpass him. Taehyung lost one-fourth of his powers that day. He
lost the one thing that he had truly loved in this wretched place. Then, as if
it hadn't already been enough, he was forced into another trap in his
vulnerable state when he managed to escape from this dungeon. He got
trapped inside the Devil Peak for 15 years. The blue moon is in some days
and Taehyung gradually becomes weaker. But the worst thing is he cannot
make any conscious decisions during this period. The monster inside him is
forced out and even if Taehyung is weak in this state, he can still wreak
havoc that can make the entire hell tremble. So, he chains himself here."

Lily hasn't even processed his words completely when she sees Jimin
pause in his tracks. The color on his face drains as he crouches to his feet
and breathes out. "Fresh boot marks."

"What?"

Jimin stands up, his face ashen and the tone of his voice alarmed.
"Someone else has been here--- No one except Taehyung and me should
know of this place."

Her anxiety intensifies, the fear gripping her hard. Her instincts scream
that something is very, very wrong.

They keep on walking, their pace more hurried than before, and finally,
they stop outside a cell. The layout falls from Jimin's hand as he closes his
eyes in frustration upon the sight of an empty cell.

Their suspicions were correct. Taehyung isn't here.

Lily stands, dazed, eyes taking in the entire cell unblinkingly.

Blood.

His blood. Taehyung's blood. There is a fresh trail of blood on the floor of
the cell. Heavy iron chains have been tossed on the ground. They look
so heavy that tears well up in her eyes as she thinks about how Taehyung
had willingly come here to chain himself up. If Taehyung had been
even half the monster people thought he was, Taehyung would have
never bound himself up with these shackles. He would have never cared.

But Taehyung--The most misunderstood person ever, the person painted

as the evilest villain in the entire universe just for breathing---the monster
that everyone forced himself to be when he wasn't even one.

She clutches the necklace tightly, her heart beating

hard. Fear and anxiety course through her veins. But most of all rage. A
rage so fierce, so potent that wants to burn down everything in front of her
right now.

Who took him?

Who dared to take him? Take her person?

Take her soulmate?

She finds a dagger lodged in the wall. Jimin also notices it and he takes it,
observing for any signs of the perpetrator. But there are no glaring signs of
who could have possessed it.

The necklace that she was wearing snaps with the force of her anger. It
falls on the ground, clattering loudly. Taehyung had clasped it on her neck
before he had left.

Taehyung--Her Taehyung, who grants her the most beautiful of smiles, who
places a soft kiss on the scar on her inner wrist every time he can, who
kisses her as if she were an ocean and he was drowning in it, who would
give anything to her in a heartbeat if only she asked, who has been
shunned away by the entire universe as the evilest being ever for merely
existing, who proudly proclaims that he belongs to her, who would burn
down the world to ashes if it came to her, who slow dances with her
humming a soft tune, who loves her-----

Taehyung--Her Taehyung. The walls are closing on her, making it harder to

breathe. It physically hurts right now---like an aching void left behind
without his presence to fill it up.

Where is my Taehyung?

She shakily picks the necklace up and notices that the heart of the
necklace has opened up. Her breath catches in her throat when she finds
a ring inside.

Her eyes burn with tears anew.

"You are already my Queen. My soulmate. It's only a matter of time for me
to marry you," Taehyung takes her hand, his lips curving into a smile. "But I
would be an arse to not ask you properly."

"Well then, I will be waiting for the surprise." She chuckles.

"The ring?" Jimin shakes his head, smiling sadly. "That lovelorn fool left the
proposal ring for you. He chose it taking days. Do you know a custom in
hell, Lily?"

"What is it?"

"When a man gives a woman a ring and if she accepts it, they become
bound to each other by marriage. There are no vows like they follow in the
mortal realm. Once the ring is accepted, hell pronounces them as married.
But Taehyung had said that he would write vows for you, and he would
marry you in any way you wanted. Heaven, hell, or earth--Nothing has
mattered to him more than you."

Jimin's words make the grief in her heart grow worse.

But most of all, it fuels the rage roiling inside her.

"Then," Lily's eyes breathe fire as she holds the ring tightly. "I am going to
get my husband back. Whoever has dared to take him, will be deeply sorry
for this. I won't stop even if the world splits up into two---I am going to bring
my husband back."

***

The dagger's replica is sent to all the soldiers of hell, with the command
that they need to find any clue about this and who it might belong to. Lily
doesn't stop with hell. She calls her brother, Aiden as well to hell, who
promises her he will do anything to help. The rumors have started floating
around the palace. Though she hasn't outright declared anything about the
disappearance of Taehyung---the people have started noticing the glaring
silence in the throne room. The court officials have been cornering Jimin
every day about Taehyung's whereabouts and with every passing day, they
are getting harder to appease.

"The demons are starting to get uneasy. They will start an uproar soon if
the throne stays empty for some more days," Jimin says.

They are inside Taehyung's study. Princes Yoongi, Jungkook, and Seokjin
have gathered up as well. Namjoon, the scholar, and Grand Master Hoseok
are also present.

"You need to step up," Jimin announces. "As the Queen. And we need to
announce that Taehyung has been taken away. Our enemy needs to know
that we aren't to be trifled with. They are probably planning to take
advantage of the unrest that would follow with Taehyung's disappearance."

Lily nods, taking in everything silently. She has been holed up inside
Taehyung's study, his scent lingering in the air, making her feel at ease as
if he had never disappeared. But he had. And she didn't know where her
husband was. Every passing second without his presence felt like hell.

"You will need one thing, though," Yoongi mutters, his face calm. "The
Crown of Doom."

"The Queen's Crown. It possesses energy and powers that only moves in
tandem with the blood of a Queen. It will make you more powerful than you
already are and at this moment, we need it."

"We need them to trust you. That you are the only person who can rule hell
if Taehyung's not here." Namjoon says.
"Tomorrow, you will face them. In the throne room."

***

The officials are gathered up in the throne room, their faces agitated. Lord
Park Jimin, the right-hand man of the King, had announced that there was
going to be an important announcement today. They whisper to each other,
about the possible disappearance of the King and what will happen to hell
after this. They become alert as Lord Park steps out with a scroll in his
hand. Lord Park stands in front of everyone, his posture straight and proud,
and starts reading the message aloud.

"Today, hell has gathered up for an important announcement. His Majesty,

Lord Kim has been taken away by people with terrible intentions. As of right
now, we have no clue related to his whereabouts. We are going to start the
search right away with every possible resource that we have. Every official
has been requested to partake in this search. In Taehyung's absence, our
Queen shall rule hell as his rightful counterpart and everyone is expected
to obey, serve and be loyal to her with death."

As soon as Jimin finishes reading, chaos erupts inside the hall. Everyone
starts talking loudly, their faces shocked and bewildered.

"What do you mean our lord has been taken away?!"

"Hells! By whom?!"
"How can we accept this?! A throne without a King?!"

"Lord Park! Hell worships power! We worship power! Are her powers so
great that she can rule hell under her feet alone?!"

"Granted the Queen has a Phoenix but one Phoenix isn't enough to rule a
place like hell alone."

"It's time for the most powerful of all to step up. Since Lord Kim is gone,
only the next most powerful person is the most deserving to get the throne."

The voices of disapproval grow louder.

"I daresay I could climb the throne myself," One of the demons snickers.

"Me too." Someone else also adds snidely.

A soft but firm voice comes next. "Can you, though?"

The entire throne room goes silent at that unmistakable voice.

The Queen of hell enters the throne room, her face blank and impassive,
followed by Cerberus, whose menacing snarl quietens down everyone.
Adorned in a black gown, with those fiery eyes, she truly looks like
the Queen of hell. A necklace with a magnificent ring hangs from her neck.
Her skin glows in the room, her identity as a Goddess hard to be
overlooked.

"Are you sure you are fit to sit on that throne?" Lily asks, addressing the
demons who had bravely spoken that they could claim the throne of hell.
"Hell worships power, doesn't it not? And do you have that power?"

The demons look pale, their faces ashen.

"No, you don't." She breathes out, staring at them with steely coldness in
her gaze. "It seems like everyone has forgotten the incident in
the Shadowfall Arena. Does everyone need a quick reminder?"

Everyone shivers in the crowd in fear.

"But Your Majesty, you will also require another person to rule hell along
with you. One Phoenix isn't enough," A court official points out, mustering
up courage in his tone.

A wry smirk curves her lips. She tilts her head and asks, raising her
eyebrows, "How about four?"

"What?!" The officials look at her in shock but their question is

soon answered when they look outside the large windows of the throne
room.
The entire sky of hell is painted in fire.

On cue, there is a thunderous sound of something crashing, burning, fire

being breathed out, the heavy cloak of smoke---chaos.

"My apologies." The Queen gives a chilling smile. "My daughters are
a bit chaotic."

Daughters. Not daughter.

Then, all of a sudden, a shrill cry splits the sky apart.

Followed by another cry.

And another.

And another.
"Good lord." Someone breathes out, looking outside in awe. "Phoenixes."

Not one. Not two. But four majestic Phoenixes are flying in the sky, painting
the whole sky red. Their shrill cries tearing the sky apart. The three new
Phoenixes look younger but the fiery slit of their eyes is even more
menacing.

Suddenly, the four birds swoop inside the throne room through the large
windows, making everyone grasp each other in fright of being incinerated
to ashes. The majestic birds fly above Lily, trilling at the sight of
their mother, their eyes a breathtaking pool of fire.

"Is this enough proof for everyone?" She asks calmly. The officials are
gaping at the sight of the birds with shock written all over their faces. "Do I
need another person's assistance to rule hell with me now?"

"Forgive our ignorance, Your Majesty." The officials immediately kneel,

shaking in fear.

"You are forgiven. But no one shall dare to question my authority from next
time." She warns, the lilt of her voice indicating imminent danger if one
dared to do that. "I am going to bring my husband back. Your King will
return and until then, as his Queen, I expect every one of our subjects to
remain loyal to the crown. You will remain loyal, won't you?"

Cerberus's next growl makes everyone shiver.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The officials bow their heads in reverence.

The power the Queen exudes with just her daughters and herself is
enough. Enough to indicate who hell will worship now.

"Like I thought." Lily murmurs. One of the Phoenixes caresses her cheeks
and she runs her fingers through those crimson feathers gently.

To touch a Phoenix without even getting burned.

To rule the Bird of Flames.

Indeed, she is made of fire through and through.

Jimin snaps his fingers and in the next moment, two servants enter the
throne room, carrying a familiar crown which sends everyone wide-eyed
once again.

The Crown of Doom.

The Crown which hasn't seen the light of day for centuries.
It is placed in the middle of the hall, above a stand. Grand Master Hoseok
steps up, with a sharp dagger and presents it to the Queen.

Lily takes it and makes a cut on her thumb with it. Her blood
starts dripping on the crown.

As the golden blood hits the crown, there is a sudden bright flash of light in
the room. Everyone shields their eyes, squinting to see what is happening.
Then, immediately, the whole crown starts glowing with a reddish hue.

The roar of a storm brewing arrives from outside. The wind is so strong that
the windows of the palace are hurled open, rattling loudly with its
force. Thunder accompanies the storm, so loud that it makes the
ground tremble beneath them.

The birth of a Queen.

"An auspicious sign!"

"Hell worships our Queen!"

"All hail the Queen!"

The demons clamor in the crowd, excitement evident in their tone.

Grand Master Hoseok crowns the Queen, and the crown of Doom sits atop
the head of the Bringer of Death, the Mother of Phoenix, and the Queen of
hell, Lily.

The throne which had been empty for days finally sees the face of one of
its destined rulers.

Lily sits on the throne, the crown glittering above her head.

"They took my husband." Her calm voice resonates in the room but the
underlying fury in it speaks volumes. "They have asked for war and I will
give them that."

"My daughters are ready to wreak vengeance. If I must burn the ground
to dust, I will do it. If I must cross oceans, I will do it. But I will bring
Taehyung back to me. Do not stop at anything. Do what you can. And most
of all, be loyal to the crown."

"Your wish is our command, Your Majesty!"

"All hail the Queen!" The demons chant, bowing their heads low.

"She will bring death and doom for her husband." A demon murmurs in the
crowd.
"As expected of the Bringer of Death."

***

Please vote and comment <333

A/N: So, I am alive everyone <333 Been extremely busy but I managed to
finally squeeze out a chapter. Thank you to everyone for waiting so
patiently for these slow updates. Means a lot to me. And well, Lily is
bringing war for her husband--Don't we all love it when women bring war for
their men?

Thank you so much for reading<3 Have a great day/night ahead.

29: Memories of the Powerful Slave

"Ares! Little Ares! Where are you hiding, baby?" The voice of his mama
caused Ares to giggle. He covered his mouth with his fingers, to suppress
his laughs lest his mama heard it and found his hiding place.

Hide and seek.

Ares loved playing hide and seek.

They lived in this tall castle in the north, where winter was always imminent.
Asides from around 10 servants, and his mama, Ares had never seen
another person in this place. The castle was hidden deep in the woods and
his mama would always warn him to never venture into those dark woods.

His mother used to say that outside those gigantic conifer trees, there was
an entire world, of bloodthirsty savages, worse than the monsters written in
the books his mother would talk about.

His mother would have to leave the castle every now and then. Sometimes,
she would take days to return back. Sometimes, it would take weeks.

Ares always used to wish for his mama to return back to him safe and
sound, unharmed by any of those bloodthirsty savages.

Ares had never known his father.

He had once asked his mother and her entire expression had become stiff.
He always ever saw smiles and laughter in his mother's eyes. So, when
she had changed the subject immediately, he had understood that he was
never to mention that man again.

On his 10th birthday, his mama finally let him out of the castle. She had
said that it was time for him to see the outside world. His whole face had
been covered with a mask and his mama had even draped a cloak over his
shoulders. Mama had warned him not to show his face to anyone. Mama
had always talked about the bloodthirsty monsters in the outside world but
when he had seen people like himself, little demons, devils, playing around
in the lively bazaar, vendors selling tasty delicacies, he had wondered why
his mama had said so.

His mama took him to this grand palace that had him gaping his mouth like
a fish. It was so grand, so majestic. Unlike anything that he had ever seen.
She had taken him to this large room. It was a study like they had in their
home as well.

"This is the study of your father, Ares. The study of the King of hell," His
mama had whispered in his ear. "You are here to meet your father."

Ares had taken in the information with a bewildered look on his face. His
father was a King? That made him a prince, then, did it not? Ares had
wished his mother had notified him earlier about this meeting. He wasn't
ready to meet his father.

The door to the study opened and his father stepped inside.

Stormy and shrewd eyes, sharp face.

There wasn't a hint of warmth on his face.

He had taken a good look at Ares and his father's first words to him had
been, "Get out of the room, boy. I need to talk to your mother."

Ares had obeyed, taking one glance at his mother's face. She looked very
tense.

Ares walked out of the room but left a small gap in the door so that he
could listen to their words. His mama had taught him that eavesdropping
was rude but he wanted to know what his father thought of him.

"Why have you brought that child here?!" His father's sharp voice made him
flinch.

"It's high time that everyone knows who the real Crown Prince of hell is."
His mother gritted out, eyes furious.

His father laughed. "You are highly mistaken. The people of hell devote
themselves to the highest power of all and does your boy have the power
to rule this place? After me? No, he doesn't."

"If he would have been blessed with such powers, he would have the whole
earth and sky itself split apart to declare that he is the one who ought to
rule this land. That boy doesn't even have the power that Kim Taehyung
holds in his one finger."

Kim Taehyung.

Ares couldn't help but feel the first flare of dislike towards him.

Who was that person that his father could accept when he couldn't even
accept his own son?

"But he is our son!" His mother bellowed. "Don't you even care about your
own blood?!"

"The only thing that concerns me is the Crown and my little pawns who can
make me rule as the King. Ares is a black stain on my reputation. My
status. Be my good Queen and do not concern yourself over such trivial
matters."

A black stain.

His heart felt a crack for the first time. His father didn't even want him. Ares
willed the tears to go away, trying to steady his breathing. He couldn't
break down. His mother always said to him that he was a strong boy. Yes,
he was strong. Very strong. Mere words couldn't hurt him.

His mother laughed a cold, cruel laugh. "If you refuse to declare him to the
world as the rightful Prince, then I shall take the matters into my own
hands. Farewell, Your Majesty."
Ares immediately walked away from the door before it could open. His
mama smiled at him, an exhausted smile on her face. "Let's go home, little
Ares."

Home. He wanted to call this place home, too. He wanted to have his
father, too. He didn't want to be a black stain on his father's reputation. He
wanted to make his father proud of him.

As they walked along the corridors, Ares found a line of paintings of the
Kings and Princes of hell. His mama let him explore the paintings for a bit
more since it was his first time outside. They stopped in front of one
painting and Ares read the name softly.

"His Royal Highness, Crown Prince, Kim Taehyung."

"Birthed from black roses."

"Crowned as the Crown Prince of Hell on the 10th day of his birth."

Ares's eyes landed on a boy, who looked like him, only a little older.

His eyes were stormy too, like his father's. Ares couldn't help but feel bitter
at the fact that this boy looked more like his father's son than him.

What powers could this boy have that he could never compare according to
what his father had said?

"Mama," Ares called her, staring at the painting of the prince.

"Yes, Ares?"

"How can I. . .be like him, mama?" He asked her hesitantly, swallowing the
lump in his throat. "H-How can I have father accept me?"

He stole a look at his mama's face. He saw her teary eyes and something
else, determination and anger.

"You don't need to be like him, Ares. He is evil. He was born evil. You will
never be like him," His mama murmured.

"Ares."

"Yes, mama."

"This spot will be yours soon, my son. Mama will make sure of it."

***

His mama didn't return home for weeks after she left him at the castle
again. He waited and waited for her to come back but she didn't. Days
passed. Weeks passed. And months. But his mother didn't return. Maybe
his mother had decided to abandon him, too like his father. Ares would
complete his chores every day, learn and practice diligently. If mama
returned, he didn't want her to be mad at him for disregarding his duties.

On the 3rd month of her disappearance, a man arrived at the castle.

A new visitor.

His mama's servants greeted the man, referring to him as "Great Master."

He didn't come alone. He came with the news that his mother was found
dead in her chamber and that she had been buried in hell already two
months ago.

Ares felt as if the ground below him had split apart. He couldn't even say
goodbye to his mother for the last time. She was never coming back to him.

He wiped away his tears angrily. "He-He killed my mother." Ares was
beyond certain that his father had killed his mother. He was sure. After all,
in the game of this crown, even the Queen was a pawn to him and if the
pawn was of no use anymore, it ought to be discarded.

"Don't you dare cry, boy," Great Master warned him. "You are to become
the King. And Kings do not show weaknesses in the face of anything."

"I do not want to become a King! If I can't even grieve for the loss of my
dead mother, what good use that throne would serve me?!" He yelled
loudly.

A resounding slap on his cheek followed. Ares stared at the man, wide-
eyed. Even his mother had never raised her hand against him.

His eyes welled up with tears.

"I am not here to deal with your tantrums, boy. Get over yourself," The
master sneered. "And you are going to start crying with one slap? Kim
Taehyung gets whipped till his back gets bloody every day."

That name again.

Kim Taehyung.

Ares hated that name. Hated that boy. Hated everything about him.

He was Ares. Not Kim Taehyung. He didn't want to be that evil boy.

"You are going to be trained to be the King in secret. I will train you and
when the time comes, you will rule the world," Great Master muttered. "Not
only hell. Heaven, hell, earth, every realm possible. My sister would only
get her peace then."

"Uncle. . . .," Ares' eyes widened.

"Yes, Ares, I am your Uncle and my sister was the Queen of hell. I know
that bastard killed her. You need to climb that throne, boy, and rule as the
supreme entity of all lands. Only then, you will have your revenge. And you
must know that on this path to our goal, our greatest obstacle is no one
other than Kim Taehyung."

"The Crown Prince is very powerful from what I have heard. He is to

become the King. . . ." Ares muttered slowly.
"No. Kim Taehyung may be revered as the Crown Prince in that court but
he is nothing other than a powerful, duty-bound slave," Great Master
chuckled. "And in the quest of that crown, you will require this slave to be
yours. To be at your beck and call, boy. When you have a pawn as
powerful as Kim Taehyung, you can claim that the world is already yours."

"But how do I bring him to my side, Uncle?"

The master smiled chillingly. "This process will take years. Centuries even.
You must be incredibly patient."

"Do you know what makes a person whole, boy?" His uncle asked him.

Ares shook his head.

"Memories." Great Master answered.

***

Memories.

The true key that encompasses the existence of an individual.

Memories make a person whole. Without one's memories, they are

reduced to nothing.

And nothing is always the beginning of something.

This whole process has taken him years. After the murder of his uncle by
Kim Taehyung, Ares still continued on this journey to the crown.
Ares had never been too fond of his uncle but he had to be grateful to the
man for showing him the way. The man taught him every nook and cranny
of hell, the countless hideouts, dungeons, the status of the court, their
officials, every important demon and devil, creatures, everything.

His uncle had hardly done anything because of the kindness of his heart
towards his nephew. No, it was just because his uncle had wanted to make
Ares his own pawn. When Ares would rise to the throne, his uncle would be
behind him, pulling all the strings, treating him like his little puppet.

Ares should thank Kim Taehyung for eradicating that pest from his path.

Ares grins, carving out the bird's wings with his dagger. Beneath him, there
is a puddle of blood.

At long last, his bird is finally here.

