play you like a game, boy • jeon jungkook.
chapter 5/8
genre: antagonist tribe leader jk x princess reader
word count: 5.8k
synopsis: the blessed leader of forest tribe "lav" jeon jungkook wants you and will do anything and everything to make you his wife. he’s blessed by the goddess, even a leaf cannot move without his permission but he worships the ground you walk on. now, there are two paths presented to you; marry him & return his love or refuse and watch him conquer your father's kingdom. power is like an evil yet a tempting apple and now its in your hands. are you going to take a bite; taste the sweet poison or will you use it to tempt him? its an evil world with evil options.. do you think you can handle him?
warnings: body horror, intense physical pain, mystical rituals, emotional distress, loss of control, manipulation, supernatural occurrences. power dynamics, confusion, subtle hypnosis, made up goddess, rituals. unsettling mysticism / occult elements.
Masterlist.
——————
The sun filters gently through the curtains, casting soft, golden light across the room. You’ve been awake for a while now, your mind lingering in a haze of thoughts. The scent of the candles you lit the night before still lingers in the air, swirling around you like a lingering dream. You lie on your back, Jungkook peacefully resting beside you. His presence is calm, serene, almost as if he belongs here, in this moment.
You turn your head, eyes studying his features as if trying to memorize the way he looks in this quiet morning light. Jungkook is undoubtedly the most striking man you have ever laid eyes on. Back home, people whispered of him as a monster; rumors of a cruel tribe leader whose heart mirrored the darkness of the beasts he led. Yet here he is, beside you, his face bathed in the soft light, looking nothing like the savage they described. He looks almost angelic. His long hair cascades across his face, a few strands brushing against his cheeks, and his lips part slightly with each breath. The rhythm of his slumber is peaceful, so far removed from the dangerous, unpredictable image others painted of him.
Usually, Jungkook sleeps in his own chamber, but last night, he chose to sleep beside you. As you watch him, the weight of reality settles over you. You realize just how much you’ve been swept away by this strange, intense connection. Growing up, love was a foreign concept; something you never truly experienced. Your parents, always consumed by their duties to the kingdom, never had time for affection. Their love, if it even existed, was reserved for their crown, not for you. So when Jungkook shows you even the smallest ounce of tenderness, you can’t help but bask in it, even if it feels like a fleeting dream. Lost in thought, you don’t notice that Jungkook’s eyes have opened. He stares at you, his gaze heavy with unspoken words. He murmurs something in his language, soft and unfamiliar, before leaning in to gently kiss your eyelids, your nose then finally your lips.
You smile into the kiss, your heart fluttering, and you sit up, breaking the kiss. Looking around the room, you suddenly realize that there are no clothes on the table where the servants usually leave your attire for the day. You frown, wondering where they’ve gone. Jungkook sits beside you, following your gaze, his eyes briefly narrowing in thought.
"Did they forget?" you murmur, more to yourself than to him, though his presence is enough to make your words feel less like a question and more like an unspoken curiosity.
Jungkook doesn’t answer right away. He simply looks at you, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile, Jungkook's gaze lingers on you for a moment longer, his smile softening, as if he’s savoring the quiet, peaceful start to the day. Then, he shifts slightly, his voice breaking the silence with a low murmur.
“They won’t bother us today,” he says, his tone calm but firm. "I told them not to disturb us. No interruptions."
His words are clear; there’s an unspoken promise in them. It’s rare for him to assert such control, especially over his tribe, but today feels different. His eyes never leave you as he continues, “The plan for today is simple. We’ll visit the Goddess Devti temple in the morning. After that, you’re free to do whatever you want.”
You feel a flicker of surprise. Free? After everything, this kind of freedom is something you’ve never experienced before. Jungkook notices the surprise in your expression, and his lips twitch upward, as if he finds amusement in your reaction.
“You can wear whatever you wish,” he adds, a subtle warmth in his voice. “But I’ve chosen something for you.”
He stands up, his movements graceful and purposeful. From across the room, he retrieves a carefully folded garment and approaches you. As he unfurls it, you take in the intricate details of the outfit; a delicate blend of two worlds. It’s a gown, but not just any gown. The bodice is sleek and fitted, the fabric rich with embroidery that mirrors the patterns and textures of his tribe’s clothing. Yet the gown itself has the elegance of a French design, with flowing silk and delicate lace that falls in soft, luxurious folds.
