Redemption

~1~

On a chilly night, a shroud of cold enveloped the entire village, its slumber undisturbed save for the vigilant night guards silently patrolling the tranquil grounds. Jungkook sat up in his bed with a quiet sigh. The antique clock on the wall displayed the ungodly hour, 4 am. He paused, drew in a deep breath, before gracefully slipping into the comforting familiarity of his nightly routine.

With the gentle splash of water on his face and the secure fastening of his trusted dagger, he set out into the shadowed forest. In the past few months, his hunts had yielded various bounties for Jimin's table—a stately deer, a lively clan of rabbits, and even the elusive fox. Jimin always greeted him the same way, with a smile that barely lifted the corners of his lips and a gentle thank you. They shared breakfast every day, yet Jungkook still felt like he had failed to capture the omegas heart. Jimin had become rather sophisticated. His posture, his gait, even the timbre of his voice all exuded elegance.

Jungkook still remembered life before they presented. Jimin and he had been friends. It was a world where no labels were placed on their heads. Jungkook was the dumb pup who got upset rather easily, and Jimin was the loud pup who got too excited about everything. They had played a lot, fought a fair number of fights, and even kissed each other secretly behind the trees when they played hide and seek. They were young back then, foolish and invested in acting like 'grown-ups.' They did grown-up things and played house far too many times. It had always been Jungkook as the alpha and Jimin as the omega, and it had all felt right back then. Yet, when they presented, everything changed.

Jimin entered the Luna training. Omegas who were part of the Luna training were kept away from the sight of all alphas. Jungkook had waited for years outside the walls of the manor but had not even caught a single sight of Jimin. Then, years later, when Jungkook was 24, his father told him to pick a mate. Jungkook was the future pack leader, and the Luna training had been conducted for him. He had to pick an omega who would bring peace and serve as guidance to the pack. When Jungkook saw Jimins name on the list, he didnt hesitate to choose him as his mate.

When Jungkook first saw Jimin after 14 whole years, he felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Jimin wasnt the overly excited pup anymore; he was now a beautiful omega who exuded softness and elegance. Jimins beauty had been the talk of the town after he had chosen him as his mate. Jungkook had heard omegas and betas in the bustling markets fervently sharing tales of Jimin's ethereal countenance. Yet, words paled in comparison to his true beauty; he was simply stunning. Jungkook didnt know what he expected, a hug, maybe a cheerful hi; he didnt know. But he certainly didnt expect for Jimin to usher him to sit for tea in a soft voice. It felt like meeting a stranger in the skin of an old friend. Jimin did not feel like Jimin; instead, he felt like a simple omega. And so, they had spent many months together, eating breakfast every day. Yet, most days, breakfast passed in silence, except for the occasional queries regarding his hunt and the things he ought to do.

Jimin seemed to have less to say and appeared to be always occupied. Other than breakfast, they barely talked. And when Jungkook visited, they sat for yet another silent tea. Throughout the months, Jungkook gave up trying. He grudgingly accepted that his mate would be the pack's most beautiful member, even though his personality left much to be desired. Now, they shared a quiet breakfast until Jungkook bid farewell and headed off to attend to his pack's affairs.

***

"The run is in a few days," the pack leader mentioned as he rummaged through the papers left on his table.

"I know, Father," Jungkook replied in a resigned tone.

"You will grow to love him as I did your mother."

Jungkook went silent while staring at the sheets of paper he was holding.

***

The run is a sacred tradition for the wolves. It is performed on a night when the moon is full and hung heavy on the sky. The day of the run, much like the many years he had watched before, looked just as it always had. Lanterns softly illuminated the scene, and the enchanting tunes of the flute and accordion wafted through the air. Home-cooked dishes from various households adorned the tables, creating a tapestry of flavours. The atmosphere resounded with laughter and the savoury scent of cooking meat as people gathered to dance and savour their meals. Pups ran around playing while elders sat around the fire, chatting away. Omegas destined for the run blushed as they received their final courting gifts, while alphas exchanged shy smiles and playful pats on the back.

Amidst the crowd, Jungkook found his search for Jimin ending fruitlessly. This was the night when Jimin would become his. It should have made him happy, but doubts tugged at his mind. As he sat by the bonfire, staring deeply into the flames, he eventually looked up to lock eyes with Jimin, who was draped in white silk, sitting across from him. The fabric hung gracefully over his body, while his cheekbones were dusted with glistening sparkles. As Jungkook stared, he found himself drawn in by Jimins long lashes and deep orbs. They sat there for a long time, gazing at each other as countless thoughts crossed their minds. 'Is this the right choice?'"

***

The songs stopped as the chatter died down. Every wolf gathered around the pack house as the omegas destined for the run prepared themselves. With the first blow of the horn, the omegas began their run, venturing deep into the forest. Jungkook stood there, watching solemnly, as Jimin disappeared into the depths of the forest, his ghostly white silk flowing around him.