Seraphic.

In the intimate bedroom, soft, muted colours dominated the decor, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The room is bathed in the soft glow of dimmed string lights that trace along the ceiling, casting a gentle illumination reminiscent of starlight.

A king-sized bed, adorned with plush bedding and an array of throw pillows, takes centre stage. A canopy overhead adds an extra touch of elegance, creating a cosy haven for the lovers. The moonlight filters through sheer curtains, creating a play of shadows and light that dances across the room.

A pair of matching nightstands flank the bed, each adorned with delicate, ambient lamps that emit a warm, golden hue and a digital clock. Framed photographs capturing precious moments shared by the lovers who are cuddling, feeling each others' naked self.

A faint scent of earthy soil and lavender wafts through the air from pheromones they released, enhancing the romantic ambiance.

"Happy birthday, Hannie." Jisung glanced at the elder then at the nightstand, letting out a small gasp with a smile.

"Oh it's already midnight." Minho chuckled softly, looking at the boy with pure tenderness and affection. He sighed contently as the boy snuggled closer towards his neck which were adorned with hickey; like colourful dots on a blank canvas.

"Aren't you excited?" Minho asked, softly rubbing Jisung's locks who moaned in content. He nodded, his excitement getting visible with the strong release of pheromones. Jisung climbed over Minho's naked body, putting his chin over the elder's naked chest with doe eyes that held galaxies within them.

"Of course I am. You are an S-rank, the powerful one. I can't wait to become a Beta or Omega, so you will be my knight in shining armour." Minho laughed, getting up - Jisung mimicking the same- as he held the younger boy in his embrace. Minho rubs his nose with Jisung's, making him giggle. "Minho, stop... it tickles!"

"Are you planning to bear my kids? Don't you wanna be more powerful than me?" Minho raised his eyebrows, teasing the younger who pouted remembering their childhood. He always declared to protect a small chubby Minho with his tall self when they were kids, but he never in his dreams thought that the small chubby boy would grow into a handsome looking lad and be the second most powerful werewolf.

And to fall in love.

However being the princes from enemy clans; Han Jisung from Oratho and Lee Minho from Shadowfen Domain, were forced themselves to keep their relationship a secret thus leading to secret visits, occasional eye contact at the meetings of clans only to end up on a heated makeout section in some dark crooks of the palaces.

"I no longer wish to be more powerful than you, but..." Jisung rested his head on Minho's chest, a tender smile gracing his lips as he felt the steady rhythm of Minho's heartbeat, a constant reminder of their profound connection,

"I vow to protect you with every fibre of my being. Despite the twists of fate, I will never leave from your side." Minho felt the urge to play a sarcastic remark upon Jisung saving a S-rank like him, but he knew the boy was being sincere, thus he forced himself from the urge by nuzzling onto Jisung's hair aggressively.

"Stop being so damn cute." They both closed their eyes, a sense of contentment enveloping them. "But, Hannie... we need to be powerful, a powerful pair strong enough to silence our fathers and the courts who would dare to speak against our relationship in the future." Jisung looked up, a bit confused.

"Don't you want to marry me?" Jisung blushed, punching Minho's chest in mock anger.

"Of course, I want to, and I will marry you no matter what. Now that you've said that, I wish to be at least an Alpha." Jisung said in wonder and watched Minho close his eyes with a smile. Jisung slowly intertwined their pinky fingers.

In whispers true, the promise binds,
Ethereal threads our fates entwined.
Through moonlit glow and sun's embrace,
Astral bonds, our promise trace.

Minho suddenly opened his eyes upon hearing the words of Sealed Promise.

A Sealed Promise is a vow made on a foundation of deep trust between two individuals. However, if such a promise remains unfulfilled or is broken, the individuals involved will inevitably begin to feel hatred towards one another. The only known resolution to this growing animosity is to acknowledge one another as soulmates in front of Moon Goddess temple. Consequently, sealed promises were historically rare. Yet, in modern times, more and more couples are choosing to use them as a way to solidify their relationship.

Minho looked down at Jisung in disbelief, meanwhile the mentioned lad smiled widely, his pinky finger surrounded with shining golden smoke rings, ready to be sealed by Minho.

"Jisung... why?" Jisung looked at the glow around his finger then at Minho's eyes that was searching for answers within the glow surrounding Jisung's finger.

"I want our trust and this bond to last forever. No one will dare to break our vows up." Jisung replied, his words carrying a sincerity yet a firmness that echoed in the stillness of the moment.

As Jisung predicted, Minho didn't hesitate a moment to seamlessly entwine his pinky finger with Jisung's.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the swirling smoke ring, initially a subtle shimmer, intensified in its golden brilliance. The golden smoke danced around their pinky fingers, like it was weaving shiny threads. These threads wrapped around and connected them gently but strongly. You could almost feel the link forming between them as the threads got tighter.

Then, like magic, the golden threads disappeared right into their skin. There was nothing left to see, but they were still connected by something invisible and deep. The way the shiny threads vanished showed that even though you couldn't see it, their love and trust for each other would last forever.

