Chapter 43: The Dark Rival

The air grew heavy as Yoon Hojin’s army drew closer, their black armor gleaming under the dimming sun. The tension in the air was palpable, and Seojin could feel the weight of the moment settling into his bones. He stood beside Jaeha, his heart racing as the rival nobleman came into view, seated on a massive black horse, his presence exuding cold menace.

Jaeha’s body was taut with fury, his gaze locked on Yoon Hojin. The bitterness between them was no secret, but the threat Hojin posed now went beyond the political—he was after Seojin. The very thought of Hojin’s hands on Seojin sent Jaeha into a silent rage, and Seojin could feel the tension emanating from his brother’s body.

“Jaeha…” Seojin whispered, his voice hesitant.

“Stay behind me,” Jaeha ordered without turning to face him. His tone left no room for argument. “He won’t touch you. I’ll kill him before that happens.”

Seojin swallowed hard, his throat dry. This confrontation felt different from all the others. The atmosphere was thick with foreboding, and even Jaeha’s unwavering confidence couldn’t quell the knot of fear in Seojin’s chest. Yoon Hojin had always been dangerous, but now, with an army at his back, he was a threat they couldn’t ignore.

Yoon Hojin dismounted, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield before settling on the two brothers. His lips curled into a mocking smile as he strode forward, his soldiers standing at attention behind him. He looked every bit the arrogant nobleman who believed the world would bend to his will.

“Kim Jaeha,” Hojin greeted, his voice smooth and dripping with condescension. “Still clinging to your brother like a jealous child, I see.”

Jaeha’s grip on his sword tightened, his knuckles white with tension. “If you’ve come to fight, let’s not waste time with words.”

Hojin’s smile widened, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Always so eager to fight. But this isn’t about you, Jaeha.” His gaze shifted to Seojin, lingering in a way that made Seojin’s skin crawl. “It’s about your brother.”

Seojin stiffened under Hojin’s gaze, the intensity of the nobleman’s interest making him feel exposed and vulnerable. He wanted to retreat, to hide behind Jaeha’s protective presence, but he knew that would only feed Hojin’s twisted fascination.

Jaeha stepped in front of Seojin, his body a protective barrier between his brother and their enemy. “He’s not yours to covet, Hojin,” Jaeha spat, his voice dripping with venom. “He never will be.”

Hojin chuckled, the sound cold and mocking. “You think you can keep him locked away forever? He deserves more than being trapped under your obsessive gaze, Jaeha. Seojin should be free.”

“Free?” Jaeha echoed, his voice low and dangerous. “You call what you offer freedom? All you want is to possess him. Just like I do.”

Hojin’s eyes glittered with amusement. “At least I’d give him the choice. Unlike you.”

Seojin’s heart twisted painfully at those words. The truth in them stung, and he felt a momentary flicker of doubt. Was he truly just a possession to Jaeha? A trophy to be kept at his side, locked away from the world? He glanced at Jaeha, searching his brother’s face for any sign of softness, any crack in the fierce mask he wore.

But Jaeha’s expression remained hard, unyielding. His love, as always, was fierce and possessive. He would fight the world to keep Seojin by his side, no matter the cost.

“I won’t let you have him,” Jaeha growled, his voice dark and filled with determination. “You’ll die before you lay a hand on him.”

Hojin’s smile faded, his eyes narrowing as the tension between them reached a boiling point. “Very well, Jaeha,” he said softly, his voice laced with malice. “Let’s see if your love for him is strong enough to save you both.”

With a flick of his wrist, Hojin signaled his soldiers forward. They marched toward Jaeha and Seojin with deadly precision, their swords drawn and ready for battle. The clash of steel against steel echoed once again across the battlefield, and Seojin’s heart raced as he watched the battle unfold around them.

Jaeha moved like a force of nature, his sword cutting through Hojin’s men with ruthless efficiency. His rage fueled every strike, his desperation to protect Seojin driving him forward. But no matter how many enemies he felled, more seemed to take their place, and Seojin could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on them.

Seojin’s gaze darted toward Hojin, who remained on the sidelines, watching the carnage with a cold, calculating expression. There was something unsettling about the way Hojin observed the fight, as if he was waiting for something—waiting for the right moment to strike.

Seojin’s heart clenched with fear. He knew Hojin wasn’t just here for a battle. He wanted to break Jaeha, to take everything from him, and that meant taking Seojin. The realization sent a chill down his spine, and he gripped his sword tighter, determined not to be a pawn in Hojin’s twisted game.

“Jaeha,” Seojin called out, his voice strained as he fought off an enemy soldier. “We can’t win this!”

Jaeha didn’t respond, his focus entirely on the battle before him. But Seojin could see the toll it was taking on him—the strain in his movements, the weariness in his eyes. They couldn’t keep this up much longer.

As Seojin fought to stay upright, his vision blurred for a moment. He blinked, trying to clear it, but the world around him seemed to tilt. Exhaustion weighed heavily on his body, and the wound on his side burned with renewed intensity.

Just as Seojin felt himself falter, a shadow loomed over him. He looked up, dread filling his heart as he saw Hojin standing before him, his eyes gleaming with cruel intent.

“Seojin,” Hojin said softly, his voice a mockery of concern. “It’s time to leave your brother behind.”

Before Seojin could react, Hojin lunged toward him, his hand reaching out to grab Seojin by the arm.

“Seojin!”

Jaeha’s voice rang out in panic as he rushed toward them, but it was too late. Hojin’s grip tightened on Seojin, pulling him away from the chaos of battle.

And in that moment, everything changed.

To be continued...