This will be the longest written chapter of mine, crossed 19k. So, before starting the chapter let's look into some rules;

1) The chapter contains many details and different angles, so kindly read slowly or it is a possibility that words could bounce over the head.

2) A lot of turning events, new characters are getting introduced. Finally, I am starting the main plot, so grab your pillows and water bottles.

3) At some points if you feel like hitting your head on the wall, don't do it.

4) At last, Chapter is long. You can take breaks and come after to continue it. I hope you will enjoy it to the fullest💜.

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A subtle sensation of crawling something over his waist made Jungkook twitch in his position on the futon. He flicked his leg and took a turn by digging his toes into the mattress. He felt warm gusts of wind caressing his cheeks, maybe the Sun had already peaked in the sky. When the sensations moved around his neck, they stayed in the same place for a long time forcing Jungkook's eyes out of his slumber. His hands came up involuntarily and touched the sensitive area.

His touch found nothing, just the smooth skin under his fingertips, the same as before. He gathers his thoughts together and sits up on the futon, sleepy eyes raking around the whole treehouse looking for a certain someone, mind again forming an image of the Alpha sitting in front of the furnace. But his eyes blinked open more widely when he found it thoroughly empty.

Where did the Alpha go?

The words alone ignited the rough sensations around his neck and waist once again. Jungkook left the mattress quickly and opened the window of the house. His heart picked up the pace incoherently, anxious eyes roaming all around the ground searching for the sole salvation.

The frowning eyebrows flattened over his temple when his vision filled with the naked torso of the Alpha who was laying flatly on a thick branch of a tree… eyes closed and head supported by a cushion of the elbow. Finally, the Sun was truly shining at its peak, the storm had taken away the dawn of the day. The glistening skin of the Alpha was mirroring the rays, reflecting and absorbing the heat with open arms.

But why has the Alpha left the treehouse if all he wanted was a bit of sleep? He could sleep beside…

His eyes snapped back from the Alpha's torso when he witnessed a sudden movement of the Alpha's hand. Butterflies… a blue and a yellow one. He watched curiously as the Alpha opened and closed his palm slowly but those butterflies were not budging from their positions. As if those hands were providing the purest nectar, the butterflies kept sitting without taking small flights around the tree.

It was mesmerising how even with his eyes closed, the Alpha was forbearing the notions of the butterflies and rendering them the frolics they needed to play.

With a curious smile blooming on his face, Jungkook turned away from the window. Why did the Alpha choose to sleep outside when he could clearly sleep beside him? The weather seemed calm now but still. However, when he eyed the small area of the futon, he contemplated his own words once again.

Maybe the place wouldn't be left very much spacious if they used it together but that wasn't the case last night. Jungkook stopped his strolling when he felt those sensations again. This couldn't be a coincidence if his body was feeling such sensations again and again. He opened the knots of his upper shirt and lifted it enough to look at his waist.

His lips parted in surprise when he saw some patterns of fingers on his waist. The handprints seemed similar to the handprints on his waist which he had gotten after his first-ever meeting with the Alpha. The print of four fingers was glowing red while the print of the thumb had turned brown. His hand reached upto his neck and a fearful expression spread all over his face.

What if his neck was also covered in these handprints?

He remembered how the Alpha had grabbed his neck last night and then scented him under the chaos of the sky. He can recall every bit and moment of the last night, however, he doesn't have any memory of falling asleep. Maybe in between the slow strokes against his neck and deep inhales of their breaths, he lost the thread of consciousness.

He gulped thickly as he caressed his neck and found it rather sensitive than any other day. Despite his senses diving into the deepest cave of his heart, Jungkook was calming his nerves when he sat on the futon once again. He was calm because he acknowledged many things yesterday. He acknowledged that the Alpha wouldn't be marking him any time soon but whenever the mark would be granted to him, it would happen with all the willingness of the Alpha.

He got to know that nothing can pressure Alpha to seek false and fast solutions to set a protective narrative in front of the people of Eclipse. The power of being honest towards himself, his people and towards his mate… is exceptional.

He had seen people often surrendering against the decisions of fateful traditions or the conditions of society but Alpha… he knows that societies belong to him. On the contrary, He doesn't belong to the society. So it feels utterly calming to be in the presence of such a powerful entity. His admiration rose for the man when he expressed his worries last night, weaving his words in front of him oh so honestly rather than crumbling beneath the compulsion of his father's words.

Alpha didn't hesitate to share a part of him with Jungkook even when he was still under the impression that the omega hadn't forgiven him for the mistrust he showed towards him on that dark night. Maybe that's why the Alpha decided to sleep outside, the vocal forgiveness is yet to be delivered to him.

The question that still burns in between them is… Is he still upset with the Alpha? The answer lied in Jungkook's eyes when he blocked Taehyung's vision at the lake yesterday, the answer lied in Jungkook's inaudible sighs when his Alpha casted his scent on him, the answer lied in Jungkook's skin when the Alpha painted his body with hand prints. And Now… the answer lies on the tip of his tongue when he watches the Alpha sleeping away from him.

The answer is a simple no. He is not upset with the Alpha anymore. How could he when that person expressed his root worries and emotions to him? But would he be able to trust him again? For not hurting him? These are some questions the omega doesn't have any answers to. But Is it necessary to have all the answers to such questions which still haven't originated by the world? Why would he conceal such answers in his mind or make up his emotions beforehand?

Jungkook has all the choices in his hands, he will choose one when the right time comes. At this moment, their urge to know about each other runs deeper in their veins than the questionnaire of the cowardly mind.

On top of that, What is hurt? The sudden pinch of the heart or the painful contractions behind the eyes? The sharp striking in the head or the trembling lips on shuddered breaths? What is hurt? If its definition can hold such differences in each other then how the solution could only be one? How can these different types of hurts be placid by only one solution?

It won't be and it shouldn't be.

But would he want to vocalise his forgiveness to the Alpha? Would he want to tell the Alpha that he is forgiven for his misdeed. Well… not just yet. Behind such a decision lies his selfish urge to see that yearning in those blank grey eyes. He has witnessed that yearning only a handful of times now. And his selfish heart always wanted to draw that kind of attention towards him…only towards him.

So, if the Alpha asked about his forgiveness again, he would tell him the truth that he was forgiven the moment he opened a much raw path of emotions to walk upon. He was forgiven when those blank orbs seeked his presence during the lone walks of the night. But till then, he will conceal his lips and bask in the warmth of his attention.

This is the very first time when Jungkook wasn't embarrassed about his selfish wants, not degrading his own dignity for being disrespectful towards his mate.

It wouldn't be a lie, but a small hidden truth from the Alpha.

He cleaned the room while summersing his thoughts and got ready for the day after wearing his dried hanfu once again. He knows their days will be filled with chaos from now… but since when had they started to hate these chaos? Warriors from birth live for these chaos and then get buried in between to raise a new one.

Taehyung opened his eyes, vision brimming with the shadows of dangling leaves from the branches above. The Sunlight was cascading over his torso through the tiny spaces of the dense leaves. He watched the butterflies roaming all over his palm bashfully. However, Instead of moving his hand away… the Alpha moved his neck to look towards the opened window of the tree house. His nostrils had picked up the enchanting scent of the omega the moment he opened up that window.

The Alpha can recognise this scent even in his blank space but today the scent of pines was blended with his own. And These fused scents were awakening some hazards in front of him. Taehyung concluded the feeling, bubbling inside his brain, contained both of his protective and precarious thoughts.

Last night wasn't a moment of grief or a moment of haste when he implied the condition of his worries to the omega. It was a moment of sharing… where he shared the bad omen that his father brought in his life with his emphasis on cruel truths and boastful traditions.

He was utterly grateful when the Empress hadn't taken his concern as an attempt to intrude on his dignity. Last night, his thoughts were occupied by many things; the results of previous barrels with the former Alpha, intrusive thoughts of being incapable to explain the suffocation of his lungs. But then the Empress listened. He heard his very much reserved words and interpreted his worries in such a comprehensible way that he was left on the edge of bafflement.

Taehyung found the window empty but he could see the traces of someone's presence. His attention drew away from the window when he felt the butterflies biting the tip of his fingers to suck on his skin. He lifted the blue one by its wings and the texture of the scales reminisced the Empress's skin against his lips.

The Alpha couldn't resist himself when he touched the wings with his thumb, making its nodes painted by a deep brown colour. The butterfly scrambled in his hold and freed itself immediately. Taehyung tried to wipe the colour with his forefinger but the fragile moisture of the colour took him back to the futon where he had coloured someone's neck in a similar manner.

When Taehyung had noticed the first brown shade around the omega's neck, he had slackened his hold, letting his fingers only curl up around his face. It was disappointing of him to leave such marks when the omega was at the brink of falling asleep. It wasn't the omega's fault, he himself got knocked out just after some breathful moments.

Taehyung awakened from his night memories and found his forefinger gliding over the lower lip while immersed in his thoughts. He wiped his hands and shook his head before jumping down the tree. Landing on his feet, he picked up the path that would lead him to the front of the tree house.

The back of his fingers were about to touch the door to knock when it got opened by the Empress. Their eyes met, holding surprise for a lone moment before melting and accepting the vision of each other. Jungkook bowed to the Royal Alpha to express his greetings, Taehyung acknowledged it accurately as both of their eyes stayed over each other's faces.

Jungkook studied the Alpha's features one by one as if they hadn't spend the whole night in one bed. His eyes halted at the Alpha's lower lip where a brown shade was smudged at the corner, “You have something on your lower lip.”

He said and turned around to tie the shackles of the door. All of their goods are submitted under the surveillance of the Royal Highness, So they don't have to bring anything with them. That's why Jungkook only collected the Alpha's discarded coat before shutting the door completely. Taehyung wiped his lower lip with his thumb, the colour was still there. He used the back of his wrist and wiped it fully. Jungkook turned around and handed him his coat which Taehyung took gladly before throwing it over his shoulders to wear it comfortably.

The Royal Alpha wore his coat and tightened the buttons down to his chest, leaving a large span of collarbones out on display. He gestured the omega to walk down the stairs and both of them started their walk back to the main packhouse. None of them touched any intimate topics as Jungkook asked about the striking messages he was receiving through mindlink from the Royal highness.

“Have you heard the howls?” Jungkook asked.

“Yes, we need to depart now. The Commander is waiting for us at the Eastern gates.” The Royal Alpha informed as both of them walked alongside with each other.

“Why didn't you wake me before? We could have departed sooner. We have to reach Apex Dunes before the night, won't we?” The voice held a mild accusation as if not complaining about how he woke up alone in his bed instead of his presence.

