Happy Diwali to all❤.

Soft pink lapels of hanfu were scattered around a beauty who was laying on the bed with his eyes closed. His red hairs were falling across his rosy cheeks that he tossed away with another turn. Jungkook opened his eyes, unable to fall asleep. 

His eyes looked towards the window only to find dawn spreading upon once a dark sky. He stared at the ceiling for a while before turning on his stomach again, he buried his face into the mess of his Alpha's clothes that he had created last night.

Jungkook whimpered. In pain, in loneliness. 

It has been nine months since he had seen his Alpha or felt his presence. He didn't know his Alpha will be away from him for such a long time. 

Royal Alpha Kim Taehyung is cruel and now Jungkook understands why. Not for once his mate thought of him. In this big packhouse, he left him alone to live on his own. 

With another whimper, Jungkook fisted the clothes into a tight hug, his nose was searching for the scent he was dying to inhale. But all he could smell was the faintness of dull sandalwood. 

This week was unbearable for Jungkook because as time was passing the scent in his Alpha's clothes receded gradually. And now there was nothing that he could hold on to. His eyes always start becoming damp as soon as the night falls.

He spent his days totally indulging himself with Eclipers or with Commander Hoseok in the courtroom. But at night, Jungkook becomes helpless. His wolf yearned for his Alpha's presence and now Jungkook has nothing to give him.

He just hopes his mate will be back before his wolf goes insane. And for Jungkook… he understands his Alpha's responsibilities, the importance of his duty but it didn't hurt anyone if his Alpha would come back just to show that he is fine and all healthy. Because Jungkook has his worries about his Alpha, he wants to know if his Alpha is good or if he was suffering just like him.

Jungkook knows the possibility of the last one is low but he can't help to think if his Alpha misses him too? 

This separation made Jungkook realise a lot of things. He realised that he was no longer the crown Prince of Lunar who lived his whole life under the degradation of his mother, he is an Empress now. Empress of Europe, Luna of Eclipse and the Omega of his Alpha.

Those grey eyes changed Jungkook's life. Changed his heart, changed the reason for his breaths, changed his reputation in the world.

As the sun rises, the loneliness faded away with the sense of duty. Jungkook rolled in between his Alpha's clothes until he found the fur coat. With a last inhale, he gets up from the bed. 

His body motioned to the bathhouse with a new dress in his hand that he doesn't pay much mind to while choosing. Nowadays Jungkook doesn't feel joy in anything. He just does them. Absentmindedly.

It's like his Alpha went and took his soul with him. His soul is very ambitious after all, it will not leave his Alpha alone.

Jungkook giggled at his own silly thoughts. He folded the clothes neatly and put them back into the closet before wearing his veil and crown.

As soon as Jungkook stepped down the hallway he noticed the glamour of spring. All around the packhouse, big vessels were filled with beautiful flowers and chandeliers were decorated with layers of different petals. It's like the whole packhouse was washed by some flower rain.

With designated steps, Jungkook went outside the main packhouse. The garden was filled with the eclipsers who were here to discuss daily consultations with their Empress. 

Although these conversations should be held in a courtroom, Jungkook liked to do them outside, by sitting in between the folks, not on the throne while they represented themselves as formal residents.

As soon as Eclipsers saw their Empress, all of them bowed deeply. There was a circle formed by them, a beautiful flowery carpet was spread on the middle of the ground and Jungkook smiled when he reached the centre of the circle," Please stand up." 

The peaceful breeze was wafting Jungkook's hair with its flow, giving a breathtaking view to the eclipsers from even under his veil. 

It's like the wind knew Jungkook's nature of walking and sitting, as soon as Jungkook sat down on the ground the wind made his skirt and lapels even more attractive, his veil spread around his lap as he folded his toes under his calves.

As far as Jungkook's veil spread around him, Eclipsers never crossed that boundary without their Empress's permission. Jungkook motioned his hand toward them and said politely," Please take a seat as you like." 

The Eclipsers sat down following the same position as their Empress and the conversation began. 

"Luna, this year our harvest of wheat and sugarcane came out really well. Is there any day for the submission of crops?" A beta asked.

"Yes, the whole next week is decided as the submission day. The Commander will announce the timings and if any of you have troubles with the schedule, you would tell me. Is that okay?" Jungkook said.

"Your Empress." The Beta bowed in thankfulness and took his seat beside his wife.

This is the routine of Jungkook, this is where he forgets everything and lives only with Eclipsers, the people who made him a Luna and gave him so much respect.

In the beginning, Eclipsers told Jungkook the almighty stories of their Majesty, the one where In the war, their Majesty roared so highly that the opposition ran off for their life or the one where his Majesty saved a little sparrow from the river. They do their best so that their Luna won't feel alone in the absence of their Royal Alpha.

