Trigger Warning ‼️‼️:
This chapter contains graphic and detailed descriptions of a violent murder, including blood and disturbing imagery. It also includes a scene depicting a girl being assaulted, which may be highly distressing for some readers. Sensitive topics are explored, so reader discretion is strongly advised.
If you feel uncomfortable with such content, consider skipping this chapter or proceeding with caution.
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[ Han Inaya POV ]
The night was quiet, almost eerily so, as the clock struck 12 AM. Sleep evaded me entirely.
I sat on my bed, staring blankly at the wooden walls of the room, lost in my own thoughts.
My heart ached with a pang of longing that I hadn't felt in a long time. I missed my family-especially my mom.
It had been so many days since I last felt her warmth or heard her comforting voice.
Though this family I lived with now was good-my cute but strict halmonie, my crazy siblings, and my firm grandfather-nothing could replace the presence of my real family.
My thoughts drifted to the beating I'd received from halmonie earlier. I was terrified of her now.
Sweet as she was, her anger was like a volcano, and I seemed to be the only one constantly facing its eruption.
"I'm the only one who has to endure these troubles. Ugh, I hate it!"
I muttered dramatically, pretending to cry as if someone were watching.
Then, my mind shifted to the event earlier in the plaza-the one I wished I could erase from existence.
That man I had kicked in front of the crowd, causing such a scene... The man who turned out to be none other than Jeon Jungkook, the head general of the military.
"Why me? Of all people, why him?"
I groaned, throwing myself back on the bed. The name echoed in my mind. Jeon Jungkook.
The rumors were relentless, spreading like wildfire.
"I swear I never want to see him again, not in this life or any other!"
I said aloud, my frustration evident.
Unable to sleep and feeling suffocated, I decided to step outside for some fresh air.
My bare feet made no noise as I walked across the silent floor, ensuring I didn't wake anyone.
The moment I stepped into the garden, the cool breeze kissed my face, and I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs.
The scent of damp earth lingered faintly, and I sat down on the grass, hugging my knees.
"I miss my family... Mom... Dad..."
The words slipped from my lips in a soft whisper, and tears blurred my vision.
My gaze shifted to the moon, its silver glow illuminating the dark sky.
"The moon is alone too,"
I murmured.
"Even surrounded by a million stars, it's still lonely. I understand its feelings now."
A tear rolled down my cheek as I hugged my knees tighter.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize something soft brushing against my feet until I felt it again.
Startled, I looked down to see a small white kitten nuzzling against me, seeking warmth.
A smile crept onto my face, and my hand instinctively reached out to pet her.
Her soft fur was a soothing contrast to the heaviness in my heart.
I started talking to her, sharing my feelings as though she could understand me.
She purred softly, curling into my lap, her little tail swaying playfully.
For a moment, everything felt lighter, as if her presence had chased away the loneliness.
But then, just as suddenly as she came, she got up and darted away into the darkness.
"H-hey! Wait!"
I called out, panicking.
"Kitten! Come back!"
I stood up and ran after her, my feet barely making a sound on the ground.
She disappeared beyond the gates of the house, and without a second thought, I followed.
I didn't care that I was outside the safety of home.
All I could think about was finding her.
She slipped into a dark alley, one dimly lit by a flickering lamp on the wall.
My steps hesitated as unease crept in, but I couldn't let her go.
I took a deep breath and followed her into the alley.
That's when I heard it-a muffled scream.
I froze.
My heart raced, but I forced myself to move toward the sound.
What if someone needed help? The thought pushed me forward, even as fear gripped my chest.
As I stepped further into the alley, my eyes landed on a horrifying scene.
Two men were holding someone against the wall, one of them covering the victim's mouth while the other stabbed him in the stomach.
My hands flew to my mouth, stifling a gasp as I stumbled back in shock.
The men turned their attention to the victim, and without hesitation, the one with the knife slit his throat.
Blood sprayed everywhere, some of it splattering onto their faces.
My legs trembled, and I took another step back, but the movement caught their attention.
They turned to me.
I froze, terror rooting me to the spot as their predatory eyes locked onto mine.
"Well, well. What do we have here?"
one of them said, a sinister smile spreading across his blood-smeared face.
"A pretty little thing wandering around at this hour?"
Before I could react, they lunged at me, grabbing me roughly.
I struggled, kicking and squirming, but their grips were iron-clad.
"Such a goddess in our hands,"
the other man sneered, his eyes raking over me in a way that made my skin crawl.
"What a shame she stumbled upon the wrong place at the wrong time."
I tried to scream, but one of them clamped his bloody hand over my mouth.
The metallic scent of blood made me gag as tears welled up in my eyes.
"Let me go!"
I thought, struggling harder.
"Feisty, aren't you?"
the second man said, smirking.
"Girls like you are meant to be played with, not fought against."
My struggles only seemed to amuse them. One of them slapped me hard, the impact turning my head to the side as tears streamed down my face.
Anger and fear burned in me, but my body refused to cooperate.
"Before we take care of you,"
the man holding me whispered darkly,
"why don't we have a little fun first?"
Panic surged through me as they pinned me to the ground.