However, Taehyung didn't let the Empress's words unanswered, “ We will. A bit of rest before the nights of war can never bring harm to anyone. Consider these moments stolen from the journey of the war.”

They were crossing the red leaves when Taehyung slowed his pace and decided to confront some of his concerns with the Empress, “Apart from other duties, I plead to ask for some of your assistance towards one of my strategies.”

Jungkook matched his pace with the Alpha naturally, his eyes looking up at him urging him to explain further, “ I will be more certain if you could elaborate the strategy.”

“Indeed. It is related to your veil so the entire proposal depends only on your willingness.”

“My veil?” Jungkook could not comprehend where the desire of protecting his veil comes from but it was clear from his voice that Alpha needs to put his words carefully, “What about my veil?”

The Alpha looked at Luna, his eyes holding serenity which calmed Jungkook enough to diminish his bubbling anger, During the war hours, certainly you can't carry your veil. So, I am assuming you will be carrying your scarves and masks for covering your neck? How are your thoughts in it?”

Jungkook clutched the lapels of his hanfu and walked ahead while blinking his eyes. None has ever asked him this question before, “Well, this is a tradition that I admire. Hyungnim has often mentioned carrying the scarves however I want but I prefer it only around my neck.”

Jungkook could see the Alpha nodding from the corner of his eyes, he heard the Alpha’s voice soon beside him, “I do not wish to impede your comfort but I might have some request. You can obviously… are free to deny it.”

Jungkook's nose tingles as he senses the perilous behaviour of the Alpha, something is definitely not right. He hasn't seen the Alpha weaving mountains of words before delivering his sentences, “ I hope to know the request first.”

“None of the people around the Western Land have seen you or If I mention precisely your face, right?”

Jungkook nodded his head and Taehyung continued, “ Hereby I am requesting you to keep your face identity hidden till the actual war starts on the grounds of Western land.”

The Empress's furrowed brows explained the look of mystification but before he could ask why? Taehyung was already elaborating, “ The vast area of Western Land which was submitted to their strict traditions and introverted trading methods of well fair occupations is suddenly standing at the verge of a war with its potential neighbour of years. If we look on a significant scale, it could be due to their enmity of years but wars between two packs has happened before as well. But here the small barrels are turning into a well pledged war where the Royal family is invited to take a stand on it.”

Jungkook was understanding Taehyung's words point by point, “ And you are implying that someone has purposely turned this fight gruesome after involving the plague in cattles and occasional strikes on the tribal wolves?”

Jungkook heard the slow sigh that left the Alpha's lips, “Squarely.”

“You mean there could be a traitor inside the Western land?”

Taehyung nodded his head before taking a turn on their path which leads towards the cave-like roots, “ A traitor inside the Western land who is trading valuable information with Strays.”

Jungkook was shocked with this new turn in the Alpha's theories. But it could be entirely possible by the way the patterns of attacks changed after the affirmation from the Royal family's part in the war, “ So, it won't be wrong to say that someone deliberately wants us to be a part of this war purposely.”

When he heard the slow hum of the Alpha, he realised that his mouth opened in surprise of the unfolding events. But how is everything related to his face identity?

“But how could hiding my face identity help us in the war?”

“You might be aware that some people from Lunar are also indulging with the Strays. The Commander said it was because the Queen of Lunar had some debt on her palms, in trade she sold some part of the army to them way back in time.”

“Yes, I have read that in reports.” Jungkook was following Taehyung's steps mindlessly, too wallowed in their talks to look out for the path.

“And you have shared with me that none of your Army members have actually seen you.”

“Yes but-”

Before he could complete his sentence, he realised the ambiance around him turned dark as they entered the ‘cave of the snakes’. Yes, Jungkook would just call this place a cave full of snakes rather than some beautiful natural roots of banyan trees.

Taehyung felt a hand curling under his shoulder blades as he passed the route with the Empress right behind him.

“So it's a request of mine that you cover your face from the Western people till my negotiation will be done with the Strays.”
Taehyung concluded his talk as he jumped down the sand dunes from the high opening of the cave.

He knew the omega is capable enough to jump on his own but the large flares of his hanfu could cause some hindrance so he stretched his hand out for the Empress to take and jump down. Jungkook took the help with an open mind and jumped right beside Taehyung's legs. Both of their chests collided with much force to balance, however a hand around the omega's waist secured them from falling on the ground.

Jungkook was not paying any mind to his surroundings when he kept holding on to the Alpha's hand and asked, “ But why? My apologies but I still could not understand the factual purpose.”

“Strays certainly would ask for my presence at Pither during the negotiations. So, When I will be away in Pither I want you to hold the war in your hands. If the situation went out of our plans, or anything would go way different than expected, you will be staying beside Western people while leading the Royal troops.”

Jungkook's breath hitched when he perceived the acuity of the Alpha's conversation. He will be declaring war from the Western side if anyone went wrong… alone? That's something… new. His eyes gleamed with glory when the confidence of his Majesty dawned upon him. But there was still a corner of his mind that had some queries left to resolve.

“But why can't I do that while revealing my face?”

“You can't be the Empress while leading the war.”

“Why?”

“Because the Empress is supposed to accompany me during the negotiations.” Something about those glinting orbs was scaring Jungkook without a word. He pulled away from the Alpha as his brain ran a mile to conclude the meaning of the Alpha's words. The brief amusement in the Alpha's eyes wasn't helping at all.

“How could I be accompanying you if I will be declaring war from the Western land?”

Jungkook's mouth opened in an inaudible gasp when the Alpha just turned around and started walking ahead without answering the question of his existence! His wide eyes roamed around the empty forest to connect the threads of words till he stomped his left feet in sheer annoyance.

He picked the flares of his hanfu and walked towards the Alpha in haste, he crossed him confidently and spread his arms in the air to stop his notions to move any further. The sharp breaths were falling out of his lips when Jungkook brought the most important question of the day, “Whom am I losing my position to?”

The Royal Alpha clasped his hands behind his back and had the audacity to say, “You mean who is the Empress that will be accompanying me to the Pither?”

“Don't be… like this. You had said that the decision solely depends on my willingness so tell me.” Jungkook was gritting his teeth but the Alpha didn't have to know that.

So when the Alpha approached him with slow steps, Jungkook was all prepared for a casual fight but he wasn't prepared for the unusual tick at the corner of his upper lip, “Well, someone who is as fierce as you but less curious.”

Taehyung brought his hands over Jungkook's arms and moved them down in a rest position, “ Someone quite similar to you but entirely different as well.”

“I need the name.” Jungkook's eyes were getting sharp with each word, he has to know who in their right mind has the bravery to think that they can take his place even for some moments.

“It will be only for a few hours during the negotiations, there will be no harm in such a short time.”

“I still need the name.”

When Jungkook woke up this morning bathed in his absolute favourite scent, he didn't know that the person behind that scent would test his patience soon enough. He kept holding the Alpha's gaze with his fierce one till he would get his answers.

“The person already made a pact with me. You can't manipulate them to retrieve their decision.”

“Holy spirits of the Goddess! If you did not tell me the name.” Jungkook shut his eyes and took a deep breath. He is the almighty core of patience, he can't lose his serenity by some words of the Alpha.

He opened his eyes and the Alpha was biting the corners of his lips before he felt a squeeze over his arms, “ The person has the same hair colour as you.”

Jungkook was about to throw his dagger at someone after receiving another riddled hint when his brain stopped and his mouth parted in shock. He opened his mouth widely to speak but nothing came out. He watched as the Alpha took a step back before walking past him, leaving the gusts of sandalwood in the air.

“This can't be possible.” He shook his head…alone in the forest before surging towards the Alpha.

“Don't leave me unanswered! This is such absurd behaviour of yours. When did you even talk with Yoongi hyung? How come he agreed?” He dropped his chima when his pace matched with the Alpha, chest heaving in breaths due to the short run.

Taehyung stopped once again, letting the omega take a sigh of comfort, “ He hadn't had much choice per se. Brother-in-law was more of a person of his words, he gave me his and I gave him mine. We made a pact.”

“I can't recall Hyung informing me anything about it or have you forced him?” Both of them stepped closer, eyes glaring and demanding answers.

“He wasn't forced. At all. There is no reason beneath the base of your concern. We have to deal with it as the crucial part of the war, just a few hours till we will be back to the Western land.” Taehyung's eyes were captivating, surging the wild suggestion as if it wasn't churning the insides of the Empress.

“I have one condition if you want to seek the relevance of your strategy.” Jungkook proposed finally, his head high in the air. Eyes holding the mirth of his sudden decisions.

“I would be glad to accept one.”

“You won't address Hyung as the Empress. The title belongs to me. I would care less if you chose some other abbreviations, affectionate or not, for the addressing.” Jungkook bit his lips when he found that familiar tick spreading over the corner of the Alpha's lips once again.

“You are quite protective of your title.” The Alpha said nothing else as he bowed his head a little in agreement.

Jungkook didn't know why this churning was increasing inside him, bottling up the air in between his lungs before choking on his windpipe. He opened his lips to inhale a bit of energy. He has lived this title for more than one and a half years, how could he not be protective of it when it was the sole reason for the love he received from the Eclipsers? He is their Empress, the Empress of the Eclipse, his sole identity that he built with his blood, sweat and tears.

Jungkook bowed back in a bit of haze and turned back without looking at the Alpha. His thoughts went jumbled due to the new changes of the plans, his mind swaying his beliefs from one point of view to another. He had just walked two steps ahead when he felt a hand catching his arm by his wrist.

Jungkook looked around the empty forest and searched for something…anything to confine his heartbeats to one place. When he found nothing, the Alpha pulled him backwards by one step. His eyes switched from the empty forest to the vast sky this time, he searched for any ray of hope which could take him away from the grip around his wrist. When he found none, his feet got dragged behind by one more step. His eyes finally casted down when his back got shielded with the chest of the Alpha, their combined hands coming around his waist to hold him in one place.

Jungkook tilted his head towards the Alpha when he felt an exhale just below his ear, “It wasn't my intention to expel your dignity when I made the discussion of this strategy with Guard Min. No one can be the Empress of Eclipse… besides you, Luna. If I may register my words in your humble memory again, I would like to declare that I have only one mate to accept as my Empress.”

The previous choking on his breaths left Jungkook's face flushed due to the lack of the air or it could be the blush that bloomed when tapped his wrist softly, “ I will be addressing the Eclipsers at the Royal courtyard, your presence will increase their enthusiasm.”

Jungkook didn't lift his gaze till Taehyung slipped past him and entered the warehouse grounds of the packhouse. He knew he should not, his knees should not scramble down on the ground. He needs to be present at the courtyard, he can't afford ruining the flares of his hanfu right now. So, he should not but against his better judgement Jungkook scrunched down on his feet and hugged his knees tightly.