It’s beautiful. Unique. You can tell he put thought into it, something beyond a mere request or expectation.
Jungkook watches you carefully, studying your face as you take in the outfit. “I thought…” His voice trails off for a moment, then he continues, “It would blend your heritage with mine. A little bit of both.”
You pause, feeling a wave of emotion settle over you. He’s slowly trying to reconcile the world you come from with the world he knows. It’s subtle, but there’s a shift in him, a quiet willingness to accept the pieces of your past, even if they’re so different from his own. He’s not just asking you to be a part of his world; he’s slowly bringing you into his own, while trying to understand yours.
“I love it,” you whisper, your voice barely audible, the weight of his gesture settling in your chest.
Jungkook’s eyes soften, a rare tenderness creeping into his expression. He nods, the faintest smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Good. Then let’s get ready,” he says, as if the moment is already slipping away, and the day ahead is waiting.
But there’s something about the way he speaks, the way he looks at you, that makes you feel like this day is more than just another step in a long journey. It feels like a small but significant promise; one where both of you can find a balance between the worlds you’ve known and the one you’re beginning to create together.
—---------------------
The women move around you in a flurry of activity, their hands working with practiced ease. One of them carefully combs through your hair, Another woman adjusts the delicate lace of the gown, the fabric pooling at your feet like a river of silk. You catch glimpses of yourself in the mirror, your reflection is almost unrecognizable. The gown, a blend of delicate French elegance and the bold, intricate embroidery of Jungkook's tribe, transforms you into something between two worlds. You feel beautiful, but more importantly, you feel like a part of something bigger, something that bridges the gap between where you’ve come from and where you’re going.
As you finish adjusting, the sound of footsteps echoes in the hall, and Jungkook enters the room. His presence fills the space, the energy shifting as soon as he appears. He’s wearing clothing of his own, though his clothing is far more luxurious than what the others in his tribe wear. The fabric of his tunic is deep, rich crimson, adorned with gold thread that catches the light with every movement. His cloak, made of dark, velvety material, billows behind him like a storm cloud, embroidered with symbols of his people. His dark hair is pulled back, revealing the sharpness of his jawline, the intensity of his gaze. For a moment, neither of you says anything.
The servants begin to gather around, preparing to follow as you both leave. Jungkook gives a brief nod to the women who helped you prepare, then turns to you, his gaze softening slightly.
"We’ll walk to the temple," he says, voice low, his tone carrying a weight of reverence. "There will be no breakfast today. The Goddess Devti will eat first."
You blink in confusion but nod in silence, unsure of the meaning behind his words. The customs here are still unfamiliar, but you trust him, and so you follow without question.
The air is cool and crisp as you step outside, the sunlight filtering through the trees that line the path. Jungkook walks beside you, his stride confident, his presence as imposing as ever, yet there’s an undercurrent of quiet reverence in the way he moves. The servants trail behind you, keeping a respectful distance.
As you walk through the forest, the world around you feels suspended in time. The sounds of nature are muted, as though the forest itself is holding its breath. The path curves gently, leading you past the lake you had noticed the previous day, the same lake where you’d seen the mysterious woman. The water is still, its surface reflecting the soft light of the morning. But there’s no sign of the woman now, only the quiet ripples that shimmer in the early light.
The forest grows denser, the trees thickening until they open up to a clearing. And there, standing tall and majestic, is the temple. At first, it seems to emerge from the very earth itself, its stone walls weathered but strong, ancient yet still full of life. It blends with the surroundings, as if part of the land, its design organic and natural. Vines wrap around the pillars, and the roof is crowned with delicate carvings of animals and celestial symbols, all intertwined.
The temple is breathtaking. A sense of calm washes over you as you approach, the air thick with the scent of incense rising in tendrils, its smoke curling in the breeze. The large wooden doors are adorned with intricate carvings of the goddess and gods unknown to you.