One of them grabbed the fabric of my dress and tore it at the sides, exposing my waist and arms.
I sobbed silently, trying to scream, but his hand silenced me.
"Shh... Don't make noise, pretty,"
the man whispered in a sickeningly sweet tone, his bloodstained hand trailing over my exposed skin.
My mind raced, desperately searching for a way out, but I felt completely powerless, the fear paralyzing me.
His touch disgusted me.
I could feel the coarse, blood-stained hand sliding across my skin, and I shuddered in fear and revulsion.
Every inch of me wanted to fight back, but the weight of the two men pinning me down made it impossible.
I squirmed, using every ounce of my strength, but it felt like I was sinking deeper into despair.
Tears flowed uncontrollably down my cheeks, blurring my vision as my breaths turned into soft, broken sobs.
"Somebody... please help me,"
I whispered in my mind, clenching my eyes shut.
My entire body trembled in fear, and for a moment, hope began to fade away, leaving behind nothing but sheer terror.
Then, like thunder in the middle of a storm, a voice roared through the alley, shattering the suffocating silence.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
[ Jeon Jungkook's POV ]
The scene before me ignited a rage I had never felt before.
My blood boiled as I took in the sight of the two men pinning her down, their filthy hands violating her space.
The very sight of them made me feel sick to my core.
"Hands off her, you bloody bastards!"
I shouted, my voice echoing with fury as I stormed toward them.
The men turned, startled, but they were too slow to react.
Without hesitation, I kicked the first one hard in the stomach, sending him sprawling onto the ground.
Before the second could even process what was happening, my fist connected with his jaw in a bone-crunching punch, knocking him down beside his accomplice.
My guards, who had been following behind me, rushed forward.
They grabbed the two scum and restrained them, glaring down at them with disgust.
But I didn't care about them anymore.
My attention snapped back to the trembling figure on the ground.
Inaya.
She had backed herself against the wall, her body curled in on itself as she sobbed uncontrollably.
Her hands clutched at the torn edges of her dress, trying to cover herself.
She didn't even notice me approaching.
I knelt down immediately, lowering myself to her level.
My voice softened, urgency and concern lacing every word.
"Inaya! I'm here. Nothing will happen to you,"
I said gently, keeping my tone firm enough to reach her through the haze of fear.
"It's me, Jungkook. You're safe now."
Her tear-streaked face turned toward me, her wide, terrified eyes finally focusing.
The moment she recognized me, she didn't hesitate.
She threw herself into my arms, clutching me tightly as if I were her lifeline.

For a second, I froze, shocked by the sudden contact.
No woman had ever hugged me this way-so desperate, so vulnerable.
Not since my mother.
But the hesitation vanished as I felt her body shaking in fear, her broken sobs muffled against my chest.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her securely.
Slowly, I rubbed her back in an attempt to calm her down, though my movements were careful and unsure.
"Shh,"
I murmured softly.
"I'm here. I'm here for you. You're safe now."
Her cries didn't subside immediately.
She clung to me as if letting go would send her back to that nightmare.
Her fingers gripped the fabric of my shirt tightly, and her tears soaked through it.
The rawness of her pain and fear pierced through me like a dagger.
The guards stood silently behind us, their expressions a mixture of shock and confusion.
They had never seen this side of me before-a side that wasn't the cold, emotionless general they were used to. But I didn't care about their reactions.
Right now, nothing else mattered except the trembling girl in my arms.
"Shh... shh... look at me, Inaya,"
I said gently, my voice softer than I'd ever remembered using.
Her sobs gradually quieted, and she looked up at me with tear-filled eyes, her cheeks stained with streams of despair.
Her small hiccups made her seem so fragile, like she could break at any moment.
Her red, puffy eyes and the trembling of her lips struck a chord deep within me.
For the first time in years, I felt something other than my usual coldness-a mix of anger, helplessness, and... pain.
Slowly, I raised a hand to her face, my fingers lightly brushing her soft cheek to wipe away the tears.
But as my gaze fell upon her, my heart stopped.
My hand froze mid-air as I noticed the faint yet visible handprint on her milky skin-a glaring sign of the violence she had just endured.
Anger flashed through me like a fire consuming my veins.
My jaw clenched tightly, and I cursed under my breath, a string of words that would've made even my toughest soldiers flinch.
My eyes wandered lower, taking in the state of her tattered clothes.
Her dress was torn at the sleeves and around her waist, revealing parts of her arms and waist with faint scratches and some bruises, likely from being pressed against the rough, jagged rocks on the ground.
I could only imagine the pain from being pressed against the jagged rocks on the ground.
Without a second thought, I shrugged off the upper coat of my general uniform, leaving myself in just the inner black shirt.
I draped the coat over her trembling frame, carefully adjusting it so it covered her completely.
She immediately clutched it tightly against her, her fingers gripping the fabric as though it was her shield.
Seeing her like this only fueled my rage further, but I swallowed it down, forcing my voice to remain calm and steady.
"Don't worry. No one will ever hurt you again-not while I'm alive."
The words escaped before I could stop them, but I didn't care.
Her wide eyes met mine, reflecting both fear and a sliver of disbelief.