Any minute, Kim Taehyung would wake up.

And when he would wake up, he would be a new person.

A person without memories.

And that will be the beginning of the powerful slave of Lord Ares. Lord Ares,
the lord who was born to rule across all lands.

"My lord," A knock comes on the door.

"Yes?" Ares tosses the dead bird on the floor.

"He is awake, my lord."

"Excellent. I will join him in a minute."

***

Ares steps inside the chamber in the north wing of his castle. The place
where Kim Taehyung would reside from now onwards.

He slips a smile onto his face. His eyes meet Kim Taehyung's, who true to
his servant's word has woken up and is looking around the place with
curiosity and uncertainty.

Ares's heart burns with hatred. Right in front of him, is the man who has
taken away everything that should have belonged to him.

Taehyung glances at him, eyes hazy, and asks, "Where am I?"

Ares cannot detect any hostility from him till now. Good. His plan should be
working perfectly.

"You are home, brother," Ares murmurs.

"Home. . .? This is my home? Who-Who am I ?" Taehyung asks him,

perplexed, painful uncertainty flashing on his face along with desperation.
How sweet. Ares feels the first taste of victory.

The poisons worked. Perfectly.

And now with his identity forgotten, Ares will forge a new man out of this
Kim Taehyung. His very own powerful slave.

For 10 years, he and his uncle devoted themselves to creating an

underground dungeon. The dungeon has poisonous fumes and toxins to
make one forget their own identity at their weakest, vulnerable moment and
start everything off anew with a clean slate.

Uncle died before the completion of that dungeon but Ares gave continuity
to it. His uncle had been the one to suggest the King to rip out Taehyung's
wings. And his uncle had also taught him that the blue moon would make
creatures like Taehyung the weakest in their form. That dungeon created
off poison and magic, would singlehandedly give him the power to rule the
entire universe through Kim Taehyung.

And this is the start of it.

"The healers were right, indeed. You really lost your memories. Don't you
remember me? I am your brother, Taehyung. Your brother Ares."

"Taehyung. . .Is that my name?" The man asks him, looking so hesitant
that Ares loves the sight of it. "You--You are my brother?"

"Yes, Taehyung."
"Why can't I recall anything? My head hurts so bad. . ., " Taehyung cradles
his head, looking in pain.

"You suffered from a terrible accident, my brother. Even if you have

forgotten everything, I will make you recall it slowly." Ares does his best to
sell the caring brother act and by the looks of it, Taehyung is definitely
convinced.

"See this," Ares picks up the mirror on the bedside table and hands it to
him. "We have the same green eyes. Our mama used to have the
same forest green eyes."

Taehyung stares at his reflection in the mirror, green eyes reflecting back,
and then, at Ares who has the same eye color as his.

Ares was confident that the poison fumes would change his eye color, too.

"We are brothers, indeed." Taehyung murmurs. "What happened to me?"

"We have been wronged by the entire universe, brother. Our father, the late
King of hell, was cruel to us. He killed our mother. When she was breathing
her last breath, her wish was to see us rule the entire world. Heaven, hell,
earth, and everything beyond. But, as if the fates weren't already too cruel,
we were driven out of hell. Everyone was convinced that we were the sign
of disaster to a mighty rule. We have been planning for years, brother. After
our father's death, a demi-goddess rules hell as its Queen. We have to root
her out from that throne, brother, and take back what was rightfully ours."

And after you succeed in making me the King, I shall finally kill you. Ares
thinks.
"A demi-goddess? Who is she? Is she powerful?" Taehyung asks slowly.

"Powerful she is. She commands four Phoenixes, brother. The bird of
flames." Much to Ares's disappointment, the Queen had managed to dig
out 3 more Phoenixes. Things might be rocky for a bit but Ares was certain
everything would go smoothly.

"Our plans had to be delayed after your accident, brother. Our ambitions
are not greater than your life. If you want to back out, you can. But I shall
have to continue on this dangerous path to give our mother's soul the
peace she desires, finally."

Guilt crosses Taehyung's features and Ares knows then that he has Kim
Taehyung right in the palm of his hand.

"I may not remember everything but I know that I want to do this. I will help
you, brother." Taehyung says, looking determined.

Ares gives a placating smile. "That's the brother I know."

***

"Do you think he is fine, Athena?" Lily asks her daughter, looking out from
the window of Taehyung and her chamber. The sky is dark in hell, the void
in her heart deeper.

Athena caresses her face with her wings like she is passing comfort to her
mother.
It doesn't go unnoticed by Lily that Athena doesn't answer her, purposefully
choosing to evade the question. It makes her heart sink deeper.

"Be safe, my Taehyung." She whispers quietly.

***

Please vote and comment <3

A/N: Happy New Year everyone! So, I finally got to update (istg these
never-ending exams are gonna be the death of me), and seems like
Taehyung has forgotten his memories. This calls for more dramaaaaaa.
Ares is annoying but lowkey hot (idk I just have a thing for mentally
unstable villains ig lmao) Please do share your theories about what
happens next! Wish you all a great year ahead<333

30: War

Time is ticking.

The tick-tock sound blares inside Lily's head, like an alarming deadline. It
claws at her insides, screaming at her that the time is slipping, yet she can't
do anything about it.

She needs to get him back.

But where is he?

Lily sits on the throne in the hall, her gown falling to her feet. A tired sigh
escapes her as she rubs her red-rimmed eyes. Exhaustion is taking a toll
on her. It has already been 3 weeks since Taehyung's disappearance and
he has still not been found. The news has spread like wildfire, everyone in
all the realms mulling over the disappearance of the King of Hell. Some
have even been wondering if the portal in Devil peak has opened once
again and the King has mayhaps gone for the battle of evil again.

"After all, Kim Taehyung is extremely ambitious and greedy for more
powers. He must have gone for the battle of evil once again---"

Suffice it to say, she has lost every night of her sleep. Sleep doesn't come
to her, always wondering where Taehyung is and if he is even fine or not.

The throne room is empty at this hour of the night. The silence is daunting,
mocking her and she wants nothing but for Taehyung to come back to her.

Hurried footsteps echo in the silent throne room and Lily sits up, alert. Jimin
appears in front of her view followed by a messenger whose face is pale
and panicked.

Jimin is also evidently panicked, more disoriented than she has ever seen
him.

"A messenger from heaven has arrived, Your Majesty." Jimin addresses
her.

Her eyes get drawn to the person behind Jimin, who is unmistakably a
messenger from the heavens.

"Speak," She commands.

The messenger bows. "Apologies for interrupting the Queen at this late
hour. Your Majesty, I have been sent here by the Emperor and the Eighth
Prince, His Highness, Aiden. The heavens are in peril right now, Your
Majesty."

"What do you mean?"

"The reason is no one other than your husband." The messenger says. A
sharp flare of anger immediately runs up her spine. She can't help it, can't
help the need to burn something when Taehyung is poorly addressed by
anyone. She tames down the anger, listening to his words.

"Lately, angels have been disappearing. The Emperor had us investigate

the situation discretely and we found a place. A castle in the middle of the
deep Whispering Woods, where no creatures live. There, we spotted the
King of hell. He wasn't alone. There was another man, too."

"What. . .?" Lily feels herself freeze. How? What is happening?

"That isn't the only thing, Your Majesty. We obtained a letter today. From a
man named Lord Ares. We had thought they wanted to execute their plot in
secret. But no, actually discretion isn't what they are trying to achieve. He
made it glaringly obvious that he wanted the heavens to surrender.
Otherwise, he has warned that he would take the throne forcibly by
choosing whatever means possible. We had thought that Lord Kim had
gone missing, Your Majesty. Then, what is happening right now?"

Lily feels the ground below her sink. Like someone has poured ice-cold
water on her face.

All this time she had been searching for him and he had been right here. . .
.

She had lost countless nights of sleep, wondering if he had been hurt, if he
had been worse killed and--- Lily feels her head reeling.

No, something is clearly not right.

This isn't her Taehyung.

"What is the Emperor planning to do?" Lily asks him.

"This isn't a light matter, Your Majesty. We have sent a letter to Lord Ares,
asking him for a meeting. The heavenly Emperor also wants your presence
in this meeting, considering it's related to Lord Kim as well."

"Very well," Lily feels her heart thud louder. "Lord Park, look after hell in my
absence. I shall be joining the heavens for this meeting and please,
dispatch a message to all the soldiers and court officials to be alert. A new
enemy has arisen and we need to be in our best form to face him."

"As you wish, my lady." Jimin bows.

***

It's a special day in the heavens today. The celestial beings of the heavens
are gathered in the hall, awaiting the meeting while sitting in their
respective seats. Signs of visible distress are apparent on their faces as
they murmur amongst one another about this new trouble that has come
knocking their way. A long table sits in the middle of the hall. The Emperor
is seated at the head of the table, waiting for his guests to join him.

"Her Majesty, the Queen of Hell, has arrived!" The herald announces
loudly. Hushed whispers follow in the crowd, eyes darting toward the
entrance of the hall.

The demi-goddess steps inside, a black gown adorning her body, with
paired black gloves, out of contrast with everyone's light-colored attire.
The Crown of Doom sits on top of her head. Even with one look, they can
feel that the energy around her is charged. The crown atop her head
glimmers with a sinister light, promising the doom she could and would
bring.
"Greetings to the Queen of hell," The Emperor greets from his seat.

Lily's eyes linger on the crowd for some more seconds and she returns her
greeting. "Greetings to the Emperor."

"Please take a seat," The Emperor asks and Lily sits on the bottom head of
the table.

She drums her fingers lightly, feeling the nerves creep up to her. Her
brother, Aiden, sits on his own seat, along with the other Princes in one
row. He sends a reassuring smile but she can see that he is tense.

After some more excruciatingly long minutes, the herald finally announces.
"Lord Ares has arrived!"

Lily feels her back tense, and anger surges inside her. This was the same
man who had undoubtedly taken away her Taehyung.

Footsteps approach the table.

The entire hall is silent. Lily doesn't turn around to acknowledge the man.
But she sees that the Emperor's face has gone pale.

A man stops in front of her. She looks up and his sharp green eyes meet
hers, blaring all signs of danger. Lethal. That's the word that comes up
when her eyes land on him.
"Greetings to the Emperor of the heavens and to---", A slow smirk curves
on his lips. "The Queen of hell. This is a pleasant surprise."

Lily feels her skin crawl. For some reason, this man makes her guts churn
in a terrible way.

He bows to the Emperor, looking absolutely calm as if they weren't here to

discuss the war that he had promised. Then, he approaches her and gives
her a bow. He proceeds to take her gloved hand, taking her by surprise and
plants a kiss on top of it.

Thank God for the gloves.

"Weapons. On the table." The Emperor commands. He places his sword in

the middle of the table. Ares follows next, letting his sharp blade clatter on
the table. Lily is next. She takes out the dagger hidden in the straps of her
ankle and places it on the table.

"Every weapon." The Emperor again orders.

Ares rolls his eyes, letting out a dramatic sigh before taking out another
dagger hidden inside his clothes and putting it on the table. The Emperor
raises his brow, prompting Lily to follow suit.

She merely gives a smile instead. "My daughters are waiting for me
outside. Do you want me to bring all four of them and place them in the
middle of this table?

That shuts up the Emperor.

As soon as the man takes his seat, Lily brings up the topic at hand.
Patience is the last thing on her mind right now. "Since we all have better
things to do than continue dragging out this impossibly long meeting with
these formalities, why don't we cut right to the chase? Lord Ares, what the
hell do you want?"

"I like that you are straightforward, my lady," Ares chuckles.

"And that was not the answer to my question. I have been informed that my
husband is somehow related to this incident. Hells know how. And if I find
out that you have dragged my husband into this mess, things won't be
pretty. That much I can assure you," Lily smiles a frosty smile.

The calm nonchalant demeanor of Ares vanishes and he grits his

teeth. Got him.

"I don't like to make the ladies unhappy. I will answer your confusion. I have
merely sent a warning to the heavens to prepare for my rule before the
inevitable happens."

"And what do you mean by that, Lord Ares? Or should I say the son of the
late king of hell?" The Emperor speaks. "You do resemble your father quite
a lot."

Gasps arise from the crowd.

"Heavens! I didn't notice! He indeed looks like his father!"

"I thought the late King of hell didn't have any children."

"So, he has been hidden all this time?"

Lily tries her best to hide her emotions behind a blank emotionless
veneer. He is the son of the late King? Lily feels like she knows which
direction he is heading and she doesn't like it one bit.

"I plan to take back everything that should have belonged to me. And even
more. I am starting from the heavens and then, I will rule under every realm
possible," Ares mutters calmly.

As soon as his words are out, chaos erupts in the hall. All the celestial
beings of the heavens rise up from their seats, enraged at his words.

"How dare he make such a bold statement?!"

"Does he have a death wish?!" The Princes of the heavens roar.

"How dare he have the audacity to utter such words when even our Princes
have only dared to dream of that throne?!"

"And--" Ares continues. He raises a single eyebrow that promptly shuts up

the raging crowd. "I came here to have a civilized meeting. Tell me, my
lord. Do the people of the heavens lack manners that they interrupt like a
bunch of sheep when someone is speaking?"
"When someone brings up such atrocious things, sometimes their insanity
rubs off on us," Selene answers from the crowd with a smile on her face.

The others hold back their snort.

"So, I was saying," Ares chooses to ignore her words. "I will start from the
heavens and soon I will have hell under my feet too. I will rule the world. I
have asked everyone to surrender willingly otherwise the consequences
won't be favorable. If you want war, I will give you war. But you can
only dream about winning it."

The Emperor chuckles, clapping his hands. "Lord Ares. Such ambitious
words. You truly remind me of your father. Reminds me of how insane he
went during the last stages of his life."

"He is no father of mine," Ares's jaw clenches.

"Do tell me how you plan on becoming the sole ruler of all the realms. I am
up for this interesting conversation," The Emperor says, looking quite
relieved now.

Lily knows in her guts that this Ares isn't spewing out some bullshit like
a lunatic. He has a hidden weapon, far more powerful.

"When you have your brother, Kim Taehyung, as the commander of your
army, one can start rejoicing in an early victory." Ares grins evilly.

Everyone freezes at his words. The color of the Emperor's face drains.
"I knew it. How fucking dare you?!" Lily immediately grabs her dagger, lying
in the middle of the table, pointing the dagger at Lord Ares's neck.

"I have had enough of your bullshit. Where the hell is my husband?" Lily
grits out, her eyes blazing with fire and screaming murder.

Ares calmly speaks. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, my lady."

"Shut the fuck up." Lily sees only red, beyond furious at this man. She is
trembling with rage. "You made him bleed. You fucking hurt him----" She
presses the dagger deeper into his neck and his blood starts oozing out.

The next moment, she feels the cold blade of a sword in front of her neck.
Gasps of surprise arise in the crowd.

She freezes and turns around slowly. But she already knows who is
behind her. She felt his presence.

Her eyes meet Taehyung's.

Taehyung who has his sword in front of her neck right now.
"Taehyung . . . .," Her voice comes out breathless. Her heart races wildly
inside her chest. She wants to run into his arms right at that instant but
something in his eyes makes her stop.

There is no hint of any recognition in his eyes.

Eyes that are not red in color. But green, bottomless depths.

Taehyung had never looked at her so coldly before.

"Taehyung. . .What-What are you doing?" She asks in disbelief, feeling like
time has stopped.

Taehyung doesn't loosen his hold on the sword. He doesn't look at her with
any recognition in his eyes. This man isn't her Taehyung. Her Taehyung
stares at her only with overwhelming adoration and devotion. It makes her
heart crack. Who is this stranger?

"Stop that, Kim Taehyung! What the hell are you doing?! How can you raise
a sword at my sister?!" Aiden's voice snaps her out of her daze. He is
pointing his sword at Taehyung, whose eyes are fixed on Lily, with
complete hostility.

"If she can point her sword at my brother, then why can't I return the favor?"
Taehyung drawls, smirking, his form relaxed despite the sword aimed at
him.

Everyone stares at the scene bewildered. What has happened to Lord

Kim?
The same Lord Kim almost destroyed the world for this woman once,
whose devotion to his goddess is known in all the realms.

But now, everyone knows beyond certain that this isn't the same Lord Kim.
This man is someone new. And more frightening.

"You--What have you done to him?!" Lily mutters out, enraged beyond
words. Her blood is boiling right now.

Ares gives a placating smile to Taehyung. "Brother, I didn't want you to

deal with these people for this reason. They hate our guts, brother, and
want to pit us against each other."

"Taehyung," Lily shakes her head, looking at him pleadingly. "Taehyung.

He is manipulating you. Taehyung, you----"

Lily is cut off by the sound of her daughters storming through the hall. With
a shrill sound, the Phoenixes flap around the hall, enraged to feel their
mother's discomfort and pain. Their eyes become crimson with fire as they
see the sword aimed at their mother's neck.

Lily shakes her head, sending a warning to not do anything before the birds
can swoop down and harm Taehyung. In their eyes right now, Taehyung is
only a predator aiming to harm their mother.

"Taehyung," Her eyes become glassy with tears. To have those same eyes
which looked at you with nothing but adoration, directed at you with hatred
makes her want to burn something. Kill someone.
Taehyung just coldly keeps on staring at her, his sword not being dropped.

"Taehyung, you---" Her lips wobble. "How can you forget me? Taehyung,
look, Athena, she is right there." She points at her daughter flying above.
"You held her in your arms for days, Taehyung. She recognizes you as
her father and you said that you would return to me . . .and- and look," She
shakily grabs the necklace around her neck. Trying desperately to make
him realize. To make him remember anything.

He couldn't have--He couldn't have. God no.

"You-you left this on my neck before you had to go," Taehyung keeps
looking at her blankly, not a single flash of emotion crosses his features. It's
like talking to a wall.

"This-- This ring," She opens the necklace's heart shakily. "You left this ring
for me. Jimin said you chose it taking days and I accepted it. I accepted it,
please. You. . .You are my husband--Don't--- Don't you remember
anything?"

"Brother, hadn't I already recited this story before? Look, the same old
manipulation tricks," Ares murmurs.

"Indeed, brother. Seems like the heavens and the hell have joined hands to
make a fool out of us," Taehyung says and a cold smirk graces his lips.

Lily takes a step back, staring at him in disbelief.

"We have already given our warnings, brother. If these fools don't want to
surrender, then so be it. We shall be meeting them with our army in a few
days," Ares mutters. "Let's leave, brother."

Ares starts leaving. Taehyung doesn't even glance her way before turning
around to leave.

"Stop," Lily commands.

Taehyung turns around slowly. Even Ares stops.

"My husband once said to me that he would burn the world for me if I only
asked. And I promised him that I would do the same for him." Lily
says. "But you. "

She stares at this stranger. "You are not my husband." Lily chuckles. "You
don't even have the same red eyes as him. You are just this man's
whatever the hell you are."

"And before he left, my husband entrusted hell to me. And as its Queen,
you can only rule hell over my dead body. I promise you that," Lily glares.
"You want war, don't you? Then, war it is."

Lily's eyes glitter dangerously like hellfire. "When you bring your army, my
daughter Athena, the Goddess of War, will be there to meet you all. May
the best win."

Taehyung raises his eyebrow. He scoffs next and turns around, and leaves.
Ares follows but his expression betrays the uneasiness on his face.
***

"War is coming," Selene murmurs. She is with Aiden right now, staring at
the sight of the heavens from the terrace of his Palace. It's late into the
night. The moon is glowing in the sky. A soft breeze is blowing gently.
From somewhere, the melodious tune of a piano floats in the air. Soon,
heaven will be toppled upside down and everything will be plunged into
chaos.

"I wanted to say something, Aiden."

Now or never, Selene.

"Yes?" Aiden glances at her, a tense but tired smile present on his face.

"Wars are unpredictable. Their outcome is unknown. So, I want you to

know that I---"

A knock sounds from the door of the terrace and a voice comes, "My lady,
it's time to retire to your chamber."

"No, shit," Selene curses under her breath. "Give me a minute!"

Oh why, why does everyone have to be against her?

"I have never seen you look so distressed, Selene." Aiden chuckles softly. "
Is everything alright?"

"Of course--course, it is," Selene keeps fumbling over her words. "I-I want
to say that----Never mind, I will say it tomorrow. Good night, Aiden."

"Good night, Selene. Sweet dreams." He smiles that beautiful dimpled

smile and God, Selene feels like she is swallowing bricks as she turns
around to leave. She is already near the door of the terrace when she
abruptly turns around.

It must have been something in the food. Selene later tells herself. She is
certain the Goddess of love poured some potion into it because what she
did after was completely outrageous.

"Aiden!" She calls him, suddenly overcome by new courage. He turns

around, looking surprised.

"Aiden, I love you. . . God, I fucking love you!" Selene finally confesses,
and then she slaps her hand in front of her mouth.

Aiden's eyes widen but Selene is too far gone to care right now. It feels
fucking fantastic and she can't stop saying it. She knows that her chances
of being rejected was ninety-nine percent but it feels so good to let it out.

"I love you. I have loved you at every lesson, at every dance, at every
moment we have been together and apart, and I want you to know it. I
know this is foolishness, insanity even, and I know you don't look at me like
that but I am tired of knowing it myself. I want you to know it too, and feel
it. I left the heavens to stop loving you but I realized, " She laughs softly. "--
that the moon cannot ever stop loving her sun. . . So, even if it is from afar,
I will always love you. . .Please, allow me to love you." And before Aiden
could speak another word, she bolts out of the terrace as if the devil was
hot on her heels.