How could he feel so many things at once? He should gather his emotions together, his wiped his flushed cheek finding them warm when the back of his fingers caressed a touch over them. Jungkook shivered when he heard those words echoing inside his brain, he moistened his lower lips and took a deep breath.

He felt immense pride when he found that Alpha trusted him enough to alienate the superiority to lead the Royal troops in his absence. It will be the biggest honour of his life. However, he felt a contorting pain when he realised that he will have to segregate his priorities for his people in order to accomplish his duties.

Sacrifice will be his duty and necessity for the betterment of his kind. Is this how the Alpha feels when he looks over his kingdom? Calm and compose in manners but burning drop by drop to enlighten the days and nights of his people.

Jungkook raised himself on his feet and held his chin towards the sky. If the world had chosen him to share the duties of Europe with the Royal Alpha, he would be more than imperious to erect the balance in between the packs of the entire kingdom.

~

The Royal highness was controlling the crowd on the courtyard when Taehyung stepped on the patio and raised his hand to silence the outstretched noises of the people. The crowd bowed down to their King and started to sing hails to the kingdom.

Jimin stepped down from the stage, crescent eyes looking around in search of Jungkook. Shouldn’t they arrive together for the declaration? Perhaps not. Or certainly yes. He watched the Empress strolling towards the courtyard, dawned in a blue hanfu. A smile bloomed on his lips when the younger greeted him from afar but his smile soon dwelled into a gruesome when he smelled the scent in the air.

As soon as Jungkook stepped closer to the Royal Highness, Jimin took four steps away from him. A palm soon reached over to cover his sensitive nose immediately, “Oh my moon goddess, you are reeking of my brother's scent.”

Jungkook looked at Jimin with sheer confusion before holding his gaze momentarily, “ What was that supposed to mean?”

“I mean.. of course an omega should smell like their Alpha and vice versa but you are absolutely reeking. Either he has lathered too much scent on you or you have absorbed it too intimately. And must I have to inform you about the brown fingerprints you carry around the left side of your neck?” Jimin said while putting a smile on his face when he caught some eyes looking towards them.

Jungkook hid his neck with his hand and just then he realised that he wasn't wearing any kind of scarves today. How could the Alpha not mention anything about the fingerprints on his neck? And the absence of the scarf over it? He looked around bashfully while hiding his neck when a tablecloth caught his attention.

He was about to grab it when he felt a smack on his lower back, “Straighten your back and let's not touch that.” Jimin said while looking all around the crowd who were… thankfully were captivated by his brother. Well, Most of them.

Jungkook listened to the Royal Highness and soon Jimin gestured a maid to bring some scarves. Jungkook thanked the maid when he picked up one from the pile and covered his neck through and through. However, by now his whole face was holding the colour of red leaves that he had left behind in the forest.

This mate of his… is getting daring day by day.

No wonder his neck felt sensitive ever since the morning. He should have looked at his image in the water or some mirror but he decided to blindly follow the Alpha instead. Served him right on the cheeks.

In front of the hundreds of the soldiers awaiting for his command, Taehyung gestured to the generals to hold their positions on the Eastern gates. The Royal Alpha moved his head to the side when he heard the familiar tinkling of norigae from behind, striking against a much more familiar dagger.

When they met for the very first time, the Royal Alpha had recognised his mate by his scent. But this condition became secondary when he blocked that scent and revoked it from spreading all around him. During those times, Taehyung was able to recognise the Empress's presence by the sound of his veil trailing on the floor. His bare notions of balancing the skirt of hanfu around his waist as long lapels fell all over it, those trails on the floor reached his ears whenever the omega had approached him in the past.

As of nowadays, when Luna has started to employ scarves instead of the veil, his symbols of arrival has changed as well. Now, his norigae (tied in the middle of the sash) striking over the dagger around his waist announces his presence way before his scent could thicken in the air.

It was enchanting how without even looking and bracing his powers, his ears could pick up the sound in the midst of all the chaos. He straightened his head when the space beside his left got filled by an utmost familiar presence. Their shoulders brushing as he accepts the subtle greeting of the omega.

Jungkook looked around the crowd with content eyes and followed the Alpha alongside when he took the first step ahead and raised his hand in the air to calm the last talks of the people with their families.

The crowd was smitten to their Emperor when his gruff voice reverberated in the open courtyard, “ The time has come where we assemble our strengths and face the challenges of a battle. We shall depart at once before the dusk be evident on our heads. The first lair for the troops will be formed at Apex Dunes. Till we reach our first destination, we shall keep running on the commended path. The
Commander of Eclipse along with his noble mates will lead the baggaged troops from the front in their human forms. While the Empress and I will follow the troops from the back in our wolf forms. The one rule that every single entity of my soldiers shall follow is unity. You will run alongside the cavern, will not trail behind or agitate your fellows by any means. All of your actions will be under my surveillance so caution has to be the only solution.”

The breeze around the packhouse was thickening as the Sun shined brightly in the sky or it could be the words of the Alpha that weighed down the solemnity of the situation.

Far from the crowd, In the corner of the courtyard Jungkook noticed the Imperial Highness and Imperial Majesty standing beside each other. His eyes captured Madelyn's attention, delivering a respectful bow he received a smile of contentment in return.

“Stand on your spots and face the path that will lead you to the win, the excellence of power and the peak of self diligence. Declare your departure to nature!”

A bunch of soldiers, adorning in their wolf forms howled high in between the crowded ambiance of the courtyard as other ones started to deploy towards the Eastern gates.

Taehyung looked at the remaining Eclipsers, their hands filled with goods that their acquaintances were denying to take on the troops, eyes damp with concern and affection. He clasped his hands behind his back before walking towards them.

Seeing the Emperor coming towards them, walking down the patio stairs, all the Eclipsers bowed deeply again.

Jungkook followed the Royal Alpha close behind, he knew that Alpha would try to console the people with his utmost assurance, “ We will be back with holding peace in our hands. Your sacrifices and strengths will be a sheen to our determination and to the welfare of our people.”

An old Alpha nodded his head, holding his composure along with the hand of his wife. Some girls and boys along with other Eclipsers circled the Royal couple. Jungkook smiled reassuringly while pressing his palm on top of a small boy's head, “All of them are no less than my sons and daughters. I take the responsibility of providing downright security and warmth of a father and a mother. Even the dark destiny of war won't be able to stop me from challenging its existence.”

One of the old ladies came forward and held out a small bag to Luna, “We are Eclipsers. If our children couldn't be useful now then when will they be? It's their proudful deeds of the past that they are being chosen to serve the Royal family for the well being of their own people.”

Jungkook clutched the bag to his chest and smiled at the lady. One of the little girls grasped the lapels of his hanfu and looked at him with puckered lips, “When will you come back?”

He slipped his hand in between her little fingers and peered at the Alpha as he could not possibly predict the time of their arrival. Taehyung caught the unsaid plea of his slanted gaze and replied on his behalf, “We will be back before the harvest season. The celebrations of conquering the battle and harvesting the seasonal crops will be solemnised together.”

The declaration provided immense strength to their gloomy faces, a new hope shined on their faces as they bowed to their Royal couple again. However, Jungkook was still looking at the Royal Alpha… engrossed in his words of wisdom. How could someone pervade such energy with just their words or maybe it wasn't just the words that people ought to believe, it's the value of truth…these words hold for them.

His gaze shifted from the side silhouette of the Alpha when the people started to hail for their victory and prosperity. Instead his eyes caught the Imperial highness once again. Jungkook bowed for the crowd and walked towards the corner of the courtyard without waiting for the Alpha. He doesn't want to force his mate to seek the presence of his father when he doesn't wish to.

Taehyung remained in between the Eclipsers a bit longer before taking their last greetings, “ I have assigned the generals to listen to small disputes for perilous times in my absence. Anyhow if they remain unresponsive towards your problems, you can go to our Royal guests flagrantly.”

He moved backwards and was about to go to his chamber to shift when he spotted the Empress standing next to the Imperial couple. He was wallowed in some talks with his mother. His eyes matched with the Imperial highness, stopping their conversation in between his mother nodded towards him in assurance, a gesture that he firmly believed in him.

Taehyung nodded back in greeting before continuing his route towards his chamber. Mayhaps the Imperial highness informed the Empress about it because soon Taehyung heard the jangling of norigae far behind him.

All the Eclipser’s eyes watched the waning back of the Royal couple till their backs got covered by the golden curtains of the packhouse entrance. When the curtains reopened after some moments, their gazes were blessed by the wolf form of the Royal Alpha, the Almighty Van. However, the giant Alpha wolf wasn't alone like the previous times…he was accompanied by an equally gigantic white wolf.

The short and long gasps of people resonated all around the surroundings. It's the very first time that they are seeing the wolf entity of the Empress. The moment becomes divine when the black wolf lets the white wolf take the first step on the patio while following him closely on the second step.

The people bowed down on their knees this time, wanting to become the witness of such a divine moment filled with undeniable energy and epitome of togetherness. Van raised his muzzle high in the air, neck strained straight and the eyes focussed on the sky, Kookie followed his Alpha's notions.

Soon… a seraphic howl spread all around the packhouse. Their voices aligned so well in the air that people felt blessed and eagerly imitated their howl with their humanic sound, announcing the entire courtyard of their departure. The howl contained the message of kinship, hope of their return and the promise of protection.

When the howl stopped, the Commander crossed the Eastern Gates along with his mates and the troops of the soldiers. Herds of horses carrying the goods were running, flapping the dirt in the wake of their paths. Half of the soldiers were in their wolf forms and When the last batch of the wolves passed the trajectory of the Eastern Gates, both the Royal wolves looked at each other and took a flat jump from the patio and left the inner premises of the Eclipse.

The vision of their runs was powerful, the people bid them farewell with shining eyes and evident hope.

Jimin called out his mates by mindlink, manoeuvring the reins of horse tightly in his hands, the horse sped up the speed by jumping widely on the grass, “ Guard Min, keep your stance in the middle of the troops. We need to maintain this speed if we want to cross the Silver Bow before dusk.”

The abbreviation of his name brought a pleased smile on Yoongi's lips, “The command shall fulfilled.” He slowed his horse and let the others cross right past him till he reached the middle of the troops. He pulled at the reins again and agitated the soldiers to balance the same speed.

At the end of the troops, the situation happened to be the same. Both the Royal wolves were stretching far more unnaturally while covering the maximum distance by the paws. Truth to be his words, the omega wolf runs faster than any other wolves. Van didn't hesitate a bit while opening the mind link for communication, “ Cover them from the left, Your Grace. I will be handling the right side.”