I wanted her to believe me, to feel safe, even if I couldn't undo the horrors of what had just happened.
My head snapped toward the guards holding the two scum responsible for this.
The men struggled against the soldiers, but they were no match for the iron grip of my team.
My fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, but I forced myself to restrain the fury boiling inside me.
"Take them away,"
I ordered coldly, my voice like ice. My soldiers nodded, dragging the two men out of the alley as they whimpered and begged for mercy. They wouldn't find any.
Once they were gone, I turned my attention back to Inaya.
She was still shaking, her tears continuing to fall as though she couldn't stop them.
Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug, wrapping my arms around her trembling form.

Her small hands clung to me tightly, her face buried against my chest as if trying to hide from the world.
Her sobs broke the silence, and I felt an unfamiliar ache in my chest-a heaviness I couldn't explain.
"It's okay,"
I whispered softly, rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles.
"You're safe now. No one can hurt you anymore."
Her cries didn't ease immediately, but her grip on me tightened, as though she needed to hold onto something solid to anchor herself.
I stayed like that, whispering comforting words and letting her cry until her body finally began to relax.
But just as I thought she was calming down, her small frame suddenly went limp against mine.
"Inaya?"
I said quickly, panic rising in my chest as I shifted her slightly. Her head rested against my chest, her eyes closed, and her breathing steady but shallow.
She had fainted.

The sight of her unconscious form sent a jolt of fear through me.
My hands instinctively adjusted her in my arms, cradling her gently as though she were the most precious thing in the world.
Her weight was light, almost fragile, and the thought of what could have happened to her made my blood run cold.
Without wasting another second, I stood up, holding her securely in my arms.
Her head rested against my shoulder, and I could feel the warmth of her breath against my neck.
"Get the carriage ready,"
I ordered one of the guards, my voice firm but slightly shaken.
"Now."
The guard nodded and rushed off, while the others stood by, watching me carefully.
They didn't say a word, but their glances spoke volumes.
They had never seen me like this-protective, gentle, and concerned.
But I didn't care what they thought.
Right now, all that mattered was getting Inaya to safety.
The carriage jolted slightly as we moved through the streets, but my focus remained entirely on the unconscious figure lying on my lap.
Inaya's head rested delicately against my thigh, her tear-streaked face pale and lifeless.
The coat I had wrapped around her small frame seemed to swallow her, but at least it offered her some comfort.
"Take us to my chambers immediately!"
I barked at the guards, urgency clear in my voice.
The soldiers wasted no time, urging the horses to move faster.
I kept glancing down at her, the sight of her so fragile making my chest tighten.
She had been through so much, and I hated myself for not being there earlier.
I clenched my fists, determination hardening within me-I would never let this happen again.
When we arrived at the chambers, I scooped her up in my arms, cradling her gently as though she were made of glass.
Her head lolled against my chest, her shallow breaths the only sign that she was still with me.
The guards outside my chambers stepped aside immediately, understanding that I didn't want to be disturbed.
I carried her inside and gently laid her down on the bed.
She seemed so small and fragile against the large mattress, her
face still marked with faint traces of tears. Taking a deep breath, I turned toward the cabinet where I kept my medicinal supplies.
Over the years, I had trained in basic medical treatment-an essential skill for someone like me, leading soldiers into battles and dangerous situations.
Injuries and fainting spells were common, and I had always handled them efficiently.
But this time, it was different.
I gathered the necessary herbs and materials, grinding them into a paste in one bowl and preparing a liquid mixture in another.
The rhythmic motion of grinding gave me a moment to calm my racing thoughts, but it didn't last long.
Returning to her side, I placed the bowls on the bedside table and leaned down to examine her more closely.
The torn edges of her dress revealed scratches on her arms and waist, and I could see faint bruises beginning to form on her skin.
My hands moved instinctively, reaching out to treat her injuries, but then-
I froze.
My hand hung in the air, hesitation gripping me like a vice.
I had treated countless men in the past-soldiers, comrades, even myself-but never a woman.
Never someone so delicate.
My eyes traveled back to her face, her peaceful expression contrasting with the torment she must have felt earlier.
How could I... how could I bring myself to do this?
I fought an internal battle, the practical side of me urging action while another part hesitated.
It wasn't just about her being a woman-it was about her being... her.
Someone who had unknowingly stirred emotions within me that I thought I was incapable of feeling.
"Inaya..."
I whispered under my breath, the sound of her name grounding me.
I looked away for a moment, running a hand through my hair in frustration.
She needed help, and I was the only one here to give it.
But there was a line I didn't want to cross, even if it was for her own good.
My gaze shifted back to her as I clenched my fists.
"I need to treat her,"
I muttered to myself, determination overriding my hesitation.
But I knew I had to find a way to preserve her dignity.
I stood and called out to one guard waiting outside.
"Fetch one of the women from the house nearby . Quickly!"
The guard nodded and left immediately, understanding the urgency.
I turned back to Inaya, sighing deeply.
Until the servant arrived, all I could do was ensure she remained comfortable.
Leaning over her, I adjusted the coat covering her and whispered softly,
"You're safe now, Inaya. No one will hurt you again. I promise."
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