Inside, the grand hall opens up to a vast space, the stone floor polished by centuries of reverent footsteps. At the center of the room stands a statue, tall and imposing, draped in a green veil. The veil shimmers softly, like it’s alive with its own energy, covering the statue’s face as if to preserve its mystery. The statue of Devti is clad in the traditional clothing of Jungkook’s tribe, woven, intricate, and adorned with symbols of nature and life. She holds a bowl in her hands, which you assume will soon be filled with offerings.
Around the base of the statue, a collection of gifts has been laid out; brightly colored fabrics, baskets filled with fruit, and ornate plates stacked with rich foods. The offerings seem endless, covering the floor in a display of abundance. The incense burns steadily, a quiet hum filling the air, and the soft murmur of voices echoes from the servants, who have quietly begun to stand in reverence.
Jungkook stops beside you, his expression focused, almost solemn. He doesn’t speak, but his gaze lingers on the statue, a deep reverence in his eyes.
“This is where we offer our respect,” he says, finally breaking the silence. “Devti is the protector of this land. She watches over us all, guiding us.”
You nod, feeling the weight of the moment settle on your shoulders. There’s something deeply sacred about this place, and though you don’t fully understand the significance, you feel the pull of it, a connection you can’t explain. The air seems heavier here, charged with the reverence that Jungkook and his people hold for this place and you can’t help but feel, just for a moment, as if you, too, are a part of it.
Jungkook watches you with a quiet intensity, his eyes softening as they trace the way your gaze lingers on the statue. There’s something about it that draws you in, something mysterious, almost magnetic. The statue, veiled in green, exudes an ancient power, and the more you look at her, the more you feel an unspoken pull. But you’re so absorbed in the figure before you that you don’t notice Jungkook’s movements until you feel his hand slip gently into yours.
He squeezes your hand softly, as if trying to ground you. You turn to him, meeting his eyes. There’s a flicker of something in his gaze, something between affection and a quiet urgency.
“Come,” he murmurs, and before you can ask him what he means, he gently places a hand on your waist, guiding you to the front of the statue. His touch is firm, yet tender, as if he’s steering you with purpose. The servants shift aside to make way, their movements reverent, and Jungkook steps behind you, his presence comforting but also commanding.
He glances at one of the servants, giving a subtle nod. The servant steps forward, holding a small, ornate box, its surface gleaming in the soft light. Jungkook’s gaze never leaves you as he takes the box from the servant and hands it to you.
You take a breath, your fingers trembling slightly, and open it. Inside, the box is filled with delicate jewelry, gems of every shade, glimmering with an ethereal glow. There are necklaces, rings, and bracelets, each one intricately crafted with fine detailing that speaks of both skill and reverence.
Jungkook’s voice breaks the silence, steady and calm, but with an undertone of something deeper. “For centuries, only the women of the tribe leaders have worshiped Devti,” he explains. “She only accepts gifts from the women. The tradition is still relevant, even now. Men were not allowed near the temple, but that changed when the forest found its mother.”
You don’t have the chance to voice your question before Jungkook continues, his hand still resting on your waist, steadying you.
“You,” he says, his voice soft but filled with meaning. “You are the one i chose, today we will see if she chooses you too.”
The words don’t make sense, and the confusion must be obvious on your face, because Jungkook seems to sense it. He takes a deep breath, and his gaze softens further as he seems to be gathering his thoughts.
“My mother…” he begins, his voice almost distant as if recalling something painful, “my mother, being the wife of the leader/ my father, worked with devti and took care of us. However, without any trace, she abandoned us when I was 14. Since then, the forest has been without a mother, no one has made offerings to Devti. The tribe believed we had been cursed because the goddess had abandoned us.”
His eyes darken, but he presses on, his voice low and steady. “When I turned 20, the tribe members told me I had to marry so that the forest could have a mother again. But I couldn’t; I wouldn’t. I waited. I waited because I knew it wasn’t the right time, i was proven right because then i found you”
You blink, your breath catching in your throat. “Me?” you whisper, your voice barely audible, as if saying the words aloud would make it all real.
Jungkook nods, his grip on your waist tightening slightly. "I waited for the day I could marry you. I knew the moment I saw you... that you were the one. The forest's mother. Devti would not accept just anyone, but when I saw you, I knew you were the one destined to lead, to restore balance."