None other words worth to be told when Kookie ducked his head and hiked towards the left side of the troops. Van's golden eyes gleamed when the white wolf disappeared in the rising dirt of the path. He looked ahead and pushed himself forward, nothing is greater than the fulfilment of their duties. He bared his canines and continued his run, tearing through the air.

Tonight is very important for his human, they will be opening a part of themselves once again. One more step towards the closure of the past or the opening of the future. It will surely be a difficult path to walk on but when did they ever find the easier way out? If his human is prepared to disclose another part of him then so is he. It will be only a matter of time to know if their mate carries the same demeanour or not, carries the same passion or not.

~

The troops watched how the Sun travelled from east to west with their raw eyes, everyone kept running without any need of any comfort. All of them had one thing in their minds… destination. Before the Sun could set properly, the troops crossed the Silver Bow pack and entered the forest of Okaws.

The Commander moved the reins of Dabery towards the left and the hundreds of people along with wolves followed the direction voluntarily. The route seemed abandoned but the lack of human interactions helped the troops to run faster.

The sky was about to lose its whiteness when a loud howl of the Royal Alpha signalled them to stop running.

The Commander pulled at the reins and stopped his horse before turning towards the soldiers, “ We will be staying here for some moments only. Bring out the pots and fill them with water from the Salva to survive the Dunes of Apex. We won't be getting any water till the Blue Moon.” He discarded his horse and caught the reins of the Royal omega's horse as well before leading them to the brink of the river.

All the soldiers got down from their horses and brought out whatever they could to store the water. Meanwhile the wolves matched with the other soldiers and howled after shifting their dangling tongues inside their mouths.

Van drank the water first and then everyone rushed to fill the water, the wolves circled the river to extinguish their thirst. He looked over the cavern of the wolves and the big white omega wolf stood out in between the group of Alphas.

Kookie approached the river and stood beside the mate to calm his ragged breaths, paws scratching at the ground to seek the coolness. He brought his paws ahead and bowed his head to drink the water when he noticed that everyone around him stopped their movements and moved two steps away from the river.

Kookie tilted his neck and his tongue lolled out to take a big gulp of water, “Why did everyone stop their work?” He asked the Alpha while gulping the water down his throat.

“They are just being respectful of your presence.”

Kookie raised his head from the shore and licked the corner of his lips before pawing away from it. They crowd resumed their work once again and started to carry the pots on their chosen rides one by one.

“Your Grace,” Van addressed the white wolf to deliver some essential information. He needs to inform him now as they won't be stopping till they reach the Apex Dunes.

Kookie looked at the Alpha, blue eyes exceptionally matching with the water behind him.

“Yes, Alpha.”

“I must deliver the message of my human before the continuation of our departure.” Van faced the omega completely, hiding any other view from his periphery.

“Is it something that I had to convey to the Empress?” Kookie guessed and the way the Alpha placed his front paw towards him, his guess proved to be right.

“Precisely. Your Majesty wants to take the Empress on a night walk, he will be meeting him in the pavilion right after the completion of his territorial run.”

The conversation spread thousands of ripples inside Kookie's stomach or maybe he drank too much water. However, the Alpha has taken him on the night walks before as well but he wasn't needed to be informed like that. It must be something important where his presence is crucial.

“Is everything alright?” It was the first thought that crossed Kookie's mind after hearing the Alpha.

The horses started their runs again, followed by the wolves. But Kookie kept looking at the Alpha for the answer, his eyes awfully similar to the Empress's wide ones.

“It would be.” The faith that resides inside Van concluded their conversation before gesturing to the omega to hold his position again. Everything should be alright, if anything he has done for his survival till now is to believe in his human. And as the result here he is, running on his paws, going to fulfil his next duty, far away from the dark side of their lives.

~

Kookie found Okaws very beautiful, a forest nestled in the lap of nature, which is the exact definition of it in mere words. However, the Apex Dunes was completely opposite, an enormous barren land filled up with high dunes of sand and nothing more.

The soldiers had to work harder to dig the rods of the pavilion in the slippery sand. But their constant efforts blessed them with a small victory. Kookie shifted inside his pavilion and wore his ground gears for the night, it was the same pair that the Royal highness brought for him once. The black pants were loose around his thighs but tight around his ankles. His boots remained high to his knees, mirroring the style of the Alpha, again provided by the Royal highness.

Jungkook tightened the dagger around his waist by weaving a blue scarf in between the belt loops. He moulded his hair high in a loose bun and tucked a full sleeved shirt into the pants. The collars of the shirts were high so he decided to not wear any scarves, moreover, they are yet to cross the Great Goddess Wall where he will need to be more careful with his face identity. He wears the rings… again. He forgets them to return once again. At this rate, he is afraid that the Alpha might think of him as some thief more than a protector.

He waited for some moments while packing all the other things again. They will be leaving after a few hours again. They could cross the dunes at night as well but if the Alpha has decided to hold the troops for a stay then there must be some reason behind it.

He walked out of the pavilion even after his wolf mentioned about the meeting with their mate. He won't take long though, he just needs to take a walk around the troops’ shelters to ease the nerves of his mind. One can say the reason behind his heightened nerves is similar to the reason why the Alpha takes territorial runs around the areas of their stay. It's unconditional… as if built within him, the sense of protection and security.

Everyone was rushing, occupied by feeding the animal squads and mixing some quick meals for young soldiers. Jungkook found Guard Min in between all of the chaos, handling a bucket on his wrists to feed Artax. His feet moved quickly on their own when he recalled the prominent betrayal of the older.

As if the Royal highness sensed the upcoming threat on his mate's head, he appeared in Jungkook's path after skipping some steps in a short run and grabbed the Empress by his right arm, “Jungkookie, I was looking for you. Have you seen the Royal Alpha?”

Jungkook's attention got snatched by the Royal highness right away, “ He went on a territorial run.” He replied the rehearsed answer but when did the roles of the identities get reversed up to such an extent? Isn't he the one who always asked this question to Royal highness and Isn't Royal highness the one who knew everything about the whereabouts of the Emperor?

Then what happened oh so suddenly?

It was a moment of mystification that passed in between them when Jimin decided to deliver a beautiful smile towards him, “ Ah… I seem to forget about that. We will be changing positions after entering the Great Goddess Wall.”

It brings Jungkook's ears together in a short perk as the Royal omega continues, “ We will be moving towards the Western land grounds along with the troops. While you and the Royal Alpha along with some chosen wolves will cross the mountains to reside in the caves of the Chinra. It's the mountain that is located between Pither and Mosnic, This place will be perfect for you both to calibrate the situations of the battle grounds.”

“The one which is located beside the tribal wolves?”

“Yes. They are strict but somewhat reserved people, they won't be causing trouble until someone provokes them too.”

The Royal Alpha had told him about this before as well. He nodded his head and asked the Royal omega, “Will you be setting up the healing rooms in the middle of the western land?”

“Yes. You both must visit me when the situation becomes more tolerable.” Jimin suggested.

“I don't think we will be able to find much time together during the battle. The situation could turn disastrous by one wrong decision.”

“I understand but that doesn't mean that you will have the right to ignore me. Any confusion or any concern, you should know that I'll be only a link away. I might not appear into your sight like your Alpha but I'll be coming to rescue you without any restraints.” He tapped Jungkook's arms in assurance before leaving his side to command some directions to a bunch of soldiers who were trying their best to ignite fire in the void of a slippery sand. 

Jungkook moved forward to look for the red haired Beta but he stopped in his steps when he found Artax chewing his food alone. He looked around to find the Royal omega but found him gone as well. His mouth parted in a short gasp, learning the deceitful behaviour of the sneaky mates.

It wasn't the Empress's fault, poor omega didn't know that the Royal Highness was sending loud mind links to his mates the moment he started the sudden conversation with Luna.

Till when you will run away from me, Hyung? What even made you think that you could turn into an omega with that blunt personality of yours? Who will teach you the notions and manners of an omega? Your mate? One needs to learn from an Empress how to behave like one. I will be waiting for your arrival now.

Jungkook bit his lower lips harshly and let out a short sniff to express his distaste with the absurd situation.

“Shall we begin our walk?”

Jungkook turned around and found the Royal Alpha standing before him. Open Hairs dripping with sweat, dishevelled strands resting on his temple. The Alpha was wearing the same bottoms as the omega but his shirt was different. A black ruffle shirt that had frills around the cuffs and collars, a lone string tying the plackets of it loosely on his mid chest.

The Alpha was holding a small towel in his hands, drying the back of his neck rather furiously before tossing it on the pile of folded tent clothes. Jungkook nodded his head when the Alpha looked at him with a curious face.

Both of them started their walk where Jungkook was following the Alpha in the dark mindlessly. The oddness of the situation was alarming, bringing thoughts after thoughts to build a wall of confusion. He didn't ask the Royal Alpha about the purpose behind their unscheduled walk but even in the night time, the honest movement of his eyes drained all of his efforts to appear calm and conduct in front of his mate.

Taehyung caught his conscious gaze and didn't delay to pull his worries away, “ We are going to meet some of my friends.”

Friends?

The word alone felt uncanny, the further he could recall his time in the Eclipse he had never heard this word from Alpha's lips before. It felt unnatural. He hasn't met any person who had introduced themselves as the Royal Alpha's friend or more acquaintances. The sudden turning of events were pushing the omega at being anxious.

Feeling blessed to have the strong vision, Jungkook could perfectly see the Alpha's face even in the dark, “Here in Apex Dunes?” He noticed that Alpha was pressing his plam over his chest again and again. Is it the scar? Or something else that was bothering him?

The Alpha nodded his head as they walked deeper in the cool mounds of sand. Jungkook looked ahead, eyes witnessing the grand barren desert. No matter how far he could look in the dark, all he could see was the sand and feel the gusty wind on his face.

“Are they travellers like us? Will they be taking part in the battle from our side?” He was utterly clueless when he asked the Alpha.

However, this time the Alpha chose to remain silent, heightening Jungkook's nerves more and more. He looked back when all of the noises from the troops felt nothing more than rumbles of clouds, everything was covered in dark as if their presence was the only living entity on the barren land.

The breeze was turning cold with the night, he could feel the chillness of sand beneath the soles of his boots. Jungkook's shoulders brushed with his mate when the Alpha stopped in the middle of their walk, gaining the mindfulness of the omega.

“Before the fortunate meeting happens, I have some things to share with you.”

Jungkook looked at him, holding his gaze with his awaiting eyes, “ Am I qualified to be prepared now? If you suggest then I will be pleased to hear from you.”

