Krist had been banned by royal advisors to reply to the raging netizens. So his day went by gloomy, the only highlight being his anticipation to discover Singto's secret.

But Singto had been distant all day, his smile didn't reach his eyes neither did his taut shoulders relaxed.

In the morning, queen doawger had summoned him.

In a quiet chamber within the palace, Singto stood alongside queen doawger.  Krist, who appeared curious and a bit apprehensive, curiously eyes the altar with a stone bowl in the centre

Before them stood four figures—two alphas and two betas—each radiating a distinct presence that filled the room.

Singto began, his tone formal, "Krist, these are the warriors who will be your personal bodyguards, bound to protect you as their Luna."

The first to step forward was Alpha Knot, a stocky, ripped man with a reassuring presence and kind eyes. He knelt before Krist, bowing his head. "I, Knot, swear to protect you, Luna, with my life. No harm shall come to you as long as I breathe, even if it means standing against the king himself."

Next was Alpha Prem, silent and brooding, his tall, lean frame casting a shadow. His gaze was intense, and as he knelt, he spoke in a deep, steady voice. "I, Prem, vow to be your shield, Luna, in all battles seen and unseen. My loyalty is yours alone, even if it pits me against the king."

Beta Toota, the jolliest of the group, stepped forward with a warm smile. His expertise in poisons and antidotes was known far and wide, but his demeanor was gentle. "I, Toota, pledge to keep you safe, Luna, from any toxin or threat, be it physical or otherwise. My loyalty to you is unshakeable, even if it means defying the king."

Lastly, Beta Bright approached, his expression playful yet respectful. Singto had mentioned that Bright was once an assassin, and that history added weight to his words. "I, Bright, swear to protect you, Luna, with a smile and a blade, if necessary. My loyalty to you knows no bounds, not even the king."

Krist watched them with wide eyes, absorbing the gravity of their oaths. Singto turned to him, his expression softening. "They are yours, Kit. They will protect you, even from me if need be."

" Why would I need protection from my own mate? " Kit frowned.

" It is tradition Krist " Queen doawager assured. " Every King has done this for Luna. "

Krist nodded, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He was touched by the loyalty being offered, yet the reality of the power dynamic between him and Singto weighed heavily on his mind.
Is it related to the secret Phi Sing was talking about?

The four guardians rose, their expressions resolute, and Krist felt a new sense of security—one that came not just from their strength, but from their unyielding devotion. As they cut their palms, letting their blood fall in to the stone bowl; Krist was advised to do the same.

As their blood mixed in the stone bowl, Krist could sense the mondlinks that began forming.

...........

When Singto finally summoned him to his chambers, Krist couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and dread. The door to Singto's room was slightly ajar, and Krist gently pushed it open, stepping inside. The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles providing a warm, soft glow. Singto stood by the window, his back to Krist, gazing out into the night.

"Phi Sing?" Krist's voice was soft, cautious.

Singto turned slowly, his expression serious, eyes shadowed with something Krist couldn't quite place. There was a heaviness in the air, a weight that made Krist's heart tighten. Dud he do wrong by pushing Singto to show what he wasn't ready to reveal?

"Kit," Singto said quietly, his voice carrying a tone that was both firm and sorrowful. "There's something you need to see. Something I've kept from you for your own safety."

Krist's brows furrowed in concern. "What is it, phi? You're scaring me."

Singto took a deep breath, closing the distance between them. He reached out, gently cupping Krist's face in his hands. "I never wanted to involve you in this. I've kept my distance because I was trying to protect you. But I realize now fate has its own twisted ways of working. And you deserve to know the truth."

"The truth?" Krist's voice wavered, his concern growing. "Singto, what's going on?"

"I want you to come to the dungeon tonight," Singto said, his eyes locking onto Krist's with an intensity that made his heart skip a beat. "There, you will understand why I've kept my distance. But before that, I need you to make a promise."

Krist searched Singto's face, his worry deepening. "What kind of promise?"

Singto's grip on Krist's face tightened ever so slightly, a flash of something dark passing through his eyes. "I need you to promise me that you'll bring this with you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, ornate silver dagger, the blade glinting ominously in the candlelight.

Krist's breath caught in his throat as he stared at the weapon. "Phi.. what are you saying?"

"This blade is made of silver," Singto said, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of fear. "If things get out of hand-if I lose control-you must use this on me. You must promise me, Kit. If it's between me and you getting hurt, you must choose yourself."

Krist recoiled, his eyes wide with disbelief. "No, phi, you would never hurt me and I could never-"

"You must," Singto interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You don't understand the danger, Kit. My wolf, it isn't normal. Even the thick iron shackles couldn't keep unless they are heavily lined with silver and I am drugged.. but, during the rut, he can be unpredictable. I won't be able to control him, and I can't risk hurting you. I need to know that you'll protect yourself, even if it means using this dagger."

Krist felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes, the weight of what Singto was asking him to do crushing his heart. "I can't... I can't promise that, phi. I could never hurt you.Not again..."