But soon they realise maybe they shouldn't lift those topics anymore as it made Luna miss their Royal Alpha even more badly. So they subtly start indulging their own lives in the conversations.

And as a result, Jungkook now knew each Eclipser by their name, he knew what's going on in their lives, from what they were suffering to what they needed for it. 

Jungkook was in the middle of a conversation when a sharp cry of a newborn was heard by him. He looked ahead of him and gasped in pure happiness," Kang Somi? Is that you? You finally delivered your pup?" 

Seeing the joy in Luna's voice the couple stand up with their little pup in their arms. "Your Empress." The beta, husband of Kang Somi, bowed to him.

"This could be possible only because of your guidance, Your Empress. Please accept my honour in your decree." The Beta bowed again.

"Kang Minseok, there is no need. This pup is your offspring and Somi's first delivery. It's natural for her to be anxious and afraid. May I have a look, if you don't mind?" Jungkook requested.

Six months ago Jungkook found an omega crying hysterically in the bushes of the southern lake of Eclipse, he was training his horse on that day. Jungkook released his calm pheromones that relaxes the omega much to some extent.

That was Somi. She was embarrassed but the agony she held in her heart made her blurt out everything. She was guilty that she can't give pups to her husband, the mere reason for her existence.   

She was fertile like every other omega but as soon as her husband approached him in that way, Somi always scratched his face in fear. For some it was hilarious but Jungkook felt the solemnity in her eyes.

He came to know that Somi was uneducated. She didn't know the procedure and preceding of becoming a mother. Maybe that's why she made a fusion of horrible things in her mind and that ultimately made her husband a monster in her eyes.

Jungkook decided to educate her and other omegas who skipped their preschools in order to teach them about what "motherhood" is.

He requested the Royal Prince and Jimin was more than happy to educate them about intimation between mates, heat cycles, conceivement and precautions during delivery. After all, Jimin enjoys their flustered faces at the end of all his lectures while Jungkook went busy with the preceding of the courtroom.

"Come forward please." Jungkook permitted the mother and with a big teary smile on her face, Somi gave her newborn to the Empress.

Jungkook's eyes turned soft and a beautiful gasp left his lips," She is so frail and beautiful. Oh my, May you live in sheer happiness." He smiled and kissed the little girl's forehead as his blessing. The pup was an omegan girl, Jungkook finds her eyes enchanting.

"What name did you give her, Somi?" Jungkook looked up and asked the mother while holding the pup in his arms. She was small and the pup was staring at Jungkook with her big deer eyes.

"Umm...Luna. My husband and I, We want you to give her a name." Somi said hesitantly.

"Me? But it's your right, don't you want to give your daughter a name?" Jungkook asked back although a warmth spread in his heart.

"We are her birth parents but His Empress and His Majesty are her foster parents. It's my request Your Empress, please do the honours…" The Beta said with appreciation in his eyes.

Jungkook held the pup closer, his eyes getting damp over the innocence of the newborn. He caressed her wobbly cheeks with his thumb and the pup smiled brightly at him.

"Miyana. Kang Miyana. Her name held the meaning of Star of the sea."  Loud applause of Eclipsers resonated in the ground as their Luna gave the pup back to her mother.

Jungkook keeps listening to the folks till the Sun becomes too bright in the sky. The meeting got adjourned and everyone went to their homes to have lunch and feed their pups.

Jungkook sighed and stood up from his position, he turned and found the Royal Prince standing a few steps away from him while busy staring at the ground.

Jungkook walked toward Jimin just then he noticed some pearls in his hand and by instinct he asked," White pearls?"

Jimin flinched in surprise," Jungkookie, you scared me!"

Jungkook just smiled and nodded towards the peals in his hand.

"Ahh, yeah. I don't know. I just found them on the ground. Aren't they beautiful?" Jimin extended his hand and draped the pearls in Jungkook's palm.

While twisting and turning the pearls in his hand, Jungkook was reminded of his pearls that he left inside Artax's saddle. The pearls, he left in the hope of seeing his Alpha soon. And all of a sudden, Jungkook felt lonely. He doesn't know why it's happening only to him.

Maybe because whenever he looks around he finds happy mates walking around, the husbands feeding their wives, playing with the pups. Jungkook doesn't know why he feels empty when the whole packhouse is filled with people. 

A lump got stuck in Jungkook's throat when he tried to breathe properly. He quickly gave the pearls back to Jimin and walked inside the packhouse before his strong facade trashed down to his feet.  

"Jungkookie?" Jimin called him but Jungkook couldn't stop himself when the first tear fell out of his eyes. He walked fast, muting the urgent calls of the Royal Omega, he will apologise later for disrespecting but right now he needs to go back to his chamber.

