Chapter 18: The Stepmother's Last Straw
Lady Haejin sat in her chambers, fingers digging into the armrest of her chair. She was furious.
Minah had returned humiliated, near tears, recounting how Taehyung had roasted her into the next century.
And worse? The court was laughing about it.
"Did you hear how Luna Taehyung shut her down?"
"I almost feel bad for Minah. Almost."
"Our Luna is sharper than we thought. Good for him!"
Lady Haejin wanted to scream.
Everything she had planned for was crumbling.
Taehyung was meant to be an outsider. A mistake. A temporary obstacle that Jungkook would soon toss aside.
But no.
He was winning.
And now, she had no choice but to escalate.
If manipulation wouldn't work...
Then it was time for elimination.
---
The Trap is Set
Two days later, Taehyung was out in the training fields, watching their eldest daughter, Jiha, spar with the younger wolves.
She was fearless, much like her father, but even more cunning.
"Use their size against them," Taehyung called, sipping his tea. "They're bigger, but you're faster!"
Jiha grinned before flipping her opponent over, landing him flat on his back.
The crowd of young wolves cheered.
Taehyung beamed. That's his girl.
Then, a soft voice interrupted.
"Luna Taehyung?"
He turned to see a noblewoman bowing politely.
"My Lady," the woman said, "I bring word from the Alpha King's stepmother. She requests your presence immediately."
Taehyung blinked. "Haejin?"
The woman nodded. "She said it was urgent. A matter concerning the royal pups."
Taehyung stiffened.
His instincts screamed trap.
But his children were involved.
He couldn't ignore it.
"...Fine," he said, rising to his feet. "Lead the way."
---
Bait and Switch
The woman led Taehyung toward the northern part of the castle-an area rarely used.
His senses were on high alert.
When they reached a dark hallway, the woman suddenly stepped aside, revealing three large, armed Alpha guards waiting for him.
Taehyung smirked.
"How cute," he drawled. "You actually think this will work?"
The biggest Alpha sneered. "You talk big for someone who's outnumbered."
Taehyung yawned. "You say outnumbered. I say you brought three men when you should've brought thirty."
The guards hesitated.
But then, one lunged.
Taehyung dodged easily, twisting his attacker's arm and slamming him into the wall. Another came from behind, but Taehyung ducked, sweeping his legs out from under him.
The last one-probably the smartest-took a step back.
"Y-you're just an Omega," he stammered.
Taehyung's eyes glowed gold.
"Wrong."
And in a blur of movement, he had the guard pinned against the wall, a dagger pressed against his throat.
The man froze.
Taehyung leaned in, voice dangerously soft.
"You're lucky my mate is the Alpha King," he whispered. "Because if I had my way..."
His dagger pressed just enough to draw a thin line of blood.
"...You wouldn't be standing right now."
The man whimpered.
Taehyung smirked.
Then he knocked the guard unconscious with a swift blow to the head.
---
Jungkook Arrives
By the time Jungkook found him, Taehyung was casually fixing his hair, standing over three groaning guards.
Jungkook's eyes widened.
"...What happened now?"
Taehyung turned, smiling sweetly. "Oh, nothing. Your dear stepmother just tried to have me killed. Again."
Jungkook inhaled deeply.
"Where is she?" he growled.
Taehyung chuckled. "I'd assume still hiding behind her guards, waiting for you to clean up her mess."
Jungkook cracked his knuckles. "Good. Because I'm about to end this once and for all."
---
Haejin's Reckoning
The throne room was silent as Jungkook strode in, his aura suffocating.
Lady Haejin sat on her gilded chair, smug. "My dear stepson-"
"Save it," Jungkook snapped.
Haejin blinked. "I beg your-"
"You attacked my mate," Jungkook hissed, eyes burning with fury. "You sent your lackeys to kill him."
Haejin's expression faltered. "That's a bold accusation."
Jungkook smiled coldly. "Oh, it's not an accusation."
He gestured toward the three beaten guards, now dragged in by his warriors.
"They confessed."
Haejin's face paled. "That's-That's absurd! They must have been coerced-"
Jungkook laughed darkly.
"Do you think I need to coerce them?" he asked, stepping closer. "Do you think I need anyone to lie to know what you are?"
Haejin swallowed. "I raised you."
Jungkook's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
"You murdered my mother."
The entire room went still.
Haejin's breath hitched.
Jungkook's father finally stood, his face unreadable.
"Is it true?" the Alpha King asked softly.
Haejin trembled. "D-dear, you know I-"
Jungkook's father sighed.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Then, in a single movement, he tore a parchment in half.
Haejin's eyes widened. "What-What are you doing?"
"Your marriage to me," he said calmly, "was never valid."
Haejin froze.
"You forged documents to become my Luna," he continued. "I've known for years. I only played along so you'd slip up."
Haejin staggered back.
The guards moved in.
"No-NO! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" she shrieked. "I AM YOUR LUNA!"
Jungkook stepped forward, voice lethal.
"You were never my Luna."
And with that, she was dragged away, screaming.
---
Aftermath
Taehyung watched her disappear before exhaling.
"Well," he said, stretching. "That was dramatic."
Jungkook turned to him. "Are you alright?"
Taehyung smirked. "Please. It was three guards. You insult me."
Jungkook sighed, rubbing his temples. "You stress me out."
Taehyung patted his chest. "And yet you love me."
Jungkook pulled him in, burying his face in Taehyung's neck.
"...More than anything."
Taehyung hummed, satisfied.
And finally, finally, Lady Haejin was gone.
Now, they could truly begin their reign.
---
To Be Continued...