TW: INTENSE BLOOD AND GORESOME
-----
Seungcheol observes with a heavy heart as Jeonghan retreats from him, his graceful figure drawn inexorably towards Soonyoung, who stands with an arrogant smirk etched upon his features.
"Please, my beloved rose, do not forsake me," Seungcheol's voice wavers weakly, suffocated by the chains constricting around him, each link tightening its grip like the hands of fate.
Soonyoung's grip on Jeonghan remains unyielding as he speaks of their departure, his tone dripping with the arrogance of a conqueror claiming his spoils. "It is time we depart, my dear Jeonghan. The Kwon empire awaits my return."
Jeonghan's gaze shoots up to meet Soonyoung's, a flicker of defiance dancing in his eyes as he refuses to bow to his captor's commands. "End his life once we depart," he hears Soonyoung command, a cruel decree that sends shivers down his spine.
The audacity of Soonyoung's words ignites a flame of fury within Seungcheol, his voice laced with desperation as he struggles against his restraints. "Did you truly believe I would allow Choi Seungcheol to live while tearing away the love of his life?" Soonyoung's hand moves to caress Jeonghan's face, only to be met with a swift slap of defiance.
"Dare you lay a hand on me," Jeonghan's voice is choked off as Soonyoung's fingers tighten around his throat, cutting off his air supply. Seungcheol's heart clenches in agony as he witnesses the brutality unfolding before him, his own struggles intensifying against the guards restraining him.
"I will end your life if you dare touch him, Kwon Soonyoung," Seungcheol's threat is punctuated by the searing pain of another lash against his bare back, each strike a testament to his enduring defiance.
Soonyoung's whispered words against Jeonghan's lips send a shiver down Seungcheol's spine, his resolve unbroken despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him. "He will come for me, even if I spare his beloved," Soonyoung's voice drips with malice as he holds Jeonghan in a suffocating embrace, his grip unyielding.
Jeonghan's defiant retort echoes through the chamber, a declaration of unwavering courage in the face of despair. "He stands there, battered and broken, yet you tremble in fear. What makes you think you will escape his wrath once you have me in your grasp?"
"Once again, your useless chatter pollutes the air," Soonyoung's fingers clamp down on Jeonghan's jaw, inflicting a searing pain as he exerts his dominance with a cruel grip.
"If you possess the valor of a true man, then face him in honorable combat," Jeonghan's words emerge in a strained whisper, his defiance unyielding as he forcefully slaps away Soonyoung's oppressive hold, a gesture of defiance against his captor's tyranny.
A smirk twists upon Soonyoung's lips, his brow arching with sinister amusement as he reaches for his dagger, the glint of its deadly edge reflecting his malevolent intent. "Perhaps it is fitting to extinguish your life first," he taunts, his voice laced with malice as he inches closer with the blade poised for a lethal strike.
In the midst of impending peril, a fleeting notion of liberation teases Jeonghan's senses. If he were to vanish from this world, perhaps Seungcheol's burdens would dissipate alongside him. Yet, even in the throes of temptation, Jeonghan stands resolute, his spirit unbroken by the specter of death.
But before Soonyoung can enact his heinous design, a resounding cry pierces the stifling silence, echoing with a fervent plea that reverberates through the chamber. "No!" Seungcheol's voice resounds with a potent blend of anguish and determination, his love for Jeonghan radiating like a beacon amidst the encroaching darkness.
As Soonyoung raises his dagger, pressing its chilling edge against Jeonghan's vulnerable neck, the air thickens with anticipation. Yet, Jeonghan remains steadfast, his unwavering gaze fixed upon Seungcheol, for in that moment, amidst the looming threat of demise, his devotion shines brighter than any fear or uncertainty, a testament to the enduring power of love.
Amidst the chaotic clamor of battle, a deafening thud reverberated through the air, followed swiftly by the whistle of an arrow piercing its mark. Soonyoung's grip on the dagger faltered as he cried out in agony, his arm relinquishing its hold under the searing pain of the arrow's impact. Jeonghan's vision blurred as he slid down the stone wall, his gaze shifting to the shadows of black-clad armies lurking amidst the castle's corridors, their arrows raining down upon Soonyoung's dwindling forces with deadly precision.