Singto's expression softened, and he pulled Krist into a tight embrace, resting his forehead against Krist's. "I know, Oon, I know... But I can't live with myself if something happens to you because of me. I'd rather you hurt me than risk your life. Please, Kit... promise me."

Krist closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Singto's breath against his skin, the strength of his arms around him. He knew Singto was serious, that this was something he couldn't refuse. It was tearing him apart inside, but he understood that Singto's request came from a place of deep love and fear.

"Alright," Krist whispered, his voice trembling. "I promise, phi. I'll bring the dagger... and if it comes to it, I'll use it."

Singto exhaled a shaky breath, pulling back to look into Krist's eyes. "Tonight ," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss on Krist's brow " If even after seeing the monster I am, you still want me. I am yours to keep and command. You will never have the complain that I don't want you."

Krist nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat as Singto took his hand and led him towards the door. " Don't forget the dagger and keep your guards close. "

.......

In the dimly lit dungeon, the air was thick with tension as Krist peered through the small window in the heavy iron gate. His heart ached at the sight before him. Singto, his mate, was bound in iron chains, the cuffs lined with silver to prevent him from breaking free. Though in  his wolf form, Singto stood on his hind legs like a human, snarling and struggling against his restraints. His eyes flickered between brown, amber, and a dangerous red, a clear sign of the battle raging within him.

The pained howl that tore from Singto's throat pierced Krist's heart, making it nearly impossible for him to stand by and do nothing. Despite the stern warnings from the guards, Krist pushed open the dungeon gate and stepped inside, the heavy door creaking as it closed behind him. The closer he got, the more violently Singto struggled, the chains rattling as he tried to break free and claim Krist.

Krist walked towards him with a steady, determined pace, even as his mind screamed at him to be cautious. As he reached Singto, the beast lunged, pulling him close with terrifying strength. Singto's fangs were poised at Krist's neck, ready to make the mark that would claim him forever.

But Krist saw the struggle in his mate's eyes, the rapid shifts between brown and red as Singto fought against the beast within. Summoning his own wolf, Krist's eyes shone a brilliant yellow as he called out, "Simba... my mate..."

Singto's wolf froze for a moment, the name resonating within him. His grip on Krist tightened, claws digging into his shoulders, but Krist didn't waver. "Simba... my love," he called again, his voice steady despite the pain. "Your Tao is here... talk to me..."

The beast's eyes darted around the dungeon, searching for unseen enemies, terrified that someone might take his mate away. But Krist remained calm, ignoring the claws digging deeper into his flesh. He turned to the guards, who had drawn closer. "Leave us alone," he commanded, his voice firm.

"Luna... it can harm you... what if it kills you?" one guard reasoned, his voice tinged with fear.

Krist turned his gaze towards the beta, his voice cold and unyielding. "You dare call him it? He is your King, your savior, your High Alpha. And if he kills me... then so be it. I will happy die in my mate's arms."

The guard hesitated, but Krist's tone left no room for argument. "Out now," he bellowed, his wolf, Tao, pushing to the forefront. "That is a command."

The guards exchanged nervous glances, reluctant to leave. "The King ordered us to stay-"

"Stay out of our hearing range," Krist growled, Tao's presence making his words a threat. "Do you want to be answerable to your King for disobeying his Luna's orders?"

When they still hesitated, Krist called upon his own bodyguards, those loyal to him alone. "I want this cell devoid of guards," he ordered.

"Luna..." Alpha Knot nodded, dragging the hesitant betas out by their scruffs.

Once they were alone, Krist turned back to Singto. "Phi... Sing... Simba... look at me." He focused all his attention on his mate, willing him to fight through the fog of his rut. "Fight this. I know you can... come to me, my love. Today is the full moon, you promised me a run when woods are most beautiful, won't you run with me?"

He watched as the red in Singto's eyes began to recede, flickering between amber and ochre. "You promised me a chase through the woods. You promised me that if you won, I would have to drop the conditions of no date, no dinner, no grand gestures."

Singto's eyes flickered again, the red descending even further. Krist could see him fighting, clawing his way back to himself. "You told me that if I called, you would answer, even if you were unconscious... my love... I am calling you; won't you come to me?"

Krist tilted his head back, letting out a soft, mournful howl-a mating call. He waited, each second stretching into eternity. One... two... three... and then, the beast before him raised his head and howled back, the sound reverberating through the dungeon.

Krist howled again and Singto followed without missing a best.

When Krist looked back into Singto's eyes, he saw that the red had vanished, replaced by the familiar yellow of his Simba. "Simba..." Krist sobbed in relief, reaching out to scratch his mate's ears.

"Mate hurt..." Simba rumbled, his voice rough with concern. He retracted his claws and began to lick the wounds he had inflicted on Krist's shoulders, trying to heal them.

Krist chuckled through his tears, brushing off the attention. "Gross..." he teased, " You know that its grooming only when I am in wolf form " but his heart swelled with love for the wolf who had fought so hard to come back to him.