***

"The Eleven Princes and the Princess of heaven, high-goddess Selene will
guard the twelve fortresses of the heavens as their leader. An army of our
enemies stands in front of the gates of these fortresses and every leader
has taken the solemn vow to guard their fortresses with death. Protect the
heavens! May we remain victorious!" The Emperor announces loudly in the
hall. All the celestial beings are gathered and donned in their battle attires.

Selene completely avoided Aiden after that mortifying confession. Which

devil possessed her to commit such a ridiculous act is unbeknownst to
her. She can't even meet his eyes now.

As soon as the Emperor dismisses them, Selene sets out to guard her
fortress in the South. But before she leaves, a servant rushes toward her.

"Your Highness! Princess Selene, please wait!"

Selene turns around, surprised.

"His Highness, the Eighth Prince sent this letter for you," The servant
hands her a scroll, huffing, and puffing.
"Aiden . . . sent this letter?" Selene asks, looking stupefied. The servant
nods and after she dismisses him, she starts reading its contents.

Dear Selene,

Since childhood, you have always cared for me. Even when I was too shy
to play with the other Princes and you, you would always drag me out of
the library and pester me to play with you all. You have always listened to
me, Selene. Even when I was a nobody, a Prince abandoned by all. You
have always asked for my opinion even when no one else would care for it.
When the mentors would ignore me and show their preference for the other
Princes, you would glare at them and ask loudly about what I thought the
answer would be or if I needed help.

Yet, you left without asking for my answer that day Selene, . . . my
thoughts, my opinion on it. You have always been the voice of this meek
little boy, Selene. So, tell me. Tell me how could I not love you?

Deep down in my heart, I have always known but I repressed myself

because you have always been destined for better things, Selene. I had no
family to call my own and the fates even took away my chance to ever have
a soulmate. I knew that you would have a soulmate of your own one day.
So, I didn't want to be selfish to keep you for myself, knowing that the other
Princes, who have much more power and status in the heavens, have
always vied for your attention.

But after you confessed, I think I can allow myself to have this. . .have you,
Selene. . . because nothing matters to me more than your choice, your
thoughts. . .I have known it and felt it for a long time, too.

Can I have my moon for myself? The sun would never dare to ask for
anything else. . .

As long as I keep burning, I will love you till my last breath and even
beyond that.

I will wait for you, my moon, under the tree of your garden after the war
ends. . .

Return to me, okay?

Yours forever,
Aiden

***

Please vote and comment <333

A/N: I am back after almost a month and I am so thankful to all the readers
for being extremely patient with this book. My exams schedule got
published this month and they are happening in March. These exams are
no joke because my entire career depends on them. Trying to squeeze out
a chapter has been hectic with trying to accomplish at least 10-12 hours of
study every day. I hope that I can return to you all in March with the happy
news that I aced my exams. Thank you so much. Love yall and I promise
the updates will be more frequent after March. And btw, Selene and Aiden
make me want to bawl, they are adorable. And Taehyung putting a sword
in front of Lily's neck?? Tf was that?

That's it for today. Share your thoughts, please! Have a lovely day/night!

31: Icarus to your Sun

Don't blame me, love made me crazy

If it doesn't, you ain't doin' it right

Lord, save me, my drug is my baby I'll be usin' for the rest of my life

---Don't blame me
Lily stays awake in the dead of the night, hugging her knees close to her
chest. She is inside her bed chamber, the same chamber that Taehyung
and her shared. The entire chamber is plunged into darkness and outside,
there is rain and thunderstorm brewing. The scent from his side has long
since faded. In her desperation to find any semblance of comfort, she had
grabbed his shirt from the closet, inhaling his comforting scent. It felt like he
was right here, in their safe bubble where nothing was wrong.

As if he hadn't drawn a sword in front of her neck some days ago.

Even the memory of it causes tears to well up in her eyes.

Somehow, he had forgotten. Everything.

The thought made her feel so wretched, a painful ache constricting her
heart.

How was she going to do this?

The heavens were battling Ares and his Army. And soon, they would knock
on the door of hell.

How was she going to fight against her own soulmate in this war?

When she had asked the heavens if they needed any assistance from hell,
the heavenly Emperor had haughtily told her that the heavens were in no
need of any help from hell and it was better if she didn't try to breach the
line between them. After all, heaven has defeated even hell before. They
would crush Ares and his army as well.

She had wisely chosen to stay quiet after that. The Emperor had forgotten
an important fact. That her husband, who had conveniently lost all his
memories, was the one who was leading this war against the heavens.

If he chose to omit important facts like that, then his loss would be his own
doing.
More drops of her tear fell on Taehyung's shirt which she had been
clutching tightly in a vice-like grip.

Like this, she will fall asleep, muffling her sobs against his shirt, crying
herself to sleep like every other night.

She closes her eyes, breathing heavily. This gaping sense of loss
tormented her so much that she felt like she couldn't breathe.

As the thunder clamors outside loudly, she is reminded of the fact that she
is very much alone.

Once again.

***

Deep in her sleepy haze, Lily is awakened in the middle of the night, her
skin suddenly tingling. Warm. It feels so warm.

She feels like she is in a dream-like state. Her eyes flutter slowly and her
blurry gaze registers a candle burning in the corner of the chamber.

What?

She hadn't lit up any candles tonight.

Her gaze lands on the silhouette of a shadow on the wall. That immediately
causes the remnants of her sleep to leave and wakes her up. Just as she is
about to scream bloody murder, a hand clamps around her mouth tightly.

Her eyes widen when a shadowed person in a hood comes into her vision.

She struggles against his hold, her heart hammering loudly. With her free
hand, she immediately pulls down the hood of that person before he could
stop her and the next moment, she freezes.
It's Taehyung.

That explains why her skin was tingling and she had woken up suddenly.

Taehyung lets her go. A mistake on his part.

Lily grabs the dagger hidden under her pillow and places it in front of his
neck.

"How dare you come and spy on me? Your brother put you up to it, didn't
he?" Her hands are trembling as her hold tightens around the dagger. He is
an enemy now. He is an enemy---She mustn't forget.

Taehyung is quiet, too quiet for her liking.

And she hates those green eyes which sparkle now instead of those
familiar red eyes. It's all wrong, so wrong.

Taehyung's breathtaking vivid red eyes---Lord, she misses them so much.

Taehyung doesn't say anything but closes his eyes. The next moment,
when he opens his eyes, they have transformed from green to red.

What the hell?

"Darling, it's me. . . ." Taehyung whispers.

"Is-Is this a dream?" Lily asks shakily, her hands trembling as she touches
his face.

"It's me. Your Taehyung. Your stupid, stupid husband," Taehyung takes her
hands, kissing them with such desperation as if he had waited for this
moment for millions of years.

"Have you been crying?" Taehyung's thumb lightly traces the corner of her
eyes. The red in his eyes glow even more like hellfire.

(Every drop of his darling's tears is worth more than the most precious
pearls or diamonds.)

"And whose fault is that?" Her voice quivers. "You--You placed a sword in
front of my neck...M-Made me believe that you had forgotten everything. . .
I-I still don't know if this is a dream or not."

"This is not a dream," Taehyung whispers, pressing his forehead against

hers. "And I have made you cry. Again."

The rage Taehyung feels at himself right now is more fierce than any
burning volcanoes in hell. It's this innate need to destroy, crash and
burn everything to dust whenever he makes even a drop of a tear appear in
her eyes.
"I am so sorry," Taehyung lowers his head, not gazing into her eyes. He
feels ashamed and embarrassed. "I have hurt you so much, sweetheart."

For Taehyung to hurt his own Goddess, the one he worships with his entire
being--leaves a bitter tang of something akin to poison on his tongue.

"Why?" Her hesitant question comes.

"Can I sit a bit closer to you before that?" Taehyung asks, dying to hold her.

"Okay," Lily quietly affirms but Taehyung knows that she is still mad at him.
He plans to change that soon. He swiftly picks her up from the bed, taking
her by surprise. Then, he sits down on the bed, sliding her on his lap.

"That close?" Lily mumbles, snuggling against him despite her efforts to try
to remain angry. This man was her one weakness and everyone knew of
that. Especially her traitorous heart.

"What were you expecting, sweetheart?" Taehyung chuckles and her body
grows warm.

"Explain. Now," She commands sternly.

"As you wish, my Queen," Taehyung mutters and all trace of humor from
his tone goes away. "It was all an act. An act in front of Ares." Taehyung
says. "After I was taken away from that dungeon by Ares and his servant,
they took me to this castle in the middle of the Whispering woods. They
have a dungeon there. A dungeon so poisonous that it will eradicate all the
memories of a person and make them completely new. He took me there."
"And how did you. . . " Lily stares at him, eyes widening.

A lazy smirk graces Taehyung's lips. "Ares's plan was flawless. But he
overlooked one important fact. That I survived the Devil Peak. During the
battle of evil, I had to consume a poisonous plant once. Its name is
called 'The Demon's Fieldcress'. It's so poisonous that one will suffer from
its side effects continuously for four years straight. But after four years, the
poison will start flowing along with your blood. Since I had consumed that
poison before, the poison inside my body counteracted the poison in that
dungeon and saved me from losing all of my memories."

"And your eyes. . . "

"Well, I changed them myself so that Ares could trust that his plan worked
successfully." Taehyung shrugs.

"And you decided to give me sleepless nights over nothing?" Lily's next
question makes him freeze.

"No, darling. I didn't want to. But I had no choice," Taehyung holds her
hand tightly. "Ares's plan didn't work on me. But it's working perfectly on
everyone else. Where do you think he collected an army this huge? He has
been collecting soldiers for years, abducting people and plunging them
inside that dungeon, and making them his obedient soldiers. He never
abducted too many people at the same time. So, the disappearance of one
or two every once in a while was dismissed. He will do anything to win this
war against the heavens and then, he will come to hell."

A shaky exhale leaves Lily's mouth. "I am scared. . ."

"No need to be. Because, you, my darling, you are going to win this war,"
Taehyung murmurs, eyes burning with steely determination.

"My daughters are mad at you. Especially Athena."

"If I have to grovel in front of them, I will do it. And if their mother wants
some groveling as well, I won't hesitate." Taehyung grins, gently drawing
circles on her back.

He places a kiss on the crown of her head. "I need to go back to Ares
because I need to monitor the directions of his plan. I have to leave soon,
sweetheart. Otherwise, he will notice my disappearance soon."

"You are leaving......again?" Lily knows he has to go but it's this need, this
want to just have him close, far from any danger.

Taehyung nods silently. He traces the pendant hanging on her neck, the
same pendant which holds the ring that he gave her.

"The first thing you gave me after being my husband was a heart attack. I
don't know if I want to kiss you or slap you." Lily shakes her head, tears
glistening in her eyes.

Taehyung takes her hand and places it on his face. "Do both."

Lily pulls him closer by the lapels of his shirt and kisses him. Taehyung
cups her face gently, kissing her back with an intensity so fierce, making up
for his actions. His lips feel silken against her own. Taehyung's hand
comes around her waist, pulling her closer to him, eliminating any distance
between them. Taehyung places a last lingering kiss on her lips, before
reluctantly pulling away, "I will come back. Take care, darling."

"Be safe. Please." Lily can't bring herself to let him go again but she knows
it's necessary.

"After the war ends, I will finally put that ring on your finger. So, wait for me,
okay? " Taehyung says.

"Okay," Lily nods, and just like that, Taehyung again places her on the bed
gently. She watches him as he leaves from the open window of her
chamber, feeling such longing, to pull him back into her arms once again.

I love you. . . .

She had wanted to confess but she knew he would come back to her. And
when they meet again, she will definitely say those three words to him. He
had a ring to put on her finger and she had words to say to him. And even if
some mishap happens along the way, she would split apart land and ocean
itself to say those words to him.

***

Aiden watches from the high tower of his fortress. The enemy tents have
been lying some miles far but they haven't outright started any attack here.
There have been some sporadic attacks on the other fortresses, but the
heavens have remained victorious till now. The heavens hadn't been
expecting Ares to have such a huge army which was enough for all the
twelve fortresses of the heavens. But what had felt like a huge blow in the
face was there were many faces in Ares's army which belonged to the
angels who had disappeared over the years, all trained like perfect little
puppets.
Aiden observes the entire map of the heavens, circling the places where
Ares has attacked, trying to analyze his intentions. What's strange is the
fortresses where he has attacked are on either side of the fortress that
Selene is guarding, only some miles far from her fortress. But he hasn't
attacked Selene's fortress yet.

No.

No. This can't happen.

Aiden stares at the map, shocked. His hand trembles slightly as the
realization sinks into him. If he is right, Ares had just been trying to make
them relaxed over easy victories. Aiden highlights the lines leading up to
Selene's fortress. Her fortress lies in the middle and there is a quick
shortcut that goes around a valley from where all the soldiers from Ares's
side can go and attack Selene's fortress all at once. Fuck.

Attacking the other fortress was never his true intention. He just meant to
hide a legion of his armies behind those attacks and lead them to Selene's
fortress. Conquer all at once.

"Your Highness! Your Highness!" The hurrying sound of soldiers arrives.

"What happened?" Aiden asks, his heart beating a mile a minute.

"Your Highness! Everyone just now received a signal from High-Goddess

Selene! Her fortress is in desperate need of reinforcements! The entire
army of Ares is in the southern fortress right now!"
Aiden stumbles back, disoriented but quickly composes himself. "We keep
half of our soldiers here. We can't afford them sneaking up an attack on us
while we are gone. The rest of us will head to the southern fortress right
now! Dispatch the message!"

"As you command, Your Highness!"

***

The fortress is crumbling.

Selene sends a stream of her powers to keep the fortress standing, her
body trembling with over-exertion. But she is far too injured and most of the
soldiers from her side have already died. There are at least 100,000
soldiers of Ares outside the gates of this fortress right now.

Soon, they will be inside this fortress.

Whatever reinforcements arrived from the nearest fortresses had already

depleted. All dead.

"I will wait for you, my moon, under the tree of your garden after the war
ends. . .Return to me, okay?"
Selene blinks back the moisture in her eyes.

I am sorry, Aiden.

I won't be able to return back to you.

She could die happily, knowing that he had always loved her. She had
traced the lines of that letter he had sent her, so many times that she had
lost count. The letter which was safely tucked inside her clothes, closer to
her heart. . . His words managing to make her fall deeper and deeper every
time she read that letter.

And she had accepted the fall without any hesitance. She was Icarus and
he was her Sun. She wouldn't mind burning to death if it meant she
could touch him, hold him and call him hers.

"Can I have my moon for myself? The sun would never dare to ask for
anything else. . ."

"As long as I keep burning, I will love you till my last breath and even
beyond that. . ."

I am sorry, Aiden.

"Everyone!" Selene calls the remaining soldiers. "We have guarded this
fortress with our everything till now. Thank you for not leaving my side. Any
one of you---If you survive this and meet my Aiden, tell--tell him not
to wait for me in my garden. . .I won't be able to return back. . ." A broken
whimper escapes her. "Also, tell him that I am dying without any regrets. .
.and that, I love him. . .so, so much that it hurts. . . .The people of the
heavens need me more than him right now and I have to do this. . ."

"Princess! Princess! What are you planning to do?!" Several panicked

shouts come.

"Soul eruption attack." Her voice was firm.

The soul eruption attack was the only attack that could turn the tides of war.
Very few Gods had attempted it before. In this attack, the celestial being
who was performing it would make their entire energy flow into their soul
and create a huge explosion, which would immediately wipe out their
enemies. The reason why no one ever attempted this attack was that the
soul of the being would disintegrate into millions of pieces, never to
become whole again. And even if it became whole by some miracle, it
would take millennia for it to happen.

"Your Highness! Please don't!" The others try to stop her but she had
already made up her mind. Ares could only conquer this fortress over her
dead body.

"We don't have time. Step back." Selene commands as she moves closer
to the crumbling fortress, the loud clamoring noises of her enemies just
behind it.

She closes her eyes.

The face of her and Aiden running around the Palace when they were little,
her going to drag Aiden from the confines of his library, him pulling her
braids with a teasing smile, and all the beautiful, happy memories flashed
in front of her eyes.

Her last thought was the face of Aiden, a book tucked in his arm, smiling at
her so warmly that she had tears trailing down her eyes.

"I love you," She whispered, giving a tremulous smile.

The next thing that followed after was a huge explosion.

***

Please vote and comment<333

A/N: I am back after a while and thank you so much for patiently waiting for
the updates. This chapter was tragic, to say the least. Selene makes me
want to curl up in a ball and cry. Initially, she wasn't supposed to be in the
story but I am glad I kept her. I am always a huge sucker for the unrequited
love trope. And yup, some of you had already guessed that Taehyung was
acting. The Devil Peak really built a supervillain lmao. Thank you so much
for reading! Have a great day/night!
32: The Love of a Villain

"For her invaluable contribution to this war, High-goddess and the Princess
of heavens, Selene, will be forever respected and remembered in our
hearts. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten. The statue of the goddess will be
built in the Southern fortress, where she gave up her life. She will be
forever worshipped as the strongest warrior in the heavens."

The Emperor finishes reading his decree. The celestial beings are present
in the gathering to mourn the loss of the Goddess. They are teary-eyed,
letting out quiet sniffles. Selene performed the soul eruption attack, and
with her final attack, she was able to protect the Southern fortress. Almost
all of the army from Ares's side who were present in the Southern fortress
were vanquished. It was a huge blow to Ares and he hasn't been able to
recover from it yet.

"Where's Aiden?" The Goddess of love inquires one of the deities.

"He hasn't left the Southern fortress since that day." They whisper.

"We need to go and check on him." She murmurs, concerned for his well-
being.

The other deities nod their affirmation. After the gathering is over, they
leave for the Southern fortress together.

When they reach the Southern fortress, they can only see the devastating
remains of the war. The visibility is poor, a thick fog of smoke covering the
whole place.

They start searching for Aiden among the rubble. Fire burns in some
places, still not extinguished.

The Goddess's gaze lands on a lone figure, kneeling on the ground

surrounded by wreckage. She walks closer, her heart tearing apart. Aiden's
face is smeared with dirt and soot, and his clothes are all rumpled and
messy. His hands are burnt, clenched in fists as if he had searched high
and low through these ruins using his own hands. He is so out of it that he
hasn't even tried to heal himself. Fire is burning only some distance far
from him, yet he remains unfazed. With one glance, she can feel his
devastation. He is mourning.

There is no greater pain in this world than losing a loved one.

"Aiden," She calls the boy gently. She had seen him grow up with
Selene. And she knew he loved her to death.

He doesn't respond, doesn't even stir.

"Aiden. Come back home, Eighth Prince." She stands in front of him, and
gently caresses his face.

His expression morphs from blank and stoic to a shattered one. Tears well
up in his eyes. He closes his eyes, and the drops of pristine tears of a God
fall on the ground as he mourns over the death of his lover.

"H-Home?" His voice is scratchy, hoarse. "I am home. . . here. . . With

Selene."

". . . .She is gone, Aiden."

"No, she isn't," He shakes his head, his voice breaking with every word. "I
told her I would wait for her in her garden after the war ends. We have so
much to do. I have to tell her that I love her so much that it drives
me insane. I have to take her to these museums and palaces on Earth and
I will watch her marvel at the architecture because she loves everything
about it. I have to dance with her at every ball and I have to hold her hand
because I had never allowed myself to before and I have to kiss
her and love her. God, there's so much to do and I-I can't--- She is coming
back to me. She has to."

"Tell me this isn't over, please. . . " Aiden implores. "Please."

"She will come back, Aiden. After her soul heals and becomes whole again,
she will come back to you," The Goddess whispers, though she knows
giving him hope was futile.

"Right. . . " He closes his eyes. "It may take a thousand years but I am not
going anywhere. Where else would I go? Of course, I will wait for her. . ."

"And you will be happy again," She gives a watery smile.

Aiden nods slowly and opens his palm. His hands tremble as he does so.
On his palm, there is a single glimmering stardust, a piece of a
soul. Selene's soul.

Out of the millions of fragments of her soul scattered in this fortress, Aiden
holds one close to his heart.
"Selene sacrificed her life for the heavens. We are going to win this war to
honor her. And you will be on the forefront slaying Ares and his allies. This
isn't the time to weep. It's time for revenge," She says firmly.

Aiden nods. He lets the stardust fly away.

"And I will avenge her. Even if I will die doing it," He mutters.

***

The crashing sound of glasses, flower vases, and tableware echoes in the
hall of the castle in the middle of the whispering woods. Ares looks mad,
almost frenzied as he throws away everything in front of his sight, the usual
calm demeanor present nowhere. He breathes heavily, his eyes bloodshot
with rage.

Taehyung wants to tell him to shove his anger up his ass but alas, he had
to play the good brother role.

Ares's close servant tries to appease his master but it's of no use.

"This wasn't supposed to happen!" Ares snarls, pulling at his hair. "I have
lost so many soldiers! How am I going to win this war?!"

Ares suddenly stalks towards Taehyung and pulls him by the collar of his
shirt. His eyes are fierce as he stares at Taehyung. "This is because of
you!"

Taehyung glares right back, suppressing the urge to throw him at one
corner. "By all means, blame me all you want when it was your idea to
head to the Southern fortress. Hadn't I advised against it that it was not a
good idea to concentrate that many soldiers in one region?! But you paid
no heed to my words!"