"There you go, failing like a useless wretch," Jeonghan spat at Soonyoung, his voice dripping with contempt as he met the glare of his adversary. Yet, before Soonyoung could retaliate, heavy-booted feet clamped down on his hands, preventing him from reaching for the dagger once more. A soldier dressed in black stepped forward, halting Soonyoung's advance and presenting him before the weakened but resolute figure of Seungcheol.
Jeonghan rose to his feet, determination etched into every line of his face as he made a beeline for Seungcheol, who stood amidst the chaos of the courthouse, a beacon of unwavering resolve.
"Hail to Your Majesty," the soldier bowed deeply before Seungcheol, who acknowledged the gesture with a solemn nod of his head.
"Are you unharmed?" Seungcheol's voice trembled with concern as he gently cupped Jeonghan's face, his eyes searching for any signs of injury amidst the bloodstains that marred their clothing. Tears threatened to spill from Jeonghan's eyes as he found solace in Seungcheol's embrace, the warmth of his touch a comforting anchor amidst the turmoil.
"I'm sorry," Jeonghan cried, burying his face into Seungcheol's neck, his heart heavy with remorse and gratitude for the unwavering strength and compassion of his beloved.
"Shh," Seungcheol murmured softly, his hand patting Jeonghan's back with soothing reassurance. "It's okay."
With a gentle release, Seungcheol stepped back, allowing Jeonghan to stand beside him, his frame trembling with the aftermath of the harrowing ordeal.
"Your Majesty," Seungcheol accepted the swords presented to him, his legs wobbling beneath him as he made his way towards Soonyoung with determined steps.
"What were you even thinking when you decided to attack us?" Seungcheol's voice was a low growl as he seized Soonyoung by the hair, eliciting a cry of agony from his captive.
"Did you truly believe you could overthrow the king and claim his kingdom as your own?" Seungcheol's tone dripped with scorn as he pressed the tip of his sword against Soonyoung's quivering neck.
"And on top of that, you dared to lay a hand on him!" A slash across Soonyoung's cheek sent a rivulet of blood cascading down his face, the metallic tang filling the air with its coppery scent.
"You touched him despite my explicit warnings," Seungcheol's words slurred slightly, a testament to his own injuries sustained in the chaos of battle.
"This," Seungcheol's gaze hardened as he reached for Soonyoung's right hand, "you touched and struck him with this, didn't you?"
Seungcheol's sword bore down upon Soonyoung's arm with unyielding force, severing it with a swift and decisive blow. Soonyoung's cries of pain echoed through the palace as his severed hand fell to the ground, a gruesome testament to the consequences of his actions.
"And," Seungcheol continued, his eyes gleaming with righteous fury, "you choked him too, didn't you? With which hand?"
A sick grin settled on Seungcheol's face as he placed his sword against Soonyoung's remaining arm, his grip unyielding as he prepared to mete out further punishment.
"Every soul should tremble at the mere thought of harming him," Seungcheol declared, his voice a thunderous roar that echoed through the halls.
With a swift motion, Seungcheol brought his sword down upon Soonyoung's exposed neck, severing his head from his body in a single decisive stroke. The gruesome spectacle left a chilling silence in its wake, broken only by the sickening thud of Soonyoung's head rolling across the floor to land at Jeonghan's feet.
"No one," Seungcheol declared as he cast aside his bloodied sword, "shall even look upon what belongs to me, let alone defile it with their touch."
With that final proclamation, Seungcheol turned away from the scene of carnage, his gaze softening as he made his way back to where Jeonghan lay, unconscious in Wonwoo's arms.
"Shh," Seungcheol murmured gently as he approached, his voice a soothing balm in the midst of the chaos. "Let my rose rest. He is tired."
------
-Vaish
Geez intense, very intense. Was it? What do you think of Seungcheol now? Please think of this as another soonyoung and not our hamster y'all 🥹