Your mind races, trying to make sense of his words. You were the one chosen? The forest’s mother? It feels like a heavy weight settling in your chest, a responsibility you’re not sure you’re ready for.
“I... don’t understand,” you say quietly, the jewelry box still resting in your hands. You glance down at the beautiful gems and delicate pieces, feeling the weight of them both physically and symbolically.
Jungkook’s eyes soften, a flicker of something almost like regret passing through them. “It’s not easy, I know,” he says, his voice full of tenderness. “But goddess has always worked with women. The tribe needs a mother. The forest needs you. And the time has come. You are the one who can give life to both.”
His words wash over you, and for a moment, all you can do is stare at him, trying to process everything he’s just said. The weight of it feels suffocating.
“Jungkook,” you whisper, your voice trembling with the enormity of his confession. “What if I’m not ready? What if I can’t…”
But Jungkook interrupts you gently, his hand brushing against your cheek, his touch grounding you in the moment. “You are ready,” he says, his voice filled with quiet confidence. “I’ve been waiting for you. And now, the goddess is waiting too.”
—--------------------
Jungkook’s hand rests gently on your shoulder, guiding you with a calm, steady pressure. His eyes never leave you, his voice soft but insistent.
“Lift the veil,” he says quietly, almost reverently.
You hesitate for a moment, your fingers trembling as you reach up to grasp the green veil that shrouds the face of Devti. As your fingers pull the fabric away, the air seems to grow still, heavy with expectation. For a long moment, the veil drapes in your hands, and you can’t bring yourself to look immediately.
But when you do, the world seems to shift.
Before you is the face of Devti, a woman so breathtakingly beautiful that it feels like she doesn’t belong to this world. Her skin is stone yet flawless, a smooth, ethereal shade that glows with an otherworldly light. Her eyes, large and almond-shaped, are the deepest shade of green and silver, swirling with an iridescent sheen that seems to draw you in, like the endless sky on a moonless night. Her features are delicate yet impossibly perfect, high cheekbones, a soft, serene mouth, and a regal nose, all framed by long, flowing hair that cascades down her back in waves of black and born.
But it’s her gaze that steals your breath. The moment your eyes meet hers, a jolt runs through you, as if something deep inside of you has been awakened. You’re almost paralyzed, unable to look away, yet the sensation of her stare is both mesmerizing and unnerving.
You swallow hard, trying to steady your breath as you step closer to the statue, unable to tear your eyes from the face before you. There’s something so familiar about her, a strange sense of recognition that tightens in your chest.
No… you think. It’s impossible.
But the more you look, the clearer it becomes. The woman in front of you, the goddess Devti, has the same features as the mysterious woman you saw at the lake the day before. It’s her. It can’t be anyone else.
Your heart begins to race as the realization hits you. The woman from the lake, her presence, her gaze, it was her. The woman you had seen, is now standing before you in stone, in the very temple where her power resides.
Your fingers tremble uncontrollably as you take a step back, suddenly overwhelmed by the weight of everything. The beauty of the goddess is so intense that it almost feels suffocating, like it’s too much to bear. You admire her, yes, but there’s something about her that terrifies you. A power so deep, so ancient, that you can almost feel it pulse in the air around you.
Jungkook’s voice is distant, as if from far away. His words don’t fully register in your mind at first, drowned out by the pounding of your heart, the fluttering in your chest.
“She will accept your offerings,” Jungkook says, though his voice barely reaches your ears. “Place the jewelry on her, then drape the clothes, offer the gifts... all of it is part of the ritual.”
You don’t respond at first, still lost in the intense gaze of stone eyed gaze. As if your body is on autopilot, you slowly begin to follow Jungkook’s instructions, hands shaking as you reach into the ornate box of jewels.
The first piece of jewelry you pick up is an earring, a delicate golden piece with a sapphire gem at its center. You gently place it in the goddess’s ear, your fingers brushing against the smooth stone. You can almost feel the weight of her gaze on you, pressing down, making every movement feel impossibly heavy.
With every piece you add another earring, a necklace of twisted gold, a bracelet adorned with gemstones, you can’t shake the feeling that Devti’s eyes are following you, watching you. It’s as if she is alive, not just a statue. The air seems to thrum with her presence.