"The people of the heavens are stupid, selfless creatures. Look what
sacrifice their Princess made yesterday and yet it was again your decision
to create such a tactless attack plan. Quantity doesn't mean anything if it's
a bunch of sheep recklessly going against a Lion."

"Brother, I tried. I tried hard to help you but you don't even trust me."

Ares steps back and laughs. He laughs so hard that tears appear in his
eyes.

Then all of a sudden, with a mad glint in his eyes, he draws out a dagger,
slowly caressing it. The next moment, Ares has Taehyung pinned against
the wall so forcefully it knocks the breath out of Taehyung's lungs, the
dagger now dangerously close to his eye. Taehyung doesn't even blink,
assessing Ares's action.

"Indeed, you are not to be trusted anymore. Where were you three nights
before, Taehyung? After midnight?" Ares chuckles. "You couldn't have
possibly believed that I didn't have men looking after you all the
time? Going to hell to meet your Queen. Taehyung, how stupid can you
be. I have never been one to blindly trust anything or anyone. That
poisonous chamber may have worked to make me a legion of soldiers but
I always knew the probability of it not working for you. After all, you are less
man and more monster."

"So, this farce is over, you mean? Good for me, actually," Taehyung
drawls, steady eyes boring into Ares's.

"Not yet, dear brother. And do not spend your energy trying to escape now.
Though, I know you have the power to massacre everyone in this castle. I
suggest you don't move an inch."

"And why do you think I will do that?"

"If you do not want any of her daughters to die, then do as I say." Ares's
servant comes up, his hands manifesting an image of the back gardens of
hell.

Taehyung sees all four phoenixes huddled close to each other, sleeping
peacefully.

"Do you know what is the only weakness of a Phoenix?" Ares grins
savagely.

Taehyung doesn't answer.

"It took me some time to find their weakness. I searched through thousands
of books and I had almost lost hope but fortunately, in one book, I found a
way to remove them. The only weakness of a Phoenix is Iron. If the
Phoenix is touched by pure Iron, it starts to burn and steadily, it will
disintegrate to ashes. Indeed, the Phoenix can rise from their ashes but
they can only rise up when they have been healed and the process takes
years." Ares says."Now imagine how your darling wife will feel when she
hears that her daughters have been killed."
"I could still kill you and remove you out of my way permanently."
Taehyung's eyes flicker between green and red, as he tries hard to tamp
down his fury.

"Do that and her daughters will burn to dust. I have my men employed,
observing them in secret. One wrong move and they will proceed with my
orders. I do want to see how a Phoenix is incinerated, don't you?"

"What do you want me to do?" Taehyung grits out, his hands clenched in
fists.

"Finally, we have arrived at the good part," Ares smiles, an evil smile
contorting his whole face. "The loss I had was something I hadn't foreseen.
Now, my army needs to recuperate. You, brother, you are going to head to
the northern fortress and conquer it for me. After conquering all the twelve
fortresses, I will win this war against the heavens."

"You want me to go alone to the northern fortress?"

"Let's not pretend you don't have that power. You defeated 100,000 souls
of the Devil Peak alone. Some measly fortress of the heavens won't hold a
candle against you. You are Death. And when Death comes, everyone has
to surrender." Ares smiles broadly. "And brother, don't think for a second
about betraying me again. If you do, trust me the consequences aren't
gonna be pretty."

"Guards!" Ares calls and immediately, the guards arrive inside the hall.

"Make sure the armor and the weapons have been prepared for my
brother. Tomorrow, he will head to the northern fortress to give us our first
victory. Keep an eye on him. He is not allowed anywhere outside his
chambers."

"As you wish, my lord." They bow to Ares but they glance at Taehyung with
trepidation, not having the courage to grab him and drag him away.

"What are you all doing? Hurry." Ares snaps, furious.

The guards finally step forward but Taehyung throws such a dark look at
them and their lord that they take three steps back.

Without another word, he strides towards his chambers. The guards look at
each other and follow him reluctantly.

***
The heavens are thrown into chaos after Kim Taehyung appears alone in
the Northern fortress. For them, Ares's legion of soldiers hadn't been as
scary as the appearance of a single Kim Taehyung.

Kim Taehyung who looked determined to win at any cost.

By the glint in his eyes, it was safe to assume that he was ready
to conquer.

And conquer he did.

By the end of the day, the northern fortress had the flag of Ares fluttering
against the wind. The soldiers from the heavens had been decimated
cruelly. The cloak of death was so heavy over the fortress that even the
Sun had gone to hiding.

The northern fortress was just the beginning.

By the end of the week, 8 fortresses of the heavens had been conquered,
each loss discouraging the heavens more and more. Though, Taehyung
was alone at the northern fortress, after that, he had soldiers backing him
up from Ares's side and he led them as their commander.

"Congratulations on yet another victory, dear brother," Ares says, raising a

toast to Taehyung at the dinner party held in the castle with the other
important military personnel. He is seated at one head of the table while
Taehyung is seated at another end.

Taehyung bedecked in a blue coat with a white shirt having a ruffled collar
looked more like a blue-blooded aristocrat than the ruthless commander
who could vanquish anything and anyone in his way. Taehyung merely
raises his glass and takes a sip, his eyes blank. The air is suffocating in the
dining hall and the military officers are glancing at each other,
uncomfortable by the tension between the brothers.

"After two days, we shall conquer the fortress which is being led by the
Eighth Prince of the heavens," Ares announces.

"You mean me, brother? " Taehyung asks, looking up, his eyes arctic cold.
"Whatever you conquer is mine. Naturally," Ares takes another sip of the
wine. The other officers agree, laughing thinking that Taehyung was just
throwing little jabs at his sibling for fun.

Taehyung drags the knife on the steak with a little more force than
necessary at that statement.

"But isn't the Eighth Prince the half-brother of the Queen of Hell?" An officer
questions, his head tilting towards Taehyung after the question, a bit
doubtful.

"How is that supposed to trouble us? They might be relatives but the gap
between heaven and hell is far too big. She cannot interfere in the war
involving the heavens as the Queen of hell." Ares answers breezily.

"You are right, my lord."

"The victory is ours."

The dinner continues with tedious remarks and conversation. After the
dinner ends, the others retreat to their chambers. Taehyung stays behind.

Ares had already warned him about the next war. The others think that
Taehyung has lost his memories and so, he won't go easy on the Eighth
Prince. But Ares is aware that Taehyung hasn't and has specifically warned
him not to bother thinking about any relations if he wants to save Lily's
daughters.

Taehyung doesn't have any choice but to follow through.

He has never cared about anyone but Lily. So, the choice was easy to
make for him.

He would save their daughters at any cost. Ares would have to kill him
before he could harm them and Lily.

And he would kill Aiden if it meant he could save them.

***

The war is fierce as expected.

But in front of Taehyung and Ares's masterfully crafted soldiers, the
heavens didn't stand a chance. It had been ordered in the heavens for no
one to perform the soul eruption attack after Selene, considering the
emotional blow that the heavens received after such a huge sacrifice was
too heavy on their shoulders. Still, Aiden put up a very fierce fight and
Taehyung felt that after Selene, he was the only one who had given it all for
this war from heaven's side.

By the end of the day, Aiden is too exhausted and too injured to even move
an inch. He sees Taehyung heading to the top of the fortress to raise their
flag.

Though his legs were trembling, Aiden wills himself to get up for another
fight with the commander.

"You will not raise that flag on this fortress without killing me first!" He
shouts.

Taehyung turns around. His lips are busted and his face and body have
several cuts. Blood is dripping from his wounds. Yet, he looked so put
together that Aiden found it infuriating.

"You want to die, boy?" Taehyung asks him, eyes gleaming dangerously.

"If it came down to it."

Taehyung scoffs. "Give me a break with your selfless, stupid acts."

Aiden raises his sword. "You have already forsaken my sister and I am
your enemy. You shouldn't have any qualms about killing me. Kill me and
raise your flag."

For a split second, Aiden thought that he looked torn.

"Always," Taehyung chuckles dryly, but his eyes hold no humor, just
resignation. "Like always, I have no choice."

Aiden starts heading towards him but before that, Taehyung throws his
dagger so forcefully that Aiden falls to the ground, the dagger lodged in the
palm of his hand and to the ground.

Taehyung hurls another dagger at him and it hits his chest, but not at a
spot from where he could bleed to death. Aiden notices the skillful
maneuver that Taehyung did in keeping him gravely injured but alive.

"You--You haven't forgotten?" Aiden asks, stupefied, wincing from the pain.
Taehyung doesn't answer his question. He simply says, "I could kill you
right now but I hate seeing tears flow from her lovely eyes. And I hate it
even more if I am the reason. Consider yourself lucky."

"Stay there. Do not follow me and do not fucking die. If you make my
wife cry by dying stupidly, I will bring you back to life just to kill you again."

Aiden blacks out, his lips almost twitching into a smile at Taehyung's words.
If there was something he trusted Taehyung about, it would be the love for
his sister.

(Only Kim Taehyung would rain hell on the world for his soulmate. His love,
his devotion, and his loyalty---- toward her was terrifying yet beautiful. It
was the love of a monster who had never been loved before, a villain who
was an eyesore to everyone, hated by the whole universe.

And it was dangerous, so dangerous because Kim Taehyung would go to

any lengths against the world for her even if it meant he had to burn the
whole world to dust. Letting his enemy live was just something incredibly
trivial.

It wasn't a soft, fuzzy kind of love that resembled floating on clouds.

It was a "He would burn every soul in the world if the fire was warming
her" kind of love.

And that made it all the more terrifying.)

***

Please vote and comment<333

A/N: Honestly, morally grey has to be my favorite color. Taehyung doesn't

care about anyone else other than Lily. It's endearing how his entire
thought process and actions always revolve around his soulmate. How will
my wife react to this is always on his mind lmao. Is this too much to ask
for? :((( This update was a bit late though I intended to make it fast
because I got sick twice last month and I had no energy to write. I feel
slightly better now and I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Thank you for
reading <333

33: The Cosmos

The sky roars and rumbles, so loud that it sends chills down everyone's
spines. The wind howls loudly, making the windows of the palace rattle with
its force. Lightning slashes the dark sky, cutting through it terrifyingly. The
seas and oceans dance up and down, viciously, destroying everything in
their wake. Rain falls so hard, along with icy hailstones, that drown all the
other sounds.

This could only mean one thing.

The Cosmos

The superior entity over all celestial beings, demons, devils, and any other
beings possible.

And they have arrived for punishment.

When the Cosmos punish, the sky and land split apart to declare it. Every
supernatural being in the three realms become aware of it, of who was the
one to face their wrath.

"What is happening?" Lily breathes out, looking out of the window of the
library.

"The Cosmos," Grand Master Hoseok looks pale, his eyes fixated on the
tornado roiling outside. "They are going to punish someone."
The Cosmos have rules, rules that everyone needs to follow, be it
the Emperor of the heavens or the King of hell. When anyone breaks the
rule, the Cosmos unleash their wrath and punish them. The Cosmos might
deliver their punishment late, but they always deliver.

"There is a crack. . . . in the sky," Lily whispers, eyes wide with shock. Her
heart thunders inside, as she watches how the sky cracks like land. She
has never seen anything like this before. It's frightening.

"On the New Moon, dated September 14, 2023, according to the mortal
realm's calendar, at midnight 12:01 am, the King of Hell, Lord Kim
Taehyung, summoned the souls in the mortal realm. By this, he has
violated one of the sacred rules set by the Cosmos, that no being is
allowed to summon souls in the mortal realm. He will be punished with 150
burning whips in the Mourning Hills and he is expected to be there at
12:01 pm sharp. Let this be a reminder that the rules of the Cosmos are
above all. Without rules, this whole universe will collapse under anarchy.
Let this be a lesson to everyone to abide by the rules."

The rumbling voice of an unknown entity announces from the sky. The
announcement is followed by a clap of thunder so loud that the land
beneath them shakes.

"Taehyung," Lily staggers back, her legs trembling and her heart beating
erratically.

"Good lord, no," Master Hoseok's face has gone ashen. "150 burning
whips?! The last time they punished another being with only 50, the person
didn't live to see another day!"

The loud sounds of hurried footsteps arrive and the door of the library
blasts open.

Jimin and Namjoon rush inside, panting heavily.

"Where is this Mourning Hills?!" Lily steps forward, panic clawing at her
throat, a fear so visceral that it's choking her.

"You can't go there! The punishment site is charged with a very strong
energy that no one can penetrate! It can harm you!" Hoseok's eyes widen.
"No. I have to go! He summoned those souls for me! I can't---He can't be
punished for me," Lily speaks, teary-eyed. She had known that Taehyung
had summoned those souls to know her whereabouts when the heavens
had taken her away.

150 burning whips---They want to kill him. She can't let it happen. She
can't, she can't, she can't----

"No, if I send you there, Taehyung will murder me later!" Jimin's eyes flash
with panic.

"I have to go! And I will! I have less than 3 hours!" Lily attempts to move
forward but Jimin stands in the doorway, blocking her path. "Move!"

"I will obey your every order since you are our Queen. But not this." Jimin
stares at her, his eyes hard.

Lily pauses, takes a deep breath, and mutters. "Move out of my way,
Jimin."

"No."

"I am commanding you to step out of my way, Lord Park."

"I am sorry. I can't let you. Taehyung will burn hell if something happens
to you."

"Do not make me do this the hard way," When Jimin doesn't budge, Lily
calls her daughter. "Andromeda!"

Within seconds, the Phoenix hears her call, and Lily feels a fierce rush of
anger and concern surging inside her daughter. In the next moment, the
Phoenix swoops inside the library from an open window. The Phoenix lets
out a shrill cry and hovers above her, fiery eyes fixating on Jimin.

"Lily, don't----" Master Hoseok warns.

"Move, Jimin. I have to go." Lily orders with iron-clad determination.

"I can't. Please understand. It's dangerous. The cosmos aren't to be trifled
with."

"I will order Andromeda to burn this place to dust if you do not move right
now." Lily's eyes flicker with fire. "I am your Queen. And I can face the
consequences of my actions. Move. Now."
Jimin takes a deep breath, his eyes darting between Andromeda and her.
Finally, he lets out a sigh and steps out of her way.

"Thank you." Lily murmurs. "I know you are concerned for me but
I can't leave him alone."

"Don't get hurt. For Taehyung's sake. Please." Jimin says and she nods,
walking out of the library.

"Lead me to the Mourning Hills," She orders Andromeda.

Andromeda bows her head in her direction and Lily follows her.

***

The Mourning hills look haunted, dark clouds eerily hovering above them.
The wind howls in the distance. The energy, itself, is so dreadful and
ominous there that it sends pinpricks of fear down her spine.

"Taehyung!"

"Taehyung! Where are you?" Lily yells, amidst the rumbling clouds. She
had already sent Andromeda away in fear that anything might happen to
her because of the energy of the cosmos.

Just 21 minutes from 12:01 pm sharp.

The storm roars around her, blocking visibility.

"Taehyung!"

She squints her eyes, to make out any other person within her perimeter.
The wind whips at her hair hard. "Taehyung!" She calls him desperately,
feeling hopeless with each minute. The storm drowns out her voice, making
her calls fall silent.

Suddenly, her eyes land on a dark silhouette some feet far from her. Lily
recognizes him immediately. Taehyung.

Taehyung's face is blank, as he starts walking forward. He clearly hasn't

seen her yet. The storm is no match for him. The dark cloak that he always
wears sways with the wind. He looks like an apparition. A beautiful, deadly
apparition.

She calls louder. "Taehyung!"

The dust escapes into her lungs, making her cough and wheeze hard.

But he stops. Finally.

Taehyung doesn't move for a minute. Then, he slowly turns around, as if he

won't be able to see what's in front of him.

Taehyung stares at her in disbelief, standing frozen. "What---"

Another gust of wind makes her cover her eyes.

Taehyung snaps out of his daze immediately and stalks toward her, eyes
frantic and wild. Scared. "Lily! What the hell--- What are you doing here?!"

He grabs her face, looking so desperate and worried that it makes her
chest ache. "Fuck, what are you doing here, sweetheart?"

His lips are busted and his eyes have dark eye-bags. He is already injured
due to the ongoing war and with the impending punishment of the Cosmos.
..

She immediately hugs him tightly, her arms going around his neck.
Taehyung lifts her, his hands wrapping around her waist in the same vice-
like grip as if he couldn't bear to let her go again.

"This is so stupid--- Why did you do something so stupid, darling?"

Taehyung squeezes her tightly, his voice laced with panic and desperation.
"You shouldn't have come here."

The storm brews around them, but at this moment, there is only him and
her. Safely wrapped in their own bubble.

"I can't let you be punished for me----" Her eyes pool with tears. "150
burning whips! You are already injured! They want to kill you!"

Taehyung pulls back. He gazes into her eyes, tracing her cheek lightly with
his thumb, and whispers. "But you want me to live."

And he says those words with such reverence in his eyes that it's clear
what he wants to say. She wants him to live and for Taehyung, it's the only
thing that matters. Taehyung would survive against anything in the world to
fulfill her wish (her command). He would go through 500 more whips and
still come out alive, defeating death for her. Even the Cosmos can't take
that away from him. He doesn't regret summoning those souls. Taehyung
doesn't live to follow any bullshit rules. He lives for her; He would die for her
and he would kill for her. Her words are the only rules he will ever abide by.

"I want you to live," She mutters, her breath coming out short, tears trailing
down her lovely cheeks that Taehyung wipes away slowly. "But I can't let
you do this--There has to be a way!"

"There is a way." The deep unknown voice from earlier comes.

Taehyung pulls her closer, instantly becoming alert.

"What way?" Lily breathes out.

"If you want something, you have to pay the price." The voice says. "Give
and take. A very simple rule of the Cosmos. Your half-brother's life was
possible due to this same rule."

"What do......you want?" She asks.

"If you don't want him to be punished, you will have to give up the prospect
of ever having a child with the King of hell."

Lily steps back, feeling like she had been doused with ice-cold water.

She touches her stomach with shaky hands. Their future child could grow
there someday but Taehyung's life ---

She glances at Taehyung who looks furious. Anger that she has never
seen on his face before.

"Taehyung---"

"Don't." He mutters, his face dark. "Don't you dare think about it."

"But Taehyung, 150 whips----" She squeezes her eyes shut, her tears
falling down, feeling so helpless.

"I could undergo a thousand more if it means I can protect our future
child and you," Taehyung whispers. "I want to raise a beautiful child with
the same fiery eyes as you, to watch you raise them someday, to be a
father that I have always wanted but could never have. Don't take that
away from me, sweetheart. Don't you want to raise our own children one
day?"\

"I want to," Lily wipes away her tears, shakily.

"Then, you don't need to worry anymore." Taehyung stares into her eyes,
determined.

He lifts her chin up and places a slow, lingering kiss on her lips. It makes
more tears appear in her eyes.

"Don't cry for me, sweetheart." He brushes his lips against her forehead
gently and then, he lets go of her.

"It's not fair," Lily says, tearing up. "Ares kidnapped those angels and
converted them into his soldiers after wiping away their memories.
Taehyung summoned those souls just so he could find my whereabouts
after the Eleventh Prince of the Heavens took me away and banished me
to the Ice Tower. Why do the cosmos not punish them then?" Lily questions
bitterly, hoping the voice will answer her.

"Every action has its consequences. The Eleventh Prince got his
punishment through you. Ares will reap what he has sown. Lord Kim will
also not escape the consequences of his actions. This is how the universe
works. The Cosmos will always seek to maintain the balance in this
universe," The voice answers.

There is silence for a while until the voice interrupts it.

"You could die from today's punishment, Lord Kim. No one has ever
survived more than 100 burning whips before. Make your decisions wisely."

The warning sends a new ripple of fear in her heart.

"Stop worrying my wife," Taehyung clicks his tongue. He wipes his face
blank of any emotions but a small smirk graces his lips as he says, "And
there's always a first for everything."

"Seems like the decision has been made. Step forward for your
punishment, Lord Kim."

Taehyung steps forward, and out of nowhere, heavy iron chains come
around to bind his hands. He turns a last glance at her, giving her that soft
smile that he only grants her. Then, all of a sudden, a glass-like partition
wall comes up between them.
Lily watches, panicked as she bangs on the glass, but it's of no use. It's set
up by the Cosmos and no one can break it. Through the glass, she can see
Taehyung walking forward until he is on top of a huge cliff which is the
punishment site. His upper body is stripped bare. The dark locks of his hair
fall around his face. His hands are in front of him, tied with the heavy
chains.

Her heart beats loud against her ribcage. She is holding her breath without
even knowing it.

Lily rears back in shock as a lightning bolt pierces the sky, pelting down a
burning whip upon Taehyung's back. His already scarred back from the
whips and tortures he has received throughout the years receives a fresh
whip mark. A gasp of pain crawls out of her as she covers her mouth, eyes
wide.

Another lightning bolt strikes the sky and down Taehyung's body.
Taehyung's body jolts. The skin on his back breaks, making his back bleed
but his face remains impassive. The whips pierce the sky and his body in
rapid succession. Taehyung doesn't beg for mercy, doesn't even kneel. He
quietly tolerates the whips, his face blank, except for brief flashes of pain
contorting his face.

She cries, her heart tearing apart, as she bangs on the glass partition.

"Don't!" Lily begs and pleads. "Don't! Please!"

But there is no one here to listen to Taehyung's pain and her cries.

His face is drenched in sweat from tolerating the burning impact of those
whips and his back is entirely bloody now.

Taehyung crumples down on the floor as the 112th whip lands on his back.