The air in the dungeon was thick with the remnants of tension, the kind that lingered even after the danger had passed. Singto lay on the cold stone floor, his breathing still heavy from the struggle, his wrists and ankles raw where the silver lining of the shackles had bitten into his skin. Krist knelt beside him, gently wiping away the sweat and blood with a piece of cloth he had torn out of his night shirt. The silence between them was heavy, charged with unspoken emotions.

Singto's eyes, now back to their usual deep brown, searched Krist's face for any sign of fear or hesitation. But all he found was concern and a stubborn determination that both warmed and worried him. He shifted slightly, testing the strength of the chains, and winced as they rattled loudly against the floor.

"Kit," Singto said, his voice hoarse from the howls that had ripped through him moments ago. "You need to leave the shackles on... until the full moon passes. I'm not ready. The beast isn't ready."

Krist shook his head, his expression resolute. "No, Singto. I'm not leaving you like this. You've already come back to me. We're done with these chains."

Singto frowned, his eyes darkening with worry. "You don't understand. The moon's pull is still strong. My power could surge again, and I could lose control. I could hurt you, Kit. You didn't even use the dagger like I asked-"

"I didn't need to," Krist interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. "I knew you'd respond to my call, Singto. You knew what was better for you."

Singto let out a frustrated sigh, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're making light of this again, Kit. This isn't something to joke about."

Krist leaned in closer, his hand brushing Singto's cheek tenderly. "And you need to stop stopping me from making jokes. It's been my lifelong dream to be silly with my mate, and you will find it adorable." His eyes twinkled mischievously. "You're not giving me the right reaction."

Singto's lips finally curved into a small, reluctant smile, but his worry didn't entirely fade. "Kit, I'm serious. You could have been seriously hurt. I wasn't in control. And you-"

"I know," Krist said softly, his thumb tracing circles on Singto's cheek. "I know you're scared, but I trust you. You brought yourself back, Singto. You fought through the madness for me. And I believe in you."

There was a long pause as Singto absorbed Krist's words, his heart aching with both love and fear. He wanted to believe Krist, to trust in his own strength, but the memory of how close he had come to losing control still haunted him.

"Alright," Singto finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You can unshackle me. But Kit... promise me you'll stay in your human form. And keep the dagger with you, just in case."

Krist pretended to pout, his lips forming a playful frown. "But you promised me a run, phi Sing. Are you backing out on your word?"

Singto chuckled softly, shaking his head. "We'll still run, Oon. It's just that you'll be on my back. It's safer that way."

Krist's eyes lit up, the playful grin returning to his face. "A piggyback ride from the big bad wolf? Now that's an offer I can't refuse."

With a soft, affectionate sigh, Krist carefully unlocked the shackles, his touch gentle and soothing. As the heavy chains fell away, Singto let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He shifted, testing his strength, and then slowly rose to his feet with Krist's help. The tension in his body eased slightly, but the lingering fear remained.

Once Singto was fully upright, he shifted into his wolf form-a majestic beast of pure strength and grace, his fur shimmering in the moonlight that filtered through the small dungeon window. Krist's breath caught as he admired his mate's powerful form, a mix of awe and affection swelling in his chest.

Singto turned, lowering himself slightly to allow Krist to climb onto his back. "Hold on tight, Kit," he rumbled, his voice carrying a note of both warning and excitement.

Krist didn't need to be told twice. He wrapped his arms around Singto's thick neck, pressing his cheek against the soft fur. "Let's run, my love," he whispered.

With a powerful push, Singto launched them both out of the dungeon and into the night. The cool air rushed past them as they tore through the palace grounds, Singto's powerful legs carrying them effortlessly across the open fields. Krist laughed, the sound filled with pure joy as he clung to his mate, the thrill of the ride exhilarating and freeing.

They ran for what felt like hours, the world around them a blur of silver moonlight and shadows. And when they finally stopped, deep in the heart of the forest, both were breathless and giddy, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins.

Singto shifted back to his human form, pulling Krist down into his arms as they both sank to the ground, the cool earth beneath them a welcome relief from the intensity of their emotions. They lay there, tangled together, the night air cool against their skin as the last traces of the full moon's power faded.

Krist snuggled closer to Singto, resting his head on his chest. "See?" he murmured, his voice drowsy with contentment. "We did it. We ran together."

Singto smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of Krist's head. "We did," he agreed, his voice low and filled with affection. "I'm proud of you, Kit. I'm proud of us."

They fell silent, the quiet sounds of the forest surrounding them as they drifted off to sleep, still wrapped in each other's arms. For now, the danger had passed, and all that remained was the warmth of their love and the promise of a future where they would always face the challenges together, side by side.

The morning saw fully clothed Krist sleeping soundly like a new born pup with his head on Singto's bare chest as both laid on soft green grass; while Luna's and alpha's guards secured the perimeter of woods.