"Jisung-ah, I love you." Minho declared, his words carrying the weight of their newfound bond. Jisung's eyes welled with tears of joy as he smiled and laughed, embracing Minho tightly.

"I love you too."

★

The morning sun came, bathing the royal palace in a golden glow, signalling the commencement of a joyous celebration. Laughter echoed through the halls as the diligent royal staff meticulously adorned the palace with opulent decorations, seamlessly blending modern elegance with the regality befitting the era.

In the midst of this bustling activity, Prince Han Jisung, the charismatic figure of the kingdom, took a hands-on approach in overseeing the preparations. He epitomises the grace and charm that characterised the Han Jeong dynasty.

Jisung's ancestor from the Oratho ruling family have married into the Han Jeong dynasty. This gave him a direct familial link to the Han Jeong line, even though he is the prince of an independent Oratho clan.

The occasion was a grand birthday celebration for Prince of the Oratho; a momentous event that captured the attention and admiration of the entire kingdom. The decor reflected a tasteful combination of vibrant colors, floral arrangements, and intricate tapestries, creating an enchanting ambiance within the palace walls.

The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers, and the sound of chattering resonated throughout the hall as they saw Jisung walking down the rose-gold stairs, his hands holding the golden stick that symbolizes the dynasty.

Minho looked at the entrance, his eyes stuck at the boy -who captured his heart- entering along with the said lover's parents Sung Jiyoung and Han Byung Hun.

He watched them take their respective seats, then his eyes wandered over Jisung.

Draped in a deep, rich fabric, the attire embraced a colour palette that echoed the royal ambiance yet retained a simplicity that spoke to Jisung's roots. The shirt, tailored to fit him perfectly, boasted subtle embroidery along the edges, a nod to the elegant customs of the kingdom. Paired with comfortable trousers, the ensemble allowed for both grace and ease of movement, a thoughtful consideration for a servant who might not be accustomed to such finery.

A waistcoat adorned with delicate patterns added an extra layer of refinement, providing a touch of sophistication. The final touch came in the form of a simple but well-crafted blue pendant, a symbol of the prince's love for Jisung.

Seeing Jisung's attire some of the young ladies and men huffed in annoyance. They always hated watching the prince who was cold and distant to them especially since they desire to get married with the handsome prince and inherit the royal privileges when he becomes the king.

Time passed as the morning sun gracefully yielded to the enchanting dusk, and as the moonlight emerged, its soft glow illuminated the celebration.

Jisung's father stood from the throne, making everyone momentary fall onto silence their gaze fixed on the King's dominant figure.

"To the distinguished guests from our allied dynasties and esteemed clans, a heartfelt welcome to Oratho! We are overjoyed to have you join us in celebrating a momentous occasion: Prince Han Jisung's nineteenth birthday and his coming of age. Tonight holds a special significance as we await the revelation of his werewolf rank. Your presence honors us deeply and underscores the strong ties between our communities. Now, please, let the music fill the air and the dance floor come alive. May you all enjoy a wonderful evening of celebration together."

The Moonshadow Masquerade commenced with laughter that echoed like music, and the air was filled with the delightful rustle of masked figures mingling in the festive ambiance.

As the joyful howls resonated, they became a chorus of well-wishes, creating a tapestry of warmth and hope for the boy's future. The moonlight bathed the celebration in a soft radiance, casting an enchanting spell over the gathering and setting the stage for a night of jubilation.

The Queen's smile held a deep affection as she observed Jisung, the boy she had raised and now beheld as a young man. He danced with Minho, their intertwined happiness a vibrant thing that even their masquerade masks couldn't fully obscure.

Knowing her son intimately, she couldn't ignore the potential dangers looming in their future, yet for now, she simply wanted him to revel in this joy.

"Jisung," The mentioned boy glanced up, pausing his dance. He offered his mother a deep bow, Minho mirroring the gesture as a sign of respect for the Queen of Oratho and as the prince of the Shadowfen Domain. The Queen returned their bows with a reserved nod.

"Prince Minho," the Queen said, her tone polite but holding a formal edge. "I trust the recent border skirmishes haven't unduly strained your journey from Shadowfen Domain?" Her eyes held a sharp, assessing glint.

Minho straightened, his own expression carefully neutral. "Your Majesty, the borders remain... dynamic. However, my clan understands the importance of observing diplomatic courtesies, especially for significant personal occasions such as Prince Jisung's coming of age." He offered a measured bow. "We hope that tonight's celebration fosters a spirit of... temporary accord."

The Queen's lips tightened almost imperceptibly. "Indeed. May we all find moments of peace amidst the... complexities of our current circumstances." Her gaze flickered briefly towards Jisung, a hint of concern in her eyes before returning to Minho. "I trust the accommodations provided meet the standards of the Shadowfen delegation?"

Before Minho could reply, a deep, resonant CHONG! echoed through the grand hall. The sound was powerful, unmistakable - the midnight chime of a large clock, its twelve strikes booming, each one drawing attention and a hush over the remaining conversations.

The Queen's attention immediately shifted back to her son, her previous formality softening. "It's time, my dear. The temple awaits."

____________

Hope you guys liked the first chapter. Please note to read the previous chapter as I have applied few more changes on the ranks.