He reached the Royal hallway and clutched the hinges of the window tightly with his palm. He covered his mouth with another hand, stopping the sounds of hiccups right into his throat. 

"Jungkook," his wolf whimpered, experiencing his pain.

"I'm sorry, I-"

"No Jungkook, cry it out.. Let me instruct you through the pain like you trained me in the past." Kookie said and Jungkook nodded his head enthusiastically.

Jungkook inhaled sharply before opening his mouth and releasing his breath slowly," Isn't it unbelievable that we both lost our heart to those blank grey eyes?" 

"It is. But I have hope, you wanna listen?" 

"What?"

"In my dream world, when Winters will be on the peak and the rain will come down in torrents, under them, two hearts will meet finally for eternity." Kookie said dreamily, making Jungkook chuckle.

"But Rain never comes in Winter, Kookie. At least I haven't seen it." 

"It will. Trust me Jungkook."

And Jungkook wants to trust his wolf with his whole heart. He looked outside, new flowers were blooming on the trees but Jungkook felt bad for those who were lying on the ground lifelessly.

"Till then we have to be stronger for each other. And now let's go sword training, it always makes me feel giddy." Kookie's voice interrupted his thoughts as he nodded his head. Maybe his ground training could exhaust him enough that he will at least fall asleep tonight.

With that thought in his mind, Jungkook changed his clothes and went to the training barracks with his sword in his hand. The dagger his Alpha gave to him, is still wound around his waist in a tight grip.

~

After tiring himself up to the extent that he couldn't lift his sword properly, Jungkook decided to come back to his chamber. His limbs were hurting but Jungkook was satisfied. He placed his sword in its sheath and went to the bathhouse.

With groggy eyes, he was about to fall asleep when someone knocked on his door.

"Hyungnim?" Jungkook called after sensing the air.

"Yeah, I want to see you. May I come inside, Luna?" Jimin asked, standing outside the chamber.

Jungkook stood up from his bed and opened the door," Is everything alright?" He asked but Jimin didn't reply. He just slid inside the door and stood in the centre of the chamber.

"I'm sorry to barge into your room at this hour."

"Hyungnim, is everything alright?"

"Are you alright, Jungkookie?" Jimin asked, turning toward Jungkook," because I don't think you are."

Jungkook was taken aback but he bound his lips shut and looked down," what could have happened to me." 

Jimin's eyes turned soft because the omega in front of him was looking weak. Unconsciously Jungkook had lost a bit of weight from his cheeks and his edges were more prominent now. 

Jimin's suspicion was right. Jungkook was suffering from separation anxiety but even after begging his brother through mind links, Jimin was unable to do anything about it cause Taehyung never replied to Jimin's thoughts.

Jimin came closer to Jungkook and caressed his cheek," I'm sorry." The pain was evident in the Royal Omega's voice.

Jungkook smiled and pulled away from Jimin, shaking his head," I am fine, hyungnim." 

Jimin sighed and closed his eyes. 

"Next month." He doesn't want to give any false hope to Jungkook but he can't see the shattered eyes of the younger anymore and he himself has hope for that day.

"Next month, the second Friday night is the Blue moon." Hearing Royal Omega's words Jungkook looked up in confusion.

"Blue Moon comes after every 14 years. That moon was only visible from the Mashill mountains that are situated on the east border of Eclipse. Every Blue Moon, Taehyung leads the entire pack to the Mashills and all wolves celebrate it by howling together as a pack."

Jungkook looked at Jimin as if he was analysing his words and like sudden energy, his eyes glinted with Royal blue light," Really? Hyungnim? Alpha will be here? He will be here right?" 

Jimin almost felt guilty seeing those blue orbs lightening with so much hope, he closed his eyes and wished his hope came true. After all, Taehyung always makes sure of his presence on that day. 

He nodded his head with a small smile and Jungkook looped at him with a tight hug. Jimin caressed his head back, he could see Jungkook was trembling," You are getting weak, Jungkookie."

"I'll be fine, hyungnim. Just see, Alpha will be here." The sparkle in his voice made Jimin teared up. With a lump in his throat, he hummed and patted his head.

"Oh no," Jungkook pulled away suddenly," We have to decorate the packhouse. I need to clean everything, new carpets, the chandelier's candles are about to vanish, fresh flowers! and the courtroom needs the changement I heard-" Jungkook babbled as he started wearing his shoes to go outside.

Jimin gripped his wrist on time," Jungkookie it's nighttime. Sleeping time, let's do these things in the morning, yeah?" The Royal omega said, making Jungkook hesitant.

"But hyungnim-"

"Without any arguments lay down, Jungkookie." The Royal Omega said, making Jungkook lay back on his bed. Jimin sat beside the headboard and caressed Jungkook's hair. Jungkook was stubborn at first but gradually his exhausted body left his side and made him fall asleep.

Jimin kept threading his fingers over his hair while tears were streaming down his face, "Don't ignore your mate's sufferings, brother. Just Look at him, he looks drained from everything. If you can't feel love, can't you feel pity? Can't you feel his emotions? Can't you feel his anxiety? His pain?"

" I don't know where you are, what kind of work you are doing if you can't show your face even for a second to your distorted mate. Brother… don't lose what you have now. We couldn't stop what had happened in the past, but if something bad happened now… the reason will be you… only you". Jimin pressed his lips tightly and ran out of the room.

He was crying hysterically. A happy soul like Jungkook is converting into a distorted picture day by day and he just can't see that.

His vision was getting blurred, he couldn't see the red-haired beta in the hallway. As a result, his body collided with Yoongi but before he could fall back Yoongi held him in his arms.

"Your highness." He whispered slowly before pulling away.

Jimin shook his head frantically and circled his arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Jimin cried in his neck thoughtlessly. 

Yoongi was alarmed, he could sense the distress coming from his omega. He was about to hug him back but his hands remained at his head.  

Yoongi released calming breaths and his scent made Jimin relax. Not knowing how long they keep standing like this but as soon as Jimin starts going limp in his arms, without any thoughts, Yoongi lifted his mate and walked to his chamber.

Hoseok was already at the door,' what happened?' He was asking that continuously through the mind link but Yoongi kept saying he didn't know.

'I have no idea, Hyung. But he is in distress."  Yoongi said as he entered the chamber.

'I can feel." 

Yoongi laid Jimin on the bed and Hoseok covered his body with a soft duvet and checked his temperature. 

"He is alright. I guess he overthinks something." Yoongi nodded his head to hoseok.

"We should stay here tonight," Yoongi suggested. 

Hoseok sat on the couch that was placed a few feet away from the bed and patted the seat next to him.

Yoongi sat beside his mate and positioned his head over hoseok's shoulder. During these nine months the trio became closer to each other, they knew each other's mannerisms now.  

Jimin shared the vow he took for his brother and Luna and both of them were happy to oblige his mate. One thing these Betas can't stand is tears in their Omega's eyes. They cherish Jimin equally, they love him equally. Although Jimin hasn't confessed his feelings about Yoongi yet, they know they are mates and do respect each other.

Hoseok looked towards Yoongi and found him asleep on his shoulder, he smiled and leaned down to leave a small kiss on his forehead, the adoration Hoseok felt towards the red-haired Beta is exceptional.

~

The next two weeks passed in a swoon flow, Jungkook became busy in the submission of crops in the day to the decoration of the palace at night. 

Powerful energy was surging through the Packhouse as their Luna was wandering around them, doing chores and helping them with bright laughs and smiles. 

And Just like that, Friday was here. Jungkook was going through his closet but being so merged in the chores Jungkook totally forgot about what to wear to himself. He bit his lips in concentration and took out a pastel orange hanfu, the corners of the lapels were worn out but the look it gave was nice. 

He was about to go to the bathhouse but Jimin barged into his room, this time unannounced.

"I knew it!" He strides inside the chamber, a big box covering his arms. He placed the box on the bed and put his fists on his hips.

"Don't tell me you are taking that rat-chewed hanfu to the bathroom to wear as tonight's dress!" Jimin exclaimed.

Jungkook gasped but blinked in shock to deny the accusation. 

"No one is going to believe that the Empress of Eclipse has nothing suitable to wear. What should I do with you, Jungkookie?" Jimin shook his head in disappointment? 

Jungkook smiled sheepishly," I forgot to go to the tailor and it's kind of late right now." He pointed outside the window, the sun was about to set. Jimin still shook his head and pointed towards the dress in Jungkook's arms," You are not going to wear that, give it to me."

Jungkook handed over the dress to him and stood awkwardly in its own room. Jimin went to his closet to put the dress back but in return, he gasped," Oh my moon goddess! What should I do with this child? Is this what you called a closet? You have been wearing these clothes continuously for nine months, Jungkookie. Please spare them now, I am going to renovate this closet with new clothes and you will keep your lips sealed." 

Jimin glared at Jungkook who kept smiling hesitantly. 

"I will fix it by tomorrow. But for today, I prepared some traditional hanfus for you beforehand because otherwise, I know you are going to wear that rat chewed dress." Jimin said.

"Hyungnim, those dresses are comfortable too."

"I will pretend I didn't hear anything and your lips are still sealed." And that made Jungkook's lips shut with a grin.

Jimin opened the big box. The box contained two other boxes, one of them was filled with jewellery and the other may be the hanfu Jimin prepared for him.

Jimin unfolded the dress delicately and showed it to Jungkook," Here, did you like the colour?" He asked Jungkook.

Jungkook was mesmerised by the colour Jimin has chosen for him. It was so simple yet graceful just like he likes.

"It's so beautiful, Hyungnim. It looks peaceful."

Having a proud smile on his face, Jimin handed the dress to Jungkook and bowed dramatically," Thank you for the honour, Your Empress. Kindly put on this attire and make it's future bright like stars. The dress will be grateful to you." 

"Hyungnim…" Jungkook whined and that made Jimin giggle loudly. 

"I know I know...Let's not keep Eclipsers waiting for us shall we? They are dying to see their beautiful Empress." Jimin said excitedly.

Jungkook shook his head and went to the bathhouse, a blush was prominent on his cheeks that Jimin witnessed after a long time.

But he was afraid that the smile on their lips would not turn into sadness. From the morning, Jimin was feeling a little bit sceptical, he had reminded Taehyung about today on an hourly basis not like he hadn't before but he didn't receive a single thought back from his brother. 

He trusts his brother, Taehyung will not turn everyone down like this. But there was a part of him that was giving stress to his heart.

The door opened and Jungkook stepped out, wearing the dress and Jimin couldn't be happier," May God forbid you from evil eyes. You look so gorgeous and elegant, just like the Jungkookie himself." 

"Thank you, Hyungnim." Jungkook said and bowed but Jimin raised his hand in the air," Accepted but there is still something left. Choose the jewellery and then we are all set." 

"But I don't like jewels, Hyungnim. They made my skin dry."

"Not even earrings?" Jimin asked thoughtfully.

"I can wear them, only the light ones though." Jungkook said, making Jimin smile," Okay, let me look."

Jungkook combed his hair while waiting for the Royal omega and tied the hair halfway with the hairpins.

Jimin searched in the box and took out two star and moon-shaped small earrings that were going well with Jungkook's dress as well," how about these?" He showed them to Jungkook.

Jungkook smiled and nodded his head. He wears them and then his veil and crown. 

"Every soul on the Mashill would be blessed just after seeing you, Luna." Jimin bowed naturally while praising.

"Hyungnim, don't." 

But Jimin just smiled and looked outside the window. He gulped before turning towards Jungkook, it's already night but there was no trace of Royal Alpha.

"It's time, hyungnim. We should go downstairs." Jungkook said but his eyes were still staring towards the darkness of the night.

"I am trying to contact His Majesty but he wasn't answering. I'm sorry, Jungkookie."

"Don't be hyungnim. Alpha must be busy, his work is for the prosperity of our people, It's important." Jungkook said, ignoring the whirl of emotions in his head. But he needs to be strong even if his insides were churning and longing for his alpha, he needs to be sane for the people of Eclipse.

That's what his Alpha expects from him and one thing that Jungkook learnt from his childhood is never fail someone's expectations about him.

He will be a good Luna and a good Empress for the pack. This is the least he could do for his Alpha.

He turned around to go outside but stopped by Jimin's voice," You don't have to be that tough, Jungkookie." 

Jungkook smiled sadly and walked to the table around his bed, picking up the dagger before winding it around his waist," I have to, hyungnim." He whispered.

"Now shall we go, you said we shouldn't let our people wait. And there is still time, what if His Majesty joined us directly on the cliff? We shouldn't lose hope like that." Jungkook cheered the gloomy Omega after all it's Jimin's first Blue Moon with his mates, he should be happy rather than sad about Jungkook.

Jimin nodded his head before smiling lowly. 

Both of them reached the ground premises and Jungkook found a multitude of wolves around him. He looked at Jimin who gestured in knowingness. 

"Some Eclipsers will follow us in their wolf forms, couples are allowed to turn into wolves while single ones will go with soldiers with experienced horses. You and I are also going to use horses." Jimin explained to Jungkook.

"But why are you not going in your wolf form, hyungnim?" Jungkook asked, curious.

Jimin hesitated as he turned his head towards his mates who were standing behind the bunch of wolves, already in their wolf forms. 

But if Jimin joins them, Jungkook will be left all alone. And Jimin doesn't want that.

He turned back to Jungkook and shook his head," No, I want to explore my abilities on my horse today. My wolf always went on runs with them. So it won't be any problem." Jimin said, smiling widely.

But that smile was void and Jungkook can tell that from under his veil. At times like this, Jungkook is known as a stubborn one.

"Going on runs is totally different from going for Blue moon, hyungnim. You should walk with your mates. This opportunity comes in fourteen years. I can easily climb the mountain with my horse along with other soldiers." Jungkook said politely.

Jimin starts to refuse Jungkook but Jungkook holds his cold hands into his warm ones," Don't retain yourself from your mates in order to protect me. I am capable hyungnim and they are your mates. Cherish them fully and you will find me the happiest one."

Jimin melted right away. His eyes got damped in sorrow for the omega in front of him. You don't know what you are losing brother. Such a loyal and devoted soul is hard to find.

Jimin bit his lips before gulping shortly. He nodded his head and went back to change his form. 

Jungkook walked to the crowd and all of the wolves sat on their paws, their tails placed on the ground calmly...they were bowing to the Empress. 

He smiled and sat on the ground in between them with crossed legs and just in queue two small pups rolled into his lap," His highness went to change his form. Once Hyungnim joins us, we will proceed toward Mashills." He informed the people while caressing the ears of the pup. 

The pups were purring in his lap. The warmth they were feeling in Jungkook's lap was more like a mother. From his childhood, Jungkook's body exhibits extraordinary warmth. He never needed heavy clothes in winter yet his body is sensitive to water. 

Water is something Jungkook always struggled with. Coldwater could send Jungkook in a numb state while hot water makes him dizzy. That's why he always uses lukewarm water for drinking and other chores.

The pups were about to fall asleep in his lap when Jungkook felt a presence behind him. He turned around and smiled when he saw Jimin standing in his wolf form.

Everyone left amazed. Because this is the first time they had seen their Royal Omega in his wolf form. They knew this form known by the name "Chim" from their ancestors but no one had witnessed it until now. 

The wolf had a beautiful piercing dangling from its right ear. The wolf was suddenly groomed by two other wolves that were also known as his mates. 

The pups were wide awake now and climbed out of Jungkook's lap in excitement. Jungkook stood up holding his veil and turned to the wolf that had beautiful creamy furs.

"Shall we march on, hyungnim?" Jungkook asked for Jimin's permission.

Chim howled wonderfully and paced to the door others followed them behind squealing in pure glee. 

The soldiers brought Jungkook's horse and Jungkook climbed on it gracefully. He tucked his veil around his waistband and held the reins of the horse before marching behind the wolves. Soldiers followed their Empress along with the teenage wolves. 

Mashill was thirty minutes away from the packhouse. The whole ride was filled with loud squeals and pats of horse feet. The breeze was aromatic, occurring freshly from nature.

The mountain had a specific road that led all of them to the peak of the cliff until a large patio was visible in front of them. 

The view was mesmerizing, some clouds were touching their feet and that made the wolves dance in circles. Horses joined them while neighing in comfort.

Jungkook looked all around him, there was happiness and fulfilment but why was his heart getting empty with each passing second? He doesn't know. 

He looked at the cloudy fog, the view was gorgeous he would not deny that but it still felt incomplete. 

Yet he smiled and got off the horse. His feet touched the ground and the clouds touched his knees, after all, they are at the highest mountain in Europe.

"The moon hasn't shown up yet. So we have to wait for a bit." Royal Luna said and walked ahead to the cliff.

Don't worry Luna. We have everything that will keep us busy while waiting.

A small girl mind linked Jungkook. He looked at her in confusion and just at the time, the soldiers began to enrol the drums and cymbals.   

The wolves revolved around Jungkook before dragging the Royal omega in the centre. All of them start enjoying themselves.

Jungkook looked up at the sky, it was filled with mist like the sky was delaying the shine of the moon purposely.

Jungkook was immersed in his thoughts and that's when he realised how would he lead the pack to howling for Blue Moon when the Royal Alpha haven't given his permission to him?

Jimin had explained to him the rituals, Yes, and according to that, Royal Majesty is the one who led the pack to howl. Jungkook blinked in realisation, his lips parted in fear. 

He fisted the lapels around his palm before his fingers started fumbling into it. What if he disappoints the Alpha by taking the charge when Alpha hasn't announced his presence and absence yet. 

Then and there, Jungkook decided. He will not lead his pack to howl until Alpha himself tells him to. 

Jimin nudged Jungkook's knee with his head to steal his attention.

What's wrong, you seem tense?  He asked Jungkook.

Jungkook said his thoughts right away, 'Hyungnim, I can't lead Eclipsers to howl. It's not my possession to do so. Alpha hadn't permitted me to do that yet and without his permission, I am afraid I will disappoint him."

But you have your possession over Eclipse, Jungkookie. You are the Empress.

'Yes, I am. But it does not feel right to take Alpha's place just like that when he hasn't confirmed his absence." 

The wolf tilted his head making the earpiece in his ear touch the ground. Jimin was thinking deeply.