This is the only positive effect that time brings to the Royal couple. There was a moment in the past when Taehyung was adamant that the omega wasn't prepared enough to know about him but now things are changing for the better. The time provided trust to the Royal Alpha while in the omega's destiny strength appeared as his survival.

Taehyung stretched his hand for the omega in the middle of the path and waited till the omega's consent entwined  in his palm. They crossed other mounds of sand and came in front of a large dune, spread in a pyramid shape for over a mile. One cannot see the peak of it as the darkness hugs the desert close to the shadow of the moon.

The Royal Alpha brought the omega forward and let his back face the large dune, “ We shall sit here for some moments.”

Their hands slipped away as the omega squated on the sand before sitting on the ground by crossing his legs. Taehyung followed his motions and both of them sat side by side, “ Sometimes… the more we try to suppress our past, the more it surges in life to come out.”

Taehyung supported his hands over his knees, back straight and looking down at the ground. He knows the omega was watching him, perhaps waiting to hear the things that he was about to share, “It's a short story of my friends. It won't take long to discuss.”

Jungkook moved his body by flating his hands on the sand, he faced the Alpha with a concerned look, “ I won't be mentioning the time even if you take the entire night from me.”

The omega could see how the Alpha was struggling with his words by the movements of his tongue over his lower lip. He straightened him back when the Alpha took a heaveled sigh and looked at the omega, “ In Royal family, Do you know how an heir becomes the new Emperor?”

The question comes from the rudimentary knowledge of the kingdom which Jungkook has memorised during his childhood days, “ One has to participate in the duel with the present king, the winner occupies the throne.”

Taehyung blinked his eyes and nodded his head, “Naturally, this is what happens in most of the kingdoms but In the Royal family. The tradition is entirely different.”

The sentence piqued Jungkook's curiosity to the point that it crossed the peak of his imagination. He scooted a bit closer, subtly shifting his hands on his lap to listen closely.

“From ancient centuries, The Royal family nurtured their powers to lead the werewolf community. Their powers or the ability to rule a kingdom was calculated by the strength of the ruling Alpha. In order to choose the best option from the rest, Elders of the werewolf interlaced some methods to analyse every hidden ability of the opponent. One of these methods which I performed to claim my designation over the throne was hunting the five elements of nature.”

Jungkook was entirely captive in the Alpha's words. The knowledge took him to the memories of the letters he had read in the old library. The letters that once were written for the Alpha's past mate.

“The former Alpha suggested that in order to dethrone him from his duties, I had to collect five rare gems that belonged to nature and forge a Royal sword with it. I was agitated, even determined to grasp those hidden gems. But the Elders visited the palace and explained that keeping the five elements in one place would be more precarious than finding them. They explained that the balancing and nurturing of the Royal sword only be possible when it will be crowned by the Royal blood of fated souls. I was informed to wait till I find my fated mate. In between the duration of the time when I was collecting the information on the gems, I met…”

Jungkook knew the name before he could hear from the Alpha's lips. He blinked his eyes slowly to disdain the pain at the back when the Alpha proceeded with his talk. Taehyung didn't rush his words and expressed his conversation one by one, “ Eun Hwan. We acclaimed as mates soon after the second meeting, the families met and the urge of finding those gems became tenfold. I wanted to present that sword as the courting gift to Eun Hwan, I wanted him to enter in the kingdom as the Empress rather than the betrothed of the Crown Prince.”

Taehyung looked at the Empress and found his gaze unfocussed. He swiped his tongue at the corner of his upper lips before continuing the conversation, “On my hunting journey, I was allowed to take four other people with me. And it came out as a rather obvious choice for me when I provided the names of my friends for it.”

It was turning hard for Taehyung but the decisions of an Emperor shouldn't be defailed in front of mere anxiousness. Moreover, the omega was willing to hear him, and hadn't once opposed his conversation in the middle. If he has decided to open another layer of his past, then he shouldn't be bothered by the sudden chillness of the trepidation.

Jungkook's heart squeezed in his chest when he saw the glowing glint in the Alpha's eyes when he started to talk about his friends, “ First comes Kao Kenji, the first friend that I made in the Kingdom of Eclipse. An Alpha, he hadn't belonged to the Royal family by blood then endured no inbuilt powers but the man was expert with directions. His only drawback was his way of speaking, his words always made him the potential candidate of performing executions.”

Jungkook nodded and lifted his knees to bring them closer to his chest as he listened to the Alpha, “ Second comes Byung Sang. Another friend since my childhood. A thick headed Alpha wolf, one can ever witness on earth. His temper was controlled when his mate, my third friend, Byung Yunhee came into his life. She was an omega. We met her through Jimin and later she proved to be stricter than her mate.”

Maybe the Alpha was getting flashbacks of memories, cause suddenly his features weren't matching with the movement of his lips. His eyes were fixed on the omega but Jungkook knew that he wasn't quite looking at him. His gaze was swimming somewhere in the midst of reality and myth.

“The fourth was a unique one. Nami Hatwin. A witcher that I met when I was pursuing my training of spells under the supervision of Ella. He worked for Ella before I convinced him to live in Eclipse as my would-be minister. His personality aligned more towards the silent Elders that time.”

Behind the Alpha, a bit above the horizon , Jungkook watched the moon appear beneath the curtains of clouds. Before its appearance the sky was as dark as the night of the new moon but who would have thought that the moon was just hidden behind the layers of the clouds. Instead of questioning its existence, a mere patience could enlighten the moonlight even in the dark.

The clouds were dispersing more and more, making the moonlight shine above them. And that's when Jungkook noticed the thin layer of moisture in the grey orbs. His lips parted in concern but the Alpha's eyes remained blurry, still swirling in the visions of the past.

Jungkook pushed his knees to one side, occupying a side sit position. The slippery sand shrinking beneath him to pull the two weights together in the middle. His knees brushed with Alphas’ as he eyed the hand resting in the middle of the Alpha's lap. His fingers twisted on his own lap, wanting nothing but grab those hands to announce his presence, to ensure the Alpha that he isn't alone in his vision, he is willing to watch the past as well.

The heart found victory over the mind when Jungkook stretched his hand and collapsed it over Taehyung's cold one. The touch brought the Alpha back to his senses, as wide grey eyes started blinking to evaporate the moisture.

Taehyung looked down from the awaiting gaze of the omega and stared at their entwined hands. With bated breaths Jungkook waited for the Alpha to pull the fingers away from him but when his thumb started to caress in between his pale knuckles, a surge of spark swelled over his palm.

“So you made a group of five to elevate your adventurous journey?” Jungkook asked while holding his chin down, eyes dilating to match the grey ones.

“My apologies. I travelled a bit far in my memories.” Taehyung was truly apologetic for holding up the conversation that he had practised before.

“Nothing unnatural. We often live the moments of the past while sharing them.” The thumb on his knuckles moved again and Jungkook's heart dropped in his stomach with a swoony gust of air.

“When we started the journey of finding the gems, the first but the hardest one was the Stars of Amethyst… The gemstone of Earth. Then we captured the Grace of fire-”

“The gemstone of fire?” Jungkook completed his sentence, eyes melancholic as he whispered the soft words.

“How did you know?” The Royal Alpha was genuinely curious when he asked.

“The third one must be the Blue Cascade of Ocean. The fourth will be The Sapphire of Space and the last one Wiskon of Wind. In the old library, I have read some of the letters which were written for your past mate. You have described some of the gemstones in them. Your determination to find them was evident in those letters as well.”

The soft caress over his knuckles stopped when the Alpha couldn't get the meaning of the omega's words. Letters? Old letters? Letters which were addressed to Hwan?

“When did that happen?”

Jungkook moved his own thumb over the Alpha's forefinger and traced the blisters one by one, “During that dark night, when I was cleaning the old library. I found some letters buried in between the books. My apologies but during that time, my curiosity brought the worst out of me and I read each of them. It was before I saw the portrait and then nothing made sense to me.” He gulped down the oozing suffocation down his throat when he found the Alpha looking at him, eyes holding remorse.

Jungkook had tied his hairs high in a loose bun but today there wasn't any hairpin to hold those short strands that he once slashed in helpless fury. His hand unconsciously tried to mould those strands from behind his ears to under the bun. But the movement got caught by the Alpha right away and those remorseful eyes turned sad.

Jungkook brushed his thumb across the Royal Alpha's forefinger once again, “ Shouldn't we be talking about your friends? What happened after that?”

It was a blunt way to distract the emotions of the situation but Jungkook could only try to console that sadness of the Alpha. However, Taehyung kept looking at those fallen strands and replied, “I'm grateful that I burnt that library. Nothing meant anything to me. Written or not, visible or not… whatever it was…it died centuries ago. I carried the pain of memories alone, you don't deserve to share that burden with me. For the loss of yours, I will keep asking for your forgiveness until your heart bears the witness to my misery.”

The memories of that night were unbearable for Jungkook so he didn't dwell much on the details. He wasn't the one who could stop the happenings of the past, nor could he predict the future. So the only memories he would wish to recall will be the ones that bring peace to his heart.

“Are you not angry that I read the letters?” Jungkook wondered.

“You like to torment yourself, don't you?”

“Well… I have always appreciated the truth.” Their eyes were fighting, no one noticing the fingers of their hands that were entwining over each other.

“I didn't feel any anger but disappointment…Yes.”

Jungkook's eyes sharpened as he looked away from the Alpha, “Disappointment? Of what? Are you-”

“Of not tearing those scraps way earlier.” The flat voice of the Alpha left Jungkook's finger in jitters. He moved his head from the side, down to his lap. He wished for the moon to hide behind the clouds before the Alpha could see his flushed ears.

“Some things are inevitable.” Jungkook murmured to bury the conversation under the slippery sand.

Taehyung complied with the unsaid wish of the omega and changed the conversation, “ When we collected the five gems, we forged the Royal sword right away. It was crowned by my blood and only needed the blood of my fated mate to balance its existence. But by the time we returned, everything had turned into dust. Hwan rejected the bond and disappeared to his realm and when the former Alpha informed the lamest excuse and tried to manipulate me with another series of traditions, I was terrified of the outcome. From my mother, I got to know that my father was feeding these lies for a while then. By all the traditions, I was the new Emperor as I was the new owner of the Royal sword. So, I banished the former Alpha right away and decided to follow Hwan.”

Jungkook was looking at the Alpha with wide eyes as if not believing the entering words at all, “You followed him?”

Taehyung nodded his head and used his thumb to press the tip of Jungkook's nails. They were clean and short, “No sane Alpha can let go of their mate just after one rejection. I tried again, again and once again till he imprinted his rejection in the middle of my chest.” It was clearly involuntarily how his other hand moved over his chest and traced the scar from above his shirt.

