Accepted | Jikook

17

The death of a wolf, in normal circumstances, would be met with celebration--an honoring of a long life, a remembrance of all accomplishments and contributions made to the pack in the wolf's time.

The death of a wolf due to murder was met with mourn.

Hundreds of wolves dressed in black on the day of the service, slowly making their way to the ritual grounds where Namjoon's mother and father were to be cremated. No one spoke above a hushed whisper, quietly spreading theories and rumors about what happened and who was responsible. Tensions were high among the pack, the fine line of trust shimmering between the members.

Jimin and Jungkook found themselves in the sea of monotonous color trudging along the cobblestone paths to the center of the village. They had met Namjoon's parents on numerous occasions; it was important for the Alpha and Luna to know the faces of their people, especially those with whom their beloved son and his mate were familiar. They were just and kind, and while the pack knew Namjoon was qualified as a leader, it was difficult to handle such a sudden loss and transition of power.

In all honesty, Jimin was feeling more concerned about his brother. Trying to put himself in the beta's shoes, he wasn't too sure how he would comfort his alpha should Jungkook live through a similar experience. Grieving behind closed doors while showing a strong, unbroken façade to the village was part of a leader's lifestyle, but taking on that bearing within a minute's notice was like suddenly assuming the role of Atlas in holding up the skies.

The newly-mated duo walked in silence, equally lost in their thoughts, too befuddled to speak their minds. Jimin could not even begin to understand what Taehyung and Namjoon were going through, but he made a silent vow to them that he would do anything and everything in his power to help them however he could. Even if he was just a weak, little omega.

They finally broke through into the clearing, coming upon a circular stone platform in which the deceased rulers were lying in the center, bodies covered from chin to toe, only exposing the face. They were wrapped in gray cloth, an intermediary between the white purity and innocence of their souls and the black symbolism of their past power and death. At their feet rested a wooden torch, waiting to be lit while wolves gathered around the platform as the new Alpha and Luna took their places on the stage.

To the untrained eye, the two young men looked well-presented, sophisticated even, like the death of the two wolves at their feet was nothing unusual but rather a part of life. And on an ordinary day, this may have been the case.

But as Alpha Namjoon stood before the crowd, slowly making eye contact with every single wolf, his gaze hardened.

Someone among them was a murderer.

Jungkook could see the fury in his friend's eyes, the way his nails fisted into the skin of his palms. Jimin could see the sadness in his brother's eyes, the way he was trying to stay focused on the pack and its needs but was unable to stop himself from checking on his mate's condition constantly. They saw through the façade, saw through the masks and the truth untold.

They were suffering more than anyone else, the only justification being the capturing of whoever was responsible.

Without a word, Namjoon picked up the wooden torch and silently moved to the fire pit just off to the right of the platform. From then on, he was focused on his task, his emotions put aside as he set his mind to the ritual.

An orange glow flickered over the left side of Namjoon's face as the sky gradually darkened, a warm sun having been replaced by a sliver of a dull crescent moon and a chill breeze. The new pack leader kneeled on one knee before his parents, taking in their pale features one last time.