Lily's heart stops.

"Taehyung!" She screams in agony, banging on the glass harder. His eyes
remain closed. "Taehyung! Wake up!"

The whips do not stop.

They keep on delivering those blows. Taehyung doesn't get up. A pool of
blood forms around him, his eyes closed shut.

Lily covers her mouth, trying to keep her whimpers at bay. Is he even alive?
He can't---No, he can't be---
She crumbles down on the floor herself, tears falling like rivulets, her breath
coming out in short gasps, feeling so much pain as if she were the one
being whipped.

The final whip pierces the sky and then, lands on Taehyung's back.

"The punishment is over." The voice announces.

The iron chains disappear along with the glass partition.

Lily rushes towards him, taking Taehyung's bruised and battered body in
her arms.

No No No------

Why isn't he breathing-------

Why Why Why---

He can't be---he can't he can't he can't

"Taehyung! Taehyung, Please! Don't do this to me! Wake up, please! " She
pleads, weeping. She removes the damp locks of hair from his forehead
with her trembling hands but he remains unresponsive.

"Taehyung, wake up---" She whimpers, pressing her forehead against his.
"Please wake up--- W-What will I do without you?"

Suddenly, a gasp escapes from him. Taehyung wheezes, and starts

coughing, as if he finds even breathing painful. His eyes remain closed.
Blood trickles down from his mouth.

She is filled with renewed hope.

At least he is breathing now. She holds him closer to her body.

"S-Sweetheart. . .," He whispers, his voice hoarse, his eyes closed shut.

"It's over, Taehyung. It's over." She gently caresses his face, kissing his
forehead, trying to control her shaking hands.
"It-It doesn't hurt too bad, darling," Taehyung murmurs, though it's visibly
clear that he is in a lot of pain. "Don't w-worry too much. . ."

Here, he was comforting her, though he was in so much pain.

"I just want to sleep. . . .forever. . . " Taehyung mumbles and with those
words, he breaks her heart.

From the day he was born, he was never allowed to have a break. He had
to grow up without love, suffer at the hands of people who only wanted to
use him for their sake, and get trapped in a series of conspiracies and
betrayals. They always wanted to sink their claws into him, to make him
their powerful slave. Taehyung was so, so exhausted and Lily knew it.

She doesn't know what happens next. A fury so vengeful shimmers in her
veins, threatening to burn even her. She feels so much rage, so
much anger at the Cosmos, at Ares, at the late King, at everyone who had
ever wronged her Taehyung---that it makes her tremble.

The next thing she hears is a huge explosion.

Lily looks up and finds the Mourning Hills shaking. The peak of the hill
cracks open and from there, hot molten lava oozes out.

Her tears keep falling and her anger is so violent, so palpable, so cruel that
she can taste it. The anger of the Mother of Phoenix makes the entire land
flood with crimson lava, burning down everything in its path.

She hears the shrill cries of her daughters. Her four daughters soar in the
sky, painting it with fire.

There is smoke. There is chaos. There is destruction.

The land burns and boils beneath her as she holds her soulmate close to
her body.

Her tears fall down Taehyung's bloodied back.

Taehyung doesn't stir, doesn't even respond, completely unconscious.

Her tears glide down Taehyung's back, making a trail. And all of a sudden,
the drops of her tears on his back start glowing.

Lily watches, astonished as her tears start healing the fresh gashes of the
wound on Taehyung's back.
A phoenix's tears can heal any wound.

Taehyung stirs slowly, burying his head closer to her stomach.

The pain on his face is erased, replaced with a peaceful look.

She runs her fingers along his back, now free from any wounds, just scars
left behind.

"Let's go home, Taehyung. You will not bear any more pain on my watch."

***

Please vote and comment <333

A/N: Do share your thoughts on the chapter and thank you so much for
reading. I am incredibly grateful to everyone for being patient with my slow
updates. Have a great day/night <333

34: The Wrath of a Mother

"I want this war to be over," Lily says with conviction as she gazes at the
sleeping form of Taehyung. She intertwines their fingers together, feeling
the cold of his hands seep into her. She lets her heat warm him. She was
always hot because of the fire that flowed in her blood. But Taehyung was
always cold since he was made of death and nightmares, the chill that
came with them.

Hoseok sits on the chaise longue inside the chamber. Jimin remains
pensive beside him. They had brought Taehyung to this secret chamber
hidden inside the palace so that he could recover safely. The Grand Master
had predicted that Taehyung would sleep for at least three weeks more.
The physical wounds on his back had healed through her tears but the
mental toll he had received through those whips had been far worse. And
she wanted the war to be over within this time span.

Ares needed to be gone.

There was so much anger, so much fury, still roiling inside her that she was
barely restraining herself.

When she hadn't felt Taehyung breathe in her arms, she had only thought
of one thing then.

That she would burn every inch of this world to ashes.

A world without Taehyung simply didn't deserve to exist.

"Taehyung was the main driving force in Ares's army. Without him, they are
weak and won't be able to conquer the heavens, especially considering the
heavens have gotten the time to recuperate and restrategize over these
days. The 8 fortresses of the heavens which were conquered were mainly
due to Taehyung's efforts," Jimin mutters. "But I don't understand one
thing. We know Taehyung is acting in front of Ares. But why did he go
through these wars from his side? He could have ended this whole farce
quickly."

"Unless. . ."

"Unless Ares has something over you," Master Hoseok says. "You are
Taehyung's only weakness. He would have ended everything much quicker
with Ares unless Ares has found something that could possibly harm you.
The one thing that Taehyung loathes is having anyone control him. He
willingly played by Ares's rules and let himself be controlled by him this long
because Ares has something that can harm you. It's the only theory that
makes sense."

"You are right, Master." Jimin grows tense. "What should we do now?"

"I want him gone. I won't allow him to breathe down Taehyung's neck
anymore. And if I have to be harmed in the process, then so be it."

"He will come," Master Hoseok gazes into the flickering fire of the candle.
"Taehyung is here and Ares will be frenzied to get hold of his powers once
again. He will come to hell to get Taehyung back. With his Army. The four
fortresses of the heavens that are left to be conquered are also the
toughest ones. He will need Taehyung to conquer the heavens once and
for all."

"Then, my daughters and I will meet him on the battlefield. I have been
waiting for revenge." Lily's eyes glow with fire and vengeance. "He
will burn."

"Be careful, Lily. Ares is psychotic but he is no fool. He certainly has tricks
up his sleeves."

That she was sure about. Ares wouldn't be a weak contender.

"I have been hearing that a lot of people are going missing again," Jimin
says, face pinched with worry.

"He is kidnapping them and expanding his military," Lily murmurs. "The
poison chamber that he has built. . . . ."

Ares could do anything but he would only be able to rule hell over her dead
body.

Ares will be gone and she will make sure of it.

After the short conversation, Hoseok and Jimin leave the room, in order to
start planning along with the other Princes and officials.

Lily stays inside, holding Taehyung's hand.

His face was pale but he looked so beautiful that it hurt to look at him.

"Wake up soon, okay? I need you. Here. With me." She whispers, kissing
his forehead.

Was this the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning?

***

8 fortresses of the heavens were conquered.

Only four were left and Ares would have had the heavens under his feet by
now if only the cosmos hadn't interfered in between with their bullshit
punishment for Kim Taehyung.

Ares had sent soldiers to collect Taehyung after his punishment was over.
But they had returned without him because volcanoes had erupted in the
Mourning Hills. And from what he had heard, the land had been flooded
with molten hot lava.

All because of her.

The Queen of hell.

And Ares could only scoff.

She would be such a great asset to him if she could be by his side.

They could rule the world together.

But of course, of all the people in the universe, her loyalty had to be with
Kim Taehyung. The fates were terrible.

Unfortunately, she was a Phoenix. A bird that would always crave freedom.

And Ares had always been the man to carve out the feathers of birds till
they would bleed to death. Till they no longer dreamed about something as
stupid as freedom.

He was tempted to have her. But he was even more tempted to ruin her.

"My lord, what should be our next move?" The military officials question,
worried at the glaring absence of their commander.

"It has been reported that Kim Taehyung was taken to hell by his Queen
after the punishment. We can't go to war with the heavens without him.
Unfortunately, the time gap has given the heavens the chance to
recuperate. We will go to hell and get him back." Ares answers.

"A war with hell right away, my lord?" The others remain skeptical.

"She commands four Phoenixes, my lord. It's going to be tough." The

Lieutenant says. "Four Phoenixes. . . That's equivalent to digging a grave
for ourselves."

"What do you suggest we do then?" Ares glares. "Stay hidden until the
heavens will start fighting to get their territories back? We need Kim
Taehyung back. The four fortresses that are left are also the toughest ones
to crack."

"But hell also isn't easy to conquer as the remaining four fortresses. Both
are equally difficult victories." Another person adds.

"But not impossible," Ares says. "Arrange pure iron. As much as possible."

"Whatever for, my lord?" The others ask, puzzled.

Ares's lips curl into a smirk. "I need her daughters to burn."

***

In the dead of night, Aiden lies on his bed, staring at the ceiling of his
chamber. His chest is bandaged up, along with his palm. The other soldiers
had rescued him and the healers had already treated him but he had been
assigned to bed rest for some weeks.

Their military had gotten a chance to recuperate after the Cosmos'

punishment. Ares hadn't launched another attack. He was probably
skeptical about his future wins after losing his most powerful soldier.

He was worried for his sister, though. She loves her husband to death and
from the bits of news that he has heard, the Mourning Hills had erupted
under her wrath.

There is a knock on his door that snaps him out of his worrisome thoughts.

"Come in," He says and the door creaks open. The orange glow of the
lamp illuminates the face of the person. Aiden stares in surprise when his
gaze lands on the Emperor of the heavens. Resentment burns inside him
upon seeing the man. If the Emperor had accepted the help that his sister
had offered to the heavens, perhaps the situation would be different
today. Perhaps Selene would still be alive. . .

Selene.

Even her name makes his chest tighten.

Most nights, he would contemplate jumping off the East Terrace and
putting an end to his misery. Perhaps, he would be reborn again, and even
if it was being a mortal for eternity, he would take it if it meant he could find
Selene and love her again, even if it was just for one lifetime.

Maybe the fates could pity him and give him his moon back at least even
once. He wouldn't beg for more. He would never be a coward and he would
love her in all the ways he couldn't before.

"Your Majesty," Aiden murmurs a greeting. The man takes a seat nearby
his bed in silence, his face more solemn and aged than ever.

"How are you?" He asks.

"Better. But I am completely bedridden for some weeks. I apologize for not
being able to assist the other brothers in the war." Aiden answers, regret
lacing his words.

"You fought well, Eighth Prince. I can't ask more than that," The Emperor
mutters.

"I am curious why you visited me this late at night."

He lets out a sigh. "I am afraid I made a huge mistake."

"You didn't take help," Aiden simply states.

"Heaven and hell have a clear line between them, a line that cannot be
breached. Their Queen was kind-hearted to offer help but the rest of the
hell do not have good feelings for the heavens. I couldn't take their help,
knowing that heaven would owe them." The Emperor says. "No one wants
to owe the devil."

"Your pride wouldn't let you," Aiden says, his voice hard. He had stopped
caring about appeasing anyone.

The Emperor notices the change. "Kim Taehyung left you alive."

"He did."

"I can't fathom why." The Emperor murmurs, his eyes sharp.

"You suspect that I am in cahoots with them," Aiden supplies. He had

already heard the whispers floating by. He should have been dead. Kim
Taehyung hadn't shown anyone mercy before.
"Everyone does. So, I came to interrogate you, personally." The Emperor
whispers. "I know he has a different intention. The memory loss drama was
just to throw off people. I know he intends to have the world under his feet."

Aiden lets out a chuckle. "Everyone assumes a lot about him, even his
simplest actions. It's really absurd."

"Nothing is simple when it comes to him."

"True. We read the motives of his most trivial actions. His reputation as
the Lord of Evil goes far and wide. Everyone assumes his hunger for chaos
and destruction is so great that he can't be stopped. But his hunger for
chaos and destruction has never been greater than his love for his
goddess."

"We know," The Emperor snaps impatiently. "Everyone knows his

obsession with her."

"But they don't understand," Aiden whispers. "I was merely left alive
because I am fortunate enough to share her blood."

"What?" The Emperor sputters, thrown off guard. "He left you alive just for
her?"

"I know everyone has been clawing their heads out over the reason I have
been left alive, whatever intention that Lord Kim has. But trust me, as much
as you all care about his each and every action, the man has no care for
anyone except his soulmate."

The Emperor looks at a loss for words.

"He is not a man driven by ambition for more power. He simply doesn't
care. And regarding why he is supporting Ares in this war, I know Ares has
something over my sister that Lord Kim wants to protect her from."

"Devotion to someone to that level is destructive. I wasn't aware his

obsession was that extreme. His obsession has certainly made him soft."
The Emperor frowns, shaking his head.

"You call it soft?" Aiden chuckles. "He conquered 8 fortresses of the

heavens for her. And if it weren't for the Cosmos's punishment, he would
have the entire heavens conquered by now. Everyone else calls it an
obsession. But it's more than that. It's the love of a man who was never
given love, who is so starved for it, who learned to lick it off through knives."

There is a beat of silence. The light of the candle flickers in the room.
"I knew that you weren't involved with them," The Emperor mutters. "I
actually came here for another thing. I plan to step down soon, Aiden. And I
have chosen my successor to be you."

"Why?" Aiden asks, shocked.

"I have many reasons to choose you, Aiden. Your ability to think through
every situation carefully, your patience, your thoughtfulness, but above all,
you are kind. And after I step down, I am certain you will look after the
heavens and our people and do what's best for them. The other Princes, I
fear, are more driven by ambitions rather than heart."

Some months ago, the news would have him elated, perhaps. But now,
Aiden was just drained and didn't want anything to do with the crown. "I do
not wish to rule. Not anymore."

"You have thought about jumping off the East Terrace, haven't you?" The
Emperor asks. He looks stunned when Aiden doesn't deny his accusation.

"You aren't allowed to jump from that terrace. I forbid you." The Emperor
says sternly. But his tone becomes softer when he says, "I know you love
Selene a lot."

"Love would be an understatement," Aiden whispers, feeling his eyes burn.

"I love her so much that every breath I take without her makes me want to
die. I can't--- I am honored that you chose me. But I am not the right
candidate. A man who is already dead inside cannot rule."

"I will give you something in return if you take the crown." The Emperor
murmurs. "A hope."

"What is it?" Aiden asks cautiously.

"Every night of the solar eclipse, you will reunite with her. The sun and the
moon would meet again. Selene will come alive. She will disappear the
next day but she will be her full self on every solar eclipse. You will find her
on every eclipse until all the pieces of her soul heal and become whole
again. Will you take it?"

Aiden swallows the growing lump in his throat.

"Jumping off the east terrace will only make you a mortal for
eternity. When Selene becomes whole again, she will come back here to
live amongst the Gods and Goddesses of the heavens. She will want to
see you again, Aiden."
"You say when and not if--There might be a possibility her soul would never
become whole," Aiden says, his heart cracking apart anew at that fear.

"Don't you have faith in her? She has always been so strong. I know she
will return."

Aiden wipes the lone tear trailing down his face. A blooming hope. He
could work with that. He had no faith in himself but if there was one person
in this world who he would believe to return to him, that would be Selene.

"Every night of the eclipse. . . ." God knows, Aiden would have cherished
even the smallest bit of her. "I will take it. I will take the crown and you will
do as you promised."

***

The air smells thick and heavy with the cloak of death hovering over the
battleground of Nyx. This battleground had been named after the Goddess
of Night, Nyx who was feared by the entire universe. She was the daughter
of Chaos. And today all hell would break loose upon this battleground of
Nyx. The weather had been dark and gloomy for the past few days as if
even it was sensing the impending death and doom.

The towering stone-walled fortress stands in between, preventing Ares and

his army from entering hell. In the vast battleground that stretches far and
wide, Ares is in the forefront, seated on his horse. They are alert, looking
for signs of movement from the other side.

The low rumble of Cerberus sounds from somewhere inside the fortress,
sending shivers of fear down everyone's spine.

Movement.

Someone finally appears on top of the towering fortress.

Black hair, as black as the darkest of nights flows in waves down a

woman's back.

The 'Crown of Doom', perched on her forehead glimmers with a sinister

light.

Eyes fiery as if they could burn down everything in their path.

The Bringer of Death.

She looks like the very personification of Nyx today, ready for vengeance.
The black cloak which falls on her shoulders resembles Kim Taehyung's
dark cloak which he always donned. The cloak flutters in the wind like a
flag starting the war.

One by one, archers appear on the fortress, all standing in a straight line,
with their Queen at the center.

Lord Park appears behind the Queen. The right-hand man of the Crown.

"Your Majesty, shall we?"

"Yes, we shall," The Queen's eyes glimmer dangerously, her eyes

ferocious with bloodlust. "Make them burn."

Perhaps, people would question her morals one day. Perhaps, they would
associate her with everything evil. She would as well if she were the girl
she was months ago before she met Taehyung.

But now she knows.

There is no good or bad, only circumstances.

There is no black or white, only grey.

And beyond her morals, existed a whole man, her husband, the devil who
would burn even hell for her.

Today, the people who would be wiped out in this war, from both her and
Ares's side would haunt her in her dreams.

But the choice is easy, only because it's for Taehyung. To protect her
husband. To avenge him.

All of a sudden, a shrill cry of a bird pierces the sky.

Everyone looks up and finds a regal Phoenix flapping its crimson wings in
the sky, breathing fire and chaos.

Athena, the Goddess of War

"When you bring your army, my daughter Athena, the Goddess of War, will
be there to meet you all. May the best win."

A single arrow comes flying, landing straight in front of Ares's horse.

The silence shatters.

"Attack!" The soldiers lunge forward with a war cry.

Arrows rain down from the sky. The soldiers from Ares's side stay in
formation, protecting themselves from the brunt of their arrows.

The door of the fortress opens, creating a loud creaking sound and the
soldiers from hell rush forward with their weapons.

Lord Park Jimin and Prince Min Yoongi command the army. They nod at
each other and with another war cry, they rain upon the enemy soldiers,
their soldiers following them.

From the fortress gate, Cerberus barges outside on the battlefield, his
fangs razor-sharp. The unfortunate enemy soldiers are mauled off brutally,
the sight gory and all blood.

The Queen observes her pawns moving on the battlefield, knowing that she
is still the most powerful force in this game, just like in the game of chess.

Athena breathes fire, incinerating the enemies to ashes. She had been
named by Taehyung. A fitting name, considering how she was showing
them war right now.

"Artemis," Another Phoenix appears at her call, and her daughter caresses
her face lovingly, eyes shimmering with fire, raging with bloodlust. The
Goddess of hunting . . . .

"Go hunt, my darling," The Queen murmurs. The Phoenix trills happily, and
she swoops into the battlefield, making fire flood around her.

"How do you like it so far?" Master Hoseok asks, his gaze assessing
everything.

Fire and smoke.

Chaos and Destruction.

"I love it," She breathes out.

Sirius and Andromeda were guarding the Palace, guarding Taehyung

actually, so that no enemy would venture into their grounds.

Her eyes land on Ares in the battleground. Though his army is being wiped
out, he shows no sign of any panic. His eyes meet hers, and a chill goes
down her spine.

He smirks, looking smug.

Something isn't right.

Suddenly, she feels a rush of fear in her body. It comes from her
daughters.

"Danger."

"Danger."

She can fully sense their panic. Lily's eyes find her daughters on the
battlefield. They are being aimed by a razor-sharp weapon, unlike any
weapon she has ever seen.

"A weapon made of pure iron. Why are those soldiers using it? It is really
heavy and not very useful in a fight." Master Hoseok's gaze also flits upon
the area where her daughters are.

"Danger."
"Danger."

Realization sinks in. Her daughters can't be near pure iron.

"Fly to the sky and remain there. Don't come down." Lily communicates
with them immediately. "Right at once. Athena and Artemis."

They immediately heed her command and fly high into the sky.

"Mother."

"Mother, Danger. "

"The Palace, Mother."

Another flurry of messages echoes in her head. But this call comes from
the Palace. From Sirius and Andromeda.

"The Palace. We need to go to the Palace. Right now!"

Lord Park and Prince Min will handle it here. By the looks of it, Prince Min
is having a lot of fun on the grounds, his grin savage like a beast, as he
thrusts his sword into the chest of an enemy.

Master Hoseok nods, his face grim at seeing the fear on her face. "Let's
go."

***

When they arrive at the Palace, the entire place has been toppled over by
chaos. Their soldiers who were guarding the Palace are brutally murdered,
their blood flowing in the pathway like a river.
"They used a secret passageway," Lily whispers, realizing the cause of this
massacre.

"Ares is the son of the late King, trained by the Great Master. Of course, he
would know all the passageways and hideouts of hell. We overlooked that
fact," Hoseok says, looking upset.

"We need to reach Taehyung," Lily says with urgency.

They head towards the Palace but stop in their tracks when they see their
enemies pouring out of the Palace. The passageway must be open
somewhere inside the Palace.

"No, we can't," Hoseok's eyes fill with dread. "They are coming our way."

So many soldiers rush out, raising their swords, looking vicious.

The tangy taste of copper fills her mouth. She hadn't realized she was
biting her lips so hard. She prays Taehyung is still safe inside the secret
chamber.

Hoseok takes out the sword from his sheath, the initial dread on his face
replaced by a calm that only the Grand Master of hell could wield.

