Silence took hold for almost an eternity. The only thing they could hear was the constant battering of their horse’s hooves as it trudged the forest and the wind that moved the trees to a rhythmic mesmerizing sway. Where were they? They were deep into the forest estate of the Jung family; the lush greens that guarded the English mansion from behind. Its gates were trees and predatory mountain wolves and bears.

It had been a long time since Taeyeon and Jessica had ventured into the wilderness such as this. It has been awhile since they have set foot on these dark greens that hid their sights of the moon. Sharing Taeyeon’s horse was a good decision. Her steed was strong, tamed, and reserved just like its master.

Sitting at the front, Jessica felt the warmth of her sister’s body on her back. A soft sigh came from her lips as they saw the clearing up ahead in the darkness. Their bodies were concealed by long hooded cloaks of ebony with only half of their faces revealing their crimson eyes that lit up on reflex to the absence of ample light.

“Sooyeon…” Taeyeon muttered from behind her, the older twin leaned in her head on the younger one’s shoulder as their horse strode onwards in a calm pace.

Jessica turned her head a little to face her twin who was putting her head’s weight on her right shoulder. “What is it, Taengoo?”

“Hm…I’m worried for our maknae…” Taeyeon mumbled.

“Me too.”

“I’m confused, Sooyeon.”

“I know. We don’t have to take this journey, Taeyeon…”

“But our grandfather…”

“He knows what’s best and I trust that he will take care of everything while we’re all away…”

“I guess…” Taeyeon looks off to the side. Uncertainty was evident in her voice. Jessica could sense her hesitation. It was almost tangible.

Right hand cups the older twin’s face. Lips press onto her left cheek catching her by surprise. Jessica smiles at her as she pulls away. Taeyeon stares at her twin with a little confusion on the younger vampire’s action.

“You need to follow your heart, Taengoo. Your mind and heart needed to be one for you to think clearly and see the bigger scenery.” Jessica mused as she held Taeyeon’s hands that were gripping the reins of their horse.

They were out on the mountains now. The mansion was nowhere to be seen and all that they faced were the lush greens that stood like shadows under the fading moonlight. The two vampires riding the steed were unfazed by the darkness as they urged the black horse to move on towards the unknown.

They don’t know whether they will run into enemies or friends but they do know that they will always be together.
 

***

Jung Mansion

A thick fog greeted the early morning of the huge mansion. Juhyun heard a few horses trampling the cobbled road that led to her home. She softly nudged her cousin who was still fast asleep. Yoona stirred and soon sensed the creaky sound of a carriage and a few horses trudging towards the Jung abode.

A few minutes later, the main occupants of the Jung household were gathered in the meeting room. Servants have been dismissed and allowed to escape ahead of time. The two archers of the family were discussing some things with their ancestor as soon as the maknaes had arrived. Yuri, Sooyoung, and Hyoyeon had been listening to them intently.

“Grandpa, how are we supposed to counter all of the hunters’ attacks? We’re outnumbered. Sooyoung and Hyoyeon had just healed. We can’t have them fight.” The maknaes heard Sunny as soon as they stepped into the room.

“I have a plan. All we need are the archers. The rest may evacuate this place. The maknaes will have to help Hyoyeon and Sooyoung into the carriage while Yuri drives it away from the mansion. Our only escape is through the open field before entering the forest.” White Tiger said as his alluring eyes caught sight of the two who had just entered the room.

“How will Soonkyu and I manage to face a joint army of rogue vampires and hunters?” Miyoung asked.

“Listen to me…”
 

***

Krystal didn’t know for how long she had been traveling while being blindfolded. Despite the lack of sight, she could still pinpoint the direction from which she had come from. She knew where she was headed judging from the scents and the sounds that had come to her. She was familiar of the bustling streets of the East Side of London and she knew of the landmarks and the smell of bread being baked from the bakeries that they usually pass by.

The Jung maknae knew it too well. She now knew where she had been jailed. She also realized that she was alone in the carriage.

‘Perhaps, they are escorting me towards the mansion…’ Krystal thought as she tried moving her bonds. It was still hopeless though. Her bonds were still laced with hunter spells.

‘So, this is how helpless I can be as a human…’ Krystal pondered as she found herself being brought down to the level of a mere human by the shackles. Her hands were tied to the back and her feet were still chained. A frustrated grunt escaped and she found herself uncomfortable with all the annoying restraints.

Closing her eyes beneath the blindfold, she found herself being buried in the depths of her thoughts. Krystal found herself floating in her own conscience. She found her piece of the Bulgarian Bonds floating idly in her mind’s eye. The maknae stretched out her hand to catch it and as soon as the hovering locket touched her hands, everything vanished in white blinding light.

When she came to her senses, she found herself standing in the middle of the forest. Her eyes searched for hints of f