Serin stood outside the gates of her parents' pack, her heart heavy as she waited for them to appear. The weight of their threats, the danger to Taejung, and the memories of a family that had long since stopped being one bore down on her. She clenched her fists, blinking away tears that threatened to fall. This was her choice, her fight, but it didn't make it any easier.
When Lyana and her father stepped out of the main house, their expressions a mix of triumph and disdain, Serin's composure faltered for a moment. She straightened, trying to maintain her resolve, but her eyes were glassy, her lips trembling slightly.
"Serin" Lyana said, her tone dripping with mock concern. "You look… tired. Are you finally realizing the gravity of the situation?"
Her father's sharp voice followed. "You've always been stubborn, but it's time to grow up and do what's necessary for this pack."
"I've done nothing but sacrifice for this pack" Serin said, her voice thick with emotion. "And for what? To be used as a pawn in your schemes? You're asking me to give up my mate, my future—for what? For your ambitions?"
Lyana sneered. "Enough of the dramatics. Either you agree to the engagement, or Taejung dies. It's simple."
Serin's breath hitched, and she looked away, biting her lip. "I… I can't" she whispered, her voice cracking.
Her father stepped closer, his voice like ice. "Then you leave me no choice. Lyana—"
Before he could finish, a staff member came running from the house, his face pale and frantic. "Madam! Taejung—he's gone! He escaped!"
"What?" Lyana hissed, her mask of control slipping for the first time.
Serin's shoulders shook, and for a moment, they thought she was crying. But when she turned to face them, her tear-streaked face was lit with a smirk.
"Did you really think I'd come here unprepared?" she asked, her voice low but laced with venom.
The realization hit them like a thunderclap, but before they could react, another staff member rushed over to the father, whispering urgently. His face drained of color.
"Fifty percent of our funding… gone?" he roared.
A low chuckle echoed from the shadows, sending a shiver through the gathered crowd. Kairan stepped into the light, his towering form radiating quiet menace. His dark eyes swept over the scene, locking onto Serin with a brief, almost imperceptible softness before hardening as he turned to her parents.
"I warned you" he said simply, his tone calm but carrying the weight of a death sentence.
Lyana's composure shattered, her voice rising in panic. "You can't do this! Serin, call him off! You wouldn't—"
"Oh, I would" Serin cut in, her voice suddenly cold. Her silver eyes glowed faintly, and she took a step forward. "You've crossed every line, and now you'll face the consequences."
Her mother's fury turned to desperation, and she barked at the staff around them. "Seize her! Now!"
As they hesitated, Serin's hair began to lift as if caught in an unseen wind. Her eyes blazed silver, and with a snap of her fingers, flames erupted in a circle around her and Kairan.
"Anyone who tries will burn" Serin said, her voice resonating with power, though her smirk never left her face.
The staff stepped back, fear clear on their faces. Lyana raised a trembling hand to issue another command, but a red dot appeared on her forehead, freezing her in place.
Inseo's voice, calm but deadly, called out from somewhere unseen. "I wouldn't move if I were you. Ii hyeok's aim's better than your judgment."
Serin tilted her head, her smirk widening. "Did I forget to mention? I didn't come alone."
The air was thick with tension, her parents visibly shaken, their authority crumbling before their eyes.
Serin looked at them one last time, her voice quieter now but no less fierce. "This is over. You've lost everything...your control over me, your threats, even your pack's future. Don't ever come near me or my mate again."
Kairan stepped closer, his hand finding her waist as he murmured low enough for only her to hear, "You were brilliant."
_
_
Serin and Kairan stepped into the clearing, their eyes scanning until they spotted him.Taejung leaning weakly against a tree. His usually sharp demeanor was replaced by exhaustion, his body battered and bruised.
"Tae!" Serin's voice cracked as she ran to him, her arms wrapping around him tightly. "You're okay" she whispered, though her trembling voice betrayed her lingering fear.
Taejung winced but chuckled faintly. "Define 'okay.'"
Behind him, Junghyun appeared, bloodied and dangerous. His knuckles were raw, and his eyes glinted with unrestrained fury. He looked every inch the predator who'd stopped at nothing to protect what was his.
"You're alive" Junghyun said, his tone low, yet relief was unmistakable in his eyes.
Taejung gave a weak smirk. "Barely. Did you have to go full berserker? You're a walking horror story right now."
Junghyun stepped closer, brushing his thumb against a bruise on Taejung's cheek. "They dared touch you. Be glad they're still breathing."
Taejung gulped, but his sass returned despite the moment. "Knight in bloodied armor. How romantic."
Junghyun's lips curled faintly. "Keep talking, and I'll carry you out like a damsel."
"Don't you dare—" Taejung's words were cut off as Junghyun effortlessly lifted him.
"Stop complaining" Junghyun murmured, his voice softer now. "You're mine to protect."
Serin coughed pointedly. "Save the rom-com moment for later, guys."
Inseo and Ii Hyeok approached then, the latter with his sniper rifle slung casually over his shoulder.
"Area's secure" Ii Hyeok reported, his voice steady.
Kairan nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone before landing on Serin. "We need to leave now."
Serin glanced at Taejung one last time, her heart aching but steadied by relief.
_
_
When Serin had initially left the studio, tears threatened to spill. Her mother's threat echoed in her mind, and for a moment, she felt powerless. But as she stood outside, her resolve hardened.
Minutes later, she re-entered the studio, her earlier sadness replaced with fiery determination.
'You're not going alone" Junghyun said immediately, his voice tight with concern.
Serin smirked. "No, I'm not. I have a plan."
Everyone froze as she laid it out.
"Junghyun" she said firmly, "you're getting Taejung out. No matter what."
Junghyun's lips quirked into a dangerous grin. "Consider it done."
"I'll stall and handle our parents" Serin continued. "Kairan, you'll cut off their resources. Show them they're cornered. And if things go south..." She looked at him, her voice steady. You'll protect me."
Kairan nodded silently, his gaze unwavering.
"Inseo, you and Ii Hyeok'll be on standby. Ii Hyeok, if necessary, I need your precision. And Inseo, don't mess this up."
Kairan stepped closer to Serin, brushing her fingers briefly with his own. "Are you ready for this?"
Serin's smirk widened. "They think they can break me. They're wrong."
_
_
Serin held Taejung close, her smirk returning. Her plan had worked flawlessly. She looked at Kairan, their gazes locking.
No words were needed.
They had won this round. But the fight was far from over.