He whistles.

Immediately, from the top of the palace, masked shadow guards jump and
land on the ground.

There are only five of them but she has heard that the shadow guards are
highly skilled.

They form a barrier around her.

The enemies charge upon them and under Hoseok's lead, the shadow
guards start fighting, their movements as fast as the wind.

They never let anyone come close to her.

The blood of her enemies flows on the ground, passing by her feet.

She looks up at the sky and she finds Sirius there, wanting to fly closer to
her.
Andromeda isn't with her but her panic settles when Sirius communicates
with her that Andromeda is protecting Taehyung and he is safe. Sirius had
flown here when she had felt the sudden danger near her mother.

Sirius joins the fight, flapping her majestic wings, and breathing out the fire
which immediately incinerates the enemy soldiers.

Suddenly, out of her peripheral vision, Lily notices an enemy soldier just
behind Sirius, who is aiming a sharp iron spear at her.

Lily quickly sends a command to Sirius to fly away but before Sirius can
move and dodge the attack, the spear lodges into her daughter's body.

Her heart sinks.

Sirius lets out an ear-splitting cry, so loud that sends its echoes into
hell. Everyone stops fighting, taken aback.

The cry is so wounded.

So full of pain that her heart tears apart into pieces.

"Sirius! Sirius!" A cry escapes her as the wounded Phoenix revolves

around the whole sky, burning like a huge ball of fire. "No!"

Her daughter burns under the stab of pure iron, so cruelly, that everyone
stops to watch in shock.

Everyone steps away far from her, too shocked to even do anything.

The Phoenix finally arrives in her arms, crying out aloud in pain.

She cradles her daughter close to her heart with trembling hands,
desperate tears rolling down her face.
Sirius

Her first daughter.

Her daughter who always caressed her forehead with hers.

Her daughter who would flap her majestic wings and fly so beautifully, so
bright, so regal that she rendered everyone spellbound, whoever fortunate
enough to see her.

Her daughter who would accompany her to the reading sessions, always
snuggling closer to her to get her mother's warmth.

Her daughter who would engage in brawls with Tannie before Taehyung
and her had to interfere, lest they destroy everything.

Her daughter who would always look after her three sisters.

"Sirius---" She weeps, holding her daughter close. The grief, the sorrow is
too much, too much for her heart to handle.

"Mother. . . ."

The last word of Sirius, laced with pain, echoes in her head.

The Phoenix burns for some more excruciating seconds, and then, finally
turns to ashes right in front of her eyes.

She gazes into the ashes, eyes bloodshot and red.

"You killed my daughter," Her voice sounds calm, the calm before the
storm.

There is something so violent shimmering inside her. Something so violent,

unlike any rage she has ever experienced before.
Lily stares at her hands, and finds them, burning with a golden hue. It's like
the fire burning inside her body couldn't be restrained by it and has flowed
outside.

Her entire body feels on fire.

She wants to burn down everything and everyone in her path.

"You killed my daughter." She murmurs, chillingly. The enemy soldiers look
at themselves, their faces full of trepidation.

She touches the ground with her fingers.

The soldiers gaze at her and all of a sudden, from where she had touched
the ground, the earth cracks into a zagged line reaching all the way up to
them.

"You killed my daughter!" Lily screams all of a sudden, so loud, so

thunderous that the land cracks open into a vast void.

Beneath the wide pit, there is burning hot magma.

She screams and keeps on screaming, tears falling down her eyes.

It's the wrath of a Mother.

A Mother who has seen her daughter die in front of her eyes.

The soldiers all fall down into the huge void, their screams getting
swallowed by the hot magma.

***
Please vote and comment <3

A/N: This chapter is 4.1 K words long. So, it took me some time. And well,
Sirius is dead :( Can't wait for the next chapter to show even more of Lily's
madness. Do share your thoughts on the chapter. Thank you for
reading<333

35: You and Me

Madness.

Sheer madness.

The Queen steps out of the fortress gates, what looks like a raging inferno
left behind in her wake.

She charges into the battlefield, her entire body burning with fire.

It's the anger of a Goddess.

A mad Goddess.

Everyone looks shocked, such that they even forget that they are battling a
crucial war right now.

She can't stop screaming.

This pain. This hurt.

It's the hurt of a Mother.

Everyone scrambles out of her way, lest they would be burned by her
anger.

Her scream forms another crack in the ground. The land splits apart. Below
it hot magma boils and shimmers, threatening to devour everyone.
"You killed my daughter!" She screams, eyes bloodshot, so angry, so full of
fire, that there is a volcano erupting inside her pupils.

Another fissure forms in the ground.

The soldiers start falling into the boiling hot magma, their cries for help
getting swallowed by the flooding magma.

"Evacuate! At once!" Lord Park commands loudly.

Their soldiers immediately rush inside the fortress before they accidentally
experience the wrath of their Queen.

She lets out another devastating scream, eyes red, tears glowing like
diamonds down her face.

The three Phoenixes, now aware of their sister's death, are equally mad
and devastated.

They round the sky, like huge balls of fire, their shrill cries threatening to
topple hell upside down.

They are so mad, so crazed by their anger that their fire burns a hundred
times hotter.

Today, hell looks like the very hell people imagine of.

Flames burning all around.

The cloud of smoke is so thick that it can't be penetrated.

The temperature is so hot that it feels like they are being dipped inside the
fire.

She lets out another scream, looking so much in pain, her heart feeling like
it has been ripped apart by bare hands and someone has poured salt all
over the wound.

Amidst the chaos of people running and escaping, her gaze lands on Ares,
who looks for the first time, terrified.

Rage burns anew upon seeing his face.

She stands up, from where she was kneeling on the ground.
She walks toward him. He takes every step back, his gaze darting around
looking for an escape. But there is no place to run.

The time is up.

The land has split apart on either side of them. Burning hot magma sloshes
on both sides and fire crackles around them.

"You killed my daughter." Her voice has now quietened down, but it
manages to convey the hurt and anger she is still feeling.

Her eyes are empty like she can't feel herself, except the anger erupting
inside her.

"Why don't you kill me? You wanted the Crown so bad, didn't you?"

Ares is silent, his eyes flickering with fear.

She loves it. She loves the fear in his eyes.

"Kill me," She says. "Or are you afraid?"

Ares can't even touch her with the fire that surrounds her body.

"Don't-- Don't come near me!"

"You wanted to rule the world so bad, didn't you? Why are you so afraid
now?" Lily extends her hand. "Cat got your tongue?"

Her mere touch starts burning the man's hands. He lets out an excruciating
scream, his hands trembling rapidly.

She revels in his screams.

Satisfaction courses through her body.

But it's not enough.

Her hand closes around his neck in an iron grip.

The smell of burning flesh makes her nose scrunch in distaste. Her
conscious side is horrified at the gory sight but the mad beast that has
been unleashed inside her loves watching him squirm, his face getting
redder every second due to her grip.

"So much better," A grin curls around her lips before it is snuffed out, and
her lip trembles in agony. "My daughter cried like that before burning to
ashes."

She tosses him back like a ragdoll. Ares backs away far from her,
scrambling on his feet.

His hands are charred completely. The burns on his neck, along with the
sight of bones behind the burnt flesh make her gut churn.

She stares at her hands, burning with fire.

She did that.

Ares wheezes and coughs, his eyes never leaving hers, full of fear and
panic.

She takes a step toward him. He pushes himself back, to maintain as much
distance between them as possible.

There is no determination in his eyes, no mad glint that was ecstatic about
the takeover as the sole ruler of all the realms.

At that moment, she knew he had given up.

She knew that he was defeated.

The adrenaline fueling her body starts to burn low. Panic begins to claw at
her throat, upon seeing the destruction and devastation all around her. Fire
is her home, but right now, it's squeezing and burning her lungs, making
her call for Taehyung, Taehyung, Taehyung----

Her train of thought is stopped by Ares's voice.

"My mother never returned," His voice is raspy and low from the pain. He is
slumped on the ground, looking dazed, sweat marring his forehead from
the burns and the exertion. "I waited so long for her. She never returned."

"She said I would never be evil like Kim Taehyung. I had to avenge her
murder. But in my excuse to have my revenge, I have killed countless
people. Made them my slaves. Tore them away from their friends and
families. I didn't become evil like him. I became worse than evil."
"Today, I am realizing that she would be so disappointed in me," His eyes
look suspiciously bright with tears. "I hope she can forgive me."

"Do you regret your actions?" A question slips past her.

Ares chuckles as if she had said something ridiculous.

"Even after all this, I feel no remorse. I did whatever I could to survive," His
eyes have a distant look. "---There is no salvation for people like me. . . I
only wish that she will understand why I did what I did."

"Her soul still lingers in this very depths of hell. I only wish to reunite with
her now," Ares stares into her eyes. "So kill me."

Her daughters fly above her, ready for revenge for their sister.

But she has already done enough.

"Don't dirty your hands," She communicates with them through her head.
They obey her command and do not protest further.

She takes a step back.

Ares looks confused. "What are you doing?"

"I am giving you the dignity of choosing your death yourself," She murmurs.
The mad goddess inside her seeks more revenge but the human inside her
wishes to protect a piece of her soul so that it wouldn't get lost due to
someone like him. There's also a part of her that understands him, only
because of Taehyung. Ares is a villain who was created due to
circumstances that he grew up in, not because he was born evil. She
understands because, in the eyes of the world, Taehyung is seen as the
worst thing to have ever lived. They have woven tales of his cruelty and
greed, without knowing that Taehyung only ever did everything he could
to survive.

Ares doesn't say anything. But he looks at her with something akin to
respect.

After some seconds, he jumps straight inside the huge fissure, right inside
the boiling hot magma.

The magma devours him up until she can't see anything.

She sends a quiet prayer for him to be reunited with his mother one day.
She turns around and starts walking back but her knees give her away in
the middle.

She falls to the ground in a heap.

Deep exhaustion rattles her bones and her throat is raw from screaming.

The sky slowly clears up, and the first ray of sun hits her face.

The fire which was flowing throughout her body, retreats back, safely,
quietly inside her.

"Darling . . .," A familiar, deep voice rings in her ears.

Her head whips up, and her heart starts to beat erratically inside her chest.

Taehyung stands in front of her, a loose white shirt on his upper body and
black slacks below, the same attire that he was in when he was
unconscious inside the secret chamber. He is bare-footed and the flames
have scorched his feet red, as if he had run all the way up to here.

He looks exhausted but still so, so beautiful.

He opens his arms for her.

Tears pool in her eyes.

She runs into his arms, the force of it knocking the breath out of his lungs
but lord, Taehyung has never been more thankful to see her safe and
sound. If anything had happened to her, Taehyung would have destroyed
everything himself.

He holds her tightly, eyes closing to just bask in her warmth, and feel the
thud of her beautiful heartbeat.

"Sirius---" She gasps, tears choking out of her. "She is gone. My daughter--
-She is gone."

"I know. I know," Taehyung whispers, gently stroking her hair. "You did so
well, darling."

"How--How did you wake up? You weren't supposed to wake up for weeks-
--" She checks for any sign of hurt on his body desperately.
"You were in pain, sweetheart," He smiles softly, eyes shining with tears. "I
had to wake up."

She feels so grateful, so grateful for this man.

Andromeda, Artemis, and Athena hover above the sky, flapping their
majestic wings.

"Sirius will come back, darling. Just give her some time," Taehyung
whispers. "A Phoenix can't be killed."

She nods shakily and Taehyung wipes away the remaining tears lingering
on her cheeks.

Suddenly, they are startled by the sound of a loud roar. Lily looks up and
finds Cerberus frenzied. He is uncontrolled with rage as he bares his fangs,
searching for his prey.

"Tan!" Taehyung tries to step forward to control the hound but Lily shakes
her head.

She knows why Tan is mad. It's because of the loss of Sirius. Despite
always fighting with each other, Tannie and Sirius were friends.

She walks closer to the beast and extends her palm. The remnants of
some ashes of Sirius still linger on it.

Tannie nudges her hand with his snout. As soon as the smell of Sirius's
ashes hit him, he immediately becomes calm. The ferocity in his gaze
disappears. He looks content but mournful.

"She will come back, Tannie," She comforts him, tears burning anew. He
lets out a whimper and backs away slowly, retreating back inside the
fortress.

The warmth of Taehyung's hand snaps her back to reality before she again
spirals into her grief.

He presses his forehead against hers and his other hand cradles her face
like she is something precious.

They close their eyes, small exhausted smiles on both of their faces.

The sun glows down upon them. The sign of a new beginning.

"You and me, sweetheart." Taehyung whispers.

"You and me, Taehyung."

***

Muffled voices echo in the chamber.

Lily's head hurts, feeling like a heavy log of wood has been dropped on it.

She tries to squint her eyes open but her vision is blurry. The blurry haze
settles a bit and she hears the voices louder and clearer.

" . . . .Been two weeks already. Should we call another healer?"

"The court is in shambles and the paperwork from the war is so huge that it
can't even fit in one desk," A frustrated sigh comes, suspiciously like Jimin's
voice.

"Drink some more wine and sleep it off, " That's definitely Yoongi.

"Aww, aren't they adorable, though? Look, how, even when they are
unconscious, they are holding their hands so tightly." Definitely Seokjin.

She feels the weight of a hand warm against her own.

". . . .And the letters, shit---All the realms have been sending hell letters for
our victory--Need to return them replies as well!" Jimin sounds close to
sobbing.

"Quit creating a ruckus around here. We need to give them time to

recuperate. Get out all of you," Master Hoseok's voice filters through the
noise and after some moments, the door gets shut closed, only silence
accompanying the space.

Lily doesn't remember many things, except completely blacking out on the
battlefield. Taehyung was the last face she had seen.

Finally, she opens her eyes. She is back in their bed chamber.

She looks beside her and finds Taehyung sleeping peacefully.

She glances at their hands joined together. She lifts their joined hands up
and presses a soft kiss on his knuckles.

Taehyung's eyes fly open, startling her.

A lazy smile blooms on his face.

He leans closer and presses a soft kiss on her nose.

"How long have you been awake?" She whispers.

"For some time. Just wanted them to be gone," His smile grows cheeky.

"Looks like we have a lot of work to do, Your Majesty. Jimin sounded close
to crying."

"It can wait. I have to serve my Queen for now," Taehyung pulls her closer
and rolls on top of her, straddling her.

"Taehyung---" She lets out a yelp but the sound is quickly swallowed by his
mouth.

Their lips connect and it feels like taking a large gulp of air after drowning
for so long.

It feels like desperation.

It feels like salvation.

It feels like home.

He feels like home.

With the Cosmos' punishment and Taehyung's unconsciousness after that,

she had felt so worried.

But now, everything feels right.

His tongue slips inside her mouth, caressing hers, licking the insides of her
mouth. Taehyung hums against her mouth and the vibration makes heat
pool in her lower stomach. He captures her bottom lip with his teeth and
sucks on it, the kiss desperate and full of longing.
An unbridled moan slips past her. Taehyung kisses her jaw, her neck,
nipping at her collarbone and the junction between her neck and her
shoulder. His hands are on a quest of their own, kneading her breasts,
drawing out whimpers from her.

Taehyung wrenches himself off her, gasping heavily, his eyes dark with
desire.

Her own chest rises up and down heavily.

"I am afraid I won't be able to stop myself if things go further," Taehyung

murmurs.

She pulls him closer by the lapels of his shirt, pressing another kiss to
those sinful lips. "I don't care. Let's go further."

Taehyung smiles against her lips. "Not right now, darling. Not when anyone
can enter the room."

She lets out an indignant huff.

"You need to bathe and eat first," He says, eyes shining with amusement.
"And you also need to meet Athena, Artemis, and Andromeda. They must
be worried."

She nods, feeling disappointed but Taehyung is right. Taehyung kisses her
once again like he couldn't get enough of her and breathes out, "I need to
see Jimin before he breaks down."

"Give him a long vacation, please."

Taehyung chuckles. "Will do."

He gives her a last glance and leaves the room.

***

Lily is sitting in front of the vanity mirror, after having a bath and some
warm food. Andromeda, Artemis, and Athena had appeared on the balcony
of their bed chamber. She had felt their worry and concern, but above all
elation at seeing their mother safe and sound.

The thought of Sirius makes her heart ache but she knows her daughter
will rise from the ashes again.
They are Phoenixes. Divine beings who will always get reborn despite
the harshest circumstances.

She is brushing her hair slowly when Taehyung appears behind her,
carrying a jewelry box.

"What is it?" She asks, seeing his amused face.

Taehyung looks relaxed, with no sign of any tension that had been
troubling him for the past weeks.

He stares at her reflection in the mirror and gently unclasps the pendant
that he had left on her neck the last time. The same pendant that holds the
ring he had left for her.

His promise to her.

"Why did you take it off----" She starts but he immediately shushes her,
slipping the pendant inside his pocket.

"I want to take you somewhere," He says while opening the jewelry box he
had brought. He takes out a pearl choker necklace from the box.

"Apologies for not being able to give continuity to our little routine in the
past weeks," His finger brushes against the smooth skin around her neck,
making goosebumps rise on it.

He clasps the pearl choker around her neck, smiling. "Pearls look the
prettiest on you, darling."

"Thank you," Warmth rushes to her cheeks but she immediately warns him.
"Do not flood our chamber with pearls, please. I am telling you. If I find any
more jewelry, I will----"

Her words die down in her throat when Taehyung lets out a laugh. It's so
beautiful and transforms his whole features, making him look
almost angelic under the halo of the sun.

"How did you know that? I may or may not have ordered some more pearls
to be brought here," Taehyung's eyes crinkle with mirth.

"You are too predictable when it comes to me, my lord. I could ask for a toy
dragon and you would give everyone a heart attack by bringing the real
thing. Am I not right?"
"You could never be wrong, my lady, " Taehyung kneels down in front of
her, taking her hand. "Only because I am a servant to my Queen's every
bidding."

(Oh, how there hasn't been born anyone who could bring the 'Lord of Evil'
down, but he willingly gets on his knees for his goddess.)

"Come with me," He says, planting a kiss on top of her hand.

"Where?" She questions, curious.

"Do you trust me?"

"With everything." There is no hesitation at all in her voice.

Taehyung extends his gloved hand to her.

She slides her hand into his open palm.

Taehyung lifts her hand up and again, gives in to the urge of pressing a
kiss on top of it. "Let's go."

***

A/N: So, Ares is finally dead. And we are getting closer to the end of
'Infernal Roses'. This has been an incredible journey so far and I have
loved writing about them, especially Lily since her character development
was the most beautiful. I am going to start 'Forbidden' after this, Yoongi and
Luna's story from 'Follow You' since I have said that I would write about
them after I am done with this book. Thank you for reading<33 What are
your favorite moments or quotes from 'Infernal Roses' so far?
36: Hunt the Gods down

Lily is glancing at Taehyung with confusion when they cross the border
between hell and Earth and step into the land of the mortals. What could he
possibly want to show her here?

"Close your eyes," Taehyung murmurs, pressing her body close against
his, his arms wrapping around her waist.

She does and for the next few seconds, she feels like she is floating.

"You can open them," He whispers in her ear, the warmth making tingles
blaze her skin.

When she opens them, her breath gets knocked out of her lungs.

Beautiful waves of light dance all around them, sucking her in,
completely captivating her.

Her feet crunch the snow on the ground as she takes in

the enthralling sight, absolutely in awe.

He brought her here.

To show her the northern lights.

The Aurora Borealis.

Even when she had lived her days as a human, she had dreamt of going to
see these lights.

The lights dazzle so beautifully, so brightly that she feels like she has
stepped into a whole new universe. There is no sight of any houses, just
land wholly covered in thick snow for miles. The temperature must be frigid
here but since she holds fire within her, it doesn't feel cold at all.
"This is absolutely beautiful," She whispers, eyes stinging with tears,
emotions clawing at her throat.

Taehyung isn't looking at the lights.

He is staring at her, eyes soft as he answers, "Yes. Absolutely beautiful."

It makes a flock of butterflies go wild in her stomach.

"I used to come here a lot," Taehyung stares far off into the distance. "To
watch these lights and fly underneath them."

His eyes look distant. "After he took away my wings, I never dared to come
here again. I was scared it would remind me too much of all the things that
I lost. But coming back here with you now only reminds me of all the things
that I have. You. My entire world."

It makes her heart crack. And for the millionth time, she wishes the late
king could come alive once again and she could have the satisfaction of
killing him.

"Thank you. Thank you for bringing me here," She leans her forehead
against his. "I know this isn't easy for you."

"You deserve so much better," Taehyung gently traces her cheek with his
thumb. "Sometimes, I wonder how you could willingly choose me.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should let you go."

It sends a rush of anger so quickly in her veins that she immediately cuts
him off, eyes blazing. "Never. You will never do such a thing. I forbid you."

A small smile curls on his lips. "Darling, I am too selfish to ever let you go
despite knowing that you deserve better."

"I don't care if I deserve better because I want you. I need you. There
would be nothing better than you because I love you."

Taehyung's breath stills.

He looks frozen for a second, a myriad of emotions flashing in his eyes.

But that was out finally. The three words she had been wanting to say to
him since forever.
"Why would you love a man who is hated by the entire world?" His voice is
small, laced with insecurity that makes her want to commit cold-blooded
murder and punish those people who ever hurt him.

"Because," She takes a step closer to him, cradling his face

gently. "Because he loves me more than all the world."

Taehyung lifts her chin with his hand and softly kisses the corner of her
lips.