“I was rejected three times. Brutally. After my second attempt, Elder Chung Hee informed us that due to the unbalanced Royal sword, the elements of nature started to cause climate tragedies in the pack. I tried again but Hwan's thoughts on rejection remained adamant. But this time when I returned, I had lost the life to live. Absent minded, I remained ignorant towards everything. But turning a blind eye to the surroundings doesn't mean that the disasters will turn a blind eye too. The condition of the pack worsened, wild fires, earth shattering earthquakes, ashes…everything was turning into ashes… just residues of what once called a life.”

“Then? Who rescued the people of Eclipse?”

“My friends handled it until they could but then turned to Ella asking for help, the last hope. And true to her nature, she comes up with a solution. Buried in the spells of Royal sword she found that to satiate the hunger of its balance, it needed either the blood of my fated mate or souls to nurture from. She elaborated that as my Royal blood was already crowned on the sword, I became the potential owner and it can't be my soul that could be sacrificed.”

Jungkook flinched as if struck by a wild gust when he imagined the outcomes. He pulled his hand, eyes widening in horror, “No… It can't be.” He shook his head, not wanting to trust those sad eyes but Taehyung kept looking at him.

“It wasn't only a mere mate which I lost that day, lying on the death bed…unaware of my surroundings… I lost all of my friends too. They sacrificed themselves to the sword.”

Jungkook covered half of his mouth, unfocussed eyes remained close. His heart broke into pieces when he heard that pain, it was still buried under layers of strength but just for how long the Alpha was carrying this weight over his shoulders? How long had he blamed himself?

“They Presented their souls as if their lives meant nothing. One by one under the spells of Ella they became the protector of the Royal sword.”

Jungkook opened his eyes, filled with mist and misery. The cruelty of the destiny left him trembling in the middle of the cold sand. Taehyung was looking down, thumb pushing and pulling at the thumb ring of the other hand.

“When I found the willingness to wake up from the death bed, I didn't know that the first thing I had to do was imburse the death rites of their bodies. I completed…”

The voice became silent and it terrified Jungkook when he found him sitting while looking at his prickled thumb. It was bleeding from the bottom of the nail. He reached over to cover his hands, freeing them from the constant torture of that thumb, “Don't do this.” His voice wasn't above a whisper when he dabbed his cuffs over the cut.

“I buried their slashed bodies with these hands, Jungkook. The barbarism,” Taehyung shook his head, lips pressing shut in pain, “ I collected the pieces of their bodies, completed one structure and performed the rites. Repeated four times, Ella was there telling me how brave they were, how adamant they were but I heard nothing. I accepted that fate, I accepted that I failed to protect, to cure and to survive all together.”

Taehyung pulled his hands and rested them flatly on the sand behind his back as he faced the sky. His eyes blinked to control his emotions, staring in the clear sky wasn't much of a help though. Jungkook wiped his tears while biting his tongue. He wanted to say many things, wanted to console the Alpha but perhaps no words could provide solace to such pain.

Taehyung was breathing normally, trying to search for the pain that he felt on that day. The undying course of cries in between the fire of lungs but guess the feeling died too, leaving a much corroded vessel behind.

“When I returned from the funeral, I got to know about the curse that my great grandfather infused on my brother. There… I lost my control as well. It was crucially maddening, when I torn him limb by limb. He might have gotten away after tormenting my parents but not on my accord.”

Jungkook was watching the subtle rise and fall of the Alpha's chest. He could feel the agony that was spreading inside him, contorting the walls of his heart again and again. He didn't feel a lace of hesitation when he laid out his palm on the Alpha's chest, right where the scar resides.

Taehyung raised his head, wavy hairs falling over his ears as the red rimmed eyes of the omega stared back at him. His nonchalant eyes noticed the misty ones. Taehyung pushed himself towards the omega, bringing his hand forward to hold his stained cheek, “Is it hurting?”

Jungkook grabbed his hand by the wrist and pulled it down till it reached above his heart, “This does.” Among two of them, One pair of lips trembled while the other fell open in numbness. The omega was trying hard to hide his sobs behind his trembling lips, vibrations of their hearts could be felt under the fingertips of their hands.

Under the melting darkness of the night, a pair of mates was sharing their sorrows. Even carrying after the different expressions on their features, one numb and one full of hurt, their heart was conveying the exact same pain.

Taehyung could see his past image ascending in the doe eyes of the omega, carrying the same helplessness, miserable thoughts of the event. And those tears were burning the residues of Alpha's soul, his hand crawled upto the omega's collars and pulled him to his chest by his neck.

Jungkook dug his fingers in the Alpha's chest, another hand spreading on his back, hugging closely. His head was placed just beneath the Alpha's chin and that's when Taehyung allowed the first tear to fall out of his eyes. He placed his other hand on the omega's shoulder, thumb still following the same pattern to calm him while his own tears were dripping right above the omega's head, dampening the red hairs.

“People either got sacrificed or became lifeless while living beside me. So if it's hurting, you should remain careful around me.” Taehyung said while holding the omega close to him.

“Stop. I don't want to hear anymore. I'm sorry but please.”

Taehyung stopped talking, eyes resting in the nothingness of the night. He blinked away the tears and sighed slowly, rewarding the omega with a bit of rest. The inner turmoil proved to be more draining than physical work.

“None of them could be your fault only.” Taehyung looked down when he heard the omega.

“Yet it was. If I had taken the responsibility of the Eclipse then I should have been prepared for the duties as well. Instead of turning ignorant over a mate, The Emperor should have looked over his pack.”

Jungkook pushed on his chest and looked up, “ You were barely alive on that death bed! How can you even say such things?”

“I was breathing.”

“Barely. Hyungnim had told me about that.”

“Exaggeration. I wasn't breathing barely.”

“You wanted to die, didn't you? You had the power of healing that time but you were denying it, he told me that your wounds weren’t closing. You bleed for days, you didn't want to get healed at all.”
Jungkook didn't leave any chance to argue as he pulled away from the Alpha while wiping his chin furiously.

He wasn't accusing the Alpha for choosing a less painful death than opting the cruel days of life. But no part of an inch can convince him that It was the Alpha's fault for choosing himself above others. He wasn't aware of the future when he made that choice, he wasn't aware that destiny would be cruel enough to snatch his loved ones then how can nature expect him to choose wisely.

He won't accept this argument. Never. He tried to sit away from the Alpha but the slippery sand brought his body closer instead.

Taehyung helped him by locking his knees with his hands. He knew the omega was trying to get away from him but that choice… is no longer available now. He stopped himself from firing the argument and confronted the reason why they visited the Apex Dunes in the first place.

“Shall we go and meet my friends?”

Jungkook was about to unlock his knees from Alpha's hold when a chilled breeze passed under his ears. Friends? Oh.

“Are we going to see their graves?”

Taehyung blinked his eyes two times and realised that his conversation was still stuck in the middle. So he continued, “I had buried their remains, of course. But after twenty years the brawls amongst the Elders and some grand witches forced me to bring the Royal sword in use. That's when I met Ella again.”

He lifted his hands and freed the Empress before standing up from the ground, “She elaborated that all of my friends sacrificed their bodies but their souls were still entwined with the sword. They were the carriers of half of its balance. She collected some of their belongings and made some vessels to put their souls into and made me the owner. Now, whenever I feel the need of my sword, I recall their souls. They even fight by our side during the battles.”

Taehyung stretched his hand for the omega to take but Instead of holding it, Jungkook stared at it dumbfoundedly, “What? So… are they alive?”

“No.”

“Not like you and me. But they exist in this realm, will be captured in the spell of Ella till the Royal sword gets crowned by my fated mate.”

But Jungkook kept staring at the Alpha with his wide eyes. Taehyung blinked and retrieved his hand back to his pocket, “ In simple words… till the sword accepts your blood, they will remain its carriers and keep roaming in this realm.”

Finally Jungkook stood on his feet and eyed the Alpha cluelessly, “They live in Apex Dunes?”

“Not them. I have kept the Royal sword under one of these Dunes. To summon it, I will need their contributions as well.”

“And how are you going to summon them?” Jungkook was a moment away from holding his head and screaming at the Alpha. He took a step back when the Emperor spread his palms towards him.

Taehyung raised his one eyebrow in question, “What?”

Jungkook pointed at his palm, “What are you asking for?”

“May I have those rings that you are wearing?”

Jungkook looked down at his hands, Indeed. He was carrying the rings of the Alpha but it was very absurd of him to demand his things back like that, “Why would I need them now?”

The Empress absolutely… thoroughly… even irrevocably loathes Alpha when he tilts his neck the way he was tilting it now. And he won't understand why these grey eyes are getting bigger and bigger nowadays. But he won't fall for his gestures, he trusted the Alpha just now, even cried for his pain but now suddenly he is about to meet his dead or so not dead friends.

“These rings are the vessels that Ella created for their souls. They live inside them.”

Something sparked inside Jungkook's brain or maybe something died. He raised his hand and looked at those rings, “You mean to say… I have been carrying these rings… their souls… all along with me?” His thumb glided over the ruby one, the diamond was shining in the moonlight.

“Beside me, only you can wear them. So it wasn't a problem to share them with you.”

However, Jungkook hides his hand behind his back and faces Alpha. The other hand pointed in the air, “You are either playing with me or making a fool out of me. I have read no such things till now.”

Taehyung took a step ahead at that, “Despite the fact that I hate lies, why would I tell you one? Mates don't lie to each other, Your Grace.”

Jungkook didn't want to but his lips twitched in annoyance even before he could control them,  “You just made me cry. I was here crying on your chest. I’m not going to believe anything you are saying.”

His eyes were glaring but widened when the Alpha stepped even closer. He didn't notice when the Alpha raised his hand and cupped his jaw, pressing his cheeks in between his thumb and long finger, “Make that face again.”

His lips parted to breath, inhaling an overwhelming gust of sandalwood. His cheeks puffed up around his nose but eyes were still captive by the Alpha.

Taehyung put his forefinger just below his nose and tapped it, “Your upper lip twitched in a weird way. I dare you… to do that again.”

Jungkook was astonished, cheeks colouring red but if you cut him he won't bleed for sure. His eyes travelled from Alpha's eyes down to the slope of his nose. He could witness the presence of a small mole at the bottom of the right side. Before his gaze could cross the boundaries and look further down, Jungkook blinked his eyes rapidly.

He pushed his hidden hand in between their bodies but when the shining diamonds couldn't distract the Alpha, Jungkook used his voice, “ I will give them back to you. Moreover, this could be the only way to prove your words.”

Taehyung looked away and pulled his hand down while Jungkook discarded the rings one by one before handing them to the Alpha. Jungkook's voice was thick so he had to gulp the saliva a few times before speaking again.