You move on to the next task, draping the goddess in rich fabrics, the same vibrant, woven clothes that the tribe wears, with gold thread intertwined in complex patterns. You carefully arrange the offerings, fruits, small delicate objects, ceremonial foods around her. But the more you touch the statue, the more the feeling intensifies. The fear mixes with admiration, a strange reverence growing inside of you, but also a deep, unshakable sense of foreboding.
Then, as you gently place the final jewelry, something happens.
A soft, almost imperceptible movement then, it’s there.
The statue’s eyes blink.
You freeze. Your breath catches in your throat as a cold rush of shock floods through your body. You look up, your eyes wide, your heart skipping a beat.
It’s impossible.
The statue’s eyes blink again, slowly, as if it’s waking up. Your body freezes in panic, every instinct telling you to run, to get away from the eerie, unnatural movement.
A scream rips from your throat before you can stop it.
You stumble backward, your feet tripping over themselves as you scramble to get away from the statue. You feel the presence behind you, Jungkook’s steady, reassuring hand as he grabs your arm, pulling you back, guiding you infront of him.
His voice is a whisper in your ear, low and calm, but there’s an edge of urgency to it.
“It’s okay,” he murmurs, his grip tight but comforting. “She won’t hurt you. This is part of the ritual. she does not harm those who offer respect.”
You want to argue, to demand an explanation, but all you can do is stand there, shaking, your heart racing in your chest as the statue’s eyes remain locked on you, the faintest trace of a smile pulling at the corners of its lips.
“It’s just the ritual. Trust me.”
But even as he speaks, you can’t help but wonder, What have you just unleashed?
The world feels like it’s collapsing around you, the weight of what you’re witnessing settling into your bones. Everything is shifting, and it’s happening so fast that your mind can hardly keep up.
The statue, which only moments ago was an inanimate figure of stone, begins to change before your very eyes. At first, it’s subtle, a slight shift in the way the light plays off the statue’s features, as though it’s catching a breeze. But then, with a slow, deliberate movement, the stone figure seems to... soften. The sharp lines of her face become more pronounced, more human. The smoothness of her skin, once cold and unyielding, now appears warm and lifelike.
You can hardly breathe as the transformation continues, the statue’s eyes blinking again, their silver sheen reflecting light as they sweep over the room. The goddess—Devti—is alive.
Your heart races. You step back instinctively, feeling a cold sweat prickling at your skin. The room spins, and for a moment, you feel like you’re going to collapse. You’ve heard the stories—tales of the goddess who blesses the land, whose power could shape the very world itself. But those stories were just stories. In your kingdom, gods and goddesses were treated as myth, as nothing more than tales to amuse children. Your father always insisted it was truth, but you never believed it. How could you?
But now, in front of you, there is no denying it. The goddess Devti is real. And she is alive.
A sob catches in your throat, but you force it down. Everything is foreign. This is so far beyond anything you could have imagined. You never once considered that you’d be standing in a room with a deity who, until moments ago, was nothing more than cold stone. Now, she breathes, her movements fluid and graceful.
Jungkook’s presence is a calm anchor in this whirlwind of confusion. His gaze is locked on Devti, unwavering and filled with quiet reverence. He doesn’t look at you, but you can feel the tension in him, the focus, as if he’s waiting for something, watching the goddess with an intensity that leaves you uneasy.
The servants, who had remained motionless up until now, suddenly shift. In a synchronized movement, they drop to their knees, bowing their heads toward Devti in a show of deep respect. Jungkook follows suit, his posture perfect, his head lowering, his form radiating reverence.
You stand there, frozen. You don’t know what to do. The entire room feels alive with power, a kind of energy that makes your skin prickle. Your legs are trembling, and your mind is in chaos, trying to process what’s unfolding in front of you. You’re supposed to bow, right? That’s what everyone else is doing. But something in you rebels, as though you’re too small, too insignificant to be a part of this sacred moment.
You shift uncomfortably, unsure of what to do, whether to bow, whether to stand back. Your instincts scream at you to kneel, but your body hesitates, caught between what is expected and what you feel you should do.
And then, after a long, heavy silence, something completely unexpected happens.
The servants, after bowing their heads to Devti, turn toward you. In a single fluid motion, they bow to you as well.
You blink, eyes wide, unable to process what’s happening. Your heart skips a beat. Bow to me?
You can hardly believe it. You stare at them, eyes darting between the servants and the goddess, expecting Devti to react, to stop them. How dare they bow to a mere princess of another kingdom? you think. I’m nothing; compared to her, compared to this.
But as you glance at the goddess once more, you notice something that sends an involuntary shiver down your spine. She’s still watching you. Her green silver eyes don’t waver, don’t flicker. They are fixed on you with a serene, almost knowing expression. There’s no anger, no hostility in her gaze, even as the servants lower their heads to you. She doesn’t strike them down. Instead, she watches, almost expectantly.
The jewels you placed upon her; the earrings, the necklace, the bracelet; glint and sparkle as the light catches them, transforming her into something even more breathtaking than before. She was already impossibly beautiful, but with the gifts you laid before her, she now exudes an ethereal radiance. Her form, while still stone, now seems almost alive, as if she could step off the pedestal at any moment, walk among you, and breathe the same air.
Your breath catches in your throat as the realization hits. This is not just any goddess. This is Devti, the one who has been worshiped for centuries by the women of the tribe, the one who rules over this entire forest, and the one who chooses the forest’s mother.
somehow, you are bound to her.
But even more unsettling is the way she looks at you. It’s not the cold, distant gaze of a goddess on a pedestal. No. Her eyes are full of something else, something alive. Something personal.
You don’t know whether to fear her or revere her.
A strange sensation coils in your chest. Admiration mingles with terror. She’s too beautiful, too powerful, and there’s something about her presence that makes you feel so... small. Yet, when you look into her eyes, it’s as if she’s waiting for something from you, something you can’t quite name.
Jungkook is still kneeling, his head bowed, but there’s a quiet certainty in his posture. He’s not afraid of her, he’s at peace. And that only makes your unease grow.
The room feels heavy, laden with unspoken words, and the air is thick with power and expectation.
What now? you wonder.
As you look from Devti to Jungkook, the question lingers. What is your role in all this? The bowing, the gifts, the sacred ritual, it’s all real. It’s too much to comprehend, but the answers you seek feel just out of reach.
—---------------------
The silence in the temple thickens, the air heavy with anticipation, as Devti’s eyes continue to watch you. Then, in a voice that doesn’t quite reach your ears, she speaks, her words flowing in the tribal language—a language that feels ancient, foreign. It's melodic, almost hypnotic, but you understand nothing.
Still, your body reacts as if it does. Your feet move on their own, taking slow, hesitant steps toward her. Your mind screams to stop, to resist, but it’s like some invisible force is guiding you, pulling you closer. Fear coils in your stomach, your heart pounding as if it’s trying to break free from your chest. You want to turn away, but you can’t. You don’t have control.
In her hands, Devti holds a bowl, She lifts it slowly to her lips, her gaze never leaving yours. There’s no malice in her expression, just an unsettling calmness that sends a chill down your spine.
The liquid inside the bowl is deep, dark red, like the blood of the earth itself. Without a word, Devti motions for you to drink it.
You’re not sure why, but your hand reaches out, trembling as it takes the bowl from her hands. It feels heavy, impossibly heavy, like it’s holding the weight of your fate. As you bring it to your lips, you can’t shake the feeling that this is something you’re not ready for, something that you can’t undo.
But you drink.
The moment the liquid touches your tongue, it feels like fire coursing through your veins. It burns everywhere. It starts in your throat and spreads down to your stomach, to your limbs. Your body stiffens, your muscles seizing in agony. Your back arches involuntarily, your fingers curling into claws at your sides. You try to gasp for air, but your chest refuses to expand, and you feel as if you’re suffocating.
You can't breathe.
Panic seizes you, your mouth opening, desperate for air, but there’s nothing. You try to scream, but no sound comes out. Your head spins as your vision starts to blur. Your body trembles, locked in place, your entire being consumed by the pain. The world tilts around you, and you fear you’re about to break apart, to crumble into dust.