His gaze when he looks at her is always full of devotion, loyalty, and love---
love that would burn, break and devastate, love that would instill fear in
others with the sheer intensity of it, love that could be mistaken for
obsession because others can't comprehend the extremities that monsters
like Taehyung exist in. It's the love of a man who has been starved for it,
the love of a villain who won't hesitate to ruin the world for it.

"I do," Taehyung whispers against her lips, making her breath hitch. "I love
you more than anything in the world. I love you so much that sometimes, it
threatens to burst out of my body with one look at you. But I confine it
inside carefully because I do not want to scare you. I do not care if others
burn due to it because I do not care for anyone but you. I crave the light
and the darkness inside you. I will worship you for eternity because you
are my only salvation. Because kissing you--loving you feels like there's a
heaven and this is the closest a devil like me can reach to it."

People would never stop fearing Kim Taehyung, the Lord who rules over
the dead, over the most evil things in the world. They would always scorn
him and speak ill of him.

He would always be the villain in their storybooks.

The cruel monster that mothers would talk about to scare their children into
submission.

But for Lily, despite harboring whatever darkness he has, he would always
be brighter than the Sun.

A twisted fairy tale where the girl falls for the misunderstood villain.
Taehyung is a vast ocean, deep and complex. People would never
understand him by just looking at the surface.

His words make her eyes burn. She cups his face and kisses him with so
much desperation and passion, that the poets would have lacked words to
describe it.

Their love was a cruel poetry, one that only they would understand and it
was enough for her.

"You are the air I breathe, darling," Taehyung says between their kisses.
"And one day if you were to die, I would hunt the gods down and force
them to bring you back to life. And if they can't, I
would bury myself alive beside you."

"No, you can't -----"

Her words are cut off by him.

"I can't exist in a world where there is no you." Taehyung murmurs, eyes
blazing with anger at the mere thought of living in a world where his
soulmate doesn't breathe, where her sweet voice doesn't echo in his ears,
where he can't see the warm flush on her cheeks, the beautiful smile that
she grants him.

"You are going to make me cry," She chuckles, eyes shining with tears.
"Have I told you the poets would have adored you?"

"I do not need anyone to adore me. Just you. Only you."

She takes out the ring which had been in her gown pocket this whole time.
Lily looks sheepish as she nervously laughs, "Thought I would bring it."

Taehyung looks at her in disbelief as the lights of the aurora shine down on
the beautiful ruby ring with a silver band. This ruby is special because it is
forged by the fire of the Phoenix. It has heat inside and will forever warm
Taehyung.

"We already became husband and wife according to hell's custom when
you left that ring for me and I accepted it. But under these lights, I want to
ask you to be mine forever. Will you marry me, Taehyung?"

Taehyung's eyes are wet. He stares at her bewildered, wondering what he

had ever done for the fates to have blessed him with something
as precious as her.

"You don't have to ask, sweetheart, because I am yours forever. Till the
eternity of time," He whispers, lifting her hands and kissing them reverently.
"It would be my greatest honor to marry you."

She slides the ring onto his finger, staring at Taehyung whose eyes look so
soft under the lights that she feels like she is falling all over again.

"I never had the chance to put this ring on your finger," Taehyung takes out
the pendant from his pocket, clicks it open, and brings out the ring. "I do
not want to miss any more chances again."

The ring that had been left by him.

It has a black rose with vines curling around the diamond band.

It was symbolic, to always have a piece of each other. The fire in the ruby
would always remind Taehyung of her and the black roses would remind
her of him.

"Will you be my wife again, darling?" Taehyung asks, getting down on one
knee. "I have never knelt before anyone. But I would remain on my knees
for my entire life for you. You are my soulmate, the other half of my soul.
The one who completes me. You make me want to believe that something
good exists in this world whenever you are in my arms. You are my Queen,
the one in front of whom I will always bow. And I want you to be the mother
of our kids one day if you will have them with me. I would bring the world
under your feet if you would only ask. And if something were to happen to
you, I would happily watch it go down under the flames."

She feels her face wet with tears, her heart shaken to the core by
Taehyung's words. His devotion is something so otherworldly, making her
question how she had ever gotten so fortunate to have it completely
dedicated to her.

"Yes, yes, I will be your wife--- It would be my greatest honor as well,"

Taehyung slides the ring onto her finger and it fits so perfectly. She cups
his face, tracing his jaw with her nose, and whispers, "I wonder what I ever
did to deserve you because you are the best thing to ever happen to me. I
thought I was doomed to be lonely forever, but I didn't know that someone
as wonderful as you were waiting for me. And you think you are evil but
Taehyung, you would always be the kindest thing to ever happen to me.
From now on, if anyone thinks they can hurt you, I will make sure not even
their ashes remain behind. You would burn down the world for me but I
would also destroy it for you."

Taehyung immediately pulls her closer and kisses her with a breathtaking
intensity that makes her knees buckle up. He cradles her face, deepening
the kiss, bodies pressed flush against each other, their clothes the only
barrier. The tingles set fire to their skin. Her fingers card through his hair,
tugging at the roots. Taehyung lets out a groan, the sound getting
swallowed by her mouth. He would never get tired of this.

It was like giving the devil the taste of his very own heaven. And now that
he had gotten an inkling of what heaven felt like, tasted like, he could never
get enough. He wanted more---No, he needed more.
They pull back, breathing heavily. Taehyung buries his head in the crook of
her neck, inhaling her scent, a drug to his addiction. She shivers under his
grip, looking every bit as affected as him.

He raises his head, his lips caressing her neck, and jaw as he nears her
ear.

"Dance with me," Taehyung whispers.

It feels like that time when they danced on the streets with no care for the
world. Taehyung had done something sappy as recreating a movie scene
with her, humming a tune in silence, making music of their own as they
danced the night away.

"Always." A warm flush decorates her cheeks and sometimes, Taehyung

finds it astounding that this woman--No, this goddess in his arms, who
blushes in his presence wouldn't hesitate to kill for him, wreak havoc for
him, who had a darkness that people may fear even more than him.

The most beautiful creation he had ever seen throughout his lifetime.

And he had the honor to belong to her.

To call her his.

She slides her hand into his palm. Taehyung wraps his hand around her
waist and they start swaying side to side, with all the lights dancing around
them.
She rests her head against his chest and Taehyung knows she is listening
to the quiet thuds of his heartbeat, his heart which makes music only for
her.

At moments like these, moments when she is around and touches him with
so much affection that Taehyung still finds strange but wouldn't mind
getting used to, the monster inside him rests.

The monster inside him that is always thirsty for chaos and vengeance,
which always rages with its ever-present wrath, goes to sleep when he is in
her arms.

The fates knew how to create matches.

Giving a monster the peace he never knew he desired so much.

"I love you," She looks up at him, eyes glittering so beautifully under these
lights that Taehyung finds it hard to breathe.

Oh, she planted flowers in his lungs and Taehyung wouldn't mind
suffocating to death like this.

"I love you, too," He murmurs.

Under the lights of the Aurora, two silhouettes danced along with them.
The Fire can't touch me

For I have burned one too many times

And the sea can't harm me

For I have been drowning all my life

Oh but you could rip my heart open darling

For I have never known love before

--Unknown

***

A/N: Stop because I was screaming inside while writing this chapter! This
has to be my favorite chapter till now. If I keep on writing men like Infernal
Roses Taehyung, I will die fcking single. The way he says he would bury
himself alive beside her if she were to die>>>>>>>>>> Goals fr. I am about
to burst into tears because I will never find anyone like him and yes, I am
embarrassingly in love with my own character. Sue me. Honestly, the love
of villains can't be topped, with the extremes they are willing to go for it, so
much interesting to read and write. Thank you for reading <33

37: God's Finest Creation

Warning: This chapter contains some mature content<3

Peace had settled in all the realms after the war.

There had been discussions about the eight fortresses of the heavens that
were conquered and if hell would take them now, but the King and Queen
of hell didn't want any more burden on their shoulders and returned the
territory back to the heavens. The heavens had been skeptical about their
motives, especially Lord Kim's. It would forever be a hard pill for them to
swallow that he hardly cares for anyone and anything else but his wife.

Aiden was going to be crowned as the Emperor of the heavens soon.

Before that, he had wanted to spend time with his only family in the world.
He had asked Lily if she would come to the heavens where they could see
the life of their father as a God and also tour the heavens.

She had been curious and begrudgingly, Taehyung sent her away to the
heavens for a week. Though she was the Queen of hell, she was also a
part goddess and she had every right to be in the heavens like the other
demigod and demigoddess.

Taehyung was itching to go and bring her back but he was drowned in
paperwork and duties. Good lord, he missed his wife.

He had given Jimin a well-deserved three-month-long vacation. The man

had disappeared right away the next day, looking euphoric. He was
practically vibrating with joy.

Seokjin had stepped up in Jimin's place, as his right-hand man for the time
being. The man was bored to death doing nothing and Seokjin found that
he liked attending the court because he loved seeing stupid people fight
with each other and also charm the wits out of them.

Yoongi had expressly said not to bother him until the next war.

So, Taehyung was all alone in his office doing boring paperwork.

There is a knock on the door that snaps Taehyung out of his not-so-jovial
thoughts.

"Enter," Taehyung commands.

A servant steps inside, bowing. "Your Majesty, the Queen has returned
from her-----"
Taehyung immediately stands up. "She is back?!"

The servant stammers, shocked at how the dark clouds around the King for
the past week have completely disappeared. "Y-Yes, my lord. She is
currently resting at your shared private quarters-----"

The servant hasn't even finished speaking and Taehyung has already
disappeared into thin air.

"My lord?"

The servant looks left and right.

"My lord, are you there?"

He looks around for an answer, heaves a long sigh, and closes the door.

***

Lily had just been to their bedroom. It hadn't even been five minutes when
Taehyung suddenly appeared out of nowhere, scaring the living lights out
of her.

"Taehyung---" She gasps, placing a hand in her fast-pacing heart.

"I missed you." He comes barreling towards her and buries his head in the
crook of her neck, inhaling her scent, feeling finally at ease. He had been
so worried. He hadn't wanted to send her to the heavens, especially
considering how everyone there loathes him and wishes to ruin everything
that he has. But he also knew he had nothing to fear. They would be fools if
they thought they could harm Lily, not when she singlehandedly brought a
stop to the war and when her daughters follow her everywhere she goes.

"I missed you, too." She hugs him. The feeling of being at home can't be
replaced. The trip had been lovely but she had missed her husband at
every waking moment.

"This week has felt like an eternity without you, darling," He murmurs. "How
was the trip?"

"Good. But I wanted to return home as soon as I could. I missed you a lot,"
She steps back, staring into his eyes.
Taehyung pulls her closer, holding her by the nape of her neck, and kisses
her softly. When she exhales into his mouth, it feels like he has finally come
up for air after drowning for so long.

They pull back, leaning their forehead against each other. Taehyung pulls
her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. Lily looks up at him, eyes flaring
with desire.

"I want you." She licks her lips, suddenly feeling her throat become dry.
Taehyung's eyes draw towards that action and his gaze becomes heated.

The click of the door locking makes her heart beat louder. Taehyung locked
the door. . . It makes anticipation bloom in her chest.

They are in front of the full-length mirror.

"Allow me," Taehyung says, stepping behind her.

He slowly collects her hair and gathers it at one side, baring her neck. His
head finds its way above her shoulders, his lips dangerously hovering near
her ear. The touch of his lips sends a shiver down her spine.

His gaze is smoldering hot and her entire body feels on fire. Nothing like
the fire that's safely contained inside her. . . .This fire is for an entirely
different reason.

The thick tension fogs the entire room, drugging her, and intoxicating her.

His fingers trail down her neck, slowly, tantalizingly, making goosebumps
rise on her skin.

He slowly unclasps her necklace, his gaze never leaving hers in the mirror.

She sucks in a sharp breath when the necklace clatters on the floor.

"What do you want, darling?" Taehyung asks, his voice deep and rough.

"You. Only you." She whispers and loves how his eyes darken with hunger.

Taehyung starts tugging at the laces of the gown tied to her back. He
undoes each knot slowly, his fingers hovering over the expanse of bare
skin revealed with each undone knot. Warm heat unfurls in her stomach,
her core throbbing with desire.
The last knot is loosened and Taehyung helps her out of the gown. The
gown slips down her body without much resistance, leaving her completely
bare, except for the lacy fabric between her legs.

"You are the most beautiful thing to ever exist," Taehyung whispers. "It
feels illegal to even look at you---let alone touch you."

"Touch me." She takes his hand and presses it where she needs him the
most right now.

His control snaps.

Her breath hitches in her throat when Taehyung pins her against the mirror,
his lips crashing into hers. His tongue immediately slips inside her mouth,
desperate to unite with hers. He kisses her fiercely, desperately, so hard,
so heady, that every kiss feels like he is claiming her, branding her,
marking her as his.

Taehyung moans against her mouth, the sound is so hot that it sends a
throb between her legs. She clenches her thighs, desperate for some
friction. His hard body presses against all her softness, her core dampening
more and more.

"More," She gasps. Taehyung sucks the skin on her neck and the black
roses that are tattooed on her arm. Somehow, they glow even more
beautifully right now.

He looks like a beast starved, feasting on his meal.

He nips at her neck, sucking and licking the skin, making fresh bruises
appear. The pain is intertwined with pleasure, a combination so addicting
that Lily feels like she would never get enough. Taehyung sucks the peak
of her hardened nipple, his hands squeezing her other breast. Pleasure
thrums against her veins, making her head fall back against the mirror. A
moan escapes her throat as his hands brush the fabric between her legs
slowly, right against her slit. The friction feels utterly good.

His hand slips inside, spreading her wetness and playing with her.

The fire inside her blazes hotter.

She feels two fingers enter her entrance, making her gasp at the intrusion.

"So tight, darling," Taehyung murmurs, looking equally ruffled as her. He

slowly starts thrusting his fingers in and out, making her climb higher and
higher, wanting---no needing this release. She would die without it.
Her eyes roll back with the way Taehyung curls his fingers, hitting the spot
that makes her see stars.

But he suddenly takes out his fingers making a cry of frustration escape
her.

Her complaint is quickly swallowed when Taehyung goes down on his

knees, rips away the fabric, and his mouth latches against her core.

He devours her, like he has been sentenced to death and she is the last
meal he will have.

Taehyung wouldn't mind dying after this. He would be able to brag to every
other wretched soul in hell because he has seen and tasted heaven,
something they will never get to experience.

She was the only heaven for a sinner like him.

Her hips move against his lips, pressing him closer, her hands tugging at
the soft strands of his hair, head thrown back in pleasure. Taehyung thrusts
his fingers inside her while simultaneously, licking her core. Taehyung
watches his goddess come undone due to his tongue and fingers, chasing
her high, legs trembling around him.

She lets out a breathless moan. Taehyung stands up, the corner of his lips
darting out to lick off the last drop. The sight is so hot it makes her even
more aroused. At this moment, with his sinful gaze, he truly looks like a
devil that has been sent to corrupt her.

Taehyung picks her up into his arms, her legs instinctively wrapping around
his waist. He kisses her, and the taste of him mixed with her arousal melds
into her tongue.

He gently settles her on their bed. Her hair cascading all around her, lips
swollen from the kisses, body naked underneath him, her smooth skin
blooming with his bites and gaze full of desire for him----Taehyung has
never seen a more magnificent sight.

He pauses to stare. Good lord, this beautiful sight was going to haunt him
in his dreams till the day he dies.

"What are you doing?" Lily questions, a flush warming her cheeks under his
heated gaze.
"I am worshipping God's finest creation, darling," Taehyung says, making
her heart skip a beat.

He starts taking off his clothes but Lily beats him to it. She unbuttons his
shirt and makes quick work of his pants. Taehyung hovers above her,
naked. She touches his bare chest and the muscles beneath her hand
flexes under her touch.

He is so beautiful.

So beautiful that he would be the sole subject of every sculptor's statue on

Earth if they even had the opportunity to see such exquisiteness.

"You are so beautiful," She whispers, her hand running along the jagged
scars on his back. His scars were the marks of his strength, his bravery
and she loves every rough line. His features morph into something even
more devastating as his lips curl into a smile.

"Only you would love a monster, darling," Taehyung's eyes glow with
devotion.

"You are not a monster," She whispers and kisses the white lilies on his
arm. Taehyung closes his eyes, memorizing the warmth of her lips on his
skin.

"May I?" He asks her permission to go further and what she loves about
Taehyung is, he always gives her a choice in everything. It makes her heart
swell with emotions.

"Yes, please." She whispers and to prove it, she wraps her legs around his
waist, drawing him closer, pressing her core directly with his length.

She feels him enter her slowly, carefully, his face gazing down at her to
look for any discomfort. She has never felt so full in her entire life. Her back
arches. Taehyung's hot breath fans her face. He looks like he is barely
restraining himself.

He grunts, sliding in deeper, sweat marring his forehead.

He looks glorious.

The pain is eased up by the pleasure that follows. Taehyung thrusts in and
out of her, setting a rhythm, pleasuring her, worshipping the Goddess that
lies bare in his arms.

"Oh God----" A moan of pleasure escapes her when he hits her sweet spot
repeatedly, making pleasure burst behind her eyelids.

It was ironic to call out for God when it was the devil himself pleasuring her.

Taehyung hooks up her one leg above his shoulder, the new angle making
him slide in even deeper.

He kisses her languidly, moving in and out of her, sucking and nipping the
skin on her neck, making sure everyone could see his claim on her.

It was the monster inside him that rejoiced to see her wearing his marks.

The deepest, darkest, depraved part of him.

She comes with a beautiful cry, clenching around him. It's the sweetest
sound Taehyung has ever heard in his life.

Taehyung rubs her swollen bundle of nerves, drawing out her orgasm,
making another one quickly build up, still thrusting inside her.

"Taehyung, I can't----" She cries out, head thrown back in pleasure.

"Yes, you can. Give me one more, darling," He demands against her
lips. "You are taking it so well."

He sinks into her so good, making her writhe beneath him and whispering
how perfect she is and how much he loves her. Taehyung grips her hips,
guiding her as he buries himself so deep inside that she can feel him in her
bones.

She loses count of how many times her body squeezes tight around his,
how many times she screams his name and buries her face into his chest,
his neck. Taehyung spills inside her, watching her face contort with a
blissed-out expression.

He falls beside her, breathing heavily.

Lily turns to face him, looking content. She curls up closer to him, her
forehead pressing with his.
He wraps his arm around her, pulling her even closer.

"I love you," She whispers, smiling.

"I love you, too." He replies back, kissing her lips.

Love.

Many are afraid to throw this word around, too scared to bear the weight of
this word. But for Taehyung, it's the biggest understatement to describe
what he feels for her.

She rests her head on his chest, quickly dozing off. Taehyung draws circles
on her naked back, gazing at the sun resting on the horizon, feeling a
peace that he has never felt before.

***

"Mama, when is a monster, not a monster?" A child asks, blinking her eyes
up at her mother, wishing the monster in the fairytale had also gotten his
own happy ending. The sweet naivete of a child wishing for the good of the
world. . . .

"Oh, when you love it, dear." The mother smiles.

***
Your votes and comments keep me alive <333

A/N: I didn't make the chapter too explicit. Hope you enjoyed reading it and
we are so close to the end of Infernal Roses. We just have two chapters left
including the epilogue and maybe I will write some bonus chapters one
day. Thank you for supporting this book till now. Crazy how we are close to
100K reads. Love y'all <333

38: Dear My Moon

Aiden is sitting under the tree in the garden in front of Selene's palace.

Every night, he would come here and sit under this tree for hours, wishing
she would come back. Sometimes, he even dozed off in the same spot,
and he would only be aware when a new day arrived in the heavens or
when his attendants came to take him back.

He promised to himself that he would wait for her.

He would die, keeping his promise.

He had asked the servants to maintain Selene's palace in its original state.
He knew she would come back.

Even though her scent was starting to fade away, she lingered in every part
of his mind and soul. She was never gone. . .

He stood in the middle of the field of dandelions. A sweet memory flashed

in front of his eyes.

He was 10 years old, and she was eight. The sun was dazzling beautifully,
and the sweet scent of the flowers permeated the air. He was sitting in the
middle of the garden, reading a book. Selene was always too energetic,
either trying to catch the butterflies or coming behind Aiden to see what he
was reading. She would run around and pick up a flower, giving it to him,
her laughter sounding in his ears like music.

She came, carrying a dandelion, smiling widely, and sat beside him.

"What did you bring this time?" He put his book down and gazed at her.

She gave a toothy smile and showed him the dandelion. "Mama said
whenever you make a wish on a dandelion, they will come true."

"Really?"

"Really!"

She closed her eyes and blew the dandelion, the seeds floating away.

"What wish did you make?" Aiden asked, smiling.

"That I will marry you one day!" She grinned.

"Silly, you do not think about marrying when you are so young," Aiden
tapped her nose. "And still, one day, you will have your own soulmate who
will whisk you away."

The thought of that made his chest tighten, though he shrugged it off.

"Really? You will whisk me away?" She blinked her eyes rapidly.

"I said your soulmate will."

A stubborn expression overtook her face and he knew that look all too well.
It meant that she wasn't going to budge.

"Then, you are my soulmate, Aiden. I don't care. You are my soulmate, and
you will marry me one day."

"The Fates don't work like that," Aiden sighed. Though he was just ten, he
had a basic perception of the fates and soulmates from the books he read.