“Would they be appearing from the mist or flying down from the sky?”

He was blessed by a glare before the Alpha walked away from him while shaking his head, “You should stay away from Jimin. Your vocabulary is getting affected.”

“I can't possibly agree with that.”

“Normally, You don't talk like that.” Taehyung dismissed the omega as they kept walking past the large dune.

“I will be delighted if Alpha enlightens me about the ways of how I talk?” Jungkook followed the Alpha diligently.

“Oftenly, Your conversations are filled with authoritative perceptions which make much more sense to me.”

Jungkook couldn't control once again but this time his lips stretched as pure giggles left his vocals, “Someone is carrying souls in their rings and I should be the one talking with senses. My apologies, Alpha.”

Taehyung stopped when they reached the crack of two dunes, the Royal Alpha stood in between the space and raised his hands in the air. Jungkook noticed the Alpha's lips were moving but no voice could be heard around him, maybe he was casting a spell?

The omega stilled in his position when he saw vibrant current leaving the Alpha's finger tips, the current wasn't continuous but scattered in mere particles, as if someone sprinkled a handful of stars in the sky.

Jungkook stood beside the Alpha when the slippery sand started to waft in the air. It turned into a storm as Jungkook clutched his dagger to secure it around his waist. It was mesmerising because he has read about spells in ancient books, read about the existence of a lot more different creatures like witches but how a perfect spell could be performed… he was watching it for the first time.

The Royal Alpha's eyes were fixed at the centre of the path as he fingers moved elegantly when he wrote something in the air, the storm of sand covered them entirely and soon Jungkook felt a hand around his wrist. He felt tremors on his wrist when the familiar touch shifted the riddled senses of the omega into focused ones.

The omega could barely keep his eyes open when the blurr ambience started to disappear in the air. He looked at the Alpha who guided him towards a dark opening in between the dunes. He closed his eyes and let the Alpha control his steps.

“You can open your eyes,” He heard the Alpha just behind his ear and the closing sound of a door. Jungkook brushed off some freckles from his face and opened his eyes. Darkness. But before he could voice out his worry, he felt the hand leaving his wrist and sending some sparks in the air.

The sparks travelled far, enlightening their path as well as igniting the flambeaus attached on the muddy walls.

“Where are we?” He asked slowly. His voice echoing loudly in the empty cave.

“Under the Dunes.”

The sound of their boots was loud against the ground as they moved inside the cave. So far, the sparks have enlightened the whole area and Jungkook could see drawings on the muddy walls, weird creatures. Was that a cat in the picture? He found the Alpha awfully calm as they kept walking to the endless point.

They stopped when the Alpha found some pairs of skeletons resting against the wall. The space occupied some old iron chests, rusty and locked. Some chairs, a mirror and a lot of ribbons. But the spot that caught Jungkook's attention was the corner of the room where a pair of skeletons was facing each other. One of them was normal but the other one was covered with skin in half of its areas, adorning long black hairs tucked by a small rosepin.

The room contained glowing candles, cups and plates which now became the new home for insects.

He looked at the Alpha with wide eyes who held his one hand in the air, “ Just work of half spells.”

Before Jungkook could ask any further, Taehyung pulled him closer by his wrist, “Be careful once these entities become alive. They meant no harm but after seeing your face, they might consider you as Hwan. For sure, I will be beside you but don't hesitate to use your dagger if any of them tries to cross their boundaries.”

Jungkook nodded strictly in understanding, “But they are your friends.”

“They don't have blood to shed. They are not like us, Luna.” The Royal Alpha reminded the omega and pulled out the ruby ring from his fingers.

“Kao Kenji.”

The Alpha called and the mud around the skeleton resting on the ground started to crawl in between his bones. The soil was turning hard layer by layer filling the muscles and voids of the body. Taehyung moved his thumb above the diamond and with a cold breeze, a red hue surrounded the sculpture.

He wore the ring once again and picked the golden gem this time, “ Nami Hatwin.” Same happened to the other skeleton resting beside the earlier one. However, this time the hue appeared golden around the sculpture.

The third one contained yellow and white diamonds together in one stone, “Byung Sang and Byung Yunhee.” Their names got called together and the slippery sand started to crawl over the skeletons by their legs. One of them was covered by a white mist while the other glowed in yellow light. The process was as mesmerising as the fallen angels in fairy tales.

Taehyung shifted closer to Jungkook and stood there while waiting for the bodies to move. When the red hue disappeared, Jungkook was shocked to see a man in place of the sculpture. His back was resting on the wall, similar to the other sculpture. Wearing a blood red hanfu, the man opened his eyes with a wide smile.

“My beloved friend, Taehyung-ah.”

He moved fastly on his feet while standing and was about to engulf the Alpha in a large hug when his smile thinned in the air. His eyes raked over Jungkook from head to toe and soon a disgusting snarl spread on his lips.

Jungkook kept his calm, his hand coming forward to get a hold on his dagger.

“What is he doing here?”

Before the Alpha could reply… the other sculpture moved and a man wearing a golden robe stood from his sitting position. This one bowed to the Alpha, “ Prince of Europe, My greetings.” While the omega received a glare similar to the first one.

The last but the most enchanting ones opened their eyes and the first thing they did was pressing a kiss on each other's lips. Before Jungkook could look away from the couple, they moved from their chairs and turned to them.

The man… Byung Sang looked at him first and before his wife could stop him, he charged at Jungkook with bare hands, “You dared to step foot on our land!”

The dagger stretched and was about to come out of its sheath when the Alpha's palm covered the man's entire face, “Keep a safe distance, brother. He is not Hwan.” His hand pushed the man behind but the man kept his glaring gaze at him.

“Didn't wish you to be such a weak Emperor, Tae. Centuries passed and you are still stuck with him?” The woman raised her voice while holding her husband by his arm.

Taehyung ignored the taunt and spoke with assurance, “Let me officially introduce my mate with you all. Meet the Empress of Europe, The Luna of my Eclipse, Jeon Jungkook. He is not Hwan and has no relations with him.”

“Empress?” Nami questioned.

“You courted him already?” Kenji ticked one of his eyebrows.

“They look a lot like each other. Are you sure about his identity?” Byung spoke up.

Meanwhile Yunhee kept her glare as if not believing the words of the Alpha. Kenji was observing the omega from the start. He noticed the dressing style of the omega at first, adorned with ground gears the omega looked more of a warrior than an Empress. No shining gems, no details on the Royal shirt, no batches and no golden embroidery on the collars. The worn out black shirt fell more towards the plus size, another missing detail of the fashion.

On the other hand, Hwan was nonpareil in the sense of choosing luxurious outfits. He had seen his arms always adorned with rare gems, shining kohl eyes and open hairs. Their past held memories where Hwan had taught them how to dress adequately for different occasions.

Moreover, the stance of the omega when Byung charged at him. He didn't hide behind Taehyung to seek protection but pulled out his own dagger to fight. On the contrary, Hwan hadn't received the art of using weaponry.

The differences are evident but it could be possible that the omega must have reincarnated on the land once again.

He saw the tied courting threads on their wrists but none of them was carrying the mating mark. And these silent things told many proofs, “You haven't mated yet?”

“Is he mute?” Byung scowled, he pulled away his hand from his wife's hold and wrapped it around her waist instead.

Jungkook eyed them closely one by one. By all he got to know from the Alpha is that these people once sold their souls to Ella to keep the Royal sword in balance and secured the existence of the Eclipse. Ella freed them during the time of a war where four of them came out and met with the Royal Alpha. And ever since then the Alpha carried their souls in his magical rings.

Their reactions were mostly towards his physical identity so Jungkook didn't take any offence when he bowed his head while looking at Byung, “I wish to reply if the questions were asked to me. I hope I could say it's pleasant but I indeed feel obliged to meet you all.”

The gratitude in the Omega's voice alarmed four of them. They looked at the Alpha, “You told him everything? Does he know about the existence of the Royal sword?” Yunhee asked.

“ I won't be answering any disrespectful questions. If you all wish to stay in your delusions then we must perform the work for which I have summoned you. A battle is yet to happen at the premises of Western Land, my instincts are indicating that spells of wizards are involved. So, I will be taking the sword with me. You can count your bones for all I care while we will be gone.” The Royal Alpha announced and took a step ahead to stand at the centre of the room.

Kenji scoffed loudly and the gesture sent Jungkook in a mild shock, they are indeed friends of the Alpha. Because If any other person had such nerves to speak like that, his head might be rolling on the floor now.

But the omega weighed their friendship a little too early because the next moment, Kenji approached Alpha and moved in a slow circle around him. Before sighing loudly, “ Don't be angry at his rudeness, my fellows. He still has a wide stick plunged in his ass.”

“Kenji!” Alpha glared.

Byung laughed at Kenji's remark and looked at the Alpha, “ You have hated him, haven't you? Then what changed? How come you are being protective of this breed?”

Taehyung's eyes blazed golden as he clasped hands behind his back, “ For the last moment, The person standing behind me may have looked like my past mate but their identities are entirely different. If I heard any nonsensical talk concerning him, none of you will have legs to fight anymore.”

Nami turned his face to the omega and addressed him, “Have the Eclipsers accepted you as their Luna?”

Jungkook came forward and stood beside the Alpha, “ Yes..uh-” He forgot to ask the Alpha, how he should be addressing his friends.

Nami raised his hand to stop the moving gaze of the omega, “You can address me as Nami. If the Eclipsers have accepted you then we must dignify our words towards the Empress.”

Kenji elbowed Nami strongly and tsked in the air, “You are as ancient as this rotten iron chest, how can he address you by your name?”

Byung crossed his hands over his chest and grumbled in agreement, “We all fall in the category of Brother-in-laws, except my dear wife. So, I don't think addressing by names would be appropriate.”

“Absolutely.” Kenji nodded.

“ I still don't believe you.” Jungkook's attention caught the woman as she talked to him, “But I will be asking one last question.”

“Have you met the Imperial Majesty? What did he have to say about you?” She reckoned the expressions of the Royal Alpha but didn't let his gaze over power her question.

“He accepted me as the Royal Alpha's mate. Often addressed me as the Empress of Eclipse and not once misidentified me as Hwan.” Jungkook answered flatly, voice holding confidence and etiquette.

Yunhee couldn’t believe her own ears now, that sounded really weird coming from the former Alpha when he had openly rejected the bond in the past. In their absence, hadn't the former Alpha convinced Hwan to reject the mating bond with Taehyung?

Then what changed now?

Taehyung raised his hands and focused on the locked chest, “We don't bear much time in our hands. The troops are waiting for us, we shall hurry.”