Either Taehyung will be here or he should inform you about his absence. You are right, Jungkook. His Majesty needs to confirm his absence to you, you have the right to know so.

Jungkook nodded his head and Jimin got interrupted by his mates. They led them to the cliff where others were watching the scenery with their mates.

What is the possibility that Alpha will be here tonight, kookie? Do you think we will be able to see those sceneries too?

And Kookie didn't reply. He doesn't need to. Because deep down both of them knew the answers.

"We can watch them alone too but they will look bizarre without our mate's presence." 

And Jungkook agreed silently.

He sat on the stone while watching the pups roll on their tummies, they were still dancing, filled with full energy, pointing their tails on each other's faces and biting each other's noses.

Time passed and Eclipsers sat around Jungkook," Your Empress the Moon will be up anytime soon." 

Jungkook was about to reply but a thrilling voice made Jungkook stand up on his feet. His eyes were wide, his mind totally blank, just focused on that voice. 

Did he really feel his Alpha's voice in his mind or was it an illusion? 

"Your Empress." That deep voice sent goosebumps to his blood.

His heartbeat picked up just like his ears. With a numb throat, he closed his eyes. 

"Alpha?"

The link went silent for a few seconds and it made Jungkook want to cry so badly. He wants to see that man so badly, wants to witness his ethereal features just so he could breathe properly but it's like fate was tormenting him.

With the next words of his Alpha, Jungkook's wish got shattered.

"Lead the pack to howl, I am preoccupied." 

His breath got stuck in Jungkook's lungs but he pushed it out heavily, "Your Majesty."

Just after the agreement, the mind link got cut off. All of his hopes were crushed to ashes. Jungkook opened his eyes with a gasp, he didn't realise he had thick tears over his cheeks. 

Jungkook lifted his hands to wipe his tears subtly but just then he saw the Bluish moonlight over his palm. He looked at the wolves who were directly looking at the sky without blinking.

With their mates.

How can I witness something so sacred without you, Alpha? 

Jungkook closed his eyes and turned around to the sky. His lips parted as he spoke, not even once his voice trembled.

"A time for shedding the old and bringing the new. It's a time right after the sins, representing new beginnings, and the conquering of light over darkness as the days grow prosperous. Howl your agonies, howl your happiness, I, The Luna of Eclipse, mate of Alpha Kim Taehyung, urge my wolves to howl their wishes. Stronger the howl stronger the wish." 

As soon as the words left Jungkook's lips, the whole mountain got filled with howls after howls. Jungkook was keeping his eyes closed, he will not see the Blue Moon if his Alpha decides to not be by his side.

Though his heart made a wish May the next Blue Moon bring the honour to witness your moonlight with my Alpha.    

The whole night wolves howled, their eyes changed with Blue Moon but everything was in control under Jungkook's supervision.

Jungkook, who was still standing with his eyes closed, his feet became numb but the howls kept reminding him how alone he was. 

Jungkook didn't howl that day. He kept everything inside. His emotions were at bay but he kept his eyes closed.

He opened his eyes when the howls stopped and the moon disappeared in the light of the Sun. He took a step back from the cliff and signalled the wolves to trade back to their homes.

With empty eyes, Jungkook sat on his horse and pulled the reins. 

Jungkook didn't remember when he reached the packhouse? When his feet took him to the Royal hallway? When he discarded his earrings and left them behind to roll on the carpet? When he loses the dagger around his waist before putting it on the table along with his crown and veil?

But he does know it when his heart squeezed painfully and the first sob left his lips. He does know how his head felt when he screamed a hoot of pain.

Is this how he will be living from now on? So alone?

Oh, what has he even thought that his mate cares about him? No, he doesn't not. 

Jungkook felt like a piece of furniture that was brought by his owner who left it for others to cherish.

Maybe these are the bottled up emotions that were speaking inside Jungkook's head because Jungkook was mature enough to know the significance of being the King of Europe. 

But it's not a sin to cry once in a while. He needs to let out these emotions to protect his wolf's sanity. Or he will go insane.

Insane with the love he felt toward his mate, insane with this cold separation between them, insane with the dying scent around him.

Everything was making Jungkook tremble in tears. His eyes rolled back as Jungkook passed out on his bed.

~

A week passed after the Blue Moon and everything was silent around the packhouse. The Eclipsers sensed their Luna's emotions and tried their best to give him the least work. 

It has been ten months and there was no clue of their Royal Alpha. For how long their Luna will be able to suffer this separation. Their Luna proved he was a true warrior because an ordinary omega would have wailed after one month and would have threatened the pack to bring his mate back.

But Jungkook was far from it. He always seems calm. They witnessed Jungkook sitting motionlessly during courtroom hearings yet his decisions were accurate to the point.