"Then, they are not doing their work very well." She shook her head. "And I
still don't care. They can't stop me. I am Selene."

He chuckled.

She looked up at him, eyes sparkling. "But will you marry me when the time
comes?"
Aiden stared into her pleading eyes and found himself unable to say no.

"Yes, I will marry you," He ruffled her hair. "You better not forget it."

She grinned so widely, making his heart thump louder against his ribcage.

"I won't."

The wind was whipping his hair.

He plucked a dandelion and blew it, the seeds carrying into the wind, and
made a wish.

"Come back to me."

***

Dear my moon,

I have started writing letters so that you can read them when you return
home. I don't want you to miss out on anything while you are gone. You
would love to hear about everything.

I always spend at least an hour in your palace every day. Sometimes, I

spend the whole night, looking around the same walls where you and I
used to run and play hide and seek. You would drag me out of my hiding
places, (somehow you always knew where to find me) and ask me to play
with you. I could never say no to you and you exploited that weakness of
mine really well. And when you would grow tired, you would place your
head on my lap while I read a book.

Your laughter still echoes in my ears.

That beautiful laughter could put every melody on earth to shame.

Like the soft, soothing chime of bells.

I miss you. So much.

Waiting for you,

Aiden
***

Dear my moon,

You are the strongest and the most courageous person I know.

You sacrificed yourself for the greater good.

But still, sometimes, a selfish part within me wishes you hadn't given
yourself up and I am instantly hit with guilt. It's the selfish part within me
that wishes to keep you safe and tucked away from any danger. But I am
still proud of you and your decision.

You are so much more brave than I could ever be.

It is an honor to love you, Selene.

Yours,

Aiden

***

Dear my moon,

This is the twenty-sixth letter I am writing to you. My desk is full of letters

now. I have been trying to keep them all tied safely in order so that you can
read them when you come back home.

I have been training every day more rigorously since I have been
announced as the Crown Prince of the heavens. I believe my mother would
be proud of me. Sometimes, I wish I could see her again, Selene.

The Crown is desired by everyone. It has been something that we Princes

have dreamt of all our lives.

But even then, I don't find it in myself to be happy.

Because you are not here.

The throne looks very lonely.

And I am scared. . .

Yours forever,

Aiden

***

Dear my moon,

We had a meeting today in the heavens with the King and Queen
of hell. My sister, you must remember her. She has grown into such a
powerful woman and I am proud of her.

They decided to return the eight fortresses of the heavens back to us. They
could have chosen to keep it and even conquer the heavens but they
didn't. Everyone else has been scrambling and yelling that this must be
another hidden motive of hell.

But with the way Lord Kim looks at my sister, it's easy to know that he
hardly cares for anyone else but her. Those fortresses would just be a
hassle for him. My sister said that he wanted to devote all his time to her.
No wonder he didn't think twice about keeping those territories.

While I find the love that they have for each other beautiful, I can't help the
pang of sadness that hits me whenever I see them because I can only
remember you.

I wish that you were here.

Yours,

Aiden.

***

Dear my moon,

Do you remember the time when we danced together at that ball organized
in hell?
I had asked you for a dance, saying that I had to save myself from the
crowd of ladies, who had been chasing me.

But the truth is Selene, I merely used that as an excuse to take your hand
and dance with you. I was scared . . . of rejection. And I had so many fears,
the first and foremost being the fact that you were going to have your own
soulmate one day and I didn't want to be the person who was always
looking at you from afar, without you ever knowing. So, I always
suppressed my feelings for you and gave it the name of a deep friendship
while you have always been so much more.

I am plagued with regrets every day and your absence feels like a
punishment.

Please don't be mad at me when you return back.

And even if you are angry, I will grovel on my knees for you.

You felt so warm in my arms that night.

You felt like everything that I didn't deserve.

Your eyes were glimmering so beautifully that it hurt to look at you.

You looked so beautiful and I felt privileged to touch you.

Come back. Please. I am waiting for you.

Always yours,

Aiden

***

Dear my moon,

Today the loneliness hit harder.

The First Brother is getting married. His betrothed and the first brother are
very much in love with each other.

Since I am to step into the throne soon, I was asked if I had any choices in
mind for marriage.
How can I even think of someone else when you consume my entire
being?

I stormed out of the hall and I felt bad for feeling angry—and worse hurt.

I am waiting for you daily; these letters are the only thing keeping my sanity
on hold.

If they want an Empress, they will have to wait for you.

And if they can't wait, I would leave the throne.

I am missing you. A lot.

Feeling lonely,

Aiden.

***

Dear my moon,

I have been tending to your garden every day. You loved and cared for
your flowers a lot and I feel closer to you whenever I come to see them. So,
every day after training, I head to your garden.

My favorites right now are dandelions.

When I blow a dandelion and its seeds sway in the wind, floating far away,
they are taking my wishes and thoughts to you.

They feel like hope.

You blew a dandelion once when we were kids and said that you wished to
marry me. Maybe you forgot it Selene, but I still haven't.

I only wish for you to come back.

Please come back. . . Please.

Forever Yours,

Aiden
***

Dear my moon,

It's the hundredth letter I have written to you.

And I miss you. . .

Very much.

I love you.

Always yours,

Aiden

***

Dear my moon,

You left a void in my heart so big that it can't be filled in your absence.

My heart aches.

I drank to feel numb, but I could only see you.

It hurt more knowing that you are just a figment of my imagination.

I cried to sleep last night. . . .I couldn't help it.

Missing you,

Aiden

***

Dear my moon,

The Solar eclipse is fast approaching and I have waited for it for months.

We will meet there, right?

If you don't appear, I don't know how I will cope. This day has been my only
hope to last this long.

Please. I beg you to come back.

Yours,

Aiden

***

Dear my moon,

I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I
love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I
love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I
love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I
love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I
love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I
love---

The ink spilled on the page abruptly cuts off the words.

***

Aiden is sitting under the tree in her garden from the morning.

It is the day of the Solar eclipse and he hadn't slept a wink for the past few
days, dreading if Selene would even come. The heavenly Emperor had
said that every night of the eclipse, she would come alive and she would
disappear again the next day, till her entire soul healed.

This day has been his only hope for the last few months. And if he hadn't
had this hope, he would have already jumped off from the East Terrace to
forget this agony.

It was going to be midnight soon.

She didn't appear.

His hope withers away, stabbing his heart, the jagged pieces so deep that
he would never recover.

He buries his head in his knees, trying to will his tears to stop, but he feels
so, so hurt.

Until he feels a tap on his shoulders.

He looks up so fast, his neck almost straining from the quick motion.

And there she was . . .

Glowing like the effervescent moon.

"Hey," She whispers, hair gently being whipped by the wind, eyes glowing
beautifully.

That one word brings tears to his eyes. He had longed to hear her voice so
much.

"Hi." He whispers back, and before he can stop himself, he has already
gathered her in his arms, clinging to her with desperation.

She feels so warm in his arms. Just like that night of the ball.

His hands shake hard, and his heart is thudding fast.

This feels like a dream. A dream too good to be true.

He feels his body relax when she winds her arms around his neck, holding
him tightly.

If he had the ability to stop time, he would have made it freeze at this
moment forever.

Just him and her.

He pulls back reluctantly and takes a closer look at her entire form,
memorizing everything so that he could savor this memory.

"Aiden. . ." She breathes out, reaching out her hand to him.

His heart stops in his chest when he feels her soft skin on his palm.

He is crying now, eyes red-rimmed, chest heaving, as he cradles her hands

gently, knowing that she would disappear tomorrow and he only had her for
some stolen moments.

"I--I waited so long for you, Selene. . . . .I---" He is unable to formulate any
words, tears coming down hard and heavy.

"I know you did," She smiles, eyes wet, and cups his face, before leaning in
to kiss him.

Their lips meet slowly, gently, like the waves of the ocean lapping slowly
against the shore at night. Her exhales become his inhales, and he
wouldn't mind living forever like this, breathing in the air that she grants
him. Aiden feels the cracked fissures of his heart heal when she holds him
like this, kissing him as he had dreamt of countless times. It feels like a
piece of his heart has slotted right back into its place after disappearing for
so long.

In their background far from the heavens, they can see the sun and the
moon meeting each other, just like them, in these stolen moments, gifting a
beautiful eclipse to the world.
(Oh, even the Fates couldn't stop the Sun and Moon from stealing
moments from time to unite with each other. Even, they couldn't stand their
ground against the wretched, desperate thing called Love.)

"Do you have to leave tomorrow?" He asks though he knows the answer.

"Yes." She replies, looking pained.

"When will you come back?" His voice is low, a mere whisper.

"Soon," She smiles, eyes shining with tears. "Will you wait for me?"

"Always." He says, pressing a kiss on her forehead. "Even if you don't ask."

"Just hold me tight till I have to leave," She whispers and Aiden
immediately takes her in his arms. He leans against the trunk of the tree,
while Selene rests her head on his chest. He strokes her hair gently,
breathing in her scent.

Her scent feels like his air and he needs it to survive.

Aiden can't stop himself from touching her, knowing he has to make the
best use of this time. He kisses her forehead, her temple, her nose, her
cheeks, and her rosy lips, whispering how much he loves her. He traces
her jaw with his mouth, pressing light kisses on her neck, till Selene is
breathing harshly.

Right now, at this moment, she is all his.

Even the Cosmos couldn't take her away from him.

He would steal time to have her. . .

He would steal time to create this beautiful moment with her, to have her
close to him. . .
He would defy all logic and fate to keep her.

As the dawn begins to creep in, Aiden knows their stolen time is also up.

But Selene looks so happy, so beautiful that even he can't stop himself
from smiling.

"I love you and I will wait for you . . .," Aiden kisses her lips. "So, come back
to me soon, my moon."

"And I love you, Aiden. I will always come home to you. " She murmurs,
closing his eyes with her hands, and kissing his lids.

When he opens his eyes, Selene is no longer there.

She didn't make him see her leave. . . .

She is gone. Yet her scent still lingers in the air, in his clothes from where
he held her all night.

But he is content.

Because he knows they will meet again in the next eclipse, in those
fragments of time that their love stole from fate.

And one day, she will never leave.

***
Please vote and comment <333

A/N: I had to dedicate a chapter to them. Initially, I hadn't thought of writing

Selene but she just came up one day. The 'Follow You' hangover is real, I
would like to think they are Jungkook and Reina in some other universe.
And we only have one epilogue left. I will post it soon. And I am going to be
really busy starting Sunday since my classes are starting and the schedule
is going to be hectic af as a medical student. I will also have to move to my
dorms in a month or so, and I am scared of all these big changes. I hope I
can still write 'Forbidden', the process is going to be slow, that's for sure.
Thank you so much for reading and supporting this book. Love you<333

Epilogue: Stealing Happily Ever After

The sun feels gentle on Lily's skin, as she closes her eyes and breathes in
the fresh air. She is sitting on the grass, letting the breeze whip her hair
gently.

The holler of her children running around disrupts the momentary silence,
making a smile tug on her lips.

She opens her eyes and finds Taehyung playing with their kids in the field
of flowers, a bright smile on his lips that could rival even the Sun's light.

Twins.

One boy and one girl.

They visit this hillside every once in a while. It's so peaceful and beautiful
with flowers stretching far and wide, surrounded by green hills.

The two kids had just turned six years old last winter and they were a
handful. Yet, her heart felt like it would burst with the love that she felt for
them. Especially, Taehyung. He would go to war for them without even
thinking twice.

She had revealed her pregnancy by gifting him a pair of baby shoes. She
remembers how Taehyung had unwrapped the gift and how he stilled when
his eyes fell on them. The utterly calm and unfazed King of hell, who didn't
even cower in front of the Devil Peak and its hurdles, had panicked. And
she had held him while he had cried, saying how this was the most
wonderful gift he had ever received. It had been one of the most vulnerable
moments of Taehyung.

If Taehyung was protective of her before, when she was pregnant, he had
been a menace, not letting her walk even three meters far without
protection.

He would kiss her growing belly every day, whispering sweet things to their
child growing in her womb.

Well, children actually, when the healer revealed that she was pregnant
with twins, one boy and one girl.

They named them Rose and Ronan.

Her pregnancy had unsettled all the realms. It was none of their business
but the rumors spread fast, leaving everyone frenzied. Plenty of
discussions had arisen about what would happen if her golden blood mixed
with Taehyung's 'evil' blood.

That's why he was extra wary of everyone during her pregnancy, especially
after Lily got poisoned during the early trimester. Thankfully, nothing
happened to their children. They were too powerful to be taken out by
some measly poison. Taehyung hasn't forgiven himself for that even if it
wasn't his fault. He made sure to not even let the souls of those traitors
remain behind.

He had set an example out of them in the Shadowfall Arena in front of

thousands of spectators, where he had tortured those bastards so cruelly,
who had dared to think about harming his wife. Suffice to say, no one
would dare to touch even a strand of her hair again.

On the night of the twins' birth, all hell broke loose.

The pain had been so excruciating--something she had never felt before
and her body had felt like it was on fire. Even the healers couldn't approach
her, because she had lost control over her powers. But Taehyung remained
calm throughout that thundering night, holding her hand and guiding her
through it, letting his own powers carefully restrain hers.

The birth of Ronan and Rose had brought rain and thunderstorm, flood and
fire, chaos and destruction. Just like during their father's birth, it rained for 7
days more after their birth, sending all celestial beings to panic.
She wouldn't expect anything less of them. They just liked to arrive making
a statement, just like their father.

As soon as the babies were out of her womb, Taehyung had the healers
hold them, while he slumped down in front of her, his cheeks wet with
tears, the calm he had managed to keep up completely drained.

She had been physically in pain but Taehyung had suffered mentally. She
had lost her consciousness in the middle and Taehyung had almost felt his
heart stop. Only after she held him in her arms, he finally was able to
breathe better. His heartbeat had been so fast, and when he made sure
that she was alright and alive, it had finally calmed down.

Before she passed out due to exhaustion, she saw him holding their
babies, the most devastating smile on his face, his eyes so soft and so
devoted that she knew if Taehyung would burn down the world for anyone
but her, it would be for them.

Only one thought had claimed her at that beautiful moment, watching
them. "Mine."

It has been the most beautiful experience of her life to have seen their
children grow up every day.

Their kids share her fiery eyes. Rose looks like her mini version while
Ronan looks like his father. Other than their features, their mannerisms are
entirely like their father's. If anyone saw them, they would immediately
know whose kids they are. They are always brooding and grumpy in front
of others, but whenever they are with her and Taehyung, all the broodiness
melts away.

"Mama!"

The sound of running footsteps snaps her out of her thoughts. She stands
up, dusting her floral dress. She opens her arms for them. Ronan and Rose
come barreling toward her, holding a bunch of flowers in their hands.

"For you, Mama!" They hug her tightly, push the flower into her hands, and
immediately start rambling about how Papa helped them pick up flowers for
her.

She kisses their foreheads, carding her fingers through their hair.
Taehyung emerges soon, carrying a whole bouquet of flowers that they
picked together. He is followed by a sulking Tannie, who is glaring at Sirius
who is taunting him.

Sirius rose from her ashes once again, two years after the birth of the
twins, painting the whole sky crimson red, with a cry so shrill that everyone
knew a phoenix had arisen from her ashes once again.

Artemis, Andromeda, and Athena are trilling in the sky, looking jovial.

Her family.

"Look, Papa brought you a whole bouquet!" Rose giggles.

"To my beautiful wife," Taehyung smiles widely, giving her the bouquet of
his hand-picked flowers. Lily smiles, holding it, and leans closer, to plant a
kiss on his cheek. But before she can kiss his cheek, Taehyung turns his
head, making her kiss land smack on his lips instead. He chuckles against
her lips.

"Taehyung! There are kids present!" Lily admonishes, her cheeks flushing.

"Papa is so sneaky!" Rose squeals. "Always stealing kisses from Mama!"

"Don't kiss my Mama!" Ronan glares at his father.

"What are you gonna do, little guy?" Taehyung feigns a glare at Ronan, but
immediately laughs, lifting him up and tickling his stomach. Ronan laughs
loudly, trying to make his father stop.

"Lift me up, too, Papa!" Rose demands, putting her hand on her hips.

"Of course, my little Princess," Taehyung lifts her up as well, balancing both
of their kids, a wide smile on his lips.

Lily watches them, fond.

After a while, they settle down on the mat in the grass. Lily runs her fingers
through Ronan's hair while he is napping.

Taehyung is braiding Rose's hair. He started learning how to create

beautiful hairstyles when he learned that he was having a little Princess as
well. Taehyung combs her hair even more nicely than Lily can. She doesn't
mind it one bit.
He decorates her braid with tiny flowers, making Rose look like a little fairy
in her dress.

"Thank you, Papa! I want to make your hair, too!" Rose grins widely.

Taehyung is whipped for his daughter. So, how could he even say no?

"As you wish, my princess."

Rose stands behind him and starts putting flowers on his hair.

She already feels sorry for the guy who Rose will love because if it were up
to Taehyung, he would never let anyone lay even their eyes on his little
daughter.

Lily stares, her heart so full, brimming with love for them.

How can the world hate him?

This man who lets his daughter decorate his hair with flowers and who
watches princess movies with their children.

Ronan had been obsessed with dragons once. His uncle Jimin had nearly
gotten a heart attack when the kid had asked for a dragon on his birthday.
Taehyung hadn't even said no to the kid.

After she demanded them to forget about it, they finally complied. But
Taehyung still fulfilled his wish by taking him to see a dragon in the
northern lands. At least he didn't bring it back home. Ronan had been so
happy.

Their kids are soon napping on the mat, tired because of running around
the whole day. Tannie is sitting beside them, alert for any predators. Rose
and Ronan have never been scared of the three-headed beast. They love
him so much that they are always playing around with him. Tan, the mighty
beast of hell, even acts like a normal dog and catches their ball whenever
they play with it, agreeing to their every little whim.

Taehyung extends his hand to her, smiling that enchanting smile. She
takes his hand and he walks them a little farther from the sleeping kids.

"So, how are you feeling, my darling wife?" He whispers, pulling her closer,
leaning his head against hers.

For Taehyung, she would always be incomparable.

Far more beautiful than any flower in the world.

Even in this field of flowers, he can only see one. The most beautiful of
all. His Lily.

She snakes her arms around his neck, gets on her tiptoes, and kisses his
lips.

A breathy sound leaves his mouth, making her feel warm all over.

"Much better now," She smiles, pulling back.

"Dance with me, darling." Taehyung whispers, his eyes getting lost in hers.

"Always." She answers and they start slow dancing, side to side, in their
own little bubble, far from the world and its problems.

As usual, there is no music around them, not the one made by the
orchestra.

But there's still music in the air, the soft familiar tune of love floating around
even in this silence.

Taehyung's quiet love makes the most beautiful music in the world, one
where she can get lost forever.

"How do you do this?" Taehyung asks, eyes soft.

"What?" She stares into his eyes, her hands wrapped around his
shoulders.

"Make me fall in love with you even more than yesterday," He murmurs.
"Sometimes, I wonder if there has to be a limit to love. You prove me wrong
every day, because whenever I look at you, it feels endless, deeper than
any ocean could be."

She grins, brushing her nose against his. "No one would fear you if they
knew half of the poetic things you say to me."

"Oh, you are very wrong, darling. They would fear me even more."

As it has been said before, if the world feared Kim Taehyung's wrath, they
would fear his love even more.

"You and me, darling?" The sun glows down on his face making him
look ethereal.
Her heart stutters against her chest, always leaping at the sight of this man.

"You and me, Taehyung." She nods, smiling softly.

"Forever," He adds, kissing her once again.

Forever is one of the many things that Taehyung would rob for her.

For his beautiful wife, the mother of their children.

The only person who ever saw him beneath all the layers of evil, and found
the lonely, scarred boy.

Happily ever after has always been for the heroes, the ones cherished and
loved by all.

But in this fairytale, the villain gets his own happily ever after.

Not because it was given to him willingly, but because he snatched it from
the fates.

Oh, love is a privilege for monsters like him and he would do anything for
her.

To have her.

He would continue stealing happily ever afters and remain as the very
personification of evil if he can keep her, protect her, and love her.

He would sacrifice the world for his darling wife, because as she gifts him
that beautiful smile and lets him inside that kind heart of hers, he knows
that everything in the world is dispensable, but not her.

Never her.

They gave this villain a taste of something as precious as her love.

Should have been more careful because now he will do anything to keep it.

Keep her forever locked with his.

The End

Please vote and comment <333

Started: 13 April 2022

Ended: 24th June 2023

A/N: Holy shit! It's finished! It has been one of the greatest joys in my life to
write 'Infernal Roses'. I wanted to write this plot because I wanted to read it,
of how villains can be one of the greatest lovers and truly, I fell in love with
Taehyung's character every single day as I wrote him. Sometimes, all you
need is a man who can go a little unhinged for you lmao. I love Lily's
character development. She grows into this powerful Queen from a lonely,
young girl. And wow, it's actually finished and I wish I could tell this to
people around me, but no one knows what I do or write, so that's not an
option. I am happy but still sad that I have to let this book go. It has been so
fun to write it and the love and support from every reader hasn't gone
unnoticed by me. I truly thank you all from the bottom of my heart. The next
book will be 'Forbidden' but it will take time to be up because it's been
around a week of med school and I am already drowning in studies. Thank
you so much for being on this journey with me. And never ever settle for
less after reading this book, you deserve the world and more. Love y'all<33

🅰️➖➕🌖
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