The sparks raised and this time Jungkook analysed Alpha's hands a bit more closely. The sparks aren't generated by the Alpha, it's only the energy that was connecting one particle to the another, creating current after colliding. Soon the others joined him from their positions and created their own spark. Their lips were moving continuously as all of them channelised their sparks towards the lock.

The lock fell and Kenji opened the chest after struggling a bit with the rusty shackles.

When the chest finally opened, Jungkook witnessed the glow of the Royal sword with his raw eyes. The sword was covered in a magnificent sheath, adorned with five gems in the bottom.

Taehyung lifted the Royal sword with utter ease and grabbed its sheath to pull the sword out. Jungkook noticed all of his friends turning their backs at the Alpha as he pulled at the sword.

A gasp fell out of his lips involuntarily when he saw the dazzling sword, shimmering from all kinds of glow. The Alpha moved his wrist, playing with it's hilt oh so daintily that Jungkook's feet pulled him closer.

“This is Eingehen, the Royal sword.”

【Pronunciation: ‘Ion gain’】

【Meaning: ‘to die’ 】

The Royal Alpha sensed his presence and handed over the sword to the omega. With wide doe eyes, Jungkook forced his hand to stretch and grab the warm hilt of the sword. It was heavy. Heavier than any other weapons he has ever tried. He strained his biceps and lifted it a bit far from his body to finally take a close look at it.

The five gems were indeed shimmering bashfully in the dim lights of the cave, he can only wonder how it will look under the sunlight.

Taehyung covered his hand over the hilt by his own and pressed his thumb over a blue gem, “This is the Blue Cascade of Ocean.”

A smiled spread on the omega's lips when he touched a black stone with his thumb, “And this one?”

“The Sapphire of Space.”

Jungkook nodded and turned the sword, findng three more gems. He found out that the red one was the Grace of Fire and the white one was the Wiskon of Wind and the last but the giant purple one belonged to the Earth, Stars of Amethyst.

“Don't tell me he picked up the sword?” Byung asked loudly while their head were still turned away from the sword.

“Why don't you turn around and find out?” Jungkook challenged the old Alpha.

“Turn around and ruin my eyesight? Try hard to kill me, Omega.” 

“You are already dead.” Taehyung deadpanned and pulled away to give Jungkook the sword's sheath.

The omega covered the sword and all of them turned to look at Jungkook who was still holding the sword in his hand.

“Only the fated mate of the Emperor can hold this sword and bear its shine.” Nami said and Taehyung tilted his head with a nod.

“Or a witch.” Yunhee completed the half truth, her stare still flat. Her waist got wrapped by her Alpha's hand and Jungkook saw her smiling at her mate when the Alpha dropped a peck on her head.

He moved his gaze and found Kenji looking at the Royal Alpha rather amusingly. Jungkook frowned and followed his gaze only to found the Alpha looking at him. He looked down immediately, cheeks flushing with the chillness of the cave.

“How long has it been since you met each other?” Kenji asked.

“Sixteen months.”

“467 days.”

Kenji smiled knowingly while nodding his head when both of them answered at one moment.

“I don't think a witch can surive Taehyung's presence for so long.” Kenji discussed his perception and wrapped his hand around Nami's left bicep, “Am I Right, Hatwin?”

Nami yanked his hand away from his hold and close the chest once again, “I think we should leave now.”

“So will you be joining the war with us?” Taehyung asked.

“I can possibly do anything to leave this chamber.” Nami confessed. The muddy surroundings suffocates his soul or it could be someone's presence.

Byung looked at his wife, “We can surely enjoy some days outside, right?”

“Indeed, my Alpha.”

Kenji smiled bashfully and started to walk outside the cave, “ Let's go then. I'm excited to see the troops and their cute weapons. And don't let me mention-”

“We should go now.” Jungkook suggested as well while give the sword back to the Alpha. Taehyung took the sword and tied it behind his back, “ Yes, Jimin must be waiting with his noble mates.”

Jungkook was about to turn around when he found three of Alpha's friends staring at them as if they just murdered someone and buried the soul under the dunes. Their shocked features sent chills down the omega's spine.

“Jimin…”

Jungkook flinched when he heard the word just behind him. Kenji was standing there with a blank face. Jungkook rounded him and stand behind the Alpha this time. These people have no sanity.

“He has a mate?” Kenji asked.

Taehyung pressed his lips in a thin line and blinked his eyes, “ Two. He has two mates. Fated ones.”

Yunhee tapped his husband's shoulder and both of them walked out of the cave. Nami was about to follow them but stopped when Kenji start screaming while holding his head, “ Fated? Bullshit!! You had promised me that I can court him if he didn't find any potential mate! I waited soooo long for your approval and now you are telling me that he has mates? From where did these mates came from? heavens or hell? Have they had to come now?”

Jungkook was shocked while Taehyung was looking at him blankly, “I promised that when you were still alive. And What I was supposed to do when Jimin always considered you as his friend only.”

“You fool! I'm the stupid fool. Friend, haah! my ass!!”

“You better behave with the troops. I want your limbs in one structure till the war ends.” The Alpha said as Kenji fell on the floor while shaking his head.

Jungkook felt tremors on his back when a hand supported his spine. Taehyung gestured the omega to walk ahead and Jungkook complied while avoiding the mourning man on the floor.

“Oh my goddess, my poor omega friend. We have to save him, Nami. What if his mates corrupt his mind? He has such a small ass, how in earth would he be able to-”

“Kenji!”

Taehyung shouted from the tunnel but the murmurs still coninued. Now what would you call this kind of vocubulary? Jungkook wanted to ask but he gulped the question down his throat when the Alpha sent a knowing glare towards him.

~

The people of Western Land were rushing around, busy in the preparation of the Royal family's arrrival and locating pavilions for the troops’ stay. The general of Western Land, Alpha Daeg Musin, known for his bravery and articulate policies, was carrying the duties tirelessly.

“Summon the ministers first, we need to leave for Chinra to welcome our Royal guests in a few hours.”

The soldier bowed and spread the knews to the maids. This dawn will surely bring a new morning to the Western Land, his chest filled with pride just by imagining the Royal family's presence on their land.

The maids were moving swiftly on their legs as they summoned the ministers one by one. The curtains of a chamber pulled away when the maid entered and informed the news. Her voice was filled with excitement, words dripping with happiness, “ The Royal family is coming. General Daeg has sent the word to summon the ministers, we will be fortunate enough to welcome them.”

Her chest was heaving, proving her eagerness to deliver this news to the minister of the Western household.

The omega who was laying on her bed, rolled briskly on the silk sheets. Long hairs hugging her chest as she faced the maid, “ Swear on the moon?”

“ I swear the moon, Miss. I recieved the orders from the soldiers, they are coming.”

The girl left a delighted gasp, grabbing the maid by her shoulder. Her hands trembled with sheer happiness, luscious lips spread in a beautiful smile.

“Call my dressing attendants. And I need you to bring my blue head piece for me.” She ordered the maid and sighed in short breaths when the maid left her chamber.

“He is coming.”

She whispered to herself, lashes falling down to cover the shyness of her eyes. Her feet weren't stopping at one place as she moved from mirror to the bed, from bed to the window and from window to the mirror again.

Her heartbeats were taking the control over her thoughts, “ Alpha… I will see him again.” She watched her image in the mirror, radiant face gleaming with the delighted news.

The minister of the Western household, Shin Gyuri. She can never forget when she met the Royal Alpha for the first time. The omega touched her image on the mirror and overlooked as if she was watching her own story once again.

Three years back when the Royal Alpha was out on one of his tours, he had saved bunch of omegan girls from the attack of familiars. They had come out to take dummies for their respective witches to perform the experiments on. But the Royal Alpha came and rescued them.

【 Familiar; Animal kept by Witches. 】

One of them was… Shin Gyuri. The older child of the noble familiy of Western Land.
The young girl was in her 23rd birthyear when she lost her heart to those angry grey eyes.

She longed for three years, tried several escapes and excuses to get the permission ticket from the General to leave the premises of Western Land but the General always ruined her plans. Seeing her diplomatic abilities he made her the minister of Western household instead.

And she got stuck in her pack.

That time she wanted nothing but to shift in Eclipse just so she could admire and worship the Royal Alpha from afar. But now after the sheer longing of three years… reaching the peak of her youth. She can't fulfill her yearnings just by looking at him.

The heart inside her chest only blooms when she calls his name. And now it wants Alpha's validation on her deep rooted feelings.

Her thoughts didn't change when the news of Alpha's fated mate spread all around the entire Europe. All kings have mates who bears the heir of the kingdom and have control on the entire pack. But then comes the consorts… aren't consorts necessary for the Kingdom's survival? To heal the kings and help the queens?

She had dreamed of this position even after knowing how disrespectful it would be for her. But her love for the Alpha is far away from all kinds of respects and boundaries, she worshipped him even with her eyes open, days and night, all of her thoughts carried the Alpha's concern.

Maybe their destinies weren't written together with the same ink but the hope of seeing her loved one again, urge her to write the destiny again.

She respects the Royal Empress a lot, heard about his skills and strengths, a perfect Luna for Eclipsers. She just wants him to have a big heart as well… big enough to accept her under his pack.

She has the confidence, a pure body, a lovable heart, youth filled with innocence so what could go wrong in admiring his love? She has the brain, intellectual enough to create paths that destines her with the Royal Alpha.

Her intentions knows the boundaries of nature but love doesn't.

Moreover, She had fallen first for the Alpha. Even before the Empress could appear in his life, she was here… crying and longing for him. She still remembers her first desire as clear as the first ray of the Sun. Her desire to keep looking and admiring the Royal Alpha. Inspired by the Musical nature of Eclipse, she has even written some quotes for their love.

Destiny played with souls and didn't write him as mine but…
Love remains love.

It makes me an outsider in his world who carries the long line but…
Love remains love.

My love strikes the old traditions and heard as abusive sign but…
Love remains love.

He wouldn't know my love… perhaps won't recognise my shine but…
Love remains love.

Tomorrow between right and wrong, one who stay becomes divine but…
Love remains love.

The thing which once started with innocent admiration bloomed in the shattering desires of love. Her thoughts, her each and every notion… belonged to the Royal Alpha.

She will prepare herself for the fortunate meeting, she will admire his love after so long. Gyuri moved away from the mirror when a couple of maids entered in his chamber.

“Prepare me well, we have to welcome our Royal guests today.”

Afterall…

No matter how beautiful the male omega could be… nothing could compare a feminine beauty.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.

Some very exciting and much important chapters are on the way~

Next update will be around 14th May.

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I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Good night, lovely readers💜.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜.