BEYOND THE SHIMMERING PENDANT ( PART 1)

Chapter 10 : Into the unknown: lost in time (part 2)

" Ji sun is safe , and their is no need for further conflict. "

"Can we trust you? Who are you?" Scoups' voice sliced through the charged atmosphere, his suspicion tangible as he eyed the lady standing before them. Seventeen stood rooted to the spot, their disbelief written across their faces as they struggled to process the surreal situation unfolding before them.

With a calm yet resolute demeanor, the lady met Scoups' gaze head-on. "Follow me," she urged, her voice carrying a note of unwavering assurance. "If you doubt my intentions, I'll prove her safety to you."

Assured of Ji Sun's well-being, the lady gestured for them to follow as she turned and began to walk away. Seventeen exchanged incredulous glances, their minds racing with a whirlwind of suspicion and curiosity.

Reluctantly, Scoups nodded in agreement, signaling for the others to follow suit. With each step, their sense of shock and surprise deepened, the magnitude of their surroundings overwhelming them.

As they trailed behind the lady, every footfall echoing in the vast corridors of an ancient looking palace, they couldn't help but notice the curious onlookers dressed in traditional Hanboks. Murmurs and whispers followed in their wake, the air thick with speculation and intrigue.

"Who are they? What business do they have in the palace?"

"Look at their clothing, it's unlike anything we've ever seen!"

Seventeen exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of suspicion and uncertainty pressing down on them like a heavy fog.

Meanwhile , Dino leaned in close to the8, his voice barely above a whisper.  "Hyung , why are they looking at us like that ?"

The8 glanced around , his expression reflecting a mix of suprise and amusement. " Doesn't this remind you of an ancient K drama ?" He replied, equally hushed.

Dino's eyes widened with agreement .   "Yes hyung !"

As the group followed the lady into the ancient mansion within the Castle grounds, their eyes widened at the sight. Eventually, they paused by a door guarded by two stern-looking soldiers .The lady approached, and with a nod, the guards bowed and pushed the door open.

With hesitant expressions, Seventeen lingered outside as the lady disappeared into the ancient room. Inside, the room was old-fashioned, with a sliding paper door and cushions scattered on the floor.
The lady settled herself comfortably on her cushion which on the floor . Infront of her there was a small brown table .

"Come in," her voice echoed, drawing Seventeen inside.

As they went inside they found Ji sun sitting on the floor beside the lady , her eyes lighting up as she saw them .

"SEVENTEEN!" Ji sun exclaimed, rushing towards them with a mix of shock and joy . Scoups reached out to steady her , relief evident in his voice as he asked,
" Ji sun , you're okay, right ?"

Seventeen gathered around her, their expressions a mix of happiness and concern. " Are you guys alright?" Ji sun asked, her voice filled with genuine worry .

" We're alright, you worried us a lot !" Joshua chimed in with a smile.

"If your conversation is concluded, please, take a seat," the court lady urged, indicating the scattered cushions strewn across the floor.

" First of all tell us who you are , and where are we ?" Scoups questioned . His voice tinged with shock and curiosity.

"I shall indeed provide answers, but it would be simpler if you all joined me," the court lady replied, her tone composed and serene as she fixed her gaze on Scoups.