The morning of Jungkook's departure arrived with a chilling finality.

The palace grounds buzzed with activity-guards sharpening their blades, advisors whispering behind their sleeves, and the air thick with unspoken tension. But none of it compared to the weight in Jungkook's chest.

He was used to danger, to reckless fights, to dancing with death. But this time felt different.

This time, there were two people he wanted to come back to.

Jungkook smirked at the thought, shaking his head. Sentimental fool.

A sharp voice snapped him from his thoughts.

"Are you ready, little spy?" V leaned casually against a pillar,black eyes gleaming with amusement. He looked at ease, but Jungkook knew him well enough by now-he was tense.

Jungkook twirled a dagger between his fingers. "Always."

A second presence made itself known-Taehyung. Unlike V, his stance was rigid, his expression unreadable, but the subtle twitch in his fingers betrayed him. He hated this plan. He hated Jungkook walking into danger alone.

Jungkook sighed dramatically. "Aww, Prince Pretty, I didn't know you'd miss me this much."

Taehyung scoffed, crossing his arms. "Don't be an idiot."

"That's practically my job."

"You're impossible."

V smirked, stepping closer to Jungkook, his voice a hushed whisper only for him. "Try not to get yourself killed, pet." His fingers brushed against Jungkook's wrist, a fleeting touch but enough to make Jungkook's breath hitch.

Jungkook masked it with a grin. "Wouldn't want to deprive you of my company."

V's eyes darkened, something unreadable flickering within them, but before he could respond, a new voice cut through.

"Do you need backup?" Jimin asked, his tone laced with both concern and exasperation. Yoongi stood beside him, watching quietly.

Jungkook grinned. "You volunteering, Angel?"

Jimin rolled his eyes. "As if I'd waste my time saving your reckless ass."

Yoongi smirked. "He means yes."

Jungkook hummed. "Tempting, but no. I work better alone."

Namjoon and Jin arrived next, the former studying Jungkook carefully. "You understand the risk?"

Jungkook tilted his head. "Risk makes life interesting."

Jin sighed. "Try not to die, Jeon. You're annoying, but we've grown fond of you."

Hoseok appeared last, a teasing smirk on his lips. "You do realize we're all betting on how long before you get caught?"

Jungkook grinned. "Then you should bet on my victory, Sunshine."

Hoseok chuckled. "We'll see."

A familiar presence settled behind him-Taehyung. But this time, another presence mirrored him on Jungkook's other side-V.

"Come back," Taehyung murmured, his voice quieter, raw.

V's fingers brushed against Jungkook's, deliberate. "Alive," he added.

Jungkook turned, looking at both twins. Taehyung's gaze was intense, filled with unspoken words. V's was equally unwavering, but with something darker hidden beneath.

For once, Jungkook didn't tease. Didn't deflect. Instead, he nodded. "Fine. But only because you both asked so nicely."

With that, he stepped into the waiting carriage, the weight of the mission pressing down on him.

The hunt had begun.

---

Deep Within the Syndicate's Territory.

Towering castle looms over a vast, fiery landscape, shrouded in shadows and mist. Rivers feels like molten lava, glowing ember wind through the valley, illuminating the night with an eerie glow.

An empire ruled by the merciless Lord Shadow, where darkness reigns supreme and fear lingers in the air.

Jungkook moved like a ghost through the underground network of tunnels beneath the Syndicate's stronghold.

The air was damp, filled with whispers of dealings and the occasional distant scream. He kept his steps silent, his breathing measured.

The Lord of Shadows was near.

And Jungkook was going to find him.

Slipping into the shadows, he pressed himself against the cold stone wall, listening. Voices drifted through the narrow corridors.

"...The palace has no idea. The Emperor's pet won't see it coming."

Jungkook's blood ran cold. They know I'm here.

A slow smirk curled his lips. Good. Let them come.

---

Meanwhile, back at the palace...

Taehyung stood at the highest balcony, fists clenched. His mind was restless, thoughts of Jungkook's mission gnawing at him.

"You're worried," Namjoon observed beside him.

Taehyung didn't respond.

"He'll be fine," Jimin assured. "Probably."

Taehyung exhaled. "He better."

Because if Jungkook didn't come back...

The Syndicate wouldn't live to see another day.

---

V watched from the shadows, his eyes burning as he traced the distant horizon where Jungkook had disappeared. His fingers curled into fists.

Taehyung's concern was evident. But what about his own?

V exhaled sharply. This was dangerous. Whatever this was, whatever Jungkook had stirred within him-it was dangerous.

Yet, he couldn't deny it.

Jungkook had left, and both princes were left waiting.

For him.
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