Then, just as you feel yourself slipping away, you feel something else; a familiar touch, warm and steady. Jungkook’s hands are on you, gripping your shoulders with an urgency that brings you back to reality. His voice is a distant murmur, his words unintelligible but filled with urgency, trying to calm you. You can’t focus on them, can’t understand what he’s saying, but his presence is a lifeline, grounding you in the chaos.
Breathe, he seems to be urging you, his voice soft but firm.
And then—everything stops.
Like a switch is flipped, the pain subsides, the fire in your veins cools, and your lungs finally expand. You gasp, inhaling deeply as the world sharpens around you, as if you’re waking from a nightmare. Your body, which had been contorted in agony just moments ago, now feels... normal again. Your muscles uncoil, and you blink rapidly, still reeling from the sensation.
The pain is gone, but the memory of it lingers, a scar on your soul that you’ll never be able to forget.
You look up, still dazed, and see Devti standing before you, her form slowly returning to its original state. Her eyes are now closed, her serene expression unmoving. In that moment, she’s once again the cold, lifeless statue she was before; the transformation complete, as if nothing ever happened.
Jungkook releases a breath he’s been holding, his hands still on your shoulders, his fingers trembling. His eyes are wide, but there’s something else there too, a deep relief, like a weight has been lifted from his chest. His lips quiver as he finally smiles, a soft, almost bittersweet smile.
Tears fill his eyes, and he reaches out, wiping them away quickly, as if embarrassed by his own emotions.
The servants, who had been silent until now, suddenly spring to their feet, their voices rising in a chorus of celebration. They cheer, jumping and clapping in joyous fervor. The tension in the room shifts completely, what had felt like an otherworldly ritual, tense and filled with uncertainty, now feels like a moment of triumph.
You, however, are too stunned to join in the celebration. Your mind is still reeling, trying to piece together what just happened. You blink and rub your eyes, still unsure whether it was real, whether you were real. The taste of the red liquid still lingers in the back of your throat, and your body feels exhausted—like you’ve run a race you didn’t sign up for.
Jungkook steps closer to you, his smile soft but filled with pride. His hand gently cups your cheek, brushing away the stray tears that have formed in your eyes. His voice is low, almost reverent.
“Devti has blessed you,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “You are... her.”
You stare at him, your mind slow to catch up with his words. Her? You were already confused by the ritual, by everything that had just happened, but the weight of his words settles on your shoulders like a heavy cloak.
You look around at the servants, still celebrating, at Jungkook’s proud face, and then back at the statue of Devti. The realization finally sinks in.
You have been chosen.
But for what? To lead? To serve? To become something you don’t yet understand?
Your body feels heavy, your heart full of a strange mix of emotions. You should feel triumphant, like they all do, but all you can feel is... confused.
What now?
But before you can voice your thoughts, Jungkook places a gentle kiss on your lips, a gesture that feels strangely final, like a promise sealed.
“Don’t worry,” he whispers, as if sensing your turmoil. “You’re not alone in this. You never will be.”
———————-
next chapter:
———————
author’s note: haiii !!!! this was supposed to be a filler chapter but i just decided to add the ritual and like solidify the story for upcoming chapters. Also, i did not show the mean side of leader jk im this chapter caus i feel like this ritual was necessary to write, MEAN JK IN THE NEXT CHAPTER STAY PREPARED!!!! sorry for the delay, life is sooo good and busy rn i barely have time to be on my laptop!!!!! anyways, i hope u guys liked it, let me know your thoughts and your predictions!!!! 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝔂 times are still foreign to me, im still trying to understand how to write smut 💔…. but ayeeee its whatever
——————
Taglist 💌: @jincapableoflove @voitier @koocreampie @kookxin @mysticprincessstrawberry @imwutim @synamon @withmuchluv-tannie @taekritimin123 @somehowukook @jungshaking @junecat18 @ilyjhseok @darklove2020 @lilyalone @yikes-ukiyo @icandoitwithabrokenhearttt @lilalouti @mar-lo-pap @onlyoursol-ace @margaretro23 @whatsupandy @thegreedyhibiscus @hoelychildofgod @bgfdcvbnjk @investedreader @geniejunn @somehowukook @jungshaking @recklesselfless @jksmilkshake @seagulljk @ttanniett @mageprincess7 @lolfcccfvvvvbbbb @royalguk @whiteoakoak