Everyone has a breaking point and they are praying every day for their King's arrival. Because they can't see their Empress sad. The Empress whom they welcomed with so much happiness and blessings, who is always so kind and polite towards them.

He deserves all happiness. But that happiness could only be brought by their King's arrival. 

And Maybe their prayers would be heard soon or maybe the breaking point of their Luna was about to come.

~

On an ordinary day, Jungkook was wiping the mirror which had stains around it because nowadays Jungkook doesn't see his reflection anymore. 

He stood on his toes to wipe the hinges of the mirror. His veil was lifted on his head but there was no crown. Barefoot, Jungkook was working on the cold floor of his chamber.

His foot slipped to the right when a scent filled Jungkook's nostrils. 

The mirror crashed on the floor turning into small and large pieces with a sharp sound. Jungkook stood there with wide eyes but he quickly crouched down to pick up the pieces while shaking off his tears.

No. I will not be fooled this time.

You are not here. 

Jungkook picked the pieces, ignoring the cuts that left him bleeding. He was cleaning the floor when the waves of sandalwood hit him with full force.

Jungkook sobbed while sitting on the floor.

Stop it, please. Please don't torture me. I beg you.

The dam of his emotions broke out when the essence of the waves shook his heart and made him scream. His eyes start conflicting between Royal blue and rich black.

Jungkook turned his head towards the door so sharply that his veil slipped from his head.

And the next moment, Jungkook ran. With dishevelled long hairs waving behind him Jungkook ran in the hallway. His bleeding hands holding his skirt tightly to move his feet fast. 

Jungkook was running in the direction of the scent. Maybe it was a maze, a false hope but Jungkook can't help himself. 

His desperate cries alerted everyone as soon as Jungkook stepped down the stairs. 

The bare face of their Empress and his tear-stained cheeks was enough for Eclipsers to turn their backs toward Jungkook. Their manners don't allow them to witness their Luna in his weak moment.

Jungkook's mind was blankly following the scent. He doesn't realise the absence of his veil nor he realises the bareness of his feet.

His hiccups left the Eclipsers in misty eyes, Jimin tried to run behind him but was soon stopped by Hoseok. 

Jungkook reached the grounds. The silence around him was making him crazy, his head was frantically moving in every direction but his blurry vision was not witnessing his mate anywhere.

He closed his eyes while controlling his sobs and then he heard footsteps and a horse's hoof striking on the pavement. 

He opened his eyes and ran towards the entrance of the packhouse, he saw the soldiers opening the gates slowly making Jungkook's feet move more sharply.

Jungkook heaved a whimper in his throat when his eyes finally saw his Alpha. Adorning the same black crown over his head, he was walking towards the open gates. 

Taehyung was walking towards the gate while holding the reins of Artax. As soon as his ears picked up the forlorn whimper, he looked up.

He doesn't get any time to notice as the Omega landed into his arms jerking his body back afoot. But he does sniff the air around Jungkook. It was lifeless, the omega was in distress.

He wonders why?

Jungkook squeezed himself into his mate, his cries broke into whimpers of anger, pain and accusation. He tucks his nose over the Royal Alpha's scent gland and inhales sharply.

Taehyung kept standing there motionless like he was reading Jungkook like an open book. His hands left the reins of Artax and circled around the Omega's waist, pulling him closer while turning his neck sideways.

Jungkook buried his face into Taehyung's neck. For him, the entire world had vanished and no one mattered at that time just his Alpha standing so close to him.

His body was trembling like a leaf, half of his hairs were falling on Taehyung's face, hiding his dark gaze effortlessly.

The Royal Alpha looked around with his piercing gaze but everyone had their heads down. He gestured to a soldier and discarded the crown before securing it into the soldier's hand. 

He brought up his hand and patted Jungkook's hair before whispering," My apologies for being late."

And it makes Jungkook's cries sharper. His hands tightened the grip around Taehyung's neck, the blood was staining the back fur coat of his Alpha but he didn't care.

He wasn't caring about his surroundings, his mind was too occupied by his turmoil of emotions to think about anything else.

Taehyung's apologies were left unanswered while Jungkook wept silently in his embrace.

Taehyung took a step back before bending down and sweeping the omega off his feet. He walked to the packhouse where Eclipsers were bowing down on their knees. 

He nodded his head towards them ignoring the glints of anger from a particular Royal omega.  

The Royal Alpha ain't going anywhere soon as Jungkook passed his first phase accurately making Taehyung closer to the danger. 

The danger of emotions.

For the first time in ages, Taehyung felt aware of the omega in his arms, what was it? Suffocation? Fear of what? Taehyung despised the thoughts but his feet climbed the stairs holding the omega in his arms.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.

Exciting events are about to come